Past few bits...

So on Sunday we went to an active volcano, which was a pretty cool experience. It wasn't super active the day we went, but three days before there was a huge overflow of lava, so there were molten rocks all over. We hiked for a bit, and had to take a ton of breaks because some of the people in the group were so out of shape. It was kind of annoying, but we finally got to where we could see the volcano. I got some good pictures, but we didn't see any lava rivers or anything cool like that, just lava inside of cracks and such. We may go again at another time, and hopefully the volcano will be more active if we do.
Other than that, I don't have a whole lot to update about. We've been working at the office the past few days, unpacking, reorganizing, making new lists, and packing up for the two clinics we will be going to soon. Both of the groups that were here are now gone, the second one left this morning. Another group comes in tomorrow night to replace them, and we will have a few more days to prepare things in the office. Tito has been a little stressed with having so many people to take care of, and he's been working a bunch also, but hopefully having a smaller group will help to reduce the stress.
So apparently in Guatemala, and other neighboring countries, there is a month of the year when everyone gets extra pay, I can't remember what it's called at the moment, but this month is the month. Anyway, because there is more money being distributed, there have been more incidents of robbery and such. Nothing too serious, but prayer for safety is always appreciated.
I also haven't been sleeping well at all the past few nights, and I'm definitely feeling it.... I miss you all and it was so good to talk with you over the past few days! I will try again to call later this week if I get a chance (I have to borrow either a computer or phone), but if I don't, I love you and I will talk with you as soon as I can!

a new day with new requests...

So last night was not lots of fun, I got sick from the pasta alfredo I had for dinner. I was up for a good chunk of the night, but I am fine as far as energy goes. I just need prayer that I will be feeling better throughout the day today at the clinic. I don't want to be running to el bano all the time. Also, I can recieve text messages, but I only have my phone on in the morning to wake up, and at night when I go to bed. During the day I keep it off to conserve battery life. I love your emails, mom and lauren, please do not stop sending them. I apologize for not replying quickly, but it is difficult when I have to wait in line for the computer, and the internet is slow, and we are as busy as we have been. After we eat dinner we often hang out and talk, which is when I really get to know some of the people I am not directly working with. I have to go now, but thank you for your prayers, I appreciate them very much. Love you!

Concepcion

So on monday we spent the day traveling to this huge lake that is surrounded by volcanoes... it is spectacular. the clouds come down into the valley-ish area and the volcanoes sometimes peak through. We are staying at a hotel that has internet, hence the post. The clinic started yesterday, and both days I have worked in the dental room, assisting the dentists with extractions, fillings, etc. It's pretty fun and hands on. One of the dentists said that I can perform an extraction on one of the younger kids (they are easier because the roots aren't as deep), so hopefully I can do that tomorrow. Many people have come through the clinic, both for dental and other medical reasons, and everyday before we get there, there is always a long line by the door. The people are extremely friendly and the little kids are so cute. We've been giving the children stuffed animals to help in distracting them from the injections. Some of the teeth we see are horrible, while others are surprisingly quite healthy. I was helping clean this one kid's teeth, and large chunks of grey and brown build-up were scraping off... it was pretty nasty.
I've been having a great time getting to know the guatemalans as well as the american teams that are down here, and my spanish is continuing to improve. There is one Guatemalan that joined us on this trip, his name is Lo-lo, and he is fluent in english as well. He and I have been talking quite a bit because he speaks very clearly and can explain words when I don't understand. He's a really funny guy.
We eat breakfast and dinner at a restaurant down the street and the food is quite good. I think if I were to stay here long-term I would turn into a fat, jolly man. Fat from the food, and joyful from serving the Lord with such a passionate group of people. Their passion and trust amazes me every day.
I am having a wonderful time and have been getting plenty of food and sleep (that was for you, mom). Tomorrow is our last day here at Concepcion and friday we will be heading back to our base. It is crazy to think that it is July already. I feel like time is going so fast, but then I think about what all we've done and I feel like I've been here for forever! I also feel that way when I think about you all at home, don't worry.
Carlos is another guy who joined us for this clinic and he is 23 years old and is a dentist. Apparently their medical and dental schools begin immediately after highschool. He said he's been a dentist for about a year now, and he speaks about as much english as I speak spanish, so we've been conversing (me en espanol, and he in english) and have been helping each other.
Well, I'm pretty dang tired and can't really think of anything else important to say, except that I love you all and miss you so much! I have a prayer card that I have things to pray for written on and I pray for all of you every night. One thing that you can pray for me, is for patience with certain individuals... It hasn't been bad though. I love you all and hope you are doing well!