Through the magic of the Internet, and the help of Marna, my valued assistant, you’re viewing this post when I’m not even home to send it.  Instead I’m in Guatemala, on a church-sponsored trip dedicated to learning about the struggles of the Mayan people after the political turmoil and yes, deaths of thousands. 

You may have read my novel Endless Chain, book two of the Shenandoah Album series.  Elisa Martinez is a woman on the run from her past, and her story is directly connected to political events in Guatemala.  Before I chose to make Elisa Guatemalan  I immersed myself in the country’s history.  The more I read, the more interested–and saddened–I became.  I hoped to visit the country one day to experience it for myself, then filed that hope away for another time.

Sometimes all you have to do is ask. . .

Due to the determination and energy of several people in our congregation, 13 of us are now staying in Antigua, learning what we can, enjoying the hospitality of the Guatemalan people, and lending what energy and support we have to those who are working hard to make life better here. 

Oddly enough, for once I’m walking in the footsteps of my own character, a change for an author who is far more used to having her characters walk in hers.

The trip is not all study and reflection.  There will also be shopping.  Guatemala is a paradise for fabric lovers and quilters, and for those who value handicrafts.  By now, I’ve probably found the stall pictured here and done some serious damage to my stash of cash.  So be it.

I’ll share another blog before I return, but when I come back, not only will I be loaded down with fabric, there will be photos and stories.  

You can bet on it.