The sunsets!
The second week of January, many of us were able to fly to Guatemala for a beautiful memorial service at the beach for our son Ryan. I had told David I wasn’t physically and emotionally strong enough to make that trek. But you know my dang husband- he waited until I was 3 hours into my Ambien sleep and he crawled into bed and whispered “I really want you to go to Guatemala with me- won’t you go?” And I- unconscious as I was- murmured “Sure.
The flying there was brutal. One part, when we were delayed 4 hours, I about lost my mind (we hadn't left SL airport yet and I was willing to call Brandi to come and pick me up in the middle of the night.)
But once we got there (Zel was at the airport to pick us up)- and when we finally got to the Maya Jade, my heart melted. Ryan and Zel have created a paradise there!
It was wonderful and yet hard to see all the people that loved Ryan. There were lots of tears and lots of hugs. Tears and hugs. Tears and hugs. But it was just because they all loved Ryan so much.
I'm sharing this entry after the fact so I will just share the things that we did. Of course, Marci and the kids were there. Tanner flew with us. They had to delay the memorial a bit since we were so late. No problem there- everything is so laid back. Ryan McCoy, Ryan's US partner and also former missionary companion in Guatemala were there and Ross, Marci's BIL, who also works for the US business was there as well.
The memorial was at the upstairs of the outdoor restaurant looking out over Ryan's ocean.
Amberly's first time t0 Guatemala.
Our beautiful cabana
We were able to tour and dedicate the school bus- Marci's project! It is magical!
I think I had this most lunches and dinners. It's my favorite! A shrimp tostada
Zel and Antonio- how we love them both. Antonio would coordinate all the Humanitarian efforts.
The perfect send off to our boy.
Elijah being his cute self!
A titch breezy waiting for pina coladas AGAIN!
The river that we ferry down to the Maya Jade.
Sending lanterns in the sky.
I think I had this most lunches and dinners. It's my favorite! A shrimp tostada
Before we leave the Maya Jade, I do want to mention (thankfully I do not have a picture but I bet your imagination can do it)- playing charades with the cleaning girls (imagine young teens- giggling in Spanish). No, I didn't need water (imagine drinking), no we didn't need towels (me drying off.) What we did need was toilet paper........
After our wonderful time at the Maya Jade, we headed back to the city where we had another reunion. This time we got to see Olympia and Oscar and Angelica and Angelica's little girl! How we love this family! They were so good to Ryan when he was a missionary- Oscar and Angelica teenagers (maybe Oscar was older.) Olympia doesn't speak English but we communicate our love very well!
