November 9 Hello Friends, ....arrived in Panajachel, Guatemala without any problems. It took me less than one hour to get through customs. It cost an extra $15.00 of propina for a gentleman and the director to assist me. But all went well and I had a few laughs too! The hard part was the fumigation of the car. They spray the car down...inside and out. I had the windows down for about an hour. I thought they were trying to get rid of the fleas. The northern part of Guatemala has had rains also, but not as bad. I would see landslides about every mile or two. They had all been cleared except for the last 20 kilometers into Panajachel. I was detoured through a cornfield and village road. Many of the indigenous people were on their way home from market and the dress was a bright multicolored vision of the rainbow. I was unable to get pictures because of the dress. I have sent 3 pictures. The Catholic cathedral is in San Christobol, Chiapis, MX. This area is beautiful with many tourists, but the underlying sentiment is distrust between church, state, and indigenous. They sell many dolls of the rebel heroes and often will not meet your eye. I was not allowed to take pictures of the people and it was suggested that one does not talk politics. I would love to return to this area to spend a week because of the ruins, lake, caves with stalagmites, and amber galore. This area is known for one of three largest amber sources. Amber is a sap that is petrified. It can contain bugs, moss, and bark. It is Very light and many pieces can be reproduced to look like plastic. I was able to get a few rock pieces! The next two days will be spent in Panajachel to deliver books to a library, The Common Hope Project , and School of Dr. Mono. I am also getting the school goals and directions for the next year. The director Miguel Tzul and Teacher Villma are making plans for a new location. They had a little difficulty with a private residence and will organize the school so those additional cleft lip and palate children can get help with their speech and additional schooling. My plans are still being dictated by the needs of many. I will let you know as we continue our journey. I know of friends with families in southern Guatemala, and Honduras that are devastated or completely destroyed. It is very heartbreaking to be hearing their stories. Hugs to all, Ben