August 6th, 2004

Delegates: Kneeling- Briana Connors, Mindy Ahler-Olmstead. Back Row(L-R)- Joel Papa, Ann Maczuga, Jenny Linane, Michael Branigan, Katharine Malaga, Ross Starkson.

We arrived safely in Guatemala City with no problems. Flights all went smoothly and no security hassles.

We were greeted at the airport by 15-20 people from Tierra Nueva Dos - men, women, and children. They had traveled over an hour on three different buses to greet us with kisses, hugs and signs in English and Spanish! They then helped us carry our luggage to the van and then went to catch the bus for the hour long ride home. It was a most beautiful and loving welcome!

We stay in Guatemala City tonite. On the way to our lodging, we stopped for a visit at the central cemetery. We found the tomb of Castillo Armas and a monument to Jacobo Arbenz - the two men on either side of the 1954 US aided coup.

Tomorrow afternoon we will visit TN2 for the first time. We are grateful for the love and prayers of all and home and we carry your spirit with us as we greet our brothers and sisters in Tierra Nueva Dos.

Paz,
Mindy

Mindy Ahler Olmstead is the chair of the Sister Parish Committee at St. Joan of Arc. She and her husband Kraig live in South Minneapolis.