Volcanos, Doctors Visits, Earthquakes, Oh My!!

Who needs a cocktail? Yes, my hand is high in the air and I am imbibing. A dad's life is tough. No, I didn't change his foul smelling diaper this morning (who knew asparagus also stunk up the poo??!!), but I did climb a volcano two days ago. That's the most excercise I have gotten since the 6th grade when I actually managed to hit a double in little league. The run all the way to second base was killer! I have to say, this was quite the experience. The US would never have allowed me to do what I did. I was within maybe 20 feet of a lava flow. No park rangers. No warning signs. Just our 17 year old guide who looked 12 asking if I wanted to climb to the cone. Of course I ran like a little girl when the flow started moving my way.

But hey, it's not all fun and games for daddy. I have been carrying my weight by being a punching bag for my son, and my wife, but I also cook a lot of brilliant meals. The other night I created a genuine Italian meal in our Tappen oven, just like you would receive in a quaint Italian restaurant like Leonas. Yes, I cooked us a FUD frozen pizza!!! Mmmmm, nothing says tasty like a FUD!! All was good until I pulled the oven door off. Max found the inside of the oven to be a fun new play area. Up next, I will show him the inside of the refrigerator.

Today we took Max to visit a doctor. We figured if our agency wasn't going to do it we would. Anyone who hasn't gone to a doctor in Guatemala should give it a try. Make sure you bring enough cash because the doctor will tell you what you owe at the end and he doesn't have change! If anyone is wondering, he keeps the cash in his desk drawer. We also enjoyed the cell phone conversations during the checkup. Good news is, Max is healthy, he got a shot for something like Ricketts, and he is as tall or taller than most Guatemalan kids his age. Go Max!!

Finally, shortly before this post we felt the apartment shake when a huge truck went by. Oh wait, that was a frigging earthquake!! It started small a grew to the point where you really could feel the apartment rock. It was a little unsettling. Jen had to actually change my diaper after all was said and done. We did have a call from our good Guatemalan friend here asking if we were ok, and he assured us that this happens frequently here this time of year. We felt much better. It's truly good to have friends here. He's the one who took me up the volcano and then told me it might be dangerous after we were done. He is also the one who wanted to take me out shooting guns. Still waiting for that.

Max is AWESOME. We miss everyone. And I really don't want to leave Sunday.

Mark (Jen and Max) xxoorrqq