March 2024

I’m feeling lucky to be in Antigua Guatemala during the season of Lent, especially in these days leading up to Semana Santa or Holy Week. I’m told some 100,000 people will descend on Antigua—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to witness and participate in processions and observances that culminate on Good Friday.

This morning after shopping at the Bodegona for groceries, Susan and I ran into Ruth, the multilingual weaver and vendor known by many in our Guatadopt community. Ruth and I first met 21 years ago when I lived with Olivia in Antigua; Susan and Ruth go back 23 years.

On mornings like these, Antigua feels like my second home.

I made a quick overnight trip to join Tim for a fancy dinner aboard the USS Midway Museum, a decommissioned aircraft carrier docked in San Diego Harbor.

As usual, we were the last to leave the dance floor. Rockette’s in my blood, baby.

#danceislife

This 5-years-past reflection from 2019 showed up on Facebook. Still true: “Not only blood makes a family.”

On Saturday, Mateo received his Confirmation. For his Confirmation name, he chose “Miguel” (as in the Archangel), and for his sponsor, Olivia.

I’m proud of my son for reaching this milestone, and of his sister for guiding him through his faith journey.

Like siblings everywhere, my kids fight. But when it matters, they stand up for each other, and have from the beginning.

Here they are at Confirmation, and meeting for the first time in the lobby of the Guatemala City Marriott (now Barcelo), when Mateo was six months old and Olivia three.

Not only blood makes a family. xoxo