Trip update

Amanda and I spoke by Skype Tuesday. She and Pastor Gerardo spoke last week and she is waiting for him to find out more about whether there is a local agency in El Estor, Rio Dulce, or Puerto Barrios where they could start the application process to obtain a visa to visit the United States. Amanda sought more avenues to find out about this – which was new to Gerardo – and we agreed to have us e-mail Rene and Luis to find out more about this, and then she may follow up with a phone call to Gerardo at the end of the week. Amanda said that once the process starts they may be able to schedule an appointment at the U.S. consulate in Guatemala CIty for within about a month. Amanda said the cost for this initial phase of the application process could be as much as 1,000 quetzales, or about $125, which we might be able to reimburse them for. Also, Amanda said she would make photo-copies of the letters of invitation and endorsement that Pastor Jane, Maria Arroyo, and Betty Meadows signed, and send that by courier to Gerardo in El Estor. We could reimburse Amanda for these expenses.

--Perry