Xunantunich {Shoo-nan-two-nich} is located across the river from San Jose Succotz where our friend Anna's house is, just a few miles from Belize's western border. The tallest point of the pyramid offers an impressive Panoramic view of the Belize's Cayo District and nearby Guatemala.
The river which runs along side Succotz is absolutely beautiful. There is a one-car hand crank ferry which carries vehicles and passengers to the entrance of Xunantunich.
After arriving on the park side of the river, Grady went to start the van and it began making a horrible noise. Upon inspection he discovered that the starter was just hanging there! The roads are so rough here many cars just rattle apart! :) They were able to nurse the car off the ferry and onto the side of the road. After throwing out a few options.. We decided to limp the car one mile to the ruins, let it cool off and try to tighten the starter then. Thankfully after we toured the park and the engine had cooled off enough, Grady was able to hand tighten the starter back where it belonged and we did indeed make it all the way home that night in one piece!
First glimpses of the ruins.
This was one of the smaller structures. Here at the top you can see Grady, Ryan and Grant
This rounded part of one spire amazed us.. rounded? Much planning and ingenuity went into the building of this amazing place. 
Mandy heads up the stairs onto a plateau
Laura and I hung out in the grass while the others started the climb up the largest pyramid, El Castillo, which rises 130 feet above the main plaza.
Jim and Jake start climbing the largest pyramid
Now what is this? As I settle myself on to the grass and the others set off to climb the high tower, we see three men with machine guns.. hmm I just hoped that these guys are *supposed* to be here! After a few uncomfortable moments on my part, I just prayed and started talking and asking them questions.. it took about one minute to realize that they indeed were perfectly harmless. They were Belizean military men who were posted there to guard the tourists from being robbed by guerrillas. That was comforting... Kind of! Actually we ended up having such an amazing half hour talk about the Lord. Both men were struggling with things spiritually and were asking me what my husband and I thought about this.. and what does the Bible say about that?.? I get teary eyed just thinking about that half hour! When the rest of the crew joined me again, these 2 soldiers asked if Grady would pray for them. We all stood in a circle and prayed for these men and their needs. Spiritually and physically. Truly the Lord did a work in their hearts that I was privileged enough to stand back and watch. Isn't it incredible what God can do if we just open our mouths and let the Lord speak? We do serve a mighty and glorious Lord!
This was taken from above, about half way up the stairs. The others were only mildly alarmed by the scene below. Notice the nice Mennonite-looking lady with her cute baby toward the center of the photo.. and the scary guys with machine guns in the left side of the photo!
Gracie at the top!
It is a mighty way down!
Um, did anyone notice that there are no guard rails here?
An amazing view in all directions
On top of the world
Doesn't this look surreal? This is such a lovely place! We would highly recommend Xunantunich if you ever find yourself in Belize. One of our favorite touristy places yet!
1 comment:
Praise the Lord! What a neat story.
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