These three stories aren't on par with the ones in Luke 15 (although one involves Luke Skywalker and another Luke Richardson), but we had a few neat "lost and found" incidents this week.
* Shea brought his Luke Skywalker action figure to church on Sunday and left it in a desk of the Sunday School room. When he realized this Sunday afternoon, it was mildly devastating (is that an oxymoron?). We weren't sure we'd ever see the young Jedi again. On Tuesday though, we stopped at the church on the way back from the playground to check if it had turned up or if it was still in the desk. The secretary was busy, so the pastor helped us out and opened up the room for us. No luck. Then he went back to his office and got on the phone. When he got off the phone, he asked us to wait a few minutes. Shea's frined was with us and helped with the translation and let us know that someone may be bringing it over. A short while later, a boy rides up on his bike and delivers the toy to us. Shea yelled out a very heartfelt "GRACIAS!!" as the boy rode away.
* Shortly after arriving home from the playground and the church, I realized that we were missing Luke's "sippy cup" that we had brought along. This was very mildly devastating to me. I was almost certain we'd never see the small plastic cylinder again. But later that afternoon, Kristen- a fellow MAFfer- drove up with Luke's sippy cup. She explained what had happened. Kristen and I chatted briefly at the playground as she was walking by. When she came back past the playground after we left, a young boy ran up to her with the cup and told her we had left it there.
I love those two examples of the benefits of generous, honest people and a small town! This last story is more an example of the frustration and laughter that comes with having a toddler in the house.
* Tuesday evening, Jodie couldn't find a notebook that contained a lot of her school plans. I'm not sure where this ranks on the "mildly devastating" scale. Probably somewhere between the first two. Jodie and I looked and looked but couldn't find it. On Wednesday morning, Jodie thought she may want to check in the garbage can. And lo, beneath the two folded up pizza boxes, there lay the green notebook. Delivered there courtesy of Luke Transport.
A couple other interesting stories/events of our week.
- Jodie and I are about to fall alseep Wednesday night when we hear a "thump", "creak" and "pitter patter". Jodie followed the pitter patter down the hall and finds Luke in the kitchen with the refrigerator open & looking for a drink.
- The president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, visited Shell today. He flew into Shell, visited the hospital here in town, and then went to Puyo. This was President Correa's first visit since being elected earlier this year. We were able to see the motorcade as it drove through Shell
Friday, August 24, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Beautiful Ecuador
I had a couple opportunities this week to notice how beautiful a country Ecuador is. On Thursday morning, I got a phone call wondering if I wanted to go "canyoning" since somebody was sick and they had an open spot. Sure, I volunteered. An hour later I was on my way to a spot about 40 minutes west (toward the Mountains) of Shell. What is canyoning? Well, on this morning it consisted of moving down a canyon river by various methods- walking and swimming in the water and repelling ziplining, and jumping down waterfalls. It was a pretty incredible experience. Unfortunately, since we were submerged in the river for much of the time, I wasn't able to bring the camera along for pictures. The two photos below show the general landscape of the area and our group right before we started our trek.
Then on Saturday, our family went with another family to Ambato to do some shopping. The approximate 2 hour trip on the Ambato-Puyo highway (I use the term "highway" loosely- it's 2 lane for much of the way, 1.5 lane for the rest. With all sorts of turns, descents, tunnels, potholes, and a section where there's about 1 foot of shoulder between the road and a VERY STEEP drop off the side of the mountain. But Kevin told me the road is markedly improved since he first came to Shell less than 5 years ago. Now nevermind this part when you read on.) was a beautiful ride. There's one section between Ambato and Banos near the Tungurahua volcano that is especially scenic. Once again we didn't have our camera along but feel free to google "Tungurahua" to see some pictures of the area. We're driving on the side of a mountain and you can look across the valley and see another mountain... I can't really explain it, but it was pretty cool.
I just read tonight that Ecuador is the most geographically and biologically diverse country in the world (not quite sure how that is measured). Our location in Shell is wonderful- the jungle to the east and the mountains to the west. You're welcome to come visit us anytime!
P.S. - I received no renumeration from the Ecuador Dept of Tourism for the comments in this blog.
Then on Saturday, our family went with another family to Ambato to do some shopping. The approximate 2 hour trip on the Ambato-Puyo highway (I use the term "highway" loosely- it's 2 lane for much of the way, 1.5 lane for the rest. With all sorts of turns, descents, tunnels, potholes, and a section where there's about 1 foot of shoulder between the road and a VERY STEEP drop off the side of the mountain. But Kevin told me the road is markedly improved since he first came to Shell less than 5 years ago. Now nevermind this part when you read on.) was a beautiful ride. There's one section between Ambato and Banos near the Tungurahua volcano that is especially scenic. Once again we didn't have our camera along but feel free to google "Tungurahua" to see some pictures of the area. We're driving on the side of a mountain and you can look across the valley and see another mountain... I can't really explain it, but it was pretty cool.
I just read tonight that Ecuador is the most geographically and biologically diverse country in the world (not quite sure how that is measured). Our location in Shell is wonderful- the jungle to the east and the mountains to the west. You're welcome to come visit us anytime!
P.S. - I received no renumeration from the Ecuador Dept of Tourism for the comments in this blog.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Weekend Update
Our first weekend in Ecuador was holiday weekend. Friday was Diez de Agosto, an Ecuadorian independence day (Ecuador has multiple independence days, I learned). Here are a few of our highlights.
- Friday morning we drove to Puyo, a city about 5 miles east of Shell. It was my first driving experience in Ecuador... I was driving a 1983 Ford Econoline Van with incredibly loose steering... Jadyn was singing loudly in the back... and any type of accident with damage carries the possibility of jail time until both parties resolve the matter. Fortunately, I had a great guide (Rebecca, one of the other MAFers here) and we did a few errands and made it back safely.
- On Friday evening, the Borror family (an MAF family with two young children that live next door) knocked on our door with an exciting invitation. They had caught a rat that was pestering their home and were going to let it be dinner for the snake that is a pet over at the hangar. Would we like to come along? Five of us did (Jodie and Rhoda passed). The kids all seemed to enjoy the "show" and the snake seemed to enjoy the rat.
- Shea, Micah, Rhoda, and I went back to Puyo on Saturday- this time by bus. The bus picked us up right at the end of our driveway and we did some souvenier and gift shopping. Taking the bus felt a lot more peaceful than driving (and cheap too- only a quarter per person each way).
- We attended Iglesia Luz del Evangelio on Sunday morning. This church is located right down the road in Shell- walking distance most Sundays, but we got a ride since it was pouring rain all morning. The church used a projector for both the song lyrics and the sermon outline, so we were able to participate a little. The three older kids went to children's church and mostly had a good time.
- On Sunday afternoon, we hosted a "thank you" open house for our MAF "family" here. Everyone has done a lot to get our house ready for us to move in and also to make us feel very welcomed our first week in Shell.
- I played basketball at the school on Sunday evening. It was a small turnout (probably due to the holiday and the cold, wet day) but was about half MAFers and half local guys.
Today was a sad morning as we said goodbye to Mom/Grandma. She rode to Quito today and flies out early tomorrow. It was such a blessing to have her here with us as we got settled in to our new home!! She helped our family so much (both relationally and practically) while she was here. We're gonna miss her.
- Friday morning we drove to Puyo, a city about 5 miles east of Shell. It was my first driving experience in Ecuador... I was driving a 1983 Ford Econoline Van with incredibly loose steering... Jadyn was singing loudly in the back... and any type of accident with damage carries the possibility of jail time until both parties resolve the matter. Fortunately, I had a great guide (Rebecca, one of the other MAFers here) and we did a few errands and made it back safely.
- On Friday evening, the Borror family (an MAF family with two young children that live next door) knocked on our door with an exciting invitation. They had caught a rat that was pestering their home and were going to let it be dinner for the snake that is a pet over at the hangar. Would we like to come along? Five of us did (Jodie and Rhoda passed). The kids all seemed to enjoy the "show" and the snake seemed to enjoy the rat.
- Shea, Micah, Rhoda, and I went back to Puyo on Saturday- this time by bus. The bus picked us up right at the end of our driveway and we did some souvenier and gift shopping. Taking the bus felt a lot more peaceful than driving (and cheap too- only a quarter per person each way).
- We attended Iglesia Luz del Evangelio on Sunday morning. This church is located right down the road in Shell- walking distance most Sundays, but we got a ride since it was pouring rain all morning. The church used a projector for both the song lyrics and the sermon outline, so we were able to participate a little. The three older kids went to children's church and mostly had a good time.
- On Sunday afternoon, we hosted a "thank you" open house for our MAF "family" here. Everyone has done a lot to get our house ready for us to move in and also to make us feel very welcomed our first week in Shell.
- I played basketball at the school on Sunday evening. It was a small turnout (probably due to the holiday and the cold, wet day) but was about half MAFers and half local guys.
Today was a sad morning as we said goodbye to Mom/Grandma. She rode to Quito today and flies out early tomorrow. It was such a blessing to have her here with us as we got settled in to our new home!! She helped our family so much (both relationally and practically) while she was here. We're gonna miss her.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Our first few days in Shell (with pictures)
Somebody once said that a picture is worth a thousand words.
Here's our family in front of the town plaza in Shell. The airplane is a replica of Nate Saint's piper and the playground was just put up over the weekend and opened the day of this picture.
Jod's mom (Rhoda) with the kids in front of our new house. The crew here had our house in great shape for us, and with Jodie's mom's help and our limited belongings, we have been able to settle in fairly quickly. Almost a week after arrival our house here is starting to feel a little like home.
After settling in at the house, Jodie and Rhoda set off about a hundred yards to the school to begin setting up the classroom. The kids helped out some too. The first day of school for Jodie, Shea, and Micah is September 3.
We experienced our first Shell rainstorm while walking home from the plaza. We were about one umbrella short.
There are two footbridges in Shell that provide a shortcut across a small river canyon. Pictures don't do it justice. It's a pretty long way down to the jungle floor below!
This is one of the five planes at the Alas de Socorro (MAF"s name in Latin America) hangar in Shell.
The kids are enjoying an ice cream snack outside Karen's- the main grocery market in Shell.
A family photo in front of Nate Saint Memorial School.
Here's our family in front of the town plaza in Shell. The airplane is a replica of Nate Saint's piper and the playground was just put up over the weekend and opened the day of this picture.
Jod's mom (Rhoda) with the kids in front of our new house. The crew here had our house in great shape for us, and with Jodie's mom's help and our limited belongings, we have been able to settle in fairly quickly. Almost a week after arrival our house here is starting to feel a little like home.
After settling in at the house, Jodie and Rhoda set off about a hundred yards to the school to begin setting up the classroom. The kids helped out some too. The first day of school for Jodie, Shea, and Micah is September 3.
We experienced our first Shell rainstorm while walking home from the plaza. We were about one umbrella short.
There are two footbridges in Shell that provide a shortcut across a small river canyon. Pictures don't do it justice. It's a pretty long way down to the jungle floor below!
This is one of the five planes at the Alas de Socorro (MAF"s name in Latin America) hangar in Shell.
The kids are enjoying an ice cream snack outside Karen's- the main grocery market in Shell.
A family photo in front of Nate Saint Memorial School.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Travel Day Timeline
Here's a brief look at Saturday, August 4th
3:45 am(mountain time): I turn the alarm off after snoozing a couple times and head for the shower. It was a short night and it will be a long day.
5:32 am: We pull out of the parking lot of our MAF apartment in Nampa, headed for the Boise airport. The lawn sprinklers were doing their thing as we loaded up Reg Epp's van & trailer. It will probably be a while before we see lawn sprinklers- I don't think there's a big demand for them in Shell ; -).
7:10 am: 6 people, 1 stroller, 6 bags, 1 car seat, and a few pillows, stuffed animals and purses are frantically running through the airport trying not to miss our flight to Portland. Fortunately, we arrive at the gate before they've begun boarding.
7:28 am(pacific time): We fly right next to Mt. Hood. Its snow-capped peak and our plane are the only inhabitants of the sky above the clouds.
10:25 am: Luke is falling asleep in my arms while I talk to a group of people at our gate wearing "Oregon Mission Ecuador" t-shirts. They'll be on both of our next two flights as they travel to Quito on a short term missions trip.
2:56 pm(central time): Jadyn & Luke are both sleeping soundly and Jodie's in the middle of them sleeping a little less soundly. Shea & Micah are sitting next to me watching "Star Wars 2" on the portable DVD player. Things are pretty peaceful at the moment and I"m feeling relaxed, nostalgic, and excited about our adventures in Ecuador.
6:07 pm: I'm hot, tired and a little frazzled and the plane hasn't even taken off yet. Getting all of us (and our warehouse-sized supply of carry-on cargo) around the airport and settled in our seats is EXHAUSTING (for some reason, the stress level seems to reach it's climax on the tarmac). Jod's mom made it safely to Houston (she's going down with us to help us get settled into our new home- yea!) and we're all in our seats wating to fly to Quito.
6:26 pm: We just got off the ground. I'm looking out the window at the lights of Houston- the last time I'll see the U.S. for the next 10 months. We've been so blessed by all of our friends and family in the States and wouldn't be able to take on this new challenge without all of their prayers and encouragement.
11:09 pm (eastern standard time*): The plane is descending into Quito. Our family is getting a first look at Ecuador- the country that will be our new home. Our prayer is that God will be glorified by our lives during the time we spend here.
11:30 pm (approx) - 1:00 am (approx): This is all a big blur. It's late, we're all tired, we have a ton of bags, and we don't speak Spanish. Fortunately the customs process is pretty straight-forward and we are able to find the Grants and Schmidts who will take us to the guest house (the Roger Youderian house) for the night. Seeing Ron, Margie, Fred, & Desi's smiling faces makes us feel very welcome.
1:45 am: Luke has his second-wind and is jumping up and down on the bed as I doze off ...
3:07 am: I awaken to a lound sound of beeping and static. I follow the noise down the hall to an empty guest room and turn off an alarm clock. Back to bed. Tomorrow (today) we go to Shell.
Will give a report on our first few days in Shell (hopefully with some pictures) soon!
*Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time year round. This means it's the same as eastern in the winter and central in the summer. I had been telling people this was the same as Indiana. But Jason & Joselyn informed me that Indiana is now using daylight savings time and will always be in the eastern time zone (except for the Gary/South Bend area). Sorry, had to get that last bit of trivia in there.
3:45 am(mountain time): I turn the alarm off after snoozing a couple times and head for the shower. It was a short night and it will be a long day.
5:32 am: We pull out of the parking lot of our MAF apartment in Nampa, headed for the Boise airport. The lawn sprinklers were doing their thing as we loaded up Reg Epp's van & trailer. It will probably be a while before we see lawn sprinklers- I don't think there's a big demand for them in Shell ; -).
7:10 am: 6 people, 1 stroller, 6 bags, 1 car seat, and a few pillows, stuffed animals and purses are frantically running through the airport trying not to miss our flight to Portland. Fortunately, we arrive at the gate before they've begun boarding.
7:28 am(pacific time): We fly right next to Mt. Hood. Its snow-capped peak and our plane are the only inhabitants of the sky above the clouds.
10:25 am: Luke is falling asleep in my arms while I talk to a group of people at our gate wearing "Oregon Mission Ecuador" t-shirts. They'll be on both of our next two flights as they travel to Quito on a short term missions trip.
2:56 pm(central time): Jadyn & Luke are both sleeping soundly and Jodie's in the middle of them sleeping a little less soundly. Shea & Micah are sitting next to me watching "Star Wars 2" on the portable DVD player. Things are pretty peaceful at the moment and I"m feeling relaxed, nostalgic, and excited about our adventures in Ecuador.
6:07 pm: I'm hot, tired and a little frazzled and the plane hasn't even taken off yet. Getting all of us (and our warehouse-sized supply of carry-on cargo) around the airport and settled in our seats is EXHAUSTING (for some reason, the stress level seems to reach it's climax on the tarmac). Jod's mom made it safely to Houston (she's going down with us to help us get settled into our new home- yea!) and we're all in our seats wating to fly to Quito.
6:26 pm: We just got off the ground. I'm looking out the window at the lights of Houston- the last time I'll see the U.S. for the next 10 months. We've been so blessed by all of our friends and family in the States and wouldn't be able to take on this new challenge without all of their prayers and encouragement.
11:09 pm (eastern standard time*): The plane is descending into Quito. Our family is getting a first look at Ecuador- the country that will be our new home. Our prayer is that God will be glorified by our lives during the time we spend here.
11:30 pm (approx) - 1:00 am (approx): This is all a big blur. It's late, we're all tired, we have a ton of bags, and we don't speak Spanish. Fortunately the customs process is pretty straight-forward and we are able to find the Grants and Schmidts who will take us to the guest house (the Roger Youderian house) for the night. Seeing Ron, Margie, Fred, & Desi's smiling faces makes us feel very welcome.
1:45 am: Luke has his second-wind and is jumping up and down on the bed as I doze off ...
3:07 am: I awaken to a lound sound of beeping and static. I follow the noise down the hall to an empty guest room and turn off an alarm clock. Back to bed. Tomorrow (today) we go to Shell.
Will give a report on our first few days in Shell (hopefully with some pictures) soon!
*Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time year round. This means it's the same as eastern in the winter and central in the summer. I had been telling people this was the same as Indiana. But Jason & Joselyn informed me that Indiana is now using daylight savings time and will always be in the eastern time zone (except for the Gary/South Bend area). Sorry, had to get that last bit of trivia in there.
Friday, August 3, 2007
A Waste of Time, Hopefully
We had security training Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday. Hopefully, those three days will prove to have been a waste of time & we'll never have to use any of the information we learned and skills we gained. But, we're pretty thankful that MAF does a thorough job of helping to prepare us for some of the possible worst case scenarios that are always a risk when traveling and living overseas. The training was very effective, we're just praying that nobody who took it this week will ever have to put into into practice.
Hard to believe that we have just over 24 hours left in the U.S. We've been trying to do some fun things the last couple days amongst the hectic packing and preparing to leave. We went to Chili's and the pool last night. The boys and I went bowling with some friends this morning.
Even though we feel incredibly scared and overwhelmed right now, there's also a real sense of peace in our hearts. The prayers and support from people in Lancaster, Nampa, Shell, and elsewhere have encouraged us more than we can express. During these 3 weeks in Nampa, we've made lots of new friends and have been encouraged by their stories, friendship, and encouragement. Meanwhile we've had family and friends doing so much to help us out in Lancaster. And friends who we haven't even met yet have been helping to prepare our home for our arrival in Shell. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Next post will be from Shell!
Hard to believe that we have just over 24 hours left in the U.S. We've been trying to do some fun things the last couple days amongst the hectic packing and preparing to leave. We went to Chili's and the pool last night. The boys and I went bowling with some friends this morning.
Even though we feel incredibly scared and overwhelmed right now, there's also a real sense of peace in our hearts. The prayers and support from people in Lancaster, Nampa, Shell, and elsewhere have encouraged us more than we can express. During these 3 weeks in Nampa, we've made lots of new friends and have been encouraged by their stories, friendship, and encouragement. Meanwhile we've had family and friends doing so much to help us out in Lancaster. And friends who we haven't even met yet have been helping to prepare our home for our arrival in Shell. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!
Next post will be from Shell!
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