Jungle Trip

Have you ever been in a situation where at the time it doesn't seem too strange or unusual but once you remove yourself from the situation you think, what did I just do?  That happened to me this past weekend. I had the opportunity to go to the jungle with friends of mine who are considering adopting their godson who is 9 years old. This part of the jungle is about a 7 hour bus ride to Quito. At one point the bus turns off onto a dirt road, drives through a river, and after passing some huts and soccer fields, we arrived to the town of Santana. If you wanted to go any further you'd have to cross the Pastaza River on a pulley car that brings you to the other side.

The shaman led us into the town where we were welcomed by many kids and our hosts for the weekend. We all slept in the same hut under mosquito nets with the "bathroom" out back. Throughout the weekend we were invited to dance with village leaders, drink chicha (this is a traditional drink that is yucca chewed up by people in the village, spit out, then left to ferment), swim in the river, catch and cook toads, and catch various insects. Shortly after arriving, a village boy led us up a REALLY tall water tower. It was an amazing view from the top, but not sure how structurally sound the tower was...

We walked about 45 minutes to get to the hut where the family who is taking care of this little boy lives. Picture this - we are all inside this hut, sucking on sugar cane, a man who looked to be about 90 is laying in a hammock, and their pet coati - similar to a raccoon type creature- is tied up on the floor. We had a great conversation with the family and my friends are praying about what lies ahead. It was a great weekend and a wonderful reminder of how many Ecuadorians live. 

Climbing the Water Tower

My friends with their godson

On the pulley car to cross the river

A new pet tarantula

View looking down from top of water tower. If you squint you see our friends down below.

It was the boys birthday so we got a cake before getting into the jungle. This is how it arrived. Our cake was served on banana leaves. 

Drinking some chicha

The Pastaza River

Beautiful view at sunset

The pet coati

Preparing the toads we caught for dinner

Dinner!

I really enjoy being involved when an international adoption happens. I like spending time with the family and showing them around Quito and around the orphanage. This month one of our toddler boys was adopted by an Italian family. The family had been waiting four years to adopt. I am constantly amazed at how quickly the child adapts to his/her new family. Within days the child is attached to his mom and dad and soaks in all the attention he/she receives. I love seeing how God places each child in the exact family he is meant to be in. It is an amazing experience to be part of and I don't think it will ever get old.

Some Lovely English Singing

http://youtu.be/RSZBfSCtABs

These girls have got quite the singing repertoire. Each week they are learning new songs in English class. Such sweet girls!

Dad's Visit

My dad came down for a visit to Ecuador. My parents both came my first year that I was here. After some “challenges” that my mom faced (altitude sickness, fear of flying and really any form of transportation) it was decided that it was in everyone’s best interest if my dad came solo this time. During his time here, we went to Papallacta (a town where there are natural hot springs), Mindo (the Cloud Forest), and spent time in Quito and at the orphanage. Our schedule was action-filled and he got to see a lot in a short amount of time. We spent time with my roommates and friends and he got to see a lot more of Ecuador than he did last time. A highlight was the trip to Mindo. We went ziplining, visited the butterfly sanctuary, saw a lot of hummingbirds, and had a really fun hike. There was also a possible bat sighting. Thanks for visiting Dad! 

In the midst of ziplining

Dad's treehouse room in Mindo

Stopping for a little juice in the midst of a rainstorm

A toucan that we saw

Choir Concert

I have been singing in a choir the last couple years that my friend Jilly conducts. This year our group is made up of a mixture of North Americans, Ecuadorians, and Europeans. Last week we went to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) which is where the Equator monument stands. They have an amphitheater there where we sang. Then this week we went to Old Town and sang in a cathedral and in some of the plazas. We have quite the repertoire – our songs are in Latin, Spanish, and English. My personal favorite was “Creere” where we recruited some random beat boxer to accompany us.  I will try to upload some videos this week so that you can hear us!

Samaritan's Purse Shoebox Project

My friend Robbie runs a kids club in a rural area south of Quito. During the week, the kids come to get help with homework and to learn from the Bible. In January Robbie found out that his club was chosen to receive 60 shoeboxes from Samaritan’s Purse. In order to distribute the shoe boxes he had to organize a program where kids would be able to invite their friends and where they would learn about Jesus. It was such a fun event to help with. We set up carnival games and the kids got to go around to try out all different types of games. We handed out sandwiches and drinks to the parents and kids and then the kids received their shoeboxes. At this point it had started raining so there were a bunch of kids all in this tiny room. Some of them opened their shoebox right then and there and pulled everything out. Others held on tight to their box and ran home to show their family. In the past, I’ve packed up shoeboxes. It was fun to be on the other end this time and see the kids receiving them!

One of the boys with his new sunglasses, balloon, and shoe box!

I was asked to be the bouncer at one point. I put on my angry face. 

Helping with the bean bag toss. 

The kids as they were watching a skit

Coat

We’re in rainy season right now. In fact April is the rainiest month of the year here. The mornings often start off with sun and then there is a downpour in the afternoon. This past week our house was struck by lightning. All this to say it has been a little chillier than normal.

Last week one of the Tias (caregivers) at the orphanage came wearing a puffy coat that looked like it would be worn in a snowstorm. I commented on the fact that she looked very warm which was interpreted as I also would like a jacket like that. The next morning, I opened my front door to find a big gift bag with my nice new winter puffy jacket. I wore it the other day and was very thankful for its warmth!

                                                              Yes, I do live on the Equator!