A Week in Photos

There was trouble with the internet this week on the seminary grounds, so we weren't able to keep everyone updated with our blog.  Below is a week in review though pictures.

With all the changes for the kids, we want to be sure to incorporate special events/traditions into our ives in Ecuador.  Some of the missionary kids in Quito attend a school that was putting on a harvest carnival.   Caleb's birthday gift from his Uncle Gene was perfect, as the theme was "Super Heroes".

One of Dan’s school assignments was to find a friend to help him make an Ecuadorian dish. Sunday night Harrison came over to help Dan make empanadas; jam and cheese wrapped in fried, doughy goodness. They were so good we decided we needed to purchase our own mold so we can continue to make them.

Caleb had fun filling his empanadas with chocolate and apples and cinnamon.

Tuesday’s class took us on a field trip to see some archaeological sites. Quito was once an Incan center, so there is a lot of history in the city. We love the opportunity to be able to take the kids on our school field trips.

Friday night we had a school outing to see Quito nocturnal. A large statue overlooks Quito that was built in reference to Genesis 3:15  "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."  We think that the statue depicts Mary rather than Jesus because of the huge Catholic influence in Ecuador.

The group that we’re currently studying with is made up of college and professional students. With the different ages and backgrounds it makes for a unique group. We’re blessed to have wonderful directors and teachers who are quickly becoming friends.

On a Saturday we had another school outing. Jael really enjoyed a chocolaty treat on the hike (though Mommy’s shirt suffered for it).

Caleb enjoyed a quick ride down a waterfall during a break in our hike.

Tomorrow is Kristina’s 30th birthday. In the same water where Caleb took his ride Kristina received a ”gift”. Thirty little leeches attached themselves to her legs to enjoy a meal. She didn’t even notice until several hours later on the ride home. By then, most of the creatures were gone and had just left their mark. How fitting that there were 30 of them. Thankfully, the kids didn’t have any on them.