Chick-Fil-A

Here is a not so subtle shout out and hint to my hubby while he is in Alabama.  Don't forget to bring the doggy bag home honey!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

Perhaps one of scariest things about going to a foreign country is dealing with the police and or military of that country.  I remember when we were in Costa Rica I was mugged at broad daylight and couldn't even get the cops to come to the scene of the crime.  People have told me if you live in Mexico the last thing you want to do is call the police.  In the US that's actually the first thing you want to do. 

Anyway, we had our first "run in" with the police when we had only been here a little less than 2 weeks.  We were driving down the street at a pretty slow enough pace when a traffic cop stepped out in front of our vehicle from behind an obstructed part of the corner of the street (think moving cars and trees in the median).  Ken had to swerve to avoid him, but he did not hit the cop.  This cop was furious and had the next officer down at the next block pull us over.  Now with our limited Spanish we tried to explain that we were sorry that Ken did not see him.  This officer wanted to make a huge deal that Ken had a Costa Rican license and his US one wasn't on him.  Frankly it doesn't matter for the first 90 days as long as it is a valid license.  When we tried to explain ourselves the cop just kept insisiting that he couldn't drive with the Costa Rican license and the International License we also had on us.  We called the mission and one of the nationals that works with us, Daniel, spoke to the officer for all of about 1 minute.  The cop handed us back the telephone and told us to drive carefully.  I later learned that this was of course a shakedown and Daniel called the cop on it letting him know that what he was doing was illegal and that we had of course not broken any laws.

Fast forward to yesterday.  Ken has left for the U.S. and I am taking Kayleigh to ballet, late as usual.  I tried to park in a space that was on the small side, Connor looking out the back window, Kayleigh looking out the right side.  I realized I wasn't going to get in the space after 2 attempts (my back right tire kept hitting the curb because of the angle I was trying to get in), so I gave up and pulled off.  As I was leaving the street guard came walking down to guide me in and I just waved her off because I knew I wouldn't fit and by this time I was really late and needed to drop Kayleigh off at the door.  I drove around the street and stopped at the ballet studio, helping Kayleigh get in the door and telling her I'd be back at the end of class.  Right after pulling out a lady in a white car started to honk at me and said something about "saliendo" (leaving).  She pointed to me to pull over, so I pulled over thinking that maybe one of my tires must be low and the air was "leaving" (how they sometimes say your tire is getting flat).  Well, my tires were fine and I got back in my car.  She came up to me yelling in rapid Spanish saying I had hit her car and then left and she was going to call the police now that she had my license plate number.  Now I was completely confused.  I asked her what in the world she was talking about.  She pointed to the front of my car and said I hit her car and left.  I told her I left because I couldn't fit my car there.  I did not hit anyone!  She went around to the front of my car and pointed to a huge dent that has been there from another missionary incident over 1 year ago.  I laughed and told her that was very old and I would have known if I touched her car.  I did not do it.  She of course continued to threaten and when I asked what was wrong with her car all she could point to was a couple scratches on her back fender that could have been done a long time ago.  I recognized what this was about as she tried to demand my name and phone number.  I've heard other stories about this.  The old "let's hit up the foreigner for some cash".  I told her that just because I was a foreigner did not give her the right to say something that was not true.  She proceeded to call the police and I prudently drove away with the kids.  I then proceeded to take the car home and get a taxi to go get Kayleigh after ballet, still somewhat shaken and praying for God to settle my nerves.

What bothered me the most was the long night of wondering if the police were going to be pounding on my door soon.  I know that sounds crazy to your average U.S. citizen, but it is not so strange for us missionaries.  I personally know of 4 people who have been incarcerated until they proved their innocence in separate incidents here in Ecuador.  One man had a car accident where someone elso ran into him but then fled the scene.  He was in jail over a week.  Another man was placed in a jail cell with hardened criminals all because he lived in the apartment of someone who had lived there long ago and that other person had been a criminal.  It was a case of mistaken identity, but the police didn't care.  They arrested him anyway until the lawyers could prove the missionary wasn't that man.  It took 10 days.  I know of a young girl in high school that was placed in a city jail for some issues dealing with her student visa.  She has had to leave the country now as a result of that.  In many countries like this one you are guilty until proven innocent.  It is a very hard concept to wrap your head around until you see it for yourself.

Anyway, I talked to someone in our mission's office and explained the situation.  Fortunately the car is registered with the mission so I have some protection through that, but it still is disturbing to know that someone can go to the police and file a warrant for your arrest without just cause.  I will never take for granted again the wonderful feeling of being innocent until proven otherwise.

Who Will Go?

In two days Ken takes a trip back to the states for the Global Impact Celebration (GIC) missions conference at our home church, Shades Mountain Baptist.  He will have the wonderful privilege of speaking with the middle and high school students of the church.  Ken and I remember it was just 3 years ago at our annual GIC that we heard the call placed on our lives.  Please pray for the many lives that will be touched and that those God has called will be obedient to follow.  Please also pray that our church members will take an active role in being a part of missions as they search their hearts in how they will respond to the Great Commission call.

  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."                                                                              Matthew 28:19-20

Carnaval 2010

Today is the celebration of Carnaval for all of South America.  It is a time of parties, parades, food and mischief in the streets.  I am told that most everyone goes to the coastal cities to celebrate which would explain why Quito is like a ghost town.  I love it!  We can eat at any restaurant (that hasn't closed for the holiday) without a wait, and shop at the Megamaxi with no lines.  I took the opportunity to make a King cake like I used to make in Alabama for Mardi Gras (the same holiday in Mobile/ New Orleans).

Yesterday we went to the Martinez house to celebrate the mischief side of Carnaval.  It is custom to throw water balloons, dunk people with buckets of water, use foam spray (which has a pleasant fruity smell), and even douse people with flour after they have been soaked.  Let me first say thanks to all my friends for not picking on me too bad since I have a nasty cold.  I was able to get some really neat photos to share though.  This photo is a personal favorite of mine.  To the right is Kathy Broom and to the left is Kelly Martinez.  Check out the Ecuadorians in the background watching the two gringas in all out foamspray war.

The kids really got into the fun, but my favorite was watching all the adults act like children to get the better of each other.  If anyone didn't have sufficient water, foam, or flour on them they were automatically made the target for the group.  I almost felt bad for poor Jonathon Jackson when the girls went after him as he arrived at the party all clean and dry......like I said, almost....

I hate that I had a cold.  I would have loved to get Ken good like Kelly is getting Rick here in this photo to the right.  Ken however, would have none of that.  He claimed that he had to stay dry for his trip to the grocery store he was making later.  Baahumbug!  As you can see, Cade, Connor and Kayleigh got into the action with enthusiasm.  It took 3 showers to get all of the flour and foam off of Kayleigh. 

Haiti

I wanted to share this video with everyone.  It was made by a missionary with HCJB, Martin Harrison, that lives here in Quito.  He and 6 other missionaries went to Haiti 3 days after the earthquake to help the people in the Baptist hospital there.  If this does not give you a great burden to pray for these people I do not know what will.  Please remember that long after the press leaves, the people of Haiti will still be picking up the pieces of their shattered lives.  Pray that with the Lord's help they will be able to build again upon the Rock that will not be shaken.

Personal Space

I am told that it is a well known fact that we Americans (US citizens) are known for liking our space. I remember when we first arrived in Costa Rica it took me some time to get accustomed to people getting in my personal space standing in line or when they greeted me with the customary hug and kiss the air next to the cheek. Of course if you have already met someone once then this usually becomes an actual kiss the cheek and not the air. In certain parts of South America and Europe you kiss both cheeks.

I have actually grown to enjoy this custom as I feel especially in church that it really shows more of a genuine love for others over our personal space. I have been told that this will be quite awkward when we go back to the states as we will reach in to give the hug and kiss and our friend or acquaintance will pull back a little bit awkwardly at the action. I am saying this for Ken's benefit as he goes to the states the end of this month, so if he reaches in to kiss your cheek please don't take it the wrong way. He's just glad to see you!

But perhaps my strangest experience of having my personal space invaded occurred this last Thursday on a long bus ride back from working in Shell. Let me first set up this scene for those of you unfamiliar with travel in countries outside of the US. First of all I will say that compared to many of my friends in Central America, the buses in Ecuador are actually much like a Greyhound and are fairly comfortable. However, there are a few things that make it virtually impossible to relax for the entire duration of the trip. For example, we spent the first 2 1/2 hours of the trip zooming around the narrow 2 lane roads on the Andes Mountains with sheer drop-offs of several hundred feet and passing trucks around blind curves with double yellow lines. Now I understand why they have a curtain partition between the passengers and the driver. As a side bar to that, if you get motion sickness do not forget your Dramamine like I did. The little sign that offers a bag for people with sickness is just that, a sign. There are no bags.

Of course, what would a 6 hour bus trip be without a few side stops along the way, like every 5 minutes? You see, if you want to take the bus 20 minutes up the road you can. Just flag the driver down and hop on. Hey, not at a bus stop?....no problem. Just tell the driver to pull over and he will be very obliged to do so. Did I tell you that this trip is typically a 41/2 to 5 hour trip by car? Anyway, one bonus is the frequent visitations by people selling things. I don't mind the food people coming on for a quick 5 minute trip to sell some chips, drinks, tamales, bread, etc....but I can honestly say that this is the first trip I have ever taken where I was urged to buy teeth whitener, a booklet on how to control diabetes, 2 different types of ginseng, and a pill to help me sleep (that would have come in handy if I wasn't so concerned about losing my bag on my lap). We also were provided entertainment by a clown with a freaky, gravelly voice that really reminded me of why I don't care too much for clowns in the first place. He wanted us to give him money so he could go and entertain children and people in the hospital and help them get better. (¿En serio?, seriously????)

But I digress. My comfort zone was invaded when an elderly Quichua woman got up too early for her stop. She apparently didn't want to walk back to her seat or for that matter take any of the other numerous empty seats near me in the front, so she sat in my lap. Yes, that's right, she decided to sit in the gringa's lap.

Now I have been in many unusual situations in the last 2 years, but this one just left me absolutely speechless in both my native tongue and Spanish. I really didn't know what to say to the poor old soul. "Hey, I know you're comfortable, but my legs are falling asleep." So, I just sat there with her riding contently on my lap for the next 5 minutes until her stop came up.

So the next time you are standing in line at the post office or the check out of Wal-Mart and someone is just a little too close, take a look and make sure it's not just some kind old little Quichua woman looking for somewhere to lean until she can get through. It might be the kindest deed you've done all day!

Our Ecuador

In February Ken will be going to Birmingham for our church missions conference.  Here is the video I put together for him to use in his presentation. 

Operation Walk Maryland

This past week I had the pleasure of working with another great group of people from the states.  This team from Operation Walk was 47 people from Maryland mostly, but also Chicago, Arkansas, Florida, California and New York.  We worked down in the south part of Quito at a charity hospital called Tierra Nueva.  We saw over 50 patients the first day and narrowed that down to the 30 patients we were able to operate on, many of which we planned bilateral knees on.  This was the second trip for this team from Maryland as they went last year to Lima, Peru. 

I feel so blessed that God has given me the opportunity to help the Ecuadorians in such a unique way, but also it has been a wonderful blessing for me to practice anesthesia with some of my fellow Americans.  I told Ken that when I sat there the first day and listened to the surgeons and nurses banter back and forth and include me in their conversations it really felt like home for me.

One thing I really want to share is how fun it was to take some of those first steps with patients after surgery.  I got to help this nice lady walk up and down the stairs for the first time after surgery.  She kept shaking her head and telling me she didn't think she could do it, but I said to her "Con Dios todo es posible!" (With God all things are possible!)  Sure enough she went down and back up again and to her delight she found that it truly was possible. 

I did want to give a shout out to my friends from Anesthesia Resources Management for sending the block books and blocking needles and monitors.  I cannot say how much of a life saver they were!  I wanted to show a picture of one of the bilateral knee patients that we were able to do bilateral blocks on so he could have a pain free night after surgery.  He was so very grateful.  He kept squeezing my hand and saying ,"Dios le pague" (May God repay you).  He and 29 other patients all demonstrated their gratitude for the care our team gave and we often humbly found ourselves suddenly being given roses, or a hug, or a round of applause by family when we would go outside the OR to get supplies or eat lunch.

I was reminded of how Jesus always met the physical needs of the people wherever he went because he knew that until the physical needs were met it was sometimes hard for the people to focus on the spiritual parts of their lives.  As more and more missions organizations move away from meeting medical needs I am glad that God has still given me opportunities to be a part of the work that is being done through non-profit organizations such as Operation Walk.  I had the privilege of sharing my faith with some of my patients and it was wonderful to see how many of them recognized God's hand in bringing them this healing through the people of Operation Walk. 

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

Cotopaxi

In December we finally took the time to go and visit a part of Ecuador recognized by many who come visit Quito, Volcano Cotopaxi, which in Quichua means "throat of the moon".  About 30 miles from the heart of Quito lies an impressive snow covered volcano which many come to visit for it's breathtaking view.  At 5,897 meters above sea level, and rising majestically above the Andean mountains, the Cotopaxi mountain is Ecuador's highest active volcano - as well as being one of the most active volcanoes anywhere in Ecuador, but with no erruptions since 1904. It has an almost perfect symmetrical cone shape and is easily recognized by climbers as a well known piece of Ecuador.

For those who can manage it, and weather permitting, a climb of Cotopaxi mountain takes approximately 6-7 hours. Also, in order to maximize the view, climbs to the peak of Cotopaxi mountain usually set off around midnight - with the aim to reach the peak at around dawn, or slightly after dawn.  We met up with a group in the refuge that was getting ready to bed down in the bunk house so that they could leave around 1am for the hike to the top.  To leave much later could mean a fight against the daily winter storm that comes through around 12pm. 

We ourselves experienced an amazing thunder and lightening storm with what we called "dipping dots" falling from the sky in torrents.  It was amazingly white, but the little balls were not too unlike hail falling in great waves with gusts of wind.  Although climbing up from the parking lot to the refuge (a 1 hour endeavor with the kids- Cade on my back about 1/3 of the way) was quite a challenge, coming down was even more so after the "dipping dots" created quite a slippery path to follow at about a 45 degree decline.

One of the fun things about visiting the refuge is the hot chocolate.  They make it there in the refuge from scratch and although the kids said it wasn't quite as good as Mommy's, it sure was a welcome refreshment after a cold hike up the side of a mountain for an hour!

One more thing I wanted to share with everyone was a comparison photo from when we climbed up to the refuge to when we returned just one hour later.  It really didn't start storming until we had been there at the refuge for about 20-30 minutes, so you can understand why the climbers want to leave so early in the morning to avoid this daily snow/ hail storm.

We decided to make this an annual Christmas trip while we are here as we certainly felt like it was winter!  Next time we want to go to Cayambe (the only snow covered volcano on the equator in the world) or Antisana as they are both visible from Quito on a clear day and quite beautiful.  I think we may need to stock up on a few more winter clothes though before leaving.  It was cold, brrrr!  But then again, I may have become a little Latina over the last 2 years as I have adjusted to to the warmer climate.  Hope everyone in the states thaws out too!

Our Year in Photos

Click here to view this photo book larger

Burning the "Old Man"

One of the most important Ecuadorian traditions for ringing in the New Year is making años viejos, effigies representing local and international politicians, famous celebrities, or even cartoon characters. These dummies are made from old clothes stuffed with firecrackers and sawdust.

The heads of the effigies are covered with paper måché masks, shaped into caricatures of politicians or other people who have been in the news, generally for scandals. As the effigy parodies the year's top news stories and scandals, it is often seen as a social and political commentary, and its likeness is usually someone notorious or who has recently been involved in a scandal. This year we saw lots of Micheal Jackson, the current president of Ecuador, Correa, and our personal favorite that we got to burn thanks to the Brooms (who served several years in Venezuela), Hugo Chavez. 

On December 31, the años viejos sit alongside the road in small huts constructed out of eucalyptus or palm branches. The dolls patiently await their midnight death. As the year slowly comes to a close, Ecuadorians, especially the men, dress up as viudas, the widows of the dying year. These viudas, however, are not very upset about their husbands' death, and tend to act promiscuously. Dressed in skimpy clothing, tights, heels, and a  shawl around their shoulders, the viudas stand outside of the makeshift huts and ask passing cars for money to help pay for their husband's funeral. As with most Ecuadorian festivities, dancing is involved, and in order to "earn" the money, the viuda will perform a short dance. The money collected is used for the New Year's Eve party.  We saw a few men dressed like this in the streets of Quito New Year's Eve.

Even the children we learned will get into the act as we discovered going to Cotopaxi.  They grab scary masks and set up road blocks.

We were hit up by 3 road blocks on the way to the refuge with children (and some much older kids I believe) looking for donations.  One particular roadblock had a menacing looking teenager in military getup and a rifle.  We found giving a little change made the process a lot quicker. The girl who collected our money said a nice "¡Tenga un feliz año nuevo!" (Have a Happy New Year) as we drove off towards home.

At midnight on January 1st the dummy is sometimes beaten with a belt as punishment for all of the hardships it has caused in the last twelve months. Although we didn't beat our "old man", we did offer a few choice words about the real live dictator.

The año viejo is then set afire and as it burns, the firecrackers go off and the bravest jump over it, taunting it as a matador does a bull. By midnight, the city is dotted with the smoldering remains of the "old year", and everyone is ready for a new beginning to the new year on January first. 

To a visitor from outside of Ecuador it may appear a bit like a war zone driving through the city.  We encountered many of these fires on the way home from the party with a particularly large group in front of our apartment complex llighting up several effigies.  So remember as you say goodbye to last year's "Father Time" there are a few people that actually burn the "old man" to bring in the New Year.

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth And Other Great Memories

We had a good Christmas here in Ecuador and wanted to share a few photos and memories with you all of our last two weeks.  Just a few days before Christmas Kayleigh lost two more teeth making the grand total 7 (5 of which are still not grown in yet).  We have a few new nicknames for our little "Gummy" girl.  It was rare for me to get her to show her teeth in this photo, you will notice the next few are closed mouth.  She was chosen to play the part of Mary in a children's nativity at the church we have been visiting.  She made a beautiful Mary and we really enjoyed the program.

They even had a great evangelistic message as part of the program to really show the true meaning of Christmas.

Connor surprised us all during the Christmas program at school when we found out he had won second place in the school art contest for the Christmas program.  I later found out he was surprised as well.  The program had a bunch of great carols and Christmas songs in English and Spanish.  It was wonderful to hear all those great songs as last year we found that most churches in Costa Rica did not celebrate Christmas with carols, decorations or any of the traditions that we have in the states.

Of course Cade was up to his usual mischief.  As I was sewing his name on his stocking late Christmas eve I kept hearing him say in his room, "I heaw leighbells Connow!"  Eventually we got him to settle down and go to sleep.  The next morning he was delighted to see the cool set of drums "Santa" left him.  All I can say is that revenge for our upstairs neighbor with the loud, profane rock music has been found in a 3-year-old budding drummer.  Unfortunately, it isn't quite as sweet as I'd hoped for...

Well, we hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas.  I know for many of you it was a white one!  We too plan to go visit some snow here in Ecuador on top of volcano Cotopaxi sometime this week.  I promise to post some photos of the trip when I can.  God bless everyone and have a safe and fun New Years!

God Is With Us

This is a beautiful song I put some photos to from Casting Crowns.  Merry Christmas!

You Might Be A Missionary If....

1. You have to stop and think about what to do with used toilet paper.

2. You think a 2 hour church service is too short.

3. You read a National Geographic and realize that you know some of the people in the picture.

4. You point with your lips.

5. You miss getting junk mail.

6. You have eaten food that would be a pet in the USA.

7. You are surprised the electricity has stayed on all day.

8. You have 6 different types of ants in your house and you ignore them all.

9. You have purchased lunch or items for your house at the stop sign in town.

10. You bring a sack lunch and a novel to the bank.

Thanks to Dwyndl for the list.

The Fog

Ever had one of those days?  Weeks?  Months?!!!???  I always try to be uplifiting, humorous, and informative on my blog, but today I think I will just be real.  I hope that my 5 regular readers will indulge me. 

I cannot say if this blue-like feeling came because my Mom left a few weeks ago and I know I will not see her for at least another year or maybe 2 years.  I suspect that plays a big part in it.  Maybe it is the uncertainty we are now facing in our job.  So much has changed with our mission recently and we are not quite sure where we will fit in in 2 years when we can't really even figure out what we are supposed to be doing now here in Quito.  It's funny how when you are in language school you just keep thinking "When I get out of school then I will really be able to do something!", but right now I feel like I really accomplished more when I was in school and part of the weekly Bible study at House of Restoration.

I suppose another possibility is that culture shock has set in.  I remember last year around the start of November we were in the heaviest part of the rainy season and I recall standing in the tiny kitchen looking out at the back porch (by that time a small swamp) and saying to God, "What am I doing here?  Why do I feel so much like I made a mistake?"  I just started crying and let it all out knowing that I couldn't keep it in any more.

Now, 1 year later, I have that same feeling.  "What am I doing here?  Why do I feel so much like I made a mistake?"  I know God has a plan for us and a purpose, but for so long we had believed it would be in another city.  Please do not get me wrong; we love Quito.  For Ken and I it is very difficult because our jobs have always somewhat defined us.  Ken was a recruiter for engineers.  I was an anesthetist.  Our roles and job functions were clearly laid out.  When we went to work we knew exactly what we needed to do and we did it.  The lines are so much more blurry when you are a missionary.  You do not go to work because you are your work 24/7. 

I don't know.  Maybe I just need a good cry.  Maybe it's hormones, huh?  But please pray for us as we struggle with these issues and try to see God's will clearly for our lives.  Right now we just feel like we are in a fog.

La Corrida del Toros

Every year in Quito there is a celebration the last last week of November/ first week of December marking the founding of the city of Quito by Sebastian Benalcazar in 1534. One of the ways Quiteños celebrate is to hold annual bullfights known as the Feria de Quito or the Feria de Jesus del Gran Poder. Some of you may remember Ken's visit last year to the bullfights in San Jose, Costa Rica (see January 7th, 2009). This type of bullfight is very different from that. It is much more like the bullfighting in Spain.

For those of you who are against bullfighting and think of it as animal cruelty I will not argue with you as I have seen firsthand the blood and gore not only of the bull, but also of horses used in the ring. I do want to inform those of you who have never had this cultural experience of what a bullfight is like here in Ecuador. That being said I want to tell everyone that in my life I have run one marathon. It was an experience that I have had. I did not really enjoy it, but I learned much from it and now I can cross that off my list of things that I have done in my life. For me the bullfight was like that. I have now seen one and although I did not particularly enjoy it, I did learn something about the people and

the culture and want to pass on my photos and explanations to those that are interested.

In the first part of the bullfight the matador uses a pink and yellow cape called a "capote". This is done by the matador with as little movement of his feet as possible. We personally witnessed one matador not move his feet at all for literally 10 different charges by the bull. Pretty impressive. Each time the bull charges the crowd obligingly shouts "Olé!" There are also a few other assistants in the ring at the beginning. They are like the rodeo clowns of bullfighting, there to protect the matador.

Soon after this the trumpet sounds and the next group of people enter the ring including two "picadores" (mounted horsemen). They are to stay outside of the 2 white lines of the ring. The purpose of the picador I am told is to cut some neck muscles of the bull to keep him from being able to lift his head fully. This is supposed to protect the bullfighter, but I can tell you the crowd does not care much for the picador. There were many whistles (polite boos) and some jeering especially when the horseman allowed his horse to be knocked over. I think this is what I found to be the most cruel, leading in blindfolded, armor padded horse knowing that the bull would invariably charge the horse and rider when the picador took aim.

The next part involves these decorated barbed spears called banderillas. The object of the banderillero is to place the banderillas two at a time in the back upper neck of the bull. It is a pretty dangerous act by the matador and most matadors have an entourage of matadors in training that help them with this part of the fight. El Fandi was the only matador we saw that chose to do this himself and we quickly discovered why. He was no doubt the most precise. The other banderilleros seemed to have difficulty placing two at a time with usually one not being placed. Apparently the banderillero has to come at the bull head on in order to accomplish this task. After placing them he then has to run with all his might to the side wall for safety, dodging back and forth to confuse the bull.

After 3 sets of these banderillas are placed the matador then returns for the third part of the fight, the faena. The matador now uses his red cape, a "muleta". The bullfighter has 13 minutes in which to kill the bull in this stage. If he does not accomplish his task the bull goes free. Also, the crowd can call out "que vive el toro" and wave white kerchiefs if they want the bull to be pardoned. This is pretty rare though, sadly enough. I can say that of all parts of the bullfight, this appears to be the most about the matador than anything else. He continually uses the red cape to entice to bull to charge him. Most important for the bullfighter is to make a quick and clean kill between the shoulder blades. If this is not done properly the bull suffers, the people jeer, and the matador has to try it again with another sword. Of the 5 bulls we witnessed (I just couldn't stay for the 6th) only 2 of them seemed to be killed fairly quickly without assistance. They do have a man there that makes sure the bull is dead by inserting an icepick in the brain at the end. Wouldn't you just love that job description on a resume?....hmmmm, qualifications....raising cattle, breeding bulls, and the bull terminator.

The only redeeming thing I can truly say about this entire event is that I have learned all the bull meat is donated to area orphanages and shelters. The bullfighter can win an award at the end of the fight if his performance is noteworthy. These awards consist of either the bull's ear(s) or tail (an even greater reward) or the ultimate award, leaving out the main grand door of the bullring. Overall it was an experience I will never forget, but please don't ask me to repeat it!

Life Means So Much

There is a Chris Rice song that I think explains the last week-and-a-half we have had as a family. My mother decided to come and spend her 70th Birthday with us here in Ecuador and we are so glad she did. It was a wonderful time of exploring, adventure, and just enjoying each other's company. Let me just say when you see this video you will agree that Grammie is not your typical 70-year-old! Happy Birthday, Mom! Let's climb Cotopaxi next year for your 71st, OK?

The Master's Charge

In Me

November has been an amazing month for us. Ken went to the jungle to work with the Tsáchila people with a couple of men for a few days. They experienced life for the "Colorado" people, called this because of the red dye they use in their hair. It was an amazing time for him as he saw first hand the people of this tribe living out their culture and heritage, but now using the Bible to guide them spiritually in their new Christian walk. He asks that you pray for these people as they seek the Lord, to live for Him and know more of Him each day.

I was able to go on a 9 day medical mission trip with a church from Oklahoma (Henderson Hills). We had clinics in Guayaquil, Zaruma and Pasaje, with me covering over 32 hours in 1 week on the road. We saw over 500 patients, treating medical and dental needs, but also seeking to help them spiritually. At the end of clinic we would have a night time church service in each location to share God's word and love with the people of these communities. We saw on our last night in Pasaje several people give their lives to Christ, and several recommit their lives as well. As one of our team members Tommy said at the end of the trip, "We planted some seed, watered some, and even saw some harvest."

Ken and I are are so thankful that God has allowed us to be a part of these amazing mission trips. Please pray with us that the people that were ministered to will grow in Christ and encourage each other as a young church. Please also pray for the pastors of the churches in these communities as they disciple the people and face the challenges of living in these areas.

Day of the Dead

We have found that in each culture there are different celebrations honoring certain people. In Costa Rica they had a big celebration to honor the farmers or their country. Here in Ecuador they have a celebration honoring the dead.

Every year on November 2nd as a result of the combination of Catholic and indigenous beliefs, the Day of the Dead takes place among families. They see it as a way to "catch up" with the ones who are no longer with us but have a life in a different world. People pack lunches of traditional food, flowers and offerings for the dead and head to the cemeteries where they spend the day as a family talking, eating, cleaning up the gravesite and speaking to the dead person. Ceremonial foods for this festivity include colada morada, a thick purple drink served hot made with raspberries, blueberries, cinnamon, pineapple and other fruits. To some this drink symbolizes blood showing the life of the ones that have moved on from this existence. The other traditional fare is the guagua de pan. This is a piece of bread shaped like a person. They decorate the bread with icing and it often has a filling of guava paste, chocolate or cream cheese inside.

Although the tradition of visiting the cemeteries has declined in the urban areas, it is still very common to see the bread and morada sold here in the stores for celebrations in homes around the city. Last Tuesday at our national women's Bible study I took my neighbor, Adrianna, to celebrate the holiday together at the home of one of the ladies from the study. She made the colada morada from scratch and we had two types of guagua to eat. The drink made fresh is wonderful. I tried to make it at home with a mix...not so great, but fresh, fantastic! The bread is a little sweet and really good with the guava filling.

The children at school even enjoy this tradition as all 3 of our kids had parties in their respective classrooms. Cade's daycare combined Halloween and Day of the Dead with having the children decorate their own bread and having them wear costumes and hunt for candy. I was told that Halloween in not permitted here in Ecuador as the current president does not desire for any foreign holidays to be a part of Ecuadorian culture. I don't believe the people necessarily care about that because plenty of moms, dads, and kids were enjoying their little version of trick or treat at the party.

One interesting fact is there are 3 national holidays over this same weekend. For the celebration on November 1st, All Saints Day, they have colorful parades and festivities in the southern provinces of the Sierra honoring their favorite Catholic saints. The 3rd of November marks the Independence of the province of Cuenca, so it is a 4 day holiday weekend for us.