T.G.I.F. in Ecuador!

Well friends...this sure is an adventure. We had a full day yesterday and we're enjoying a small siesta now. (Thank you Lord).

Thursday: Here's the run down. We woke up @ 8am to Mama Alicia saying "Juan y Anita. Es tiempo para desayuno!" And one of the guys walking around ringing the "meal bell". (which is actually one of those metal triangle insturments from kindergarten.) Breakfast consists of fruit...fresh from the market that morning, bread...fresh from the panaderia (bakery) that morning...eggs...and cafe con leche. We all eat together around a huge table in the dining room and talk about the plans for the day. Alicia, sweet Alicia, asked Jon and I to share our story with the guys...in Spanish...at 8am. We struggled through verb tenses and articles and prespositions, but the guys understood the gist of things. Then, each one of them, 7 in all, shared their stories (how long they'd been here at CV, where they're from, and whatever else they wanted to share.) This was an awesome/challenging meal for Jon and I as we were confronted with our lack of Spanish head on. This, we feel, is our greatest challenge at this point. Thankfully, the guys are VERY patient and helpful and many of them are working to learn English. We're getting better each hour.

After breakfast, we went to work. Jon working alongside Esteban (a guy who's lived here for over 3 years) and I with Alicia - getting the run-down of it all. When we came back together, Jon and I both felt like that time was incredibly affirming of our desire to be here in Ecuador.

Later in the afternoon, Jon had the opportunity to help paint the library in the house (it's magnificent. we'll make sure to take pictures) and I was in my element, playing with Elias, the librarian's son. He and I read books that I brought down here (they're all kids books in Spanish), played a Spanish/English memory game, drew pictures, played hide-and-seek in the house, and practiced our futbol skills on the back patio (He took me down...). I fell in love with this little guy and was thankful for his forgiving spirit as I tried to interact with him in Spanish. He taught me and I taught him. I can't wait to get to know more of the kids here in this community. They steal your heart just walking past them. Jon is thankful that he has been able to play a small part in the completion of the house, helping out here and there with various projects.

Last night, we had the incredible opportunity to sit in on the CV board meeting at Alicia's parent's house in the city. (Her dad Sixto, was the former mayor of Quito and president of Ecuador in the early 90's.) Her family is AMAZING. We've already set up some time to play a new card game with them (Samba) when we return in July. Jon can't wait. (I told him to go easy on Sixto...I think the man might know a few people in Ecuador. You want to stay on his good side.)

Alicia, Jon and I then went to "Gringolandia". That's right, Gringo Land. We had a small dinner and talked more about our visions, roles, dreams, expectations, gifts, etc.

Then...home to CV. To bed in our room with our own fireplace. We're SO blessed.

Friday (today):

I'm getting a little tired of writing, so I'll give you the quick run down and fill you in on the details later.

8am: Breakfast (We all cycle through the cooking and shopping at the market. Two by two.)
9am: dishes...we all do them together
10:30ish: Rode in the back of a pickup to pick up some plants for CV. We actually dug them out of a yard of a friend's house who didn't want them anymore. When some (or most!) of you come to visit, you will be able to see some of the flowers and plants that we brought to the house and helped to plant. And you may just be enjoying some of the fruits of our labor. No pun intended...or was there?
12pm: Take the trolley bus back the center near CV. Stop for AMAZING fresh juice...they juice whatever fruits you want right in front of you. I had carrot, banana, and orange. Jon had orange and pineapple. FRESH for 50 cents each. This may become an addiction.
1:30pm: Lunch. Pasta with chicken or calamari.
Now: Siesta
Later: Jon's leading a devotion with the guys. In Spanish. Go Juanito!
Dinner: We're going over to Jose and Caro's house for dinner tonight. Such a treat. Then, the journey home in a taxi by ourselves. Let's hope we get back to the right place! :)

-- We can't thank you enough for your prayers and encouragement. This journey we're beginning is exciting, scary, and full of adventure. Following Jesus seems to bring those feelings out. We can't wait to talk with each of you about this time in Ecuador. We love you!

For those of you who are curious about the title of this blog...well, there is a TGIFridays in Ecuador! Double Bacon Ranch Cheeseburger with Avocado and French Fries and onion rings. If that doesn't convince you to Thank God and come visit...well then I don't know what will.
Love, Juanito y Anita