What a week!

We are back in town to use the internet today.  Our first Spanish lesson was great.  Not that I did well, but our instructor is going to move along at a quick pace and we’re going to learn a lot!

Tonight, my first Ecuadorian cooking lesson courtesy of Julio’s wife, Gina!  When I asked she giggled and stared at me.  Once she realized I was serious (through a translator) she agreed.  Then she went around telling the workers that she was going to teach me to cook.  Even if I learn nothing, the relationship building will be priceless!

A great thing happened yesterday as we were leaving the internet cafe.  We met Debra and Thomas Moore from the United States.   They are moving here to Misahualli from Ambato this week to serve the communities along the river.  After driving us home, they stayed and visited with us until 11:30.  Just hearing the people of God  (especially punctuated with a southern accent and hugs) made me feel so comforted.  Amazingly, they are bringing a team from Homerville, Georgia to the jungle very soon.  For those of you unfamiliar with south Georgia, Eric’s family is from Homerville and Fargo. Meeting someone in the jungle of Ecuador who knows people from the swamps of south Georgia is nothing less than a God thing!!

I have a calendar, a meal plan, and Bible Study schedule. So far those things are going smoothly.   The laws here are changing and educational reform is on the way.  We don’t know what the government here is going to allow JKC to do about the school.   No preschool will be  allowed on campus, so schooling Elijah at home is the obvious alternative.   The girls may be homeschooled with supplemental classes on campus because the older children will have to travel to Tena for distance learning.  When and what Eric and I will be teaching at the school is still flexible and God is intent on demonstrating that it is His will that guides our steps.

And so I follow monkeys and learn about the plants and weed a small garden left by a previous intern.  We laugh with the local kids and I practice my Spanish on them and embarass my children.  I try to focus on who God is and what He  has shown  us and that we are here to serve Him in whatever capacity He chooses.  I am reminded that my job is to listen to my Father.