The past few weeks were full of packing and selling off things from our home of three years. Things were surprisingly peaceful and we had so much quality time with the people we grew to love as family - those from Sacha Runa. Our closest friends came to the guesthouse where we were staying our last night. We had pizza and played games. The next morning, they came and brought more. We had fun for about an hour and then said our difficult good-byes. Brooke and I were crying the night before and as we left. Valerie was coming to terms with the fact that Maria would not be coming with us.
As for how we were able to leave so quickly, American items are surprisingly popular in Ecuador - so we ended up giving a lot to Sacha Runa to sell and we sold a lot of the items that we wanted to keep, but could easily replace one we arrived back. Sacha Runa made enough money for seating for the church, a new guitar, a piano, and a children's building (all before we left). They still had piles that we gave them the last week that will be sold to build a bathroom. Several of the women were set up with small home businesses that ranged from small live stock, to sewing, to hair cutting (thanks to generous donations from our last group, Threads of Hope and a localGainesville family). Another special couple donated funds that we were able to give for a worship room to be built in Macas. Thank you to everyone who has helped contribute over the past 3+ years to improving the lives of the indigenous in Ecuador and helping to further God's kingdom and love there.
Our trip was pretty smooth. We had 22 hours of travelling. We left Shell around 8am, arrived at the airport around 2pm, boarded the flight to Panama around 4pm, then the flight to Orlando around 8pm (Panama time). We left the Orlando airport around 4am with our wonderful friend Ben and his son (always great to see a familiar face after a lot of travelling). We arrived home around 6am. The girls were a little wired by that point, but crashed around 5pm. I found Brooke and Courtney buried under stuffed animals in Courtney's twin bed. Natalie was buried under blankets on the couch and Valerie Grace made her own bed on the floor (I guess after being without a bed in Ecuador the last week, she found it familiar).It feels really great to be back. We miss our "family" there but are so thankful to have time with our family here as well.
We left our cell phones with Maria (my best friend there) so that she can call us. We rarely used our cell phones and racked up lots of minutes paying $6 a month for three years. We have already received two wonderful phone calls and are so thankful we were able to leave the phone for easy connection after we left. Two families should be getting internet out there soon and we also have mail connection which we will use to finish up the translation work.
We have been unpacking and trying to get the house fixed up a bit as there is the possibility of another move for us (within Florida). We would appreciate your continued prayers for a job offer for Craig.
Valerie Grace has started back up with therapy with Ms Jenna (and is loving it). The girls have all started homeschooling again and we are all enjoying it. We are still working on getting some sort of schedule, but the thought of moving again soon has me weary of getting in too much of a routine. It is very nice having all of our things in one place. That makes homeschooling much easier. We all enjoyed attending church (in English) this past Sunday.
I am not sure if all of you know, but this month is childhood cancer awareness month. It seems there is a day, week, month for almost anything now - but being a parent that has walked through this, seeing so many newly diagnosed and having to say goodbye for now to their children, it seems that it is something I should share with those who might not know. This year, 46 mothers will be shaving their heads on live TV. Many of these moms have become "friends" through an online support group for those walking the journey with pediatric brain tumors. The 46 mamas represent the 46 families that will hear "your child has cancer" today (and everyday). Friday, September 10th there will be a simulcast on the major networks at 8pm EST.
Just a reminder that someone out there might be having the worst day of their life.....your smile, your help, your love could help make a difference.
Love,
Celeste
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
It is all about trusting in Him - not in healing, in wealth, in all of the things of our own understanding. Seek Him for He is worthy of being sought!
leave a message in our guestbook
