We made it back to Nebraska! We were welcomed by cold conditions. And everyone freaking out about influenza. Thankfully, so far, our family has avoided it.
For our last day in Ecuador, we were able to take a tour bus around Quito. We saw lots of historic buildings and churches dating back as far as the 15 and 1600s. It was a nice time sightseeing, enjoying the food and some family time.
Ready for our tour of Quito!
Travelling home was quite the journey: a 4 hour drive from Shell to Quito, a 6 hour midnight flight to Atlanta, then another 3 hour flight to Kansas City. Then another 5 hours in the car to Aurora where we spent a day with Paul's mom and dad. We arrived home after another 3 hour drive and went straight to bed. It was nice to have Wettlaufers on our flights and hanging out in the terminal waiting for our flights.
So much traveling. Only a chance for a quick nap here.
Adjusting back to life in Nebraska takes time. Life here is very different from life in Ecuador. The main thing the kids have noticed is that we don't play outside when it's freezing cold. We've had to be creative in how we get our exercise. Finding a new routine, and getting the house back in order has been the focus for this week.
Grandma had knee surgery just before we got back. That didn't stop her from entertaining!
It's amazing to me the quantity of material things we have accumulated over the past six years living in this house. After two months with only a few dishes, toys and a week's worth of clothes, it's surprising how much stuff I have found while cleaning the house that we really don't need. Downsizing is the name of the game.
One more bump for the road for Scarlett. This was the only time she actually had a bump from all her falls.
Paul is back to work on the farm this week. Even when it's cold, there are things to do. Silas has enjoyed riding along in the semi truck delivering corn to the elevator.
Spring is just around the corner which means long hours of field work and planting for Paul. Silas is back with his friends learning verses at AWANA club, and enjoying Sunday School with the teachers he has missed. Scarlett is continuing to explore and grow. She is glad to be home where the carpet can cushion her falls. Katrina is excited to purge the house of the excess, and is dealing with a bathroom remodelling project that came up just before we had left for Ecuador.
Our last meal in Shell. Lots of great memories. We look forward to the friendships in this life and the next.
We are excited to see what God has in store for us next. This morning at breakfast, Silas said that we have to go back to Ecuador to see his friends. God has blessed us with adventurous children too! God is so good. Now we can be on the lookout for our family's next adventure.
How you can pray for us:
Continue to pray for God's Will to be done in Ecuador
Continue to pray for the missionaries in Shell
Continue to pray for our family as we try to adjust back to life in the states
Pray that God guides us in identifying where we can serve Him best
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