Time for Church!

We just walked into the house and it's almost 3:00.  It's already been a full Sunday here in Shell.  At 7am I (Stacy) went into the neighboring town with a few others to purchase fruit for the team for the week.  There is a large farmer's market on Sundays and it was quite an experience.  I'll share pictures and more about that next Sunday.  Afterwards we all got ready for church.  

We left the house at 10:00 to walk over to church (about 15 minute walk).

We walked through the town and then over this swinging bridge.  It is about 40 feet off the ground and feels as if you are walking in the treetops of a jungle.  It's a bit creaky and well, swinging, which the girls did not like in the beginning, but have come to enjoy already.

Here is where we went to Spanish service this morning.  It is the church that Gustavo and Ines (the local GRN missionaries) with their two young children.

We sang all the same songs that we sing at RBC, well, except they were in Spanish.  The girls enjoyed knowing the tune though.  Singing lasted an hour and then the message another hour.

Afterwards many on our team went to lunch at a "Paradero Vista Hermosa."  A place to eat with a beautiful view.  The view was just like a photograph.  We in California have no concept of the various shades of green that the Lord has given his creation.  This picture surely can not capture it either.

Lunch or almuerzo was excellent.  I had grilled fish with rice and fried plantains.Emil ate fried fish.

The girls ate beef and chicken and drank a new favorite soda called Inca Cola (for Pastor Shane).

We are now home and ready for a bit of a siesta.  The entire team has now arrived in Shell and the recordist training will begin tomorrow.  A handful of the team is not feeling well though.  People were so busy before traveling here and then traveled great distances.  Please pray for health for all.  The Meyer family is all well though!

We Made It!

Praise the Lord we made it and let me tell you, it was only by the grace of God!

1.  As you know 1/2 of American Airline flights were delayed and the rest canceled.  Both of our flights departed right on time!  Thanks be to God - Gracias a Dios!

2.  While on the flight a 6 year old girl, sitting in front of us, had a febrile seizure.  Emil recognized what it was and instantly called for Gerry, who is a doctor.  She took care of the little girl and her hysterical mother and all was well.  An emergency at 30,000 feet is a scary thing.  Gracias a Dios!

3.  All 20 plus bags containing 100's of pounds of equipment arrived safely in Quito - yes... ALL OF IT! The agent at LAX actually complimented us on how well we packed.  Thanks to all who helped. Gracias a Dios!

4.  Two international  planes were due to arrive in Quito Wednesday night.  One from Spain and then ours from Miami.  We were supposed to arrive first, but were delayed.  The plane from Spain arrived right before ours and customs must have had extra energy because they went through every piece of luggage that the 400 passengers brought in.  When we made it to customs they let all of our team, but us go through without question.  They questioned Emil about what was in our bags,  but they didn't understand his English.  They proceeded to search our first bag when I remembered Gerry had typed up a letter explaining, in Spanish, the reason for the equipment we were bringing.  I showed the agent the letter and she sent us on through with a smile!  Gracias a Dios!

4.  We spent the night in a hostal in Quito and had an Ecuadorian breakfast of hominy and eggs with cheese and fresh bread.

5.  Thursday - we went to the equator (the actual one) and had a tour and a lesson about what being on the equator means (scientifically).  Did you know that when water goes down the drain, while on the equator, it does not spin to the right or the left, but goes straight down.  If you are in the Northern Hemisphere is turns counter clockwise, and the opposite in the Southern.  Hmmm... did that count as school?

6.  We then traveled 5 hours to Shell.  We stopped for a lunch of fried fish and shrimp.  Yum!  After lunch we continued our journey and the most amazing thing happened.  A rainbow led our way.  It was absolutely beautiful and when I get my camera connected I'll post a picture.  God is so good.  We were already admiring the beautiful jungle, the roaring river, the majestic mountains and then he threw in a rainbow too!  Gracias a Dios!

7.  Friday - We spent the day organizing equipment and finding the stores that we will be shopping at.  

Our family is Fantastico!  The house we are staying in is beautiful!  The people here are so friendly and we have already learned a lot of Spanish.  The girls have adapted beautifully and we are very proud of them.  We are exhausted though and ready for a bit of rest.  I can't tell you the feeling of peace I have felt over the past few days.  We all feel the prayers and know the Lord has his hand on every moment.  Thank you so much for all of your words of encouragement and prayers.  We love you all and look forward to sharing more. I promise not to write a book each time.

Here We Go....

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations."  Psalm 67:1-2

This is what we are praying for our trip... that the Lord make his face shine upon us so that all may know of his saving grace!  Our bags are packed (well, almost) and the last minute details are being wrapped up.  We will be flying to Ecuador early Wednesday morning and will be back on November 10.  We will have internet access and will update our blog regularly.  We'd love to hear from you all!  Thank you to all of you who are praying, encouraging, supporting and just loving us.  We are blessed beyond words.