Wow. 

The last 6 weeks were jam-packed full.  It's hard to even begin to reflect upon our time in the USA and share some of the joys of our travels in light of the recent earthquake in Ecuador.  Many have written and checked on us to make sure we are okay, as well as those we love and know here.  Thank you.  Ivan and I were still in the states when the earthquake hit and were quickly making calls and texts to check on those in Ecuador.  We are very blessed to have all of our family safe and well.  It is sobering to read the news reports and hear the stories of the devastation that has overtaken the coastal areas.  It will be a long road to recovery for many towns/communities but we have seen an outpouring of unity and generosity among the people of Ecuador as they come together through this tragedy.  We pray for the people of Ecuador to know the hope of Christ and a faith which cannot be shaken!
As usual, we have hit the ground running.  Spending our first few days back in country, in Quito.  Meeting with leaders and new contacts.  Ivan is in his element, phone ringing and in constant conversation with someone.  :)  It's back to lots of rice and Spanish for me. 
I willingly ate my way through the states (no shame), getting my fill of dill pickles, ice cream, donuts, etc.  Treasuring the moments of worship in English with the church body and taking an exaggerated amount of pictures of my nieces.  While the time raced by, God allowed me to have some wonderfully relaxed, meaningful moments with dear ones and new friends, too.  We met so many incredible people on our trip!  God orchestrated meetings for us that we could not have dreamed up if we tried.  We are so thankful for the many friends and family who hosted us, fed us, washed our laundry, spoke words of encouragement to us, and drove us around.  We feel truly blessed and loved.   

Part of the YL family wherever you go!

This was our first time on "furlough" and it was certainly a new experience for us.  Even though people warned us that we would get back to Ecuador exhausted, it still came as a bit of a shock to us.  It was certainly a change to be with one another literally 24/7 for 6 weeks, instead of each of us doing our "own" thing throughout each day.  My moments of solitude where before each new travel day when I would repack suitcases, praying that God would miraculously shrink things to fit inside!  Walking away from a meeting wondering, did we say everything we needed to say?  Did I answer that question well?  Or how about that moment when I'm translating for Ivan and my mind goes completely blank and I stutter my way through a presentation?  Not my shining hour.  (and wouldn't you know, that's the time they've courteously recorded us speaking and hand us our very own copy...).  I was not fully prepared for the reality of limited time with friends and family.  Choosing to make each minute count is harder than it seems.  There's still something that tugs at my heart wishing for one more hug.  As we sat in the airport waiting for our connecting flight to Quito, I felt very mixed emotions.  Leaving home and yet going home at the same time. 
So, here we are.  Five big suitcases and some carry-on bags later.  Refreshed but also very ready for a good nights sleep in our own bed. 
Pray for those affected by the earthquake and who have no bed to call their own. 
"Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heaven for you." 1 Peter 1:3-4

Spring:  a great reminder of new life!