Hey friends!  I don't know about you, but is anyone else looking at the calendar thinking, "how is it already the end of November?!?"  On the one hand, I am super excited because I LOVE decorating for Christmas, and this year we actually have a fireplace and mantle and that just opens up a whole new world for decorations!  On the other hand, 2017---can you slow down a little bit?

A couple of highlights from this month:

-Benjamin rolled over!
-My sister came to visit for Thanksgiving
-Fun times with family and friends
-We got more chickens!
-BBQ with new friends
-Ivan's birthday

We've done a few trips back and forth from Shell and each time we go, it feels a bit like a "furlough" or "home assignment" (when missionaries go back to their home country for a period of time).  While at first glance, you might think that means relaxing and hanging with friends, it's actually quite the opposite.  It means trying to cram as many meetings or times with friends as you possibly can into each day.  All too quickly, our evenings are booked, each meal scheduled to be shared with someone different, and lots of running around.  It's fun catching up with friends and encouraging to meet with our leaders (not to mention some special Benjamin + Abuela time).  Perhaps this is all just training for when we do come back to the USA for a visit... (SPOILER ALERT: Spring 2018 !!!).

Sister jumping picture at the Basilica

Naturally, during the holiday season, I become more homesick than usual.  Which is why, it was especially wonderful to have my sister come visit over Thanksgiving!  I think she left getting a real feel for the rhythm of my life here and we made some great memories along the way.  Once again, feeling very thankful to now live only 30 minutes from the airport!  It makes having international visitors that much easier.  *hint hint*

Social media was full of beautiful table settings and large arrays of delicious food on Thanksgiving.  And guys, I'm all about food.
But as I read in Psalm 50:20 "Spread for Me a banquet of praise." I was reminded that there is One worthy of extravagant praise.  So as we work through those turkey leftovers, let's also remember to be generous with our praise to the Heavenly Father.  He is so worthy.

Cousins! 

Benjamin's first Thanksgiving :) 

This dude does great in the car (plus he's a cutie)

Tungurahua Volcano