It's impossible to share everything that has gone on since my last post.  The last few months have been FULL.  We received our first intern, Lauren, in mid-March, who has been doing an amazing job in Cuenca.  We hosted a returning YLX team from WA at the end of March.  Then a few days later we flew to the USA.  From there we hit the ground running, trying to see as many of you as we could over the next 6 weeks, speaking and sharing about the ministry, and it was wonderful, encouraging, and exhausting all at the same time!  For those who met up with us over coffee, dinner, dessert, baby play-dates, walks, and however else, THANK YOU!  It was so life-giving for me to reconnect with old friends (2 years feels way too long to be apart, but you make it so easy to pick up where we left off).  To my mom, babysitter extraordinaire, you're the best!  Not only did she watch Benjamin while we went off to meetings and activities, but took night duty as well, so this mama could get a full nights rest!  Praise the Lord!

I was a bit nervous heading into our trip, wondering how Benjamin would do with all the travel, lack of schedule, and onslaught of people vying for his love and attention.  But there was no need to worry!  I guess our crazy life in Ecuador, has been good training because he was a real trooper.  He did great on the flights and while a bit more active these days, he was still happy.  On our long road trips he thankfully would sleep for most of it (with the uncanny ability to wake within 15-20 minutes of our final destination, whether it was an hour or 5 hour drive...).  Always the charmer, despite teething, he was a happy little boy smiling at each new face and ready to explore whatever new location we were at.  We realize we are BLESSED.

Blessed with a healthy and happy 10 month old boy!
Blessed with loving friends and family who poured into our lives the last 6 weeks.
Blessed with continued financial support and new donors.
Blessed with safety and health throughout our trip.
Blessed by the hospitality of others.
Blessed to return to a home that was taken care of.
Blessed.

"O my soul, bless God.  From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
 O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing!
 He forgives your sins -- every one.
 He heals your diseases -- every one.
 He redeems you from hell -- saves your life!
 He crowns you with love and mercy -- a paradise crown.
 He wraps you in goodness -- beauty eternal.
 He renews your youth -- you're always young in his presence.

 Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are -- everything and everyone made by God.
 And you, O my soul, bless God!"   (Psalm 103:1-6, 22)

I'm always full of conflicting emotions when we are traveling to and from the states.  There's a sense of coming "home" when I land on US soil.  Freedom and independence as I drive around to familiar locations, capable of doing anything on my own.  The comforts of being able to flush my toilet paper and drink water from the tap.  In some of our longer road trips, Ivan would ask me, "Do I want to live here?  Would I rather live in the states?  Am I happy to be in Ecuador?"  Those are some serious questions and if I'm honest, I didn't respond quickly with a "No, of course I'm happy and want to live in Ecuador!" kind of answer.  There's a part of me that longs for that which is easier.  To live near my family, to have a Walmart, to enjoy friendships that are formed and have stood the test of time.  When I shared with my mentor Ivan's questions, she asked me what I really do think/feel about that.  I responded that honestly, I try not to think about those kinds of questions.  I don't play the game of "What if".  What if I had stayed in the states?  What if our life was different?  Because I made a choice.  A choice to marry Ivan.  A choice to follow him.  And I'm committed to that choice.  So it just doesn't seem wise to me to let my mind start going down that road.  Sometimes being content, means learning not to compare.  After some silence, I did answer Ivan's questions.  "My home is with you (Ivan) and Benjamin.  It doesn't matter where we are.  But God has so clearly called you to lead YL in Ecuador and I am happy to walk beside you in that call."  Maybe it wasn't exactly what he was hoping to hear, but we've always based our relationship on honesty and transparency.  The day before we flew back to Quito, Ivan asked me what I missed about Ecuador and if I was ready to go back.  I said, "Well, for the last 6 weeks, I haven't cooked a single meal.  I've got you and Benjamin.  I've been catching up with friends and drinking coffee to my heart's content.  To tell the truth, I'm feeling pretty good."  As we waited at the gate, someone texted me and said, "Hope it feels good and right to head home."  And crazy as it is, it did.  That's the thing about those conflicting emotions.  Because home is also Ecuador.  Home is seeing those majestic Andes mountains, meeting with our YL leaders, and dreaming and planning about how to reach every kid, every where.  When you are walking in what God has called you, it is good and right.  Not always easy, but there is a sureness that comes from knowing you are where you are supposed to be.

Bridgewater babies! :)

Getting to spend my first Mother's Day with my mom!

Ivan's dreams coming true ;)

Cousins!

It was supposed to be spring.... at least we got to wear fun hats

These ladies know how to be real about life with one another

Lauren- our amazing YL intern!  Seriously, this girl has set the bar REALLY high for any future interns.