Summer. 

We experienced a real summer in the states this year and it was amazing.  My prior post talked about an emptying... this felt like being filled up.

Filled up with meaningful conversations with friends.  Filled up (literally) with food.  Filled with experiences and memories.  Filled with encouragement.  

Benji and I travelled first and then a few weeks later, Ivan joined us.  I measure my level of relaxation by the fact that I was able to read 2 entire books (for fun)!  

Any time stateside is always a delicate dance between reconnecting with family and friends and also working in the area of fundraising.  Sometimes I feel guilty, for simply relaxing, when I know that I have a responsibility to also work towards our financial support goal.  We are not new at this.  We've been on the field as a family since 2014.  It doesn't make fundraising any easier.  It does however mean we've seen God's faithfulness and provision year after year.  So, we hold on to that as we continue.  

Since our wedding in June of 2014, we only briefly spent time in the states last June for Ivan's naturalization ceremony.  Ecuador's biggest camp takes place in August and it has always been difficult to get away in the time leading up to and during camp.  This year, however, Ivan made the bold decision to entrust camp completely to his team.  It was a big milestone for YL Ecuador.  While we missed being at camp, we also felt really proud of the team that led it successfully.  (Check out this video from camp!)

I am incredibly grateful for each person who welcomed us into their home and shared time with us.  We met some people for the very first time and felt immediately embraced like family.  I am humbled by the generous hospitality extended to me and my family.  I am also reminded to cultivate that same spirit of kindness towards others.  Ivan and I talked in the long hours driving from one place to another about how loved we felt and how we want to replicate that back in Ecuador.  It's true, some have a real gifting at hosting, but I believe we are called to extend hospitality.  

I'm an introvert.  I love being with people but I need time to myself to recharge.  As you can imagine, visiting with people nonstop for 2 months doesn't allow very much time to myself.  So, while we loved our time in the states, it also feels good to be back in Ecuador.  

I have officially started another year of homeschool and we are already seeing our calendar fill-up for the months of September and October.  

We shared with some during our visit that we have been monitoring our son's growth as he has consistently fallen below the growth curve for his age.  If you've met him, then you know that while he may be small, he certainly acts on par for an average 8-year-old boy.  We would appreciate your prayers as we navigate testing and suggestions from doctors on the best form of action to take.  Testing has determined a partial growth hormone deficiency.  We have a follow up appointment here in Ecuador with the pediatric endocrinologist sometime in September.  

July 4th: baseball, hot dogs and fireworks!

Family time

Lego's and Libraries