It has been one day short of two months for Tanya and I living here in Ecuador. In some ways time has flown by and in others it seems much longer than two months. The cultural differences and structure of living in a different country definitely start to become much more real now that we are settling into life here. I would definitely say that Tanya and I have gone through moments of frustration and joy in these two months. Simple things like shopping for groceries, gas in the vehicle, and driving have become much more normal. Our next step is to learn more language and conversation so that we can have better communication and more in-depth day to day living.
Tanya and I decided to not move in to Qutio to study Spanish. We have decided to stay here on the property with the Hacienda and school and drive back and forth to another town called Otavalo to study Spanish throughout the week. Our schedule will be determined by how much time is needed to study and practice Spanish along with the need at the school.
Speaking of school, we are definitely up and running! We just finished the fourth week of classes and continue to progress though different procedures and organization. We have had a good start to the school year and will continue to keep in contact so that the procedures established will become the norm at the Academy. We have had many successes and compliments to the start of the year, but we know that there are many more things to do and it will take most of the year to establish and accomplish!
Friday was a holiday so our students and staff members (and us!) were able to enjoy a nice 3 day weekend.
On the lighter side of life, I have become better at building bigger and hotter fires. The temperatures here at the top of the property (10,000 ft.) are generally between 38-45 degrees at night so having some heat when at home in the evening is advantageous. It will warm up into the 60s mainly during the day, but can be warmer in the valley and Quito during the day. I have not had to help any more calves out of our yard lately. They have been very audible along with the hogs behind our house. I believe though we have come to an agreement and once the sun sets, we all are able to sleep peacefully....
We appreciate everyone thinking and praying for us and the people here in Ecuador. We appreciate the support and thoughts you have given us! I will be working on sending out the first newsletter this weekend as well. Of course, we have pictures below! Enjoy and we will be in contact again soon!
We had some problems with our class schedules the past couple weeks. A couple of our teachers were being double-booked. So we had to have people try to cover last. Two weeks ago, Tanya covered a P.E. class. The next day she covered another class and did a quick art class. Here are some of the 4th graders coloring.
Great minds must think alike. The assignment was for the student to draw his or her favorite thing that happened this week. Here is Ms. Tanya's drawing. Below is one of a student.
Thursday we had a special assembly for the presentation of the flag of Ecuador. Our top 13th graders received the honor of bearing the flags while a few of our staff members read the significants of the colors and symbols.
The presentation of the Ecuadorian flag.
The Ecuadorian flag, the flag of Pedro Moncayo and the HOH Christian Academy flag held by Nicholas Vargas, Pamela Sandoval and Patricia Sandoval respectively.
Thanks for stopping by!
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