I ate a bug…on purpose!

We know its also been pretty exciting for a lot of you in the States lately, with the crazy weather and all. Many of you have been out of school/work because of such bad road conditions. 

Well, we've had our own excitement here. Actually, things are always exciting here. 

We have gone, once again, about 4 days without water. However, this time we were not able to hook up a hose to our outside tap because there was no water in the outside tap. So on friday we had a half day of school (since our bathrooms are out of commission along with our kitchen). 

We found it fairly ironic that many in people in Texas and Oregon were also out of school that day too. 

Thankfully the water returned Monday and we are back to "normal" operating conditions. 

The School of Hope is gearing up for the Christmas season! It is an exciting time around here. Each of our 6 Learning Centers are decorating a Christmas tree. The Learning Center with the most creative ornaments receives and cookie and hot chocolate party! The traditional Ecuadorian curriculum teachers are working with their students to create skits for our Christmas program on December 20th. I cannot wait to see our kids in action and post pictures for all of you guys!

We also are getting in the Christmas spirit at home with our own tree. I know quite a few people who will appreciate our sense of style!

We recently had a large PTA meeting to talk about Christmas time and also our procedures manual. There was a large turn out! We are blessed to have parents who want to get involved in the school and in their kids' futures.

 Jake and I have been spending some time down at the Haciendas in the afternoons. We have a lot going on on the property (school and orphanage) so we try to help out when needed. Last week we were with the boys, playing foosball and watching movies. These kids are so sweet and fun to be around!

Since the Directors of the orphanage are in the States for a quick visit, we have been spending a lot of time with the orphanage's volunteer case manager, Courtney Hard. She has been a lot of fun and also very adventurous. We were eating lunch in Cayambe after church on Sunday and ran across a street vendor selling fried and seasoned Catzos. These are bugs that come out once a year and are common snacks in Ecuador. So of course, we all had to try some!

Yipes!

 The mountain peaked out this morning for a few minutes.  The sunlight was hitting on the clouds and hills so beautifully, I couldn't be but in awe of our wonderful Lord's creation. Unfortunately, photographs just don't do it justice!

"The whole earth if filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy."

Psalm 65:8