Remembering an Amazing Grandpa

The summer before I came to Ecuador, I went to visit my grandparents in Ohio. As I said goodbye to them, I broke down crying. It was the first real time that I noticed their frailness and vulnerability—probably because I was aware of how long it would be until I saw them again. The horrible thought went through my mind of “if I see them again.”

What an amazing God I have when I think about the time I was able to spend with them during this past summer when we were able to visit from Ecuador. The most painful process has been watching my Grandma continue to decline as she goes deeper into dementia. My Grandpa, on the other, despite his almost blindness and his struggle to walk, has a huge smile on his face when we saw him, making jokes with people passing by and sometimes taking a cheerful jab at my Grandma. I don’t think I thought of losing him first.

On Monday, November 7^th, my Grandpa went to be the the Lord. As my sister reminded me, he has a new body now in heaven. He can walk with no pain, see for miles, and most likely is playing beautiful hymns and praises to God. What a comforting thought. Yesterday morning when I shared with my 7^th grade students that I was sad about my Grandpa dying, one of my students pointed out that a praise for our morning prayer-time should be that he’s in heaven. It’s hard to rejoice during this time, but I’m thankful to know he’s free of pain and joyful despite the loss that we feel.

My most vivid memories of my Grandpa are as followed:

-Playing board games with him and my grandma

-The car rides with him every Wednesday when he came to pick me up

-His friendly and joyful singing voice

-His laughter

-His sometimes awkward and inappropriate jokes (more of this in his older age, I think he was losing his filter…haha)

-His music –this, of course, is what I will always remember.

-His all-caps emails

-His reminder to me that him and my grandma prayed for us every morning

When I visited him after being in Ecuador, he told me how proud he was to see me go and serve the Lord. He told me it was honor for him to have lived to see such a special thing.

It is our intent to go home for my Grandpa’s memorial service, but we need your help. Please prayerfully consider assisting us with this added and unexpected cost of airline tickets. We are looking into our options of traveling home for this time to support my family and to help with closure.

Please also pray for my family and I during this time. I’m finding it even harder to be here in Ecuador and away from the familiar while I’m grieving. Clinton has been wonderfully caring and supportive through my uncontrolled emotions these past two days. I am thankful, however, more than ever to know that I have a community of faith both here and at home supporting and praying for us.

Thank you to numerous friends who have encouraged me with verses. This one especially stood out to me from Isaiah 43, reminding me of God’s faithfulness and care:

But now, this is what the LORD says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

² When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

³ For I am the LORD your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,

Cush and Seba in your stead.

⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight,

and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,

nations in exchange for your life.

⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

I will bring your children from the east

and gather you from the west.

This is one of my favorites: Dad and Grandpa playing music together.

Keeping up with life...

I was sure that I would do better this Fall with keeping up my blog. I have found a true blessing in having a little extra time on my hands. The funny thing is, despite that extra time, I still feel like I’m bustling around and keeping busy.

Last year I took on a huge responsibility of teaching high school English with a total of 6 different classes over the whole year. I am thoroughly enjoying the lack of papers to grade and not having to plan for hours after school each day! My new position as ESL coordinator has been challenging but enjoyable. I am working on creating a stronger department and requirements for the ESL students at our school. I am also loving my 7th grade ESL kids that I teach. They are energetic and fun to teach!

Last year Clinton and I chaperoned the 7th grade trip to the cloud forest, Mindo. This year I went again. Clinton had to stay back because of coaching. My biggest triumph during the trip was zip-lining upside-down! It was called “el murciélago” or “the bat.” Unfortunately I didn’t have my picture taken but here’s a picture online I found of a similar position (again—this is not me! Haha).

At the butterfly garden in Mindo....

Me and one of my students....



I have been doing a lot of cooking because Clinton comes home around 7 each night after coaching. That’s been keeping me busy with trying to find new things to cook with ingredients that I can find here. My favorite find recently has been butternut squash soup. It’s been a great Fall reminder even when there are no changing leaves or cooler temperatures here. I use something called “zapallo” which is what we use here in place of pumpkin for recipes—but essentially it’s a squash shaped like a pumpkin!

Here's the recipe:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/butternut-squash-soup/

Clinton continues to stay busy with work and coaching. The volleyball season is almost over, but soon basketball will start. Clinton has his moments of feeling overwhelmed and stressed, however he continues to go strong and especially enjoys coaching and teaching a business consumer math (anything that involves spreadsheets—if you know Clinton—he loves!).

I have been taking Salsa lessons with three other friends once a week. It’s been an enjoyable form of exercise and a little bit of culture thrown in! We’ve shared many, many laughs during our lessons and even try to practice once in a while on a Saturday.

Today is the last day of our first vacation break of the year. It was the day of the dead and also independence day for one of the cities in Ecuador. Our first day off was Wednesday, so it was a sizable vacation. We traveled to a nearby beach with three other couples and had a relaxing time out there! I love November because of Thanksgiving and how close it is to December break! Clinton and I will be coming home for Christmas, most importantly to attend and be apart of his brother, Ted’s, wedding. We’re flying in on December 15th and will spending the first half of vacation in PA with Clinton’s family and then on to the NY area to be with my family. I am literally crossing off each day on my calendar in anticipation for this trip!

At the beach..

The Boys....

The Girls....

...and we're back!

This summer can be summed up in one word: whirlwind. Clinton and I traveled all over and spent precious time with family and friends. In order to see everyone, we spent time in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Indiana. We also made a trip to New York City to catch up with friends, Minnesota, so I could attend my first doctorate residency, and New Jersey to spend a week at the beach with both our families.

It was a huge blessing to have the summer, especially after feeling really homesick at the end of the school year. I attempted to relax and rejuvenate despite the fact that I was taking two courses, one of which was my first doctoral research course.

Our trip back to Ecuador was fairly smooth and the transition into our new apartment was wonderful. The apartment we’re in is owned by a missionary who is not here this year, therefore it is all furnished helping us from starting up completely after leaving the furnished dorm apartment. It’s is a 2 minute walk from school, which is perfect. I am already experiencing getting out of my comfort zone as I interact with our grounds man (Jose). The first time I spoke with him, he just gave me a funny look as I struggled to communicate. I thought, ah geez, he’s not going to work with me as I stretch my brain to think of vocabulary. However, after numerous times of having trouble using my key and asking him to help me with the stove, he’s started to smile. He probably thinks I’m just a crazy gringa…but I’m excited for the challenge to continue our communication. In addition to communication with Jose, we are also learning how to attach our stove, washer, and water heater to gas tanks.

School started Thursday and it already feels like a new and different year. My new position is part time administration, so I have more meetings to attend and I’m now the point person for problem solving in my department. I have my office now instead of a classroom, which is a strange adjustment. I will be teaching, but only two classes, thus I will be going into other teachers’ classrooms for those two periods.

As usual, my goal will be to update this at least once a month. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support in everyway!

Blessings,

Christina

Both our families spent a joint vacation together in NJ before we came back to Ecuador. It was a special and blessed time!
Together with college friends at a shower I threw (with help!) for my roommate

With my niece, Mikayla (=

Clinton and I

Finishing year one....

Well that's one school year behind us! (well, at least here in Ecuador—it's crazy to think we just finished my fourth year of teaching!!)

It's always hard to end a year because that means goodbyes, usually for the summer. Here that's even more emotional because there are people who are not coming back. Many of them have been great friends over the past year and it's sad to see them go!

Today Clinton and I spent the afternoon and evening sorting out our things to “pack” for “moving.” I put both words in quotations because while we are moving to another apartment, the main thing we're moving is clothes. We have a couple kitchen items we bought over the year as well as a television, but other than that...not much. Since the apartment we've been in at the dorm is furnished, we did not need to buy any furniture. The biggest blessing is that we're moving into another furnished apartment! While we did need to buy a couch and some additional kitchen supplies (from the people who are living there currently), we did not need to buy anything else to outfit the place.

Tomorrow we'll move our stuff over to the apartment and then we'll have two days of living out of our suitcases that have been packed for our trip home for the summer! We'll be leaving on Tuesday morning...actually...Clinton's birthday (= He's not overly thrilled to be flying on his birthday, but a huge gift is getting home that evening!!

Summer will be quite busy for us. We'll be in Pennsylvania (Clinton's family), Indiana (My family), Connecticut (my sister), New York, Minneapolis (for my first doctorate residency!), and then Ocean City, NJ for a joint family vacation right before we're back in Ecuador! When I think about it this way, it feels like my summer has already gone by.

THANK YOU for your prayers and support over this year. We could not have done this without your encouragement, financial support, and constant prayers. This wasn't an easy year, but we are thankful that God as been constant in our lives. He has truly provided opportunities to understand our role here in South America!

Springing into things...

I have missed a month of blogging...time got the best of me!

Life feels like it sometimes moves too slow to enjoy and yet before I know it, a month has passed. Weird. The month of March seemed to be a “lull” month for me. The month seemed to drag by and I had many reminders of missing home—missing Mikayla's 1^st birthday and celebrating my own without my family. And yet, in spite of these low moments a lot of new things blossomed in this month of Spring (well spring for you—not for us). I started my first doctorate class and I took a new position for next year.

Out to dinner with friends for my birthday

Girls night...

I decided to start with one class for the first quarter so that I could ease into things. So far it has been more than manageable and I feel that I have gotten in the swing of on online classroom. I plan on taking two courses and attending my first residency over the summer. Four residencies are required over the course of the program—this is a time to meet other students, meet professors and start to dialogue about my dissertation with my mentor. Clinton will be traveling with me to Minneapolis at the end of July.

I have been challenged this year teaching a new subject. While I have many moments of stress, I really feel that I have been stretched and have grown over the course of this year. My true passion for teaching is tagged with my passion for the ESL field...and while I have a lot of second language learners in my class, that is not my official position this year—I've really missed it. I applied and was offered the position as ESL coordinator of our school. This is a huge opportunity for me to experience new roles of leadership and to take that passion I have and apply it to improving the ESL department. This is a part time administration role so in addition, I'll be teaching two classes. I am really excited about this and I feel that once again God's timing is amazing.

It is not without a doubt that we are looking forward to coming home for the summer. Clinton and I hope see as many as you as we can! Please let us know your plans so we can have a meal or coffee with you. It's always encouraging to catch up and be refreshed by meeting with friends!

We are blessed by your constant prayers and support. We plan on sending out a letter this summer to update you on our goals for raising financial support. This year God has truly provided and we've been touched by your help. Next year, our needs will raise a bit since we'll be moving out of the dorm and into an apartment. But as I said, we'll fill you in on that this summer. If you have questions about what we do or how to support us, we'd love to share how God is working here in Ecuador. Let us know!

Clinton and I are celebrating three years of marriage today! Incredible...I don't think we would have predicted celebrating it here in Ecuador. Blessed by a God who keeps us on our toes!

Water in the basement of the dorm after a huge downpour on Saturday night!

Camping at the bottom of Cotopaxi, unfortunately the clouds were out and our view wasn't great

Seriously Shocked

Well I have great news....and no I'm not pregnant (seriously...that's the automatic response when I say “guess what” --um what does that say about society...haha)

My disbelief continued throughout the week after I found out on Tuesday that I received a scholarship. Scholarship for what you ask?

About a month or so ago our school director forwarded the staff an email. It said that Walden University was going to be offering a scholarship to teachers who work in international schools. The catch was that your school had to be apart of one of five organizations/association (or group of schools). Our school is apart of ASSAA (Association of American Schools in South America). The university would give out one scholarship per association—so five scholarships total.

Walden University is a school that offers predominately online classes. I actually had looked into this school when I was in NYC because I received mail about their school. When I saw this opportunity, I thought—what the heck, I might as well apply.

The process wasn't too intense—I needed to send in my resume, two recommendation letters and of course an essay touching on four different areas where you have used your education and how you will you use your further education (areas were technology, global education, and so on). With the help of Clinton's fine editing skills, I finished my essay and sent in all the papers.

One week later I received an email with the title “Walden University –Congratulations”

um my reaction? Well I thought “this can't be” --I opened the email, did a quick read and headed down to my friend's classroom (I didn't know where Clinton was at the time). I entered her classroom and shakily said “I'm hyper-ventilating” “why?” she replied “I think I got the scholarship” cheers from her but also “you think?” “Well I don't know—I rushed through the email...but I'm in shock”

After some more hugging and cheering, my friend (Yari) told me to go read the email again (=

Well I did—and yes, I was right. I have received a full scholarship to pursue my PhD which will be in Education with a specialization in Instruction, Curriculum, and Assessment.

Later that night, after going out to eat for a celebration, I said to Clinton “what is God doing?”

He laughed and look at me quizzically... “you just got a full scholarship, what kind of question is that?”

I merely responded that I was so sure that it wasn't going to happen that it made me think how really I'm not the one in control of my life. Of course, I have the ability to make choices and to plan...but God is there to walk me through it and to throw me a curve ball ever so often! I'm extremely in awe of his blessings.

I ask that you pray for me as I start this amazing adventure. I am excited and yet of course, this will add new stress and time to my already busy life. I am hoping to take it a day at a time and to trust God. He has already given me an amazing support group –Clinton and my family of course, my friends at home, but even more so the friendships I've made here—their love and support!!

Busyness and Blessings

I wanted to write about last weekend...but I also wanted to write about this week. Instead of doing two separate blog posts...I figured I'd put it all in one...hence my title busyness (mostly last weekend, but really all the time) and blessings (also not just limited to this week—but really blessed this week!)

Last weekend the varsity basketball team (that Clinton coaches) had a tournament for the American schools in Ecuador. Excitingly enough our school hosted this tournament that lasted Friday and Saturday. Our school day was bustling on Friday because while we had school, many classes were attending the basketball and girls soccer games which were also a part of the tournament. It was a day filled with school spirit and intense games. Our team did really well on Friday and Saturday's last game ended up being between us and our biggest rival team, Cotopaxi.

The game was so enjoyable to watch because the teams were neck and neck the whole game. Not only that, but our bleachers were filled and so the spirit was high. I have to say that my back was extremely tense by the end of the game because I was sitting at the end of the bench the whole game. Our team came in first in the tournament! The season ended this weekend with another tournament. Unfortunately, it was not as successful...but the team still finished strong --winning first place in another division earlier this week.

This week was our second Spiritual Emphasis Week of the year for the middle and high school. It's hard for me to describe how and in what way, but I truly felt blessed this week by worship and by the speaker. The speaker was a parent from the school as well as a missionary (his parents were CMA missionaries and started some of the large CMA churches within Quito!). He was dynamic, entertaining, and switched back and forth from English to Spanish as he shared his week long message. The focus of the week was on loving the Lord with your heart, mind, soul and strength. Beyond the messages and worship—the truly touching part of the week were cardboard testimonies. Each day during the last song of worship, students (and some teachers) came on stage and shared a short sentence testimony. Every day, I held back tears from not only because of the vulnerability and courage it took for these students to come up, but also at how God was working in their lives. Examples were: “I thought I had to be perfect—I am perfect in God's eyes” “I foolishly spent my dad's money—God was with me through the consequences” “ My dad was shot at 6 times—no bullets hit his body, God protected him” “My home is 2000 miles away—God gave me all of you” “

Also, there were others who shared of suicide attempts, broken homes, being made fun of, death in the family, and other intense struggles. Something said in such a simple way and yet SO moving. I know that God was using the courage of these students to impact their peers. It was a little glimpse of pain and confession but more so how they recognized God's presence. I don't feel like my words can really share the impact—but I praise God for his love, grace, and presence!

“eres todo poderoso...eres grande y majestuoso...eres fuerte, invensible y no hay nadie como tu”

Looking at the mountains....

On the Soccer field

It was a beautiful sunny day in Quito this Saturday when our school hosted a “turkey bowl” or flag football tournament (traditionally it goes on during Thanksgiving –hence the name). Clinton participated with a team of other faculty and staff members of the school and they played against students and other teams formed by missionaries.

Clinton getting his "flags"

Sitting with friends on the field

Most of my day consisted of watching the games, relaxing and catching up with friends. (I also went to get an hour, $25 massage. Yes...jaw dropping...and I've heard there are places I can go that are even cheaper!) The coolest thing about our soccerfield is that if you look out over the field in one direction, you are also staring right at the mountains. It's a breathtaking sight and I always feel in awe when I see it.

I finished my first week of the new semester successfully. With the addition two new classes, my stress level has increased yet again. My goal, however, is to find a routine like I did for the first semester...and I believe this time around I'll be able to fall into that fairly soon. February is here and it already feels like it is moving fast.

I continue to feel at home here as my friendships grow and I feel comfortable where I am. I love knowing that new friendships turn into life long ones –especially when the connection is so strong. I truly feel loved by the few close friends I've made. The greatest thing I long for is to be with my niece. She's turning one in March and I never realized how sad it makes me feel to know that I will be missing her birthday! (10 days before mine and fifteen days before my sister –March girls!) I am thankful for the ability to view pictures and chat on skype. It at least gives me a “live” glance into what I'm missing.

Here's Mikayla with teeth! When we left after Christmas, her teeth were just peeking through! This picture is on my sisters blog (=

I feel like I've missed snow history of the century. I've been amazed at facebook friends all around constantly posting news about being snowed-in....crazy! Ever since we got back from cChristmas break, the weather here has been a bit warmer than before Christmas. While we have rain occassionally, it isn't that frequent anymore. Most days have been in the 70s for most afternoons...it's been beautiful!

That's it for now....

Much love!

I love how this picture's background came out with the clouds and mountains!

...and a Happy New Year

Clinton helping with a Simmons tradition--sweet rolls!

My goal is to get a post up at least once a month....so far I think I've been pretty good at that.

Clinton and I spent a great two weeks at home. We flew into New York with no problems and were picked up by Priscilla and Mark (Clinton's parents). We spent the next 5 days with the Simmons family in Pennsylvania where we celebrated Christmas, had family time, and visited with friends. It was a relaxing whirlwind (I realize that's an oxymoron)...but wonderful all the same.

When we were in PA, we drove to New Jersey to have lunch with GP

My sister, brother-in-law, and niece came down to Pennsylvania and then together we drove to Indiana. Clinton's aunt and uncle graciously allowed us to use their van for the trip, so we comfortably crammed 4 adults, a baby, luggage and christmas presents into the vehicle. It would have been a disaster if we tried that with a car (= We spent Christmas day with the Yoder family, enjoying watching my niece celebrate her first Christmas. During the week in Indiana we enjoyed family meals, watching movies, and spending quality time catching up. We did manage to pass along some colds within the family, a sickness which I am still recovering from (needless to say it made the flight back to Ecuador a bit painful!) Overall it was an extreme blessing to finish off the year with loved ones!

Mikayla with her Ecuadorian hat

With Uncle Clinton and Tante Tina

So here we are, back in Ecuador. We had one day to “recover” and then it was back to the classroom. The semester is finishing up in a couple of weeks, so I spent my weekend creating finals and mapping out my plans for finishing up. I have some new challenges coming next semester. I'll be teaching two new classes! Right now my semester classes, Creative Writing and Comedy and Romance, will change to Tragedy and Advanced Composition. I'm hoping/praying for an easy transition.

I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. With the help of my mother-in-law, we'll be sending out a belated “Christmas” letter. If you think we don't have your address or if you moved...please make sure to send me an email with that so we can include you in our mailing list!

Blessings!