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!

Que Viva Quito!

I wrote this monday but had trouble loading it......

Fiestas de Quito

This weekend there were many festivities going on in Quito. It's the the celebration of when Quito (where we live, and the capital of Ecuador) was founded.

We were able to have a bit of fun with this because the Spanish department of our school put together some traditionals activities for the kids to enjoy.

This first was a Chiva ride. A Chiva bus is essentially a party bus. Traditionally, they would have live bands that sat on the top and then people would crowd in on both the top and bottom and dance the night away driving around town. Today they still have traditional Chivas, but the modern ones are adorned with discos lights, huge speakers, and a DJ! Each grade, from middle school to high school, had their ride in a Chiva. Clinton and I rode with the 9th graders who had their share of shaking the bus from all the dancing!

They were handed whistles as they got on the bus, the dj yelled “viva Quito” and everyone yelled back “viva”

this isn't the video I wanted to show...for some reason the other one wouldn't load. But this still gives a brief view of the music on the bus

After driving around town, we got back to school and watched a short program that presented the origins of the holiday and traditions.

It's so fun to be a part of such culture! We also had today off from school for this holiday, so we were able to get a little relaxation in as well.

Ceiling of the Chiva

Giving Thanks

"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

What I'm thankful for...

It's been awhile, but I'm finally writing again! Even though I find myself getting into a bit of a rhythm with work at school, things are still busy! Much has been going on at school including an early November break, Spiritual Emphasis week, and now Thanksgiving break. It's hard to believe that after this weekend we only have a couple weeks before we travel home for Christmas...I can't express how excited I am for that! But anyways...that will be be another post.

It's traditional at my family Thanksgiving to go around the table and share what we're thankful for. I think this is a tradition that many families share. Here in Ecuador we stopped to reflect on what we were thankful for. We had a rather “traditional” meal with turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and more, at the home of some colleagues. It was a blessing to be surrounded by a community (still with many people I don't know too well) and yet feel a sense of familial warmth. When sharing, my friend Yari mentioned how she was amazed at how anywhere you go, you can find family in the body of Christ.

I'm thankful for the body of Christ

Friday morning I went out to breakfast with two girls, Rachel and Yari. Moving to new places always has that tagged on anxiety of meeting new people. Earlier this month when we went to the beach with a group of people for another break, I was able to spend a little more time with these girls. Since then I have been so blessed to continue to spend time with them and develop a friendship.

In a taxi, on our way to the market (Yari and I)

In the afternoon, Clinton and I joined a group to see the new Harry Potter movie! We were so excited to see it. In the evening, again we joined a group to get dinner!

On our way to dinner Dinner with friends!

I'm thankful for new friends!

Yesterday I was able go to to Otavalo with a group to do some Christmas shopping. Otavalo is a small town about 2 hours outside of Quito where there is a huge market of handmade things such as purses, hats, blankets, wooden statues and much more. It's mostly run by the indigenous people of Ecuador. The colors are amazing and the people are truly beautiful. I always love going, walking around, AND using my Spanish to barter (= But this made me think....

I'm thankful we can go home for Christmas!

These are pictures in Otavalo that I actually took when I was in here in college, 5 years ago. However...it doesn't seem like much changed!

we stopped in another small town called Cotacachi known for its leather...a few of us were "shopped-out" so we looked for a place to eat. We found a little restaurant with great food..run by two people from New York City!

A Nativity Set I bought

Finally today, I'm sitting here on my couch. I've done some lesson planning and am just relaxing after a busy long weekend. We actually didn't go to church today because today is Ecuador's Census. High schoolers are going door-to-door to have each household answer a set of questions. Yes it's crazy...but no one can go out from 7-5 and all businesses are closed! In a way I'm thankful for the ability to stay home and just relax!

While there are many things to be thankful for...here were a few. ALSO I'm thankful for your love, support, encouragement and prayer. We couldn't be here without that!

Just a couple prayer requests:

1. prayer for my Grandma who has lately been forgetting things. It seems that she'll be diagnosed with dementia. Prayer for her and especially my grandpa who my dad says has been overwhelmed and stressed from the situation.

2. Prayer for the next couple of weeks of school before Christmas break, for energy and non-distracted minds (=

3. Safe travels for us: We'll be leaving December 18^th for PA, heading to Indiana on the 24^th and then finally back to Quito January 1^st.

4. PRAISE and continued prayer: Good health! We are so thankful that neither of us have been sick from food or just sickness that has already been around school.