Ecuador Day 17

So my two loyal readers noticed that I didn't post yesterday. Our internet was out all day and it was rough, especially because it is our only means of communication with our family. After the whole day of being without, I thought that maybe I should text my sister to let her know that we were without internet, just in case anyone needed to get a hold of us. I didn't know if texting to the US would work from our pre-paid Ecuador cell phone, but sure enough, it did! And, not only that, but my sister let me know that she was in the hospital in labor! Lucky woman, she has been a full two weeks early with both of her babies so far. I haven't talked to them yet, but apparently baby Brooklyn Marie was born last night at 9:39 pm and weighs 7 pounds 1 ounce. I can't wait to see pictures! So that was the exciting news of the day!

The day here was a good one. We spent the morning at home, though Hallie and I did walk to the MegaMaxi. We got some pictures developed there to send to some of our favorite missionaries and picked up a few items while there.

We had a little snack and then put the kids down for naps. We had talked to our friend Stephanie earlier in the day and planned to go to a late lunch with her, her kids, and the Schinnerer family as Stephanie was supposed to be flying out this morning to go home. Turns out the judge in her case (Judge 10--everyone pray we don't get Judge 10!) didn't sign off on their salida to leave, like he was supposed to. He has been terrible to deal with for them the whole time, so while this was no surprise, it was very disappointing for them. Turns out they can't leave until Saturday now.

Anyway, we enjoyed our time with them and the Schinnerers very much. We met at a TGI Friday's restaurant, which is just down the hill from us at the mall and a good central meeting place for all of us. It was nice to have an "American-ized" meal, complete with a brownie sundae and all.

Hallie is really going to miss Jenna. She put some clips in her hair earlier in the day (before we were with them) and said, "Jenna is going to be so proud of my hair!" Really...

Most of the group at lunch. On the left side are Jim and Robin Schinnerer and their son Pablo. Their other three kids had to return to the US to get back to school. On the right is Alison, Stephanie, and Jenna Broaddus. I didn't get Hallie, Flor, Allie, or me in the picture. I did take another picture of Hallie and Allie, but it only uploads sideways for some reason, so we will go without.  

After lunch, Devin took Flor and Jace home for further naps as they were greatly in need of them. I went with Hallie and the rest of the crew to the Schinnerer's apartment. As you can see above, the two Ecuadorian children with us are loving the technology available to them! We hung around there for a while. I had an email with information that Robin needed for their case, but since our internet was out, I accessed it from their house for them. Hallie and I ended up staying for about 2 hours just chatting with them. It was really great for me to have some social interaction, particularly with friends who speak English! While the adults talked, the two younger girls occupied themselves by bringing out everything they could find from Jim and Robin's bedroom and presenting it to Jim. He was such a good sport about it, putting on his wife's watch, some slippers, a blanket, building a fort around him with the chairs, etc. They then moved to the kitchen and started bringing presents of food. Oh the joys of little girls!

Jim in his fort, along with every other item the girls brought out. Jim and Robin could not even identify where the chairs came from...they'd never seen them before. Great to know that my child was digging through the depths of their closets or something in order to retrieve them.

Hallie and I took a taxi home as it was getting dark and we had a large bag from Stephanie to take to FHC next time we go there. We got home about 6:30, just in time for a light dinner and bed!

 

I just want you all to see one of the most delicious things I have found here so far. Coconut balls! Mmmmm. Now if you are like Devin and hate coconut, this is not for you. But if you are like me and love it, then you are missing out!

Alright, that's all for yesterday. Check back tonight...hopefully the internet will continue to work and we can get back on track with the daily posts.