Ecuador Day 49

Let me just say one thing from yesterday's post- the Schinnerers are the least boring people we know. They make this trip so much more bearable and without them, we would really be bored. And I mean really. So, thank you Schinnerers.

Today was Fast Sunday (the first Sunday of every month is designated "Fast Sunday" in our church and those who are able and would like to fast for a specific purpose.) Throughout the week, we heard from multiple people that they would be fasting for us this Sunday. We added our fast to theirs and just knowing that there are lots of people praying and fasting for us is so comforting and buoys me up in a way I can't even describe. Fast Sundays certainly were not my favorite during my growing up years when I didn't quite get the benefits of it and instead just complained about starving all the time. But now, I very much appreciate fasting and the power that comes from it.

Along with fasting, each first Sunday is dedicated to Fast and Testimony Meeting at church, which means that whoever would like to is free to bear their testimony during the first meeting at church. I love testimony meeting, even here in Ecuador, where we are only catching about 1/2 of what is being said. The people here are so faithful and so full of the Spirit. I enjoyed the meetings at Church today very much. It is just what I needed as I have been feeling a little sorry for myself the last few days about Devin and the kids leaving.

 After church, we headed again to Maria Dolores' house (or "Idaho Dolores" as Hallie calls her. She cannot for the life of her say Maria for some reason. Totally weird...) for lunch. This time she had corn on the cob and lima beans to start, then a potato soup with pig skins (yes pig skins...they were, um, interesting) and then chicken, rice, and some onion type things. I know she avoided serving fish just for Devin. The food was good, though different (minus maybe the pig skins if I am being honest). The corn on the cob definitely has a different taste here than in the US. We asked her what her thoughts were on Subway when we went and she said that while it was good, "it definitely doesn't compare to Ecuadorian food!" I told her that she needs to come to the US, so we can show her what our food is like. I think she would have a hard time with all the different flavors. It is always fun to visit with MD and we are grateful for her friendship and for her feeding us as we know it is a sacrifice for her. There are five of us now and she does serve four course meals, after all.

We left after lunch to get the kids to bed as they were all rather ornery. Hallie threw a huge fit on the way out, saying that she didn't want to go with us and that she wanted to stay with Idaho Dolores. I sure hope Idaho Dolores knows that that is the highest form of flattery...but what she probably understood was a lot of screaming and shouting. Poor woman, not a good way to end it!

Once home, we started the monstrous job of packing up this apartment. Oh dear. It was a job. We spent about three hours organizing, packing, and cleaning up. But, luckily, everything is all packed up and ready to go now. We have a whole lot less going out than we came in with, which is a good thing. We are either throwing away or donating a lot of our clothes as having worn them so many times, we never want to see them again and many of them have holes from the fancy dryer here (and just think- I still have x days to wear mine). Devin still has a bit to worry about though as he has the two kids, the stroller, the pack-n-play, three suitcases, and two backpacks. I will just have two suitcases, a big red hand bag, my purse, and the two pictures we purchased. I think I will have it a bit easier.

We scrounged whatever we could for dinner (eggs, chips, and a smoothie, and a bagel for some members of the family. Quite the combo right?) We left two eggs for Flor for breakfast. I think we've cleaned the apartment out pretty well!

I just have to mention that while skyping with my mom tonight, she was making oatmeal cookies and eating the dough in front of us. It was about the rudest thing I have ever witnessed. Just adding that to the official record. 

Wake up call is at 3 am. Wish us luck on that. Flor and I will go with the others to the airport to help them get the luggage checked, etc. Then we will come back here to get some more sleep before moving to the OSSO house. The Schinnerers have kindly agreed to help me get my stuff from here to there. It will take more than one taxi. They will then know where I am staying, which is good. I am so grateful for them and all their help. Have I mentioned that before?

Alright, that's it for now. Happy Super Bowl Everyone.

PS. We are sickened to hear of the Josh Powell ending. What a sick, sick man. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Cox family and the devastating losses they have experienced. Doesn't it just make you ill?