Ecuador Day 61

Today started early again. MJ picked us up at 9:30 after dropping off our papers for our Article 23. We went first to the passport place to get Flor's passport. Well, all was fine and dandy right up until we got to the front desk. At that point, the man checked all of our documents and as he was looking at the Power of Attorney for Devin, he noticed that Devin's name was "Devin Like Perry" throughout instead of Devin Luke Perry. UGH. My heart immediately sunk to the floor. MJ's death glares and repeated "did you not read the paper?!?" didn't help. (Yes, we take blame for this, but I also wanted to say back to her "did you not read the paper??" since she had it in her possession for 3 weeks and we could have fixed the error before Devin left. So- the man refused to let us proceed with the passport due to the error. I immediately started crying, thinking that Flor and I were going to be here for ages. My next step was to pray with everything I had that something would happen to help us be able to proceed.

Well, one really great quality that MJ has is that she is insanely persistent. She won't take no for an answer. So, without any permission, we marched on up to the second floor of the passport office looking for the director. The director was not in, but MJ found someone else willing to listen to our plight. She convinced this man that he should allow us to get Flor's passport, despite the error. I have no doubt that a miracle happened today. We were able to get Flor's passport- and MJ even marched us to the front of the line to get in and out. She just does that. So...that was a huge relief. We were then supposed to be have a doctor's appointment for Flor (required for the visa), but as we were leaving the passport office, the office called and said that since we were so late, we would need to reschedule for Wednesday (remember Mon and Tue are holidays). MJ did her best pleading/whining/begging and gave me the phone at one point to tell the lady that I insist upon talking to the doctor myself. Well, all to no avail. The lady wouldn't budge. We were late and that was that. Big bummer there-- this makes things a little tighter for getting out of here, but I really am holding out hope that we will be home next weekend still.

We have the doctor's appointment at 7:30 am on Wednesday and if our Article 23 is ready, we could still go to Guayaquil that day. However, since I never heard that our Article 23 was ready today, I am betting it will also be done Wednesday and we will go to Guayaquil Thursday instead. That leaves just Friday for the Judge to sign the Salida. Also, the judge requires the Power of Attorney to sign the Salida, apparently, so we really need to pray that she does not make it an issue. If all goes well, w could then come home Saturday. I am really hopeful that can happen. I wish we didn't have the two days of holidays to deal with as things wouldn't be so tight, but I really hope it can still work.

I feel like I have been more aware of God's hand in this process the last few days and I am grateful for that. I know that even when it doesn't seem like He is there or listening to me, He is. I was very aware of that today with the resolution of the passport without major problems. I have also felt that this extra time here has been a big blessing for Flor and I in her relationship and that we have been having break-throughs we both need. If I had been in charge, I would have chosen to go home with Devin, but I know that His timing has allowed extra gifts and blessings we might not otherwise have. One extra special thing from the last few days is that Flor is starting to say "mama". It is so sweet. It is the only thing she can really say, but she is so proud of herself when she says it (obviously so am I!)

Anyway, this afternoon was spent with the Schinnerers going to the Santa Clara Market and then to the Artesian again. I am really done this time! I forbid myself from going there any more times before we leave. In both places quite a few people asked me where my other kids are. I expected that from our regular ladies at the fruit and vegetable market. The one who just loved Jace asked me where he was and I told her that he had returned home with Devin. I told her that I really miss him and she said "I really miss him, too!" It was sweet. We went upstairs to look at wooden spoons and platters and some ladies up there who I did not recognize asked where the kids were. haha. We must have left our mark.

We then walked to the Artesian and spent an hour or so there. A girl that I again didn't recognize, came up to ask where my little girl is. So cute. Everyone is concerned about them and about us getting home.

That about wraps up the day...though here are a few pictures for your enjoyment!

Wooden spoons, platters, rolling pins-- whatever you desire. Robin and I were on our way up when we noticed that we had left Jim and Pablo behind. Jim is a shopper like me (here at least)-- slow, looking at everything, stopping all the time. We "lost" him quite a few times today during our time out and about.

I don't know if I posted this before, but just in case I didn't, here it is. If you want to worship while you are at the market, there is a shrine for doing so. It feels odd to watch someone going through something so personal as you walk by.

OH--- and here we go! Carnival time! We saw a lot of signs of it today in both market. Silly string fights, shaving cream, water...oh the fun begins!

Okay, these two were the most adorable, ever. They sell all this stuff plus more of the wooden spoons, etc. The little old man was kind enough to demonstrate how to hit your spouse with the spoon if needed. He cracked himself up--it was hilarious. I think it made their day that we wanted their picture. I asked if the woman is his wife and he said, "no she is my 'Patrona'!" Everyone cracked up. We couldn't figure out what he means? Anyone have any enlightenment??

On our walk to the Artesian, we passed a little park with a semi-circle of statues of these men. No idea who they are, but we had quite the good time posing for pictures with them. We joked that I found myself a substitute husband since Devin is gone. This one is just shorter, a tad bit on the elderly side, and not nearly as handsome as my real one. Oh, and a bit cold.

Alright, there's the report for today. Continued prayers for things to go smoothly next week are much appreciated.

Oh, Hallie and Jace went home today with my mom to Idaho until next Wednesday so she can watch them. I hope that they behave! I am sure Hallie will love her time there and will probably have a hay day playing with Sadie. We appreciate everyone's help with the kids while I have been here. We feel blessed that we have not had to worry about their care; they have always been in good hands.