Ecuador Days 21 & 22

Sorry for the lack of updating yesterday; there wasn't much to report and Devin was watching the Priesthood Session of Conference on the computer which was more important than me updating the blog. So here's a little recap of the last two days:

Saturday, 10/3/2015
We left the house first thing in the morning to go to El Ejido Park for Art in the Park, which happens every Saturday and Sunday. This is where local artists gather and sell their artwork. Since this is (hopefully) Devin's last Saturday here, we went to try and buy some art for Mishell's room. We found an artist we really liked and bought two small paintings from her. We then took a taxi to the Supermaxi for a few groceries for the weekend, then headed home in time to start watching conference. Conference was from 11-1 and then 3-5 here. Then Devin watched the Priesthood Session from 7-9. It was wonderful and so good for the soul. I have been feeling a lot of anxiety and discouragement, but it's amazing how conference brings the feelings of the Spirit so strongly. Favorite time of the year (twice!). Since I had only a few pictures, I decided to finally take pictures of our apartment for you all.

This is most certainly not our apartment, but rather a statue at El Ejido Park...since you know the Ecuadorians love their statues and this one is really awesome (?)

Last minute conference activity-candy in the bowls with a word to listen for. That kept the kids pretty well entertained (and sugared up)

We put Mishell on the Ipad with some headphones so she could listen to conference in Spanish. That worked out pretty well.

Just a little conference doublie (not a selfie-- what's the word?)

Oh and we painted nails during conference. Just for fun.

 Apartment:

View from the front door

Family room, with the most horrendously uncomfortable couches I have ever met. The only downside to the apartment :)

Dining room. Remember mission teams usually stay here, which is why there is plenty of dining seats.

it's right off the family room

Kitchen

Another view of the kitchen from a door off the dining room

This is clearly a hallway. The first door on the right is the kitchen

Bedroom #1. Devin and I are staying here. Yes, in bunk beds. There is a room with a double bed, but it is uncomfortable and I didn't sleep well in there because I kept thinking I was going to fall out of the bed. 

Hall bath. The signs remind us not to flush toilet paper (Ecuador is awesome like that-- we take the garbage out daily though) and to not use tap water to brush your teeth (or for drinking)

Bedroom #2. No one is staying here.

Bathroom attached to Bedroom #2

Bedroom #3. This is where we started, but no one is staying here now.

Bedroom #4 Jace and Flor stay here. It also has an attached bathroom. 

Bedroom #5 Mishell and Hallie stay here. It also has an attached bathroom

And that's that! Lovely tour, right? As you can see, we have plenty of room. I still feel very blessed that we found this place (not even found, it landed in our laps. Big blessing).

Sunday, 10/4/2015
Happy 30th birthday to my sweetheart! Unfortunately, the day was pretty boring for him. He did make his own cinnamon rolls last night for breakfast and they were delightful (the best thing we have made and eaten here, for sure). There were no presents and no fanfare, except maybe the balloons the kids got from a lady handing them out at the Supermaxi yesterday, but besides that, nada. Poor Devin. I am sure it will still be a birthday he will not forget though. Being bored in Ecuador on your 30th- can't be beat!!

We watched the two sessions of conference again today and were incredibly fed spiritually. I had too many favorites to even name, but it was a wonderful and uplifting weekend. Lucky me, I get to teach in Relief Society the Teachings for Our Times lessons, so I look forward to teaching from the talks given today for the next 6 months. It made me sad to see President Monson looking physically weak, but his testimony is as fervent as ever. I know he is a prophet of God and I am so grateful that there are prophets leading us today, as in times of old. I don't know how you could watch conference and NOT be uplifted and feel the Spirit. I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints and my testimony of it's truthfulness is as strong as ever.

Devin's cinnamon rolls

Terrible picture with the lighting, but Devin got to open a present made specially by Hallie. It included three drawings, a pack of bubble tape practically gone, "The Indian and the Cupboard" (her book that I bought her but she refuses to read because it doesn't have fairies in it...), and a fast food toy lizard acquired sometime on this trip. So thoughtful.

As for the process, we finally heard from MJB today (couldn't get a hold of her all weekend) and she apparently did not go to the court on Thursday. Ugh. She says she will go tomorrow and see about a court date. I am super discouraged and not feeling hopeful that we will get a court date this week. It is SO HARD being completely out of control in this process. If she doesn't get us a date this week, that means Devin can't go home. UGH. Of course I don't want to be alone, but he needs to go home and back to work and the girls need to get back to school. Continued prayers for a court date this week are super, super appreciated. I know faith and prayers can move mountains, but I am feeling a little down in my bucket right now, so I'll rely on some of you with amazing faith this week. :)