To fill you in from the last post, we had a Brazilian vacation planned from the 22nd to the 31st. We had been anticipating this holiday for months. Carl's brother, sister-in-law and nephew were coming from Canada to visit friends and family in Brazil and we had planned to meet them there. It was going to be an opportunity to meet Joao's family and friends, plus spend 4 glorious days at the beach.
The only down-part to this vacation is that in order to save $$ we had to book a flight leaving at 4 a.m. In my mind it would be a little tricky, but totally doable. Our kids can handle a lot and we can handle almost as much!
On Thursday night, we had our bags packed, our kids showered and in bed, schedules left for the support staff, garbage taken out. All we had to do was sleep a few hours and then get up in the middle of the night
So at 1:30 a.m., Carl woke us all up, we called out taxi, loaded our bags and headed to the airport. No one was whimpering or fussing because of the hour, the kids were so excited to be off to Brazil.
No whimpering, yet.....
When we got to the airport, waited in the line until our turn, we were given the most dreadful news. We were told that our connecting flight was canceled and the next flight out of Sao Paolo was full. We were re-booked for the next day.
??!!!!!!
Seriously, I thought this was a joke. But no, it was too awful to be a joke. Apparently the airline had to make a change and notified the travel agent. We had heard nothing from our travel agent! They told us to call him and find out what was going on. It was 3 in the morning?! Should we re-book, could we? What were our options?
Once we realized that there was no way to get to Brazil that night without spending another $1000, we had to resign ourselves that our vacation would be delayed for another 24 hours. I was disappointed beyond words. At that point, we explained it to the kids, who immediately started to cry and then howl, thinking the vacation had been canceled. Oh, let the hearts of those responsible break at the sound of those weeping children!
So we got back home, not sure what to do except sleep. Carl called the travel agent and in a few hours found out that he in fact was responsible for not notifying us. He was very sorry and thought that offering to pay for our taxi ($7) one way would make things better. Maybe I was really tired, but that puny offer just infuriated me!
We headed back to bed, but at 10 a.m. when we all woke up, we were wondering what to do. See, our office was having meetings all day on the yard and all the workers were here. We couldn't really stay at home and not go. I didn't really want to go to the meetings, especially when we had told everyone that we were going to be gone. There was no food in the house and to leave for the day and come back, how would that work when the kids needed to sleep somewhere? We decided to call a hotel and take our stuff and just start our vacation here in Santa Cruz.
It was a good day, but not as good as a day in Brazil would have been. We swam in the pool, ate well, slept a bit in the evening, and got up once again at 1:30 a.m. with the kids to head to the airport. This time Joel kept asking every 10 minutes, "Are you sure we're going this time?".
Once we arrived at the airport, the same agents were there and many gave us sincere looks of apology. One gave us a tease and said, "You're flight is tomorrow!". He quickly said he was joking and we laughed. It's easy to joke when you know you aren't responsible!
Yes. We finally got on our flight and the kids slept the three hours to Sao Paolo. We had about 1 hour to spend before getting on our airplane to Curitiba. The flight was smooth, Asha puked, but in the sink in the bathroom (that's my girl!) and when we got there, the kids were almost frothing at the mouth to see Joao and Caroline and Lucas.
Our vacation had officially started.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Off to the Movies
So while we wait to hear what is happening to our flight for our vacation (seriously, that will be quite the post....) I thought I would post about something lighter!
Yesterday, while Carl and I participated in our focus weekend meetings, our children had a lovely day with their grandparents. We thought that since we would be going our separate ways, on separate vacations for 10 days, it would be nice for the kids to spend some time with their grandparents.
They had a leisurely morning at home, playing cards and reading stories. And the highlight for the kids was to go to the new Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog. Joel and Kezia had gone to the movies once before with me, but for Asha, this was her first time. I wasn't worried about her attention span; she's just like Joel in regards to screens and could watch for hours without moving.
Mom and Dad said that the kids had a great time and the movie was funny. We're really glad that they had the chance to be taken to the movies. Special that Grandma and Grandpa could be the ones to take them.
Yesterday, while Carl and I participated in our focus weekend meetings, our children had a lovely day with their grandparents. We thought that since we would be going our separate ways, on separate vacations for 10 days, it would be nice for the kids to spend some time with their grandparents.
They had a leisurely morning at home, playing cards and reading stories. And the highlight for the kids was to go to the new Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog. Joel and Kezia had gone to the movies once before with me, but for Asha, this was her first time. I wasn't worried about her attention span; she's just like Joel in regards to screens and could watch for hours without moving.
Mom and Dad said that the kids had a great time and the movie was funny. We're really glad that they had the chance to be taken to the movies. Special that Grandma and Grandpa could be the ones to take them.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Baby Phillip Comes to Play
A few days ago we had a little visitor at our house. A couple of hours one day, Phillip came over while his Mom, Irina, could rest. Her husband went to Paraguay for a few days and we wanted to help our neighbours by having the baby over.
Phillip is a great baby. Joel and Kezia and Asha can hardly stand waiting their turn to have him grab at their fingers. They all have a song for him, all want to gift him with something of theirs. It's really quite cute. He hardly makes much of a fuss, and when it's time to eat, we walk across the yard, up the stairs and take him home to his Mom. It's been a great blessing to be able to help in a practical way like watching sweet baby Phillip.
Phillip is a great baby. Joel and Kezia and Asha can hardly stand waiting their turn to have him grab at their fingers. They all have a song for him, all want to gift him with something of theirs. It's really quite cute. He hardly makes much of a fuss, and when it's time to eat, we walk across the yard, up the stairs and take him home to his Mom. It's been a great blessing to be able to help in a practical way like watching sweet baby Phillip.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Blessings Start with W
My mother in law has been busy at work in the kitchen, spoiling us with her amazing cooking. She's been busy making buns, cookies, and a few days ago, she made werynicki (perogies) with dry cottage cheese from the colony. Oh, they were so good, just thinking about them now makes my mouth water.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Help For Haiti
I'm sure you have heard about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We were in orientation with a couple that are in Haiti right now, and thankfully they and the others on the MCC team are safe. But there is such destruction and heartache right now in that country that the thought of it gives me such an awful feeling in my heart. Our fellow MCCers in Haiti need our prayers along with the thousands of people who have lost their homes and their loved ones.
In times like this, we can feel so helpless and wonder what we can do. Pray. We can pray and pray and pray. We also can donate money to help the relief effort, to provide water and supplies to the thousands that need our help. We can't go to Haiti and help in the hospitals or help dig people out of the rubble, but we can pray and send our funds. For more information click here to be directed to MCC's website.
In times like this, we can feel so helpless and wonder what we can do. Pray. We can pray and pray and pray. We also can donate money to help the relief effort, to provide water and supplies to the thousands that need our help. We can't go to Haiti and help in the hospitals or help dig people out of the rubble, but we can pray and send our funds. For more information click here to be directed to MCC's website.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
.
That's my blue fish! Kezia took 2 weeks of swimming lessons and finished this week. She was very excited about having her turn. Joel took a month of lessons before Christmas time and did very well and learned how to do the front crawl.
Kezia had swimming lessons in Fresno, but this year was the first time she had lessons here in Bolivia. It worked out quite well that my friend Julie had her two boys in the same class, so while our little fish swam and dunked, we visited.
She learned how to dive into the water and do cannon balls! Kezia used the kick board to help her swim in her back and on her front and her favourite part of swimming lessons was when she could swim under water. She's already talking about next year and all the things that she will learn!
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Adventures with Jack and Ruth
The last few days, as we have welcomed in 2010, have been very good days with our family here. Carl's parents and us have settled into quite the lovely routine. It's so comfortable and familiar, and yet never dull, that's for sure.
One Saturday we drove around Morganland colony, stopping and saying hi to Jack and Ruth's friends. Everyone was amazed to see that Carl was no longer a 3 year old and had a family of his own. Though we didn't know any of these people personally, Carl and I enjoyed seeing the reunions between Mom and Dad and their friends.
While the office was closed, we all worked in the main reception area, sanding, mudding, painting etc. It was a fun family project as we worked together. I tell you, it's much more fun with more hands. Also, there are more people to join you, standing back and being proud of your work.
Today, we had the opportunity to drive out to Chorovi, where Mom, Dad, Carl, and Wendell lived in the 70's while they were missionaries here. The pastors of the conference Mom and Dad worked with had invited us to join them for the day while they had their meetings. There again, we saw some special reunions.
One in particular that brought most of us to tears was when we drove down the rural gravel road a bit from Chorovi looking for a couple and an older gentleman. They had been involved in the church as well as one was treasurer for the mission. As we were driving, Dad yelled for me to stop so he could ask a young fellow if he knew where this particular gentleman lived. We were about to turn around and go back, when someone yelled, "The man you are looking for is coming down the road". And there he was, pushing a wheelbarrow, stooped over from years of hard work. A couple from where we had stopped came out, and lo! and behold, they were the couple Mom and Dad were looking for. 35 years later, these people hadn't moved, they were still there. Imagine having someone stop by your house that you haven't seen in such a long time?! They all talked a while, we exchanged greetings and the older man even sang a few of the old church songs for Mom and Dad. I got some video of it that I know will probably move my father in law to tears.
I couldn't help but think we had the opportunity to witness a special reconnection. You don't get those kinds of opportunities very often.
We continued down this sloppy, bumpy road until the water seemed to high in one place to continue, so we turned around. As we drove back, I looked out the window and thought I saw some small animal was trekking across the road.
It was not an animal.
It was a Tarantula!
Can I just tell you I was so startled that I immediately slammed on the brakes and stopped the vehicle? I jumped out with everyone to look at this monster crossing the road. It was as big as my hand, no joke, no exaggeration either! It was amazing. Dad got some pretty sweet pictures (I didn't download them yet; plus I know half of you would immediately get the shivers and lift up your legs quickly from under the desk where you would swear a spider is lurking).
Once we returned to the camp, we joined some people in trying to get the mangoes down from the trees. Some mangoes were the size of oranges and were pretty tasty, those that could be knocked down with a rock. But then there were others that had to be knocked down with a stick because they were as big as papayas. Again, a I've-never-seen-that-before!!! experience, all in one afternoon. I ate a mangoe the size of a small soccer ball and almost forgot about the spider. Mom and Dad ate too and were in their glory.
We came home, whipped together some supper to eat. Joel went straight to bed without even eating because he was so tired from running non-stop with the other boys.
Days are so great with Grandma and Grandpa here. To play with, to tell stories with, to hug and kiss every morning and every night. Here's praying that time will just slow down like molasses.
One Saturday we drove around Morganland colony, stopping and saying hi to Jack and Ruth's friends. Everyone was amazed to see that Carl was no longer a 3 year old and had a family of his own. Though we didn't know any of these people personally, Carl and I enjoyed seeing the reunions between Mom and Dad and their friends.
While the office was closed, we all worked in the main reception area, sanding, mudding, painting etc. It was a fun family project as we worked together. I tell you, it's much more fun with more hands. Also, there are more people to join you, standing back and being proud of your work.
Today, we had the opportunity to drive out to Chorovi, where Mom, Dad, Carl, and Wendell lived in the 70's while they were missionaries here. The pastors of the conference Mom and Dad worked with had invited us to join them for the day while they had their meetings. There again, we saw some special reunions.
One in particular that brought most of us to tears was when we drove down the rural gravel road a bit from Chorovi looking for a couple and an older gentleman. They had been involved in the church as well as one was treasurer for the mission. As we were driving, Dad yelled for me to stop so he could ask a young fellow if he knew where this particular gentleman lived. We were about to turn around and go back, when someone yelled, "The man you are looking for is coming down the road". And there he was, pushing a wheelbarrow, stooped over from years of hard work. A couple from where we had stopped came out, and lo! and behold, they were the couple Mom and Dad were looking for. 35 years later, these people hadn't moved, they were still there. Imagine having someone stop by your house that you haven't seen in such a long time?! They all talked a while, we exchanged greetings and the older man even sang a few of the old church songs for Mom and Dad. I got some video of it that I know will probably move my father in law to tears.
I couldn't help but think we had the opportunity to witness a special reconnection. You don't get those kinds of opportunities very often.
We continued down this sloppy, bumpy road until the water seemed to high in one place to continue, so we turned around. As we drove back, I looked out the window and thought I saw some small animal was trekking across the road.
It was not an animal.
It was a Tarantula!
Can I just tell you I was so startled that I immediately slammed on the brakes and stopped the vehicle? I jumped out with everyone to look at this monster crossing the road. It was as big as my hand, no joke, no exaggeration either! It was amazing. Dad got some pretty sweet pictures (I didn't download them yet; plus I know half of you would immediately get the shivers and lift up your legs quickly from under the desk where you would swear a spider is lurking).
Once we returned to the camp, we joined some people in trying to get the mangoes down from the trees. Some mangoes were the size of oranges and were pretty tasty, those that could be knocked down with a rock. But then there were others that had to be knocked down with a stick because they were as big as papayas. Again, a I've-never-seen-that-before!!! experience, all in one afternoon. I ate a mangoe the size of a small soccer ball and almost forgot about the spider. Mom and Dad ate too and were in their glory.
We came home, whipped together some supper to eat. Joel went straight to bed without even eating because he was so tired from running non-stop with the other boys.
Days are so great with Grandma and Grandpa here. To play with, to tell stories with, to hug and kiss every morning and every night. Here's praying that time will just slow down like molasses.
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