Alive in the Whirlwind

Whirlwind: a very strong wind that moves in a spinning or swirling motion and that can damage buildings, trees, etc. Something that involves many quickly changing events and feelings. A confused rush - a violent or destructive force.

Whirlwind: our lives since July (thankfully without the violent or destructive force destroying trees and buildings…at least I'm pretty sure that didn’t happen). I could list for you in great detail all of the things we have done, survived and enjoyed these past several months, but instead I think I will just post fun pictures.  They do say a picture is worth a thousand words …. so here are a few.

July.

Visit to Shakay. Meeting in the Dominican Republic. Packed to go to the States for 2 months. 

August.

Went to Oklahoma and enjoyed family.

September.

Went to North Carolina and Missouri. Made more family memories, spoke in a couple of churches and went to Bass Pro. 

October.

Flew back to Ecuador. Drove home. Went hiking. Caught up with friends. Celebrated Isabell Kate's 1st birthday. Went to Shakay and macheted the jungle out of our house. Floated back home in our new raft (it took 6 hours, fyi). Isabell Kate started to walk. 

 (try to ignore my annoying voice of encouragement)

November.

Adam went on a bike race. We flew to Quito. We drove to Quito (for visas...). Went to Rio Verde for Thanksgiving. Ate some black sand. Enjoyed the Mickey Mouse waffles friends and toys Quito had to offer. Sophia learned to eat with her foot like a parrot. 

December.

Drove home from Quito. Had our neighbors over for a Thanksgiving/Christmas meal. Put up the Christmas tree (I was so sick I just laid on the floor and took a picture). Took Christmas to Shakay...well to the port because the river was so low we couldn't make it up. Celebrated Christmas & the fact that we finally have our visas!

We couldn’t have survived - much less enjoyed the last part of this year without the constant and fervent prayers of our friends and family. Thanks for being a part of our lives. We can’t wait to see what next year holds!! Love you all. Happy New Year.