Thursday, August 23, 2012

TIST






As we were coming into Quito Tuesday night I was looking out my plane window and saw this. Well not this exactly. I didn't have my camera with me. It was awesome. My first real sighting of a volcano that had lava flowing out of it. I was able to see the snow on the top and the smoke coming out of it.





While flying out of Quito to Cuenca we spotted three more volcanoes. Some had snow on top and were not active. At this time there is a volcano that is active and causing evacuations South East of Quito. 

Another thing I saw today was a bus leaving with all our luggage in it and we were not on it. That story later.













Thursday, August 16, 2012

Leaving On a Jet Plane








 

This next Tuesday we will be boarding a plane to Quito. This time no one will meet us at the airport, we will be on our own. I remember last year thinking there would be no way on this earth that we would be able to get around Quito by ourselves. Not only are we making it on our own but we are meeting another couple who will be entering Quito for the first time and helping them get settled in.

The Ranch Dressing mix, chili powder, taco seasoning, chocolate chips, Reece’s, and McCormick’s seasonings are packed. I packed clothes that are all one size smaller, hoping I can get into them after a few weeks. The Thrift Store was kind to me. 

There are many things I am going to miss.

 This school year Rebecca’s children will be in the States so we will be in Loja without grandchildren there. I will miss instant internet service, bathtubs, family and friends, trees, trains, thrift stores, tap water, going barefooted,Dr. Pepper and understanding what people are saying to me.

These are things I will not miss.

Hot Weather
                                                                                                                                                       
                                               
                                                                       
Driving
                                       
                                            
Television News
                                         
                                 



We will be preparing for the school year as soon as we get back to Loja. School starts the second week of September. This next year will be a little different than last year as we will have two new teachers with us. The teacher to student ratio is one that any teacher would envy. 

We will be able to spend more time in language study and serving in our church. Terry and I are excited to see what God has in store for us this coming school year. Keep us in prayer this next week.





Friday, August 3, 2012

Winning the Baggage War


 

Terry and I have purchased our plane tickets and have been able to locate medical insurance for the next year. I have rolled up clothes to be able to get an idea of how many I will be able to take back. Maybe I have gone a bit overboard at the thrift store.

 I have boxed school curriculum many times to see how many books I can get into boxes. I have no idea why, because the books have to be put in the suitcases.

Last year when we left we were allowed two free pieces of checked luggage. This year we are allowed one piece and will have to pay 60 for the other. Now I have to decide what is worth 60 dollars for me to take, if they would allow Dr. Pepper that might be worth it.

 I am going to put the unimportant things in the free check in, and the really important things into the one that is going to cost the 60.oo,that way I feel a little better about spending the extra money on an extra suitcase to take extra stuff. 

I also plan on layering my clothes. I read somewhere online that if you layer your clothing you will have more space in your suitcase for more stuff. This is my plan, stockings, swimsuit, long sleeved tee shirt, short sleeved shirt over long sleeved Tee, light sweater, leggings under jeans with a skirt on top of that and hiking boots as they are too heavy for suitcase. I will also need a knitted hat as some days are chilly so I will wear one to keep the chill off on the plane. My hoodie will be tied around my waist. If the plane gets to hot I will be able to take the sweater, short sleeved tee, and the skirt off and roll up into my hoodie for a pillow.  

Now I need to figure out how to layer Terry.