Our first week is coming to a close, but it has been very full. We jumped right in Monday morning with Spanish classes from 8-noon. I (Kim) started in level 1 while Joel started in level 3. We both feel we have learned a lot so far and are looking forward to the day we can communicate well. Praise the Lord for our fantastic teacher, Olgita! She is so patient with us, but also pushes us to do better. Her son Caleb has been to visit with Simeon this week as her brother, Ricardo is babysitting Simeon during our classes! It has worked out well for all of us and we have enjoyed getting to know them all better.
This has certainly been a week of adjustments. Simeon went from sleeping through the night before we left to waking up 4-5 times when we got here. I think a lot of it is the noise of the city (sirens and alarms all night), but I’m sure he also knows he is in a new place. Pray for his adjustment. Last night he only woke up once…YEAH!
We have experienced many new things this week, including being surrounded by mountains and volcanos. It’s beautiful!
Although things are going well overall, we (especially me, Kim) have had a lot of homesick moments. We knew this would happen, but it is a lot harder than I thought. We miss family and friends, as well as our pups Hireq and Patah. We have been able to Skype with both parents already which has eased the homesickness a little. I just keep telling myself that I know God brought us here and that we are right where He wants us. He is with us and He is guiding us. We pray God surrounds us with friends to interact with. We already have a date night scheduled on Tuesday with Olgita and her husband Henry as well as the other missionaries in Quito, Jenny and Chris. We are excited!
Thank you for your continued love and prayers for us. We covet them daily as we face new challenges and adventures. Love from Quito!
Our view from the kitchen, Cotopaxi
Going away dinner for Yonchu and Ola
Our babysitter, Ricardo
First rain storm
Simeon is SPENT!
The Santiago Partnership