Tuesday, November 14, 2017
The frustrations of technology ... minor in light of the benefits!
In case you're one of my beloved faithful followers - there are supposed to be pictures accompanying the last post. But probably due to the not untypical unreliability of the internet in our present location, I am unable to upload them. As soon as ... in the meantime, bless you for being here!!!
At the Junction of Strolling and Divine Appointments
You've heard the origin of our Ecuador connections, and GOD'S DIVINE APPOINTMENTS continue as we stroll, trek and wander on this amazing journey! We hugged and waved good-bye to loved ones in Cuenca, then made our way to Loja on Friday, November 10. It was an interesting and pleasant bus ride along the very winding Andes roads.
Loja is a big city, yet far less than half the size of Cuenca. Though traffic-choked and allowing only a true snail's pace during rush (do you ever wonder why it's called that when it is the slowest traffic time?) hour, small one-way streets give a semblance of order. After receiving incorrect directions on finding the S.I.M. Guest House here, God provided another DIVINE APPOINTMENT ~ I asked a young man who walked by us for help and he just happened to live next door to our intended destination, which by the way, is not marked in any clear way. But God knew.
Thanks to Marco Polo, Facebook and family posts, we were able to vicariously celebrate Veterans' Day on November 11. I was even able, with my extremely halting Spanish, to thank an Ecuadorian soldier for his service; his smile indicated a basic understanding of my intent.
Loja, "City of the Immaculate Conception of Loja", is a relatively conservative and refined city in comparison to the more fast-paced and youth & party-oriented culture of Salinas and Cuenca. Their celebration of and reverence for the "Virgen del Cisne" (centuries-old statue of a young Virgin Mary) and it's annual pilgrimage to Loja is a very revered tradition here.
The city proudly hosts at least two lovely community squares. One local to us is San Sebastian Square and it's mainstay, the very old Cathedral of San Sebastian. The square memorializes the City's declaration of independence from the Spanish Crown on November 18, 1820. The main city square is Parque Central, again centered around a Cathedral and bounded by beautifully tended buildings.
Saturday brought an impromptu visit to Vilcabamba, a quaint village about a one-hour winding drive (ALL drives here in the high Andes Mountains are winding) from Loja. A short walk from the bus terminal took ushered us into a delightful town square with it's beautiful Cathedral ... and through a time/place-portal ... into the hippie days of the 60's or the current (questionable) ambiance of Eugene's central squares or Portland's Saturday Market. Many ex-pats and "free spirits" abide in this charming town nestled beautifully into the Andes. A little lower than Loja it offers more sun and warmth.
A quick life lesson reinforced that day, the heart of which I picked up from a CS Lewis comment, is don't settle for what isn't because of a faulty impression. We were told that the river is "just down there." We came to a nearly dry riverbed enjoyed only by two horses. At first we were somewhat caustically unimpressed, then realized maybe there was more if we just kept looking. We are so glad we did!
The nearby environmental/ecological preservation area hosted a lovely, winding trail along a tumbling little river. This stroll was another of myriad snapshots displaying the vast and magnificent creativity of God. Whether the flora and fauna of planet Earth or its created care-takers (humanity) the variety of types, and humanly speaking temperament, is a picture of complex diversity. I found as much fascination in discovering plants, trees and fruits totally foreign to our Northwest region as I did in observing the difference in temperament between me and Neal. And one is as creatively unique and perfect as the other.
For instance ~ approaching the water's edge on the Salinas beach ~ I forge ahead, boldly striding out to greet the waves; Neal stands on recently wet sands and waits for a wave to revisit his location. This day, while meandering the path in the Vilcabamba environmental preserve, Neal holds back from the unknown beyond the next curve; I peer and plunge ahead. Two temperaments, merged into one through the blood of Christ and through marriage ... same/same, but different! God intends us that way. As the fruits of Ecuador grace the tables of Oregon homes, so the difference in temperament, skill and spiritual gifts graces and equips our marriage AND the Body of Christ to be what God has ordained us to be.
ANOTHER LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME ~ well ... this entire trip has been a first ... but Sunday was our first time to attend service at Semilla de Mostaza (Mustard Seed), the church plant pastored by Leo Calva, our Ecuadorian field supervisor. Worldwide, we are ONE BODY IN CHRIST JESUS, and our worship was vibrant and united though our language was different. The preaching (not Leo on this day) was obviously animated and powerful, though I understood no more than a few words. The Bible was soundly taught and the following fellowship was sweet!
Monday morning's breakfast was with Leo & Lulu Calva and Lance and Tiffany Ferguson, both WorldVenture. Again ~ God's creativity and plan for one Body, or in our terms, great teamwork! God's creative influence was evident in Lance's focused and penetrating questions, which in turn helps me and Neal, who are not detail-thinkers, to focus our thoughts. I love the Body of Christ and teamwork!
Lance was gracious enough to take us to the tourist info office at the main town square, Parque Central. There, ANOTHER DIVINE APPOINTMENT, when another Ecuadorian missionary 'happened' to come in. When Carlos heard our vision he excitedly expounded for many minutes on the depth of need for this type of ministry! We were again so blessed and affirmed in the direction God is taking us.
Over the next few days ~
Loja is a big city, yet far less than half the size of Cuenca. Though traffic-choked and allowing only a true snail's pace during rush (do you ever wonder why it's called that when it is the slowest traffic time?) hour, small one-way streets give a semblance of order. After receiving incorrect directions on finding the S.I.M. Guest House here, God provided another DIVINE APPOINTMENT ~ I asked a young man who walked by us for help and he just happened to live next door to our intended destination, which by the way, is not marked in any clear way. But God knew.
Thanks to Marco Polo, Facebook and family posts, we were able to vicariously celebrate Veterans' Day on November 11. I was even able, with my extremely halting Spanish, to thank an Ecuadorian soldier for his service; his smile indicated a basic understanding of my intent.
Loja, "City of the Immaculate Conception of Loja", is a relatively conservative and refined city in comparison to the more fast-paced and youth & party-oriented culture of Salinas and Cuenca. Their celebration of and reverence for the "Virgen del Cisne" (centuries-old statue of a young Virgin Mary) and it's annual pilgrimage to Loja is a very revered tradition here.
The city proudly hosts at least two lovely community squares. One local to us is San Sebastian Square and it's mainstay, the very old Cathedral of San Sebastian. The square memorializes the City's declaration of independence from the Spanish Crown on November 18, 1820. The main city square is Parque Central, again centered around a Cathedral and bounded by beautifully tended buildings.
Saturday brought an impromptu visit to Vilcabamba, a quaint village about a one-hour winding drive (ALL drives here in the high Andes Mountains are winding) from Loja. A short walk from the bus terminal took ushered us into a delightful town square with it's beautiful Cathedral ... and through a time/place-portal ... into the hippie days of the 60's or the current (questionable) ambiance of Eugene's central squares or Portland's Saturday Market. Many ex-pats and "free spirits" abide in this charming town nestled beautifully into the Andes. A little lower than Loja it offers more sun and warmth.
A quick life lesson reinforced that day, the heart of which I picked up from a CS Lewis comment, is don't settle for what isn't because of a faulty impression. We were told that the river is "just down there." We came to a nearly dry riverbed enjoyed only by two horses. At first we were somewhat caustically unimpressed, then realized maybe there was more if we just kept looking. We are so glad we did!
The nearby environmental/ecological preservation area hosted a lovely, winding trail along a tumbling little river. This stroll was another of myriad snapshots displaying the vast and magnificent creativity of God. Whether the flora and fauna of planet Earth or its created care-takers (humanity) the variety of types, and humanly speaking temperament, is a picture of complex diversity. I found as much fascination in discovering plants, trees and fruits totally foreign to our Northwest region as I did in observing the difference in temperament between me and Neal. And one is as creatively unique and perfect as the other.
For instance ~ approaching the water's edge on the Salinas beach ~ I forge ahead, boldly striding out to greet the waves; Neal stands on recently wet sands and waits for a wave to revisit his location. This day, while meandering the path in the Vilcabamba environmental preserve, Neal holds back from the unknown beyond the next curve; I peer and plunge ahead. Two temperaments, merged into one through the blood of Christ and through marriage ... same/same, but different! God intends us that way. As the fruits of Ecuador grace the tables of Oregon homes, so the difference in temperament, skill and spiritual gifts graces and equips our marriage AND the Body of Christ to be what God has ordained us to be.
ANOTHER LAST TIME I DID SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME ~ well ... this entire trip has been a first ... but Sunday was our first time to attend service at Semilla de Mostaza (Mustard Seed), the church plant pastored by Leo Calva, our Ecuadorian field supervisor. Worldwide, we are ONE BODY IN CHRIST JESUS, and our worship was vibrant and united though our language was different. The preaching (not Leo on this day) was obviously animated and powerful, though I understood no more than a few words. The Bible was soundly taught and the following fellowship was sweet!
Monday morning's breakfast was with Leo & Lulu Calva and Lance and Tiffany Ferguson, both WorldVenture. Again ~ God's creativity and plan for one Body, or in our terms, great teamwork! God's creative influence was evident in Lance's focused and penetrating questions, which in turn helps me and Neal, who are not detail-thinkers, to focus our thoughts. I love the Body of Christ and teamwork!
Lance was gracious enough to take us to the tourist info office at the main town square, Parque Central. There, ANOTHER DIVINE APPOINTMENT, when another Ecuadorian missionary 'happened' to come in. When Carlos heard our vision he excitedly expounded for many minutes on the depth of need for this type of ministry! We were again so blessed and affirmed in the direction God is taking us.
Over the next few days ~
- Wednesday we'll be escorted by Leo into some more remote areas, exploring into the Amazon side of the Andes, to discern if this area has good potential for a future Guest House/Respite Care facility.
- We'll meet with Carlos and his wife for breakfast on Thursday to learn more and record his thoughts.
- Thursday lunch will be at the home of the Ferguson's; we already love this special family and look forward to learning how we can minister to and bless them and other missionaries.
- We're approaching the year's biggest art festival in Loja, conjoined with the independence celebration. We'll be able to participate in several days of festivity, concerts and other cultural events before we take leave for Latin Link (WorldVentures missionary conference) in Columbia on November 22.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Trekking the Andes; generations of tradition ~ visits to a quaint family farm, Ancient Inca ruins and a resort tucked in the hills.
It was to be an exciting 10 month adventure when we sent our 16 year-old son to Ecuador to live for his junior year in high school; God alone knew the future and that it would begin a life-time relationship. Cesar returned with Matthew the following year, and our Ecuadorian host became our Ecuadorian son.
All these years later the Burbano Family has embraced Neal and me into the fold of their warm and extensive family. Visiting their family farm and retreat center, Finca de Dorita, gave us a heart-warming glimps into a century of family love and tradition, and a taste of what Matthew came to love over 27 years ago!
Amazing to me that a large family gathering (and this was only a small portion of the maternal side of the clan!) could find so much to do WITHOUT internet ... hmmm!
Children actually PLAYED with each other and with adults, and the latter enjoyed plenty of animated conversation!
Of course it was the intrepid Abuelitas who were the adventurous ones, traversing the steep terrain of this magnificent Andes Mountains family farm.
November 2 was Dia de los Muertos
and GuaGua Pan is a traditional
sweetbread, served with Colata Morada.
The celebration, including Cuenca's
Independence from Spain, spanned
the weekend.
The food, prepared and served by loving hands, prooved a delicious feast. The variety of meats were cooked by los Abuelos over a built-in BBQ in the detached dining hall.
The original farm was, I believe, 100 acres. It was divided for the Patriarch's descendants, and the family traditions continue.
La Familia Burbano has a proud heritage in and around Cuenca. Cesar Sr. is a well-known and accomplished artist. As an architect he also taught at the local university, retiring only recently.
Three generations of Cesar Burbano men,
and we are proud to know and love them all.
Cesar Jr. (on the right) is our Ecuadorian son
who lived with us in Scio.
Cesar and his cousin, Marisabel (now a teacher)
were Matt's schoolmates in Cuenca.
On Sunday afternoon we traveled with Cesar, Cesar Sr. and Dora, his beautiful wife of 50 years, even higher into the majestic Andes to the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca. We had a native tour guide who speech was succinct and clear, a rare trait these days! It was fun to be able to decipher a few of her words. At one stop I was able to discern that the rocks with holes ground
out were used for determining times and season.
The culture and traditions of Ecuador reverberate
in these peaks!
These ruins led to the Templo del Sol.
Dora, Sherri and Neal with Tempo del Sol in the background.
Our excellent native guide.
Neal with our host and beloved Ecuadorian son, Cesar. He still tends us like a devoted son. His parents are truly blessed, as is he.
Amazingly no grout was used in the construction of these buildings. The stone, hand-hewn and lifted by human might, have stood the test of time and somewhat harsh elements.
The relatively short hike at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet did wonders for our appetite. Cesar has friends everywhere ~ including at this charming hotel and restaurant snuggled into the crest of the hills, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch. The beauty of tradition dominated the weekend - Cesar's friend's father, the founder of the resort, was also an artist. His son, Cesar's friend, now hosts the establishment. We received special treatment in our tour of the property. I really want to go back for a weekend with both Sperling and Burbano families!
The gazebo and beautiful yard, overlooking panoramic views,
whispers tranquility and awe.
Amazing to me that a large family gathering (and this was only a small portion of the maternal side of the clan!) could find so much to do WITHOUT internet ... hmmm!
Of course it was the intrepid Abuelitas who were the adventurous ones, traversing the steep terrain of this magnificent Andes Mountains family farm.
 |
| Sherri, Dora Burbano, in front of Denise (son-in-law Luis's Mom), sister-in-law Anita and sister Mary. What a delightful time we had! I'd hike with these gals anywhere. |
November 2 was Dia de los Muertos
 |
| GuaGua Pan - to resemble a swaddled baby |
sweetbread, served with Colata Morada.
Independence from Spain, spanned
the weekend.
 |
| Colada Morada |
 |
| Uncle Oscar combined old with new - carbon-initiated charcoal, and when the straw hand-held fan was too slow and electric hair blower worked nicely. |
 |
| Artist Cesar Burbano Sr. painted a realistic-looking flame on the grill cover. |
 |
| Moms, daughters and cousins; so much beauty in one place! |
The original farm was, I believe, 100 acres. It was divided for the Patriarch's descendants, and the family traditions continue.
La Familia Burbano has a proud heritage in and around Cuenca. Cesar Sr. is a well-known and accomplished artist. As an architect he also taught at the local university, retiring only recently.
and we are proud to know and love them all.
Cesar Jr. (on the right) is our Ecuadorian son
who lived with us in Scio.
 |
| Cesar's son is also Cesar, but we know him as Daniel |
Cesar and his cousin, Marisabel (now a teacher)
were Matt's schoolmates in Cuenca.
On Sunday afternoon we traveled with Cesar, Cesar Sr. and Dora, his beautiful wife of 50 years, even higher into the majestic Andes to the ancient Inca ruins of Ingapirca. We had a native tour guide who speech was succinct and clear, a rare trait these days! It was fun to be able to decipher a few of her words. At one stop I was able to discern that the rocks with holes ground
out were used for determining times and season.
The culture and traditions of Ecuador reverberate
in these peaks!
These ruins led to the Templo del Sol.
 |
| for storing grain during years of abundance |
 |
| Cesar Sr. - ever the artist |
Dora, Sherri and Neal with Tempo del Sol in the background.
Our excellent native guide.
Amazingly no grout was used in the construction of these buildings. The stone, hand-hewn and lifted by human might, have stood the test of time and somewhat harsh elements.
Neal and Sherri in front of the Templo del Sol
The gazebo and beautiful yard, overlooking panoramic views,
whispers tranquility and awe.
Cesar Sr. apparently is also a musician!
Friday, October 27, 2017
A tale of three cities ...
Actually, not really a tale, but an understanding of purpose and identity. Salinas (where we currently stay) is the tourist/party town. Nearby La Libertad is the commercial center and just beyond that is Santa Elena, the county seat of government; all three are in the province (similar to county) of Santa Elena. Finally understanding that, we thought it might be wise to catch a better vision for what material resources are not only available but affordable here (verses the tariffs on bringing our own ...)
It was a delightful excursion with our first stop at Tia Sentro ... a cross between dollar tree/grocery store/variety store ~ and worth the whole 30 cent bus fare to get there! The prices are far less than in Salinas, and we were relieved to know that many of the kitchen/dining room items (plastics, basic dishware, etc.) are affordable here verses shipping. Small kitchen appliances ~ we confirmed that we will bring ours :) Another ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL ITEM for ME will be noise-deadening headphones! These folks take music in the stores (and on the streets!) to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! And I complain about the stores and malls in the States ... however, each venture into the community only increases our love for and desire to come here; it confirms our call.
The grocery selection at Tia's was good and for the most part well priced. Learning what's what is essential ~ praise God Cesar took us shopping on our first day in Salinas or I would have bought yogurt or ready-to-eat oatmeal instead of milk; what a shock that would have been!
Maybe it was breaking my foot in Turkey, maybe it is the experience of multiple trips to developing nations, but for the most part I've learned to watch the ground when I walk ~ these are typical examples of why.
The minimal Spanish I've learned has enabled me to ask basic directions, so we were able to wander and find the other shopping area we had been told about. It was fronted by a pleasant community square and several other little business ... one of which was a Colombian bakery that beckoned us. The clerk had a charming smile and graciously worked with my broken Spanish to describe the incredible delicacies in his case. Neal, preferring safety, chose a doughnut. For me there is an assumption that ANYTHING with COCONUT has got to be good.
Neal's doughnut was filled with something similar to dulce de leche and was as incredibly delicious as my choice - a plain shortbread-type cookie filled with dulce de leche and coconut! This is definitely a place to remember!
It was a delightful excursion with our first stop at Tia Sentro ... a cross between dollar tree/grocery store/variety store ~ and worth the whole 30 cent bus fare to get there! The prices are far less than in Salinas, and we were relieved to know that many of the kitchen/dining room items (plastics, basic dishware, etc.) are affordable here verses shipping. Small kitchen appliances ~ we confirmed that we will bring ours :) Another ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL ITEM for ME will be noise-deadening headphones! These folks take music in the stores (and on the streets!) to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL! And I complain about the stores and malls in the States ... however, each venture into the community only increases our love for and desire to come here; it confirms our call.
The grocery selection at Tia's was good and for the most part well priced. Learning what's what is essential ~ praise God Cesar took us shopping on our first day in Salinas or I would have bought yogurt or ready-to-eat oatmeal instead of milk; what a shock that would have been!
 |
| Milk is on the shelf in boxes or bags. |
 |
| Yogurt in a plastic jug, like our milk. |
 |
| Oatmeal, ready to pour and eat, with a variety of flavor choices. |
 |
| You don't need to understand Spanish to know what these are! |
Maybe it was breaking my foot in Turkey, maybe it is the experience of multiple trips to developing nations, but for the most part I've learned to watch the ground when I walk ~ these are typical examples of why.
Neal's doughnut was filled with something similar to dulce de leche and was as incredibly delicious as my choice - a plain shortbread-type cookie filled with dulce de leche and coconut! This is definitely a place to remember!
 |
| This food-vendor Mama has a helper. |
 |
| Vendors sell food from kiosks or barrels ... |
 |
| Not sure, but I think he was tired of his Sister ... Mama had to come and rescue her! |
The streets continue to fascinate us. Libertad, more than Salinas, affords a more typical Ecuadorian shopping experience. Breakfast/lunch/dinner, supplies, gifts and most daily needs can be purchased right on the street. The people are friendly and we feel very safe and at-home. Each day is a new adventure, and each day awaken within us the need to live the love of Jesus Christ among them!
 |
| I've heard guinea pig is a delicacy here ... don't know enough Spanish yet to know what this is ... |
 |
| Good to know, just in case. |
 |
| Christmas is in the air, though not as massively marketed yet as in the States |
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