The time of our departure for Ecuador is getting ever so much closer. We are beginning to wonder what we have forgotten…what we have not thought about…and we are double-checking the already-double-checked list of to-do items.
Recently, the portion of the group that is living in north Alabama got together for a planning meeting to help prepare for the trip. Shirley brought a cake decorated to represent the flag of Ecuador, and it was enjoyed by all and made the occasion more festive.
We promised to introduce you to the members of our group, and will do that with photos. Our policy is to list only first names in the blog.
Mike and Ann live in Florida. We have known them for more years than Ann and Mike probably want to admit. We have traveled with them in the past, and it has always been an enjoyable and fun-filled experience.
Lucy… I am at a loss as to what I should say to introduce this one. We go back so far in history that no one kept records when we started being friends. In the interest of full disclosure I must tell you that Lucy, Ann and I grew up in Lakeland, Florida back in the 1950’s, and none of us are planning to tell embarrassing “growing-up” stories on each other while we are on this trip…are we, ladies??
Shirley lives right down the road from us in rural north Alabama. She was married to a preacher, and has traveled extensively. Shirley’s claim to fame is that last year she “rode out” the F-5 tornado that devastated our area by clinging to the toilet in her bathroom and riding the toilet to relative safety.
Gary and Vicki have worked with Hispanic people on previous evangelistic trips, mostly in Mexico. They are both fluent in Spanish, and will be extremely helpful on this trip. Vicki just completed the lengthy task of translating the stick-figure Bible stories in “Rainbow Lessons” into the Spanish language.
Debby is an elder’s wife and brand new grandmother, thanks to her son and daughter-in-law. If you look up “doting grandmother” in the dictionary, you will see Debby’s picture. Debby is enthusiastic about everything…not just her new grandson.
Brittany is Debby’s adult daughter. Their relationship as mother-daughter and as adults is exemplary. Brittany has an infectious laugh, which will spread joy to the rest of us on the tour.
Bert and Olen have made several tips to Ecuador together. Bert speaks self-taught Spanish and has enabled Olen to communicate with the people in Ecuador. Last year Bert and his wife, April, traveled to Ecuador with us. Unfortunately, April has schedule conflicts and is unable to make the trip this year, and we will miss her.
Then, there are our enthusiastic young ladies: Mckenna, Victoria, Taylor and Baylee. These are four of our lovely teenage girls at church. These girls have all been active participants in our in-home Bible study we call the “Salt Shakers”. Victoria graduated from high school this year, and the others are not far behind. They grow up so very fast! These young ladies are excited about the trip and some are working on preparing a lesson for children so they can teach a Bible class while in Ecuador. After seeing the picture of these girls, I imagine there are some young men out there who are wishing they were going on this trip with us!
Olen and Jane…you know us, so no introductions necessary. We are thrilled to be looking forward to making a tour with this wonderful group. We are anticipating a successful trip working with the Christians in the area, and are delighted to be able to take in the sights and experiences of Ecuador in the process. We invite you to ride along through this blog. We plan to post and send photos back daily, as long as the internet cooperates.
We are definitely counting down the days. Departure day is July 9!
Recently, the portion of the group that is living in north Alabama got together for a planning meeting to help prepare for the trip. Shirley brought a cake decorated to represent the flag of Ecuador, and it was enjoyed by all and made the occasion more festive.
We promised to introduce you to the members of our group, and will do that with photos. Our policy is to list only first names in the blog.
Mike and Ann live in Florida. We have known them for more years than Ann and Mike probably want to admit. We have traveled with them in the past, and it has always been an enjoyable and fun-filled experience.
Lucy… I am at a loss as to what I should say to introduce this one. We go back so far in history that no one kept records when we started being friends. In the interest of full disclosure I must tell you that Lucy, Ann and I grew up in Lakeland, Florida back in the 1950’s, and none of us are planning to tell embarrassing “growing-up” stories on each other while we are on this trip…are we, ladies??
Shirley lives right down the road from us in rural north Alabama. She was married to a preacher, and has traveled extensively. Shirley’s claim to fame is that last year she “rode out” the F-5 tornado that devastated our area by clinging to the toilet in her bathroom and riding the toilet to relative safety.
Gary and Vicki have worked with Hispanic people on previous evangelistic trips, mostly in Mexico. They are both fluent in Spanish, and will be extremely helpful on this trip. Vicki just completed the lengthy task of translating the stick-figure Bible stories in “Rainbow Lessons” into the Spanish language.
Debby is an elder’s wife and brand new grandmother, thanks to her son and daughter-in-law. If you look up “doting grandmother” in the dictionary, you will see Debby’s picture. Debby is enthusiastic about everything…not just her new grandson.
Brittany is Debby’s adult daughter. Their relationship as mother-daughter and as adults is exemplary. Brittany has an infectious laugh, which will spread joy to the rest of us on the tour.
Bert and Olen have made several tips to Ecuador together. Bert speaks self-taught Spanish and has enabled Olen to communicate with the people in Ecuador. Last year Bert and his wife, April, traveled to Ecuador with us. Unfortunately, April has schedule conflicts and is unable to make the trip this year, and we will miss her.
Olen and Jane…you know us, so no introductions necessary. We are thrilled to be looking forward to making a tour with this wonderful group. We are anticipating a successful trip working with the Christians in the area, and are delighted to be able to take in the sights and experiences of Ecuador in the process. We invite you to ride along through this blog. We plan to post and send photos back daily, as long as the internet cooperates.
Can hardly wait to follow along. Looks like a fun group. God speed.
ReplyDeleteWish you could have joined us, Stacy.
ReplyDeleteMe too! It would have been spectacular to be with y'all again.
ReplyDeletePlease give Shirley a hug for me :)
ReplyDelete