Philmont pfun...

Matthew & Chris are out in New Mexico right now, hiking for 10 days, having the time of their lives. They were packing everything up last Thursday, getting all ready to be gone for 2 weeks. I took them to meet with all the other boys at the church at 6am Saturday morning, July 26. They will be back on Sunday, August 10 with (hopefully) lots of pics that I can share!

Christopher's mop...

Here are before and after pictures of Christopher's hair. His hair was so long that I bet I could put it in ponytails. Well, he was a real sport and let me do it! And don't worry, this didn't scar him for life. We told somebody about it, and he said that this picture would come back to haunt him some day, probably when he is dating. Chris was quick with a response... he said, "I'll just tell her, 'here's proof that I'm in touch with my feminine side' " !!!

A few photos from our Ecuador trip...

I'm finally keeping true to my word... here are some pictures from our trip! (sorry it took me so long)

Rachel & me at the Seminary
Can you believe the gas prices?!?

At the top of Teleferico Mountain (about 14,000 ft elevation)

Rachel & me with some of the kids from the Genesis 7 Feeding Center

(our first place to do work)

Pastor Buck and Pastor Matt taught the kids how to play "American" football.

Can you tell Rachel's team won?!?

July 4th... all wrapped up in blankets and jackets...

An American tradition lights up the sky in Ecuador

Trekking down a trail in the Mondo Rainforest, Andes Mountains

Rachel with a group of kids at Pan de Vida

(our second place to do work)

"The Babysitters' Club"

Rachel & me standing on the equator at Mitad del Mundo

Back home safe & sound...

Well, we made it back home in one piece! We arrived at DFW at 10:05 Saturday morning, July 12. It took us about an hour to get through baggage claim, then we were headed home! We got back to the church around noon, Mom & Dad, Von & Thomas & Paige & Noah were waiting for us... and Von was waiting with my beloved Vanilla Dr Pepper from Sonic!!! (aww, she's so sweet!)

We only had one snafu during our trip. Rachel kept up with her camera the entire time, until we landed at DFW, we got off the plane, she had to go to the bathroom. Then we went through the revolving doors to baggage claim, and that's when she realized her camera was missing! Of course, we couldn't get back to those restrooms without getting a ticket and going through security. After I talked to 3 different people, someone finally volunteered to go to those restrooms and check for us. She looked in every stall and couldn't find it. :( It's really sad because we don't even know what all pictures Rachel had on her camera, and now I guess we'll never know.

Anyway, after the homecoming at the church, they took us to Wal-Mart so we could see Matthew. He was very excited to see us, kept hugging on us!! Then we grabbed some lunch from Whataburger and went back to our house. When we walked in the door, we were surprised with a huge welcome home from Matthew! He had worked hard on getting it all ready before we got there, and we were totally surprised. He gave us each a vase of flowers and a card, and he made a pan of brownies for us too! We're so glad to be home! I will post more pictures of our trip as time permits (and as I get caught up on my sleep!!!)

We're on our way!

All packed and ready to go!

Gooooooone, gooooone, goooone! We're leaving for Ecuador this morning. Our flight leaves out of DFW at noon, we change planes in Atlanta, then we're off to Quito, Ecuador. Our flight lands at 10:05pm. Then from there, I'm not sure what'll happen. This is a new and very different adventure for both of us! Pray for us on our venture...

Matthew getting in his last hug before we leave!

Rachel munchin on some waffles!