Tremors.

The Equator line at "Mitad del Mundo"

Jesse has been in both hemispheres at the same time. Rad.


Driving here is an event. When Pico y Placa ends, and all license plate numbers are once again allowed on the street, the roads sprout cars and the city bursts to life. And people get killed.

Arlene says Ecuador has the highest number of traffic related deaths in the world. Now, add earth tremors to the mix, and you've really got your hands full.

We felt it on our way to church this morning. At first, I thought the engine was making the car jumpy. And then we noticed the taxi in front of us bouncing around. James thought someone hit us from the back. All very plausible ideas, until Arlene let us know it was an earthquake.

Our first earthquake in Quito, Ecuador!

What an adventure! That said, let's hope it stays our first, and our biggest issue remains ignorant drivers and a disregard for any possible road etiquette.

James has already pointed out that my driving skills would fit right in here. He isn't wrong.

The info session for the English classes was supposed to start at 9 am. That was to ensure we got started by at least 9:45 am. Turned out, a 9:45 start time was a bit ambitious, so we pushed it to 10. And still someone showed up at 11:30 am. It makes me wonder how much a "2 hour" class will allow us to cover. If people are accustomed to the "trickle in" approach, I can't imagine we'll get past basic intro's. Being a teacher from N.A, but living in S.America, I am torn by what "rules" to adhere to. Am I to enforce a start time, regardless of non-existent attendance? Or, do I go with the flow, start an hour late, and get through only half of the material? A lose- lose at this point. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Yesterday morning I had a real cultural experience, making roughly 200 "guagua de pan" treats for this Sunday's Reformation day service. An indigenous tradition, involving the making of bread children for all saints day (or, the day of the dead) which is celebrated at the start of November. We drove to the church, picked up Rosi, Rosita, and Elsi, and made our way to Mariasol's home outside the city. This was my first visit inside an Ecuadorian's home. A great first experience. I love that these people love colour. It literally boosts my spirits to walk into a house and see yellow walls. Add fresh bread to the mix, and a pile of women around a table jabbering what is mostly nonsense to my ears, and I am one happy camper. I believe I was assessed to be the youngest and possibly the strongest female present, and was appointed to knead roughly 8lbs of dough until the perfect consistency was reached. Failing at that, grandmother willow (Mariasol's mom) took over, and I watched in awe as bread children practically formed themselves in her experienced hands. For about 2 hours we kneaded, formed, decorated and baked bread for this upcoming Sunday service. And when the last tray was set to baking, Mariasol served up "choclo" (ecuadorian white corn) con queso y leche. I guess the thing to do here is boil cheese and milk and drench your corn in it. It's something to write home about.

Once all our little bread men were baked, we packed up, set off, got lost, re-routed ourselves, and eventually made it back home. James and I were supposed to meet up with a friend near the Alliance Academy, but we ran out of time. Instead we opted for a date night at the theater-- a good opportunity to get out of the house and try our luck with a cab. It was a big step for us. Arlene gave me two instructions. Tell the driver where to take us, and make sure he sets the meter. Well, he didnt' set the meter, and when I insisted he set the meter, he got good and pissed off. I told James to get out, and as James opened the door, he said he'd get us there for $1. 50. Price settled, we re-settled, and made it to the mall without being charged extra. It was too bad we had to go and upset him though.

My set of instructions for the return trip were similar, and things would have gone without a hitch had we known how to get ourselves out of the mall. Apparently, they shut down every door leading out of the mall except for one after a certain hour, and that pops you out into a garage -of all places- where you can't help but feel completely exposed as trucks whip in and pick up gangs meandering across the lot. That's right- gangs. (Completely kidding-- they were probably 14 year old boys who needed their moms to come and get them. But to the eyes of a foreigner at midnight, 'gangs' will suffice :)

Anyways, not knowing where to go to even get a cab, we called Fred. So, mission only half accomplished. We will definitely have to try again to get the full experience.

Arlene has helped us out in the 'experience' department, taking us to Mitad del Mundo to experience the sensation of standing on the Equator line. My body has been in both hemispheres at the same time. I feel like a changed woman.

At least, I did, until Arlene informed us that all the work the French did about 100 years ago to figure out the exact location of the equator line was trumped by our friend, the GPS. Turns out, they were a few hundred meters off, but the museum was nice.

We are enjoying the subtle differences of Ecuadorian life. They have supper at lunch time, and a meal is not a meal unless it is served with rice. Fruit is primarily blended to make juice, and I believe it is better that way. "Kilol" has yet to kill all that is wrong with my stomach, but it sure sounds like the right approach to a stomach bug. Shoes are worn at all times. If you take them off, you will somehow manage to make the floor very dirty. My footprints get everywhere.

People sell fresh fruit on the streets, and with avocados now in season, lunches just got that much better. Dishes are not washed in a sink full of water. They find our technique disgusting and unsanitary. A tub of Avox, some rubber gloves, a course sponge, and an endless supply of running water is all you need. Recycling is not done by the homeowner. Food, cans, clothes go in one garbage can. Poor people come 3X a week to sort it as a source of income (I don't enjoy that one, but I did always suck at recycling). You do not shake hands here--you touch cheeks and kiss the air. Personal space does not exist here, and greetings are intentionally personal. Roses cost 3$ a bunch. With kids, language barriers don't exist.

With time, let's hope language barriers won't exist...

This is my pal Patito. He's 1 years old and understandably couldn't keep his eyes open during the Reformation address on the life of St. Augustine. Neither could I, for that matter...
This is a bubbling cauldron of Colado Morado. A traditional Ecuadorian drink made up of herbs, cinnamon, and a bunch of fruit, with a type of corn starch used to thicken it up. It is made once a year at the start of November. You drink it with a spoon.
Mateo, Lenny and I playing on the slide at church. I was the only one brave enough to go down it (it's a fast slide for a three year old).
The women's bible study group at Mariasol's house making guagua's.

Kneading that 8lbs of dough.
One of Jesse's many admirers.
Both boys raring to go on our 7am walk.
Jesse and I at the doc's awaiting Jesse's 6 month immunizations, and a surprise measles shot. Apparently an epidemic started on the coast and the first few cases have been spotted in Quito. Better safe than sorry. He was a champ.
Ashleigh Dellos-- a friend of a friend-- lives only 15 minutes away from us! She came down for a visit and then met us at the doctor's office. She gave us a tour of the Alliance Academy where she went to school. Very cool building. Very cool girl. We hope to see more of her before the trip ends.

Impressions

1/10 of our trip has slipped away into the Andies. We are not sure how a week has passed already, but the time is rolling like the hills we live in. Speaking of which, we got a closer look at these 'hills' on Thursday, when Arlene took us up to El Refugio, a youth retreat camp about 30 minutes from where we we are staying. The missionary couple that runs it has been away in the states and Arlene and Erin are currently 'on call' to exercise the horses. James and I thought a ride through the Andies would be kind of romantic... so we caught, combed, saddled and mounted our steeds, and envisioned a lovely stroll in the hills.

And then Espanola bolted and all chaos broke loose.

She went straight up (and I mean straight up) the mountain, and in about 3 seconds, our 'meandering' notion was shattered, Erin was out of sight completely, and we just sat there like idiots wondering what the heck just happened to our leader and her horse.

If there is one thing I would like to have recorded, it would be the look on my face.

Anyways, we didn't really have a choice but to follow, or at least attempt to, and so with a kick of the heels, we too began the ascent.

Needless to say, the horses carried us proudly across their terrain, stopped to let us take photos, and once we reached the summit, briskly brought us back home. Except for James' horse. 16 years old with some sort of hobble in his step... they took it easy in the homestretch.

Some photos.

Jesse, I wish you could remember being 6 months old.

Erin, leading the way home ( she saved the easy trail for the return trip)
James, Dakota, and an Easter cross at the summit overlooking the town below.
I think Mars had a skin condition, which resulted in his need to scratch his head on anything and anyone. Myself, in particular.
James, getting acquainted.

Jesse and I on the front porch of the Jonkman's. Yellow hibiscus are now my favourite.
Second game of bball for James. Both lungs and attire more suited for the game.
Guagua de pan for 'dia de muerto' (all saints day) An Ecuadorian tradition involving bread, icing, and a group of people who want to eat something tasty.Women's bible study. That's Arlene standing up. She's discussing the upcoming women's retreat and trying to get volunteers to do the groceries :)

That's all for now. More "impressions" coming soon :)

Adventures in Ecuador

We are here! There were moments last week when I had my doubts we'd ever make it, but God has been good.

Despite Jesse's last minute throat/ear infections, my bout with what I imagine to be mastitis, and James'body struggling with being over 9000 ft above sea level, the Harskamp family is alive and well in Quito, Ecuador.

The next few months will certainly be an adventure.

I think I, in particular, am going to have to adjust to life behind electric wires, gates, locks and alarms. My time in the D.R, and South Africa exposed me to this, but it still doesn't sit well. Despite the walls that are dusted in shards of glass, the Jonkman's home is warm and welcoming--and large. It is suited perfectly to their ministry, considering how many events/groups they host, and we are happy to be settling in so easily. Considering it is typically safer inside rather than out, the yard consists of a nice square patch of grass, and beautiful potted hibiscus plants (and others, that I don't recognize). Jesse and I have spent a few sunny afternoons walking around that patch. Jesse and I are outdoor people.

The first few days here have been purposefully low key to help us adjust. Yesterday was our first real outing to church, which lasted from about 9:30- 2:00. I love the structure of their service. They begin with Sunday School for all ages. It's more like an hour long Bible study. After that they grab coffee and snacks and socialize on the grounds (a beautiful, LARGE grassy area overlooking the mountains). After that, the service starts up, which lasts another hour or so. Yesterday they had to do some voting for elders and deacons, which they did on a whiteboard in front of the congregation. Interesting approach, and definitely might make a few men squirm back home, as the votes are tallied right in front of you :)

After church, we had a few hours to relax, and then the bible study group came over for more study, prayer, and food. The idea of serving coffee and cake in the living room is not welcomed here. If you eat or drink, you do it around a table. I like it.

I have a lot to learn in the Spanish department, but I enjoy the one on one conversations (more like clipped dialogue) I have managed to have. In large groups, I prefer to sit quiet and just listen. The tongue will loosen up eventually, I'm sure. It always does :)

Anyways, today James did a lot of computer work for both Fred and Arlene, as I tagged along with Arlene around Quito. I especially enjoyed Pollo Supremo. A chicken butchery where you get cheap chicken-- a foreign concept in Ontario. We also picked up an excersaucer for Jesse from the church, and his little legs have never been happier.

In the next few weeks I will be beginning to teach ESL to whoever cares to learn some basic English. I am looking forward to it. It's been awhile since I've been able to teach, and I have to admit, I do miss it. Again, the language might prove to be a barrier, but that's all part of the experience.

And so the next adventure begins....

Adventures on Aberdeen.

I never thought that meeting a hungarian shepherd would have such an impact in my life.

That was James' contribution to the blog.

In less than three weeks, James, Jesse and I will be on our way to Ecuador. That is soon. And between now and then, there appears to be a lot on the 'to do' list that James created, such as

-- try to make enough money to get there,

-fix the 'lost wallet' situation by getting all new cards from all over hamilton

-socialize with anyone who wants a coffee

-pack up our home

-trip shop

-get our shots

-get Jesse his shots

-hand sew a protective cover for James' ipad (please note the sarcasm, James)

-visit my sis, and her adorable kids

-make sure James applies for teachers college

-attempt to finish my online TESOL course

-teach myself how to sleep train a 5 1/2 month old, teething, strong willed, forever hungry child, because if it doesn't happen soon, none of the above will get done, and October 13 will truly be an unlucky day for the Harskamps. But, James reminds me that since we are not superstitious people, the # 13 has been redeemed, and is now the blessed day of our departure, and whether we get sleep or not, we will in fact board our flights and leave all chaos behind us.

The future looks bright.

And now, an update on J- balls. Yes, the unfortunate nickname coined by his uncles has stuck, and I will refer to him as such, at least for this month's update--which, I admit, has been neglected to the point that our son is now almost 6 months old, and in which time he has sprouted two very distinct snaggle teeth, learned how to sit on his size 4 diaper for an apt amount of time, and tasted his first sweet slurps of lukewarm rice cereal with applesauce. He is a very good eater. It is not a stretch to say that food excites him, and so I am seeing a blossoming Harskamp take his place in the world, and at the table, and I will no doubt one day be surpassed in the kitchen by my boy. Let's hope it's sooner rather than later. I hate cooking. That's right-- let it be known that I both dislike, and suck at it, and nothing is ever further from my mind than what I will eat for dinner. My sincerest apologies to the foodies in the family who take offence at these blasphemies. I will learn, someday, I hope.

Back to J balls.

He is a joyful chore. Last night he joyfully awoke at 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. AM. I followed suit, a lot less joyfully, and James made it out for a few choice time slots... those a lot closer to the sun.

This is OK, considering he isn't equipped to handle all of Jesse's needs, but I am definitely getting ready for the next phase: bottles, pablem, and a place that at least has one room with a solid, soundproof door. Not too much to ask.

But all in all, we are growing into parenthood and loving it. Jesse brings a lot of joy to our table, and we love him.

And so, we are preparing to take our little baby abroad. Weird that he won't ever remember this place. Can't say it'll be the same for us. I won't ever forget it. Where James and Rebecca first built there home, and introduced it to a brand new person. It has been such an awesome adventure. But the pages keep turning...

2 & 4

Brad and Brielle got married this weekend and James and I felt incredibly privileged to be on the guest list to experience that wedding. A beautiful, quirky, musically brilliant couple-- and the day was likewise. That's James and I with mustaches.

My man Jesse.
It's bumbo time! He's a bit twitchy in this thing... I think it pinches his thighs. There should be instructions on how to extract babies from these things.

Camping at Kill Bear with Doug and Vaness. Jesse was a champion-- a true outdoors baby. I forgot what fussing was, until I came home.
James and Jesse in Georgian Bay.
Cute.
Another reason why I've missed Katlyn :) I've decided that anyone who loves babies is welcome in my home. My reading list is growing, and so is Jesse's neediness, which is hampering my attempts to read. So, my friends, you are welcome any time to come and play with my son. Please.
We think he's getting a tooth. Either that, or his new fashion statement includes drooling profusely. Gotta love that face.
James' morning birthday pounce. I can see this becoming a tradition :) James turned 24, and I thought we'd honour the occasion with a good cup of morning coffee. Since I melted the base of our old coffee pot on the stove, and then proceeded to launch it across the kitchen by accident, it just hasn't been the same. Apparently some of the parts that snapped off were needed to make a good brew... so I bought a new one, and put a bow on it. Mornings have improved significantly.

Our little man is almost at the four month mark. That means his next round of needles are coming up, and luckily his thighs have retained enough chub to take the blow. I'm curious to know his weight. James is pretty sure he pulled some important muscle tissue in his arm just by holding him. I think James needs to toughen up.

My guess...18 lbs.

He is 3 months old. And his Pooh bear is his cue to chill out. He's hooked. Grandma's attempt to fit his butt in her kitchen sink for a bath. He's not convinced it's a good idea.
But she's getting it done.
James took Doug and I on an awesome hike up the river to Tews Falls. It was a hot day, and I would venture to say I would take this over a pool any day. You can't really tell from the photo, but it was hard to stay put long enough for a photo in the current. Love it.
Eagerly anticipating a swim. Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of the actual falls. The rest of the hike required us getting very wet, and I left my camera on a rock before we set out. Believe me, it was gorgeous.
My friend Heather came back from Korea, and before she hit the road for the great out west, we snagged her and made her eat with us and our pal Ryan. James nailed that dish :) No surprise.
I dropped Jesse off at a friends place, and then Heather and I spent the afternoon at Niagara-on-the Lake. It was on Heather's to do list before taking off-- actually, "French onion soup" was on her list, and it just happened to be here in Niagara. And this is why I love Heather. She has an insatiable love for the small and simple things that life has to offer, and I learn a lot from that.

All in all, a great afternoon.
My baby-- growing fast.

You only get one shot..

Not true. Jesse had to get two- one in each chubby thigh and he screamed bloody murder. Immunization time= 2 months into life. Jesse has reached that checkpoint, and I'm told he is surfing at the top of the percentile chart, weighing 14.12 lbs, being 62 cm long, and blah blah-- whatevs. Yes, he is a big baby. I have no choice but to put him in 6 month clothing if I want to get him out of them again, and as much as my dutch nature wants to shove his butt into the remainder of his size 1 diapers, the laundry that results just isn't worth it. SO, size 2 it is, and I will stack up yet another bag of clothes he's outgrown.

Being a mom is getting easier. My baby now coo's and "talks" to me, and I feel somewhat validated in my role. Plus he's really cute. A smile from a fat baby is like mood medicine-- I learned in 1st year psych that if you force a smile, no matter how upset you are, the act of smiling will boost your mood. Jesse's smile is contagious, and it just plain makes me happy.

Back to immunizations.

Immunization= sore muscles, red lumps, cranky baby

= less smiles and more teary looks of betrayal from a 2 month old.

What does he know about health and well being?! I shouldn't have to feel so guilty.. :(

Anyways, he's doing alright.

Father's day is coming up-- so I hope James is getting stoked. He gets a whole new 'holiday' this year. My mom is also turning 50 tomorrow. 50. I hate to say it, but that seems very old all of a sudden. I also hope she is getting pretty excited. I know after 25 people generally don't like getting older, but man, I love birthdays. Embrace age people. It's a gift.

Speaking of age, life, and embraces, James and I are seeing a wee bit of a cracked door in the direction of Ecuador. That's funny. When I said we had to see what "doors" God would open for us, I never thought we'd just have to add a few letters to the front of that to crack the code. BUT, nothing is for sure yet, and so I'll keep it vague.

The weather here has been cool, but lovely. The vegetable garden is doing well, minus the bush beans. They are sucking. Also, our zucchini hasn't come up, which might be a blessing considering I don't really like zucchini. Everything else looks hopeful, and I even have a nice pile of mixed lettuce rinsing in the sink for tonight's din. That sounds really nice, fresh lettuce. The reality is, that's all we will have to eat tonight, unless I get off this couch and buy groceries. There's my hint. I'm out.