Now the Real Learning Begins!

Have you ever felt like you have fallen off the grid for a bit?  For the last two months that is what we were able to do and it was such a wonderful experience.  On April first we flew to Guadalajara, Mexico to take an intensive language course in Spanish.  Probably one of the hardest, best things we have ever done.  We had a supporter ask us if we thought seven weeks would really make that big of a difference.  Absolutely.  Now though, the real learning begins as we head back to Ecuador and implement the many things we learned.  Our goal really was quite simple, we wanted to learn how to speak without sounding like cavemen.  I think as time goes on we will see we now have the tools to accomplish our goal.  Our days were filled with grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, interpretation and translation.  Howard and I both had our "a-ha" moments where something became clear which we had clearly muddled up.  We are thankful for the time spent in Guadalajara and for the people who made it possible so we could participate in this language school.

Devotionals started each of our days while we studied at the Harvest Language Center.  This time included our language teachers and all the students who were studying at different levels.  In this picture five different mission organizations are represented.

On Mother's Day our whole group got together and ate at one of our favorite taco stands.  

Jasson, Kim, Kaleb, Noah and Micah Farmer are with UIM Aviation (United Indian Mission) and graciously took us along with them whenever they went sightseeing.  This photo is at Lake Chapala, Mexico

Deb Duncan and our paths crossed very briefly at school, but we were touched by her courage to quit her job in Texas and attend seven months of language school so she would minister in Autlan, Mexico.  As we continue on this journey, we are amazed at the people we meet who have answered the call of God on their lives, in order to impact the kingdom for His glory

Howie just liked this sign when he was out touring the city of Guadalajara, simple message but true.