Unpacking Party

Last night was our unpacking party! We had to unpack the mule bags and box the supplies up for the next trip, which will be in two years... right Dr. Oetzel? All of us talked about how we are catching ourselves doing Ecuadorian things like toilet paper in the waste basket, being cautious about rising our tooth brushes, and greeting people with a hug and kiss. Although, I have to admit it is kind of fun to watch people get uncomfortable when you do that. Don't worry, I only do it to friends. We talked about the funny things that happened and the people we miss. Then Dr. O got us on the task of unpacking. Since we rock at packing and unpacking it only took us about 20 minutes. Just in time for dinner!

Kendra brought the butter of course!

The bowl that was given to Dr. Oetzel by Pato from the Shuar

Shuar bible given to Dr. Oetzel 

Emily found this awesome caterpillar outside right before dinner so of course I had to take a picture of it!

 It is Jessie's birthday in a few days so we decided this would be a good night to celebrate it! 

After dinner we wrapped up a few final business things before settling down to watch the movie "End of the Spear." This tells the story of the 5 missionaries that were killed evangelizing to one of the rainforest tribes, which we saw the replica of their plane in Shell. Anna Hausmann (my big sis who actually isn't my big sis but essentially is) stopped by to say hi! She was on the 2015 trip, so it was fun for everyone to met/ catch up with her!

See, we could totally pass for sisters!

We had a great night just being together for one last time before our busy lives begin again. Thank you so much for all the prayers and support. We could not have done this without you! Thank you for coming along on our journey through this blog. I hope in some way you felt like you were apart of this experience and that it can encourage you! We are truly blessed! God has been so good to us and we just pray that we were a blessing to those we served and will continue to serve! 

Sing to the Lord a new song,

his praise from the ends of the earth,

you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,

you islands, and all who live in them.

Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices;

let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice.

Let the people of Sela sing for joy;

let them shout from the mountaintops.

Let them give glory to the Lord

and proclaim his praise in the islands. 

Isaiah 42: 10-12

Journey Home

Once we all go through customs we walked back to our gate area and claimed a spot. We settled in for a 3 hour wait. Some people played cards, read, slept, and did other things to keep them occupied. I let Flacca out on her leash and we walked around the airport a few times getting love and sharing it with all sorts of people along the way. She was a little overwhelmed but was getting the hang of everything. She and I eventually took a little cat nap an hour before our flight left. She woke up and we gave her some food with a sedative to help her relax and sleep on the flight before we boarded.  Once on board, Flacca started to fall asleep again and she just rested under the seat in front of me. I spoke to the woman next to me, Kay, for awhile. She was also heading home after completing her mission trip in Ecuador. She worked with a medical team in villages north of Quito. This was her third time coming here. On this trip she worked with ophthalmologists to help people find the appropriate glasses. Her passion for this work came through as she was speaking. She then asked me a lot about what we did and, of course, Flacca. She was thrilled with our mission and was so encouraging to me. We talked and talked, until I think she realized that I was about to fall asleep. I slept on and off for the first 3 hours of the trip. I would wake up to check on Flacca and fall back asleep. Flacca and I both needed the rest. I skipped all the meals and drinks until the last one. I got a water for Flacca and me. She and I were both thirsty and ready to get off the plane. The last hour of the flight Flacca (in her carrier) sat on my lap and slept and Kay and I watched the sunrise out the window. Before we deplaned Kay and I talked some more and she said that she would be praying for the rest of our journey home.

We all grouped together before we entered customs. There are new automatic machines that you scan your passport, answer questions, and take a picture before you get in line. My picture was horrible! And when I say horrible I mean it. I showed some of the team members that were around me and we all laughed. I wish I could have taken a picture it was so bad I can't even explain, but I was happy to make everyone laugh. When I got up to the head of the line and handed over my print out I apologized for the picture and the security officer laughed out loud and asked me if that was really me and we both started laughing. He didn't have any other questions for me and said "welcome home ma'am" with a chuckle and sent me on my way. I didn't get stopped by anyone even though I was bringing Flacca. Kendra of course got stopped with the roses, but it was super brief. We all got everything rechecked and then the last hurdle, the last TSA security. Flacca stole the show and hearts of everyone around her. The line I got into the lady was very grumpy but as soon as I pulled Flacca out of her carrier, she melted. The tough officer was baby talking to the very sleepy Flacca. I had to laugh because it made getting through security a million times more pleasant. Then we were out on the other side.

We had about 8 hours before our plane was supposed to take off so we went with Sara to her gate to wait with her. Once we arrived our first stop was the Pet relief area.

It was a really nice, quiet room that she had all to herself but I think we was overwhelmed by all the new smells. She did finally pee though. Right in the middle of the room near the drain. I washed her paws off and luckily there was a spray shower that I could use to clean the floor. She seemed much better after that. We went back to join the team. She was a happy distraction during the waiting time not only for the team but all the people around us. Many kids and adults asked to pet her or take a photo of her. We got to watch people go from being grumpy or tired to happy and bright with one look at her. Jessie took her on a walk for a bit around the gate area and Flacca decided that was a good time to poop. I gave Jessie everything she needed in case that did happen, so it worked out well.

The feast! Thanks Jessie for being awesome!

Taking time to smell the roses...

Her puppy!

We discovered Flacca likes coffee

Flacca's look...

Quigs and Flacca.. so CUTE!!

After an hour it was time to say hasta luego to Sara. It was hard to say good bye even though we have only know her for two weeks. We became a great family while we were in Ecuador. There also seems to be a unique bond you make with the people you go on mission trips with. It is a powerful friendship and safety that you build. We then headed to Quigs' gate. Again, Flacca brought smiles to everyone around her and we were able to talk to many people about our mission trip. Is was exciting to see that Flacca was helping us continue our mission even in an airport!

Happy Pup

A whole new world... Dr. O getting some rest in the sun. 

Keeping a close watch on the team.

Trying to play cards too.

Nap time for me and the pup.

Then it was time for Quigs' flight. It was another hasta luego and sad but happy time. She almost got to spend an extra hour with us but she was able to stay on her same flight. She has yet to visit Madison in the summer so maybe we will see her in a month ;) Just kidding Quigs, but really she has to come visit so we can do a cheese curd tour of Madison. Same with Sara but she has to come in the winter to see he snow and ice skate on the lakes. Then we were off to our gate... along the way we passed through a rain forest.

 Atlanta airport has a lot of cool artwork and mini museums between the gates and terminals! David let us know that he had arrived safely in Cuenca after a 10 hour bus ride, so almost the whole team was where they should be. We were are our gate a couple hours early, so Emily and I devised the best lunch plan. We split a sandwich and then went and got crepes!! Puppy even got some whipped cream!

Flacca fell fast asleep up until we boarded the plane.

Even on the bumpy plane ride she was still...

Then we arrived to Madison. Kristen was waiting for us! There were lots of tears of pure joy and relief from both of us! Flacca was home!

Kristen was so happy! And the entire team was so blessed by Flacca and the joy she brought to us and the people around us!

While Kristen took Flacca outside, the team and I got our bags out to the curb and started dividing the roses up to everyone. Kristen was fantastic and took a few of us home. We were all thankful to be home safely. Kristen took me home and I said goodbye to Flacca. I think the weather here was just about the same as the jungle. I changed out of my dress clothes to summer clothes, borrowed a vase from my classmate and neighbor, and got the roses in water. I made a few bouquets to give to my family and take into work along with keeping one for myself. The left over roses I am taking to friends. The rest of the night I spent unpacking and letting everyone know I returned home safe and sound. It was also a time I could reflect on everything myself. What an amazing trip this has been for the team, our faith, and the relationships we have built. God is so good!

Last Day in Quito

Everyone slept in a bit. I think we all really needed it. As everyone began to wake up we self delegated different tasks. A group of the girls were changing over laundry and folding, Emily and I washed boots and shoes, others started the packing, and when Dan was up Morgan, Kendra, and David went with him to get breakfast (fruit!). God really had bonded us together. We worked so smoothly without much direction and having fun at the same time. It is a come when you can breakfast with some people still running around and doing things, but we all got together at 9 for our final team devotional. Jessie led it off with pulling passages and questions from the last few devotionals. It brought about a time of reflection and encouragement about everything that has happened on this trip and what is to come. When we started singing you could feel in the love in the praise we were giving. I got goosebumps! There were some tears and lots of emotion. It was a great way to start the last day with the whole team. We got our plan for the day together and we were out the door at 11:30. 

We all piled into JT the van so it would be less stressful in the city traffic. Our first stop was to the First Market of Handcraft's in Ecuador. It was a market that took up half a city block. Everyone broke up into groups to find the artisan gifts we were looking for. David, Bailee, Lizzy and I stuck together. David did a great job helping us barter and also holding our stuff. We all got a variety of things from blankets, hammocks, paintings, purses, clothing, and knick knacks. Everything they make is so colorful and beautiful it was hard to choose but with an hour time limit we all managed it. We were able to all find little "treasures" (as Dan called them) to give to family and friends or keep as reminders of this amazing trip. 

Our next stop, Mega Maxx. This was the Target equivalent in Ecuador, but this was the place to buy coffee, tea, and CHOCOLATE! We all beelined straight for the back of the store to load up on these treasures. It was a very quick trip since we had to make it to the restaurant where we had a reservation. We were running on Ecuadorian time so we got there only 45 minutes late. The traffic had been terrible trying to get across the city, but it gave us time to laugh and talk together. We also got to observe all sorts of things around the city funny signs, different buildings (Quigs...), and also firefighters on motorcycles? We asked Dan how that works but I don't think anyone was quite sure. We made it to the restaurant. Everyone was hungry. Dan ordered us all empanadas to start but after having those all of us were already pretty stuffed. When we saw the plates of food they brought out we were thankful that Dan needed food for the next week because that is what all of our leftovers turned into.

A really really big KFC

Empanadas- Lizzy finally feeling almost 100% again :)

Empanadas for days!

My ceviche 

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Jessie with her Lunch... it probably was actually 3 meals in one.

This it what happens when we wait for Dan to pay the bill...

Then it was a race back to the house to start packing since we were running an hour late from our initial plan. Emily helped me back all of my things really quickly so that I could go with Dan to pick up the roses. We were all so thankful that Isabel (Dan's friend and cleaning lady) helped us with all our laundry. I wanted to just give her the biggest hug ever! It was amazingly helpful!

Then Dan and I were off to get the roses. It wasn't too far from the house so we thought it wouldn't take too long.  When you walked into the flower shop the smell of fresh flowers was like a wall you jut walked into. There was every kind of flower in every color. I wasn't able to get a lot of pictures but there are some of the flowers below. When we got there we were told the truck hadn't arrived yet and that it wouldn't be in until 6. So we were kind of stuck. I had to be at the airport by 7 to pick up Flacca (the dog we are bringing back for Kristen). Dan ran a couple options by me and we decided that we would pick out flowers from the day before. They were still gorgeous but just not as fresh. Half way through picking out the flowers the truck arrived. They said it would only take 5 minutes and we could pick them straight off the truck. Thirty minutes later we were able to pick the colors we wanted. It took another 30 minutes for them to be packaged up but during that time Dan and I talked and the owner talked to us about his Pitajaya business. This is the cactus fruit that we had picked up in the market with Andrea. This man directly sold it to Hong Kong. He was very excited that I had tried that fruit and was showing me all the pictures from his business. It was a also a moment where we shared our mission. We are veterinarians and students here helping the communities and supporting the ministry. He seemed very impressed by that. We got our roses out of the store right at 5:30 (that is when we were supposed to leave for the airport).  I kept saying we would be alright and Dan kept responding I know we will. I had to explain that saying that was like a cat purring (cats purr when they are happy and nervous and during the nervous times it calms them down. Me continually saying we will be fine was my purring. He and I both laughed at me for saying that.  

When Dan and I got back to Harmony Hall (His apartment complex). The trailer was set ready to be hooked up, everything was packed, and everyone was ready to load and go. It was perfect!

Dan the Man and JT the van! 

We loaded up in less than 10 minutes and then we were off.  Everyone relaxed a lot more once we were in the van. Bailee led us off in prayer as we got into the van to have a safe trip. The traffic getting across Quito was terrible but we also got to see this...

Once we got out of traffic and on to the interstate you could tell everyone relaxed because the singing started. And it was beautiful outside of the van too.
 

God surely did answer our prayer. We arrived at the airport at 7. The exact time I was supposed to meet Dr. Pineda (Marce). Dan had accidentally left his phone at the house but he had another for me to use facebook messanger ifI couldn't find her.  Just as I was telling Dan, "Well at least I stick out like a sore thumb" and he was laughing Marce recognized me and came running up to me with the puppy. We were both so relieved we found each other. She was so kind! I wish we had had more time to get to know each other. She spoke amazing English so we briefly went over some details about Flacca and then she handed her off to me with her paperwork and we went into the ministry for agriculture office. She told me to only speak English that why they wouldn't ask me any questions. I think Flacca was the real charmer though. As soon as the government veterinarian saw her, her face lit up in a big smile. She did all the paperwork with the only questions being addresses. The vet gave her a final look over and wished us all the best on our journey. Flacca was so sweet! I had the biggest smile because she was super cute and the biggest hurdle of getting her home was completed! One hurdle (checkpoint) down 4 to go.

Dan and I said goodbye to Marce and her husband before we met up with the team at the restaurant int he airport. They all cheered as I brought her to the table. Everyone in the airport turned to look at us, but we were all so thankful that everything worked out we didn't care. We all picked at the food we ordered together. Many of us were still full from lunch and nervous for the trip home. It was so loud in the airport we decided to walk back to a grassy area by the van to pray and let Flacca run around and hopefully go potty. 

After some of us loaded up in the vehicles to head up to the departure area to unload. Dan had to go pay for parking first which turned into an adventure. David had pulled the CRV up behind but a security guard would not let him park there so we did loops for a while. When we finally unloaded we said a quick good-bye to Dan and David (he was off to Cuenca to visit friends). Then it was time to get organized and get through security. Our flight had been delayed by an hour and twenty minutes. I was the only person having trouble getting a ticket. Another four people had to check over Flacca's paperwork. I was super nervous, but Flacca fell asleep with her new puppy stuffed toy on the ticket counter. She was adorable! Even the workers behind the counter had to say aww. There was another cheer from the team as Flacca and I joined them in the TSA security area (2 of 5 complete). 

Security went super smoothly. Flacca had to go through the metal detector with me and everyone's eyes were on the puppy. It was easy to see she was going to be getting a lot of attention on the way home. Then it was on to customs. I got a very nice man who surprisingly asked me no questions except if Flacca had a passport. We both laughed at that and then he wished me a safe journey home and Flacca and I passed through. It was a hurry up and wait for the rest of the night.