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7/16/2008 Happy Boo Day!!!Can you believe it's been 2 years? That's right- Cohen is two years old today and we couldn't be happier! We hope the adoption will be finalized in the next 6 weeks, but, of course, the Peruvian system is slower than the finest Canadian molasses, so we'll see what happens. . . .
Cohen has become quite the character- he makes faces for the camera, dances to music, loves to play his guitar (left-handed), and is an overall joy. He likes to watch Blues-Clues, Backyardigans, Diego, and Hi-5.
Yesterday, we went to the "mall" and when we got to the bottom of the escalator he took off running and went straight to the stuffed animals and grabbed a zebra and a zebra pencil bag. Since he loved them so much we bought them for his birthday, and also got him a zebra-striped blanket. Kayla has decided that the next design for his room will follow this theme. I've got a few pics below of the zebra cake that Joyce
made for Cohen, along with a few pics of Cohen.
In the meantime, please continue to pray for us as we experience the change of our boys now living in the U.S. We talk to them everyday, and once they return to Colorado (their in North Carolina right now because my dad is receiving an award for being an outstanding County Agent in the state of Colorado) we will be able to see them with our webcams while we talk to them.
7/11/2008 The boys are back in townThe boys are there, or gone, or home- I'm not sure what you call it at this point. . . .at any rate, they're back in Colorado with Mimi and Papa. Yesterday they had Taco Bell for dinner- the first time in close to 4 years- and today they went shopping for school clothes. School, that will certainly be an adventure. It is for all of us, but for them, after much time missed, I imagine they'll be in for quite the experience.
We miss them, are happy for them, concerned and excited. What else can I say? When doors open you walk through them. When they close you wait for another.
Kayla, Cohen, and I returned to Arequipa earlier this evening after a wonderful time in Lima, despite the fact that we were in Lima (Lima is not my favorite city in Peru, in case any of you haven't gathered that yet). We enjoyed good food, good times with each other, and good rest.
We'll be returning to our teaching jobs next week, then will be welcoming a team in two weeks, heading to Tacna to dedicate the camp, and then, well. . .who knows?
Thanks to you all, again, for continuing to support us with everything you have!!
7/7/2008 UpdateSo, it's once again been a while since I've written, but I figured it was about time for an update on our lives.
About two months ago we headed to Ica, one of the areas hit hardest by last year's earthquake. We joined with a team from, mostly from Florida, to rebuild a small church that had fallen in the quake. I've worked with this team several times during my 3 years in Peru so, along with the feeling of satisfaction of being able to help people and do God's work, it was an extra-special trip for me because many of the men and women on this team are friends, family, the people that motivate me to be here. I was sad that Jason couldn't make it down, nor his wife (RE), but his spirit was here, as that of his mom, dad, sis, and grandma were. Chuck made it down, and I've gotta say, any day with Chuck is a day well spent!! Shane's parents came down (again) and I couldn't have been happier to hear that Shane's doing well. And of course, there's Mike and Denise, a couple who brighten every day and night they are a part of. The truth is, there are and were so many great people on that MAPPS team that I can't say enough about them. Of course, I have to applaud Buddy for his continuity in his work, and for Barbara for tolerating him all these years.
A few weeks after returning from Ica I accompanied a family from Lima, along with two college girls who are here with us in Arequipa on a 6-month missions trip, to Arica, Chile, in order to renew visas, etc. . . .Kayla and the kids joined us for the trip to Tacna, but because Cohen's adoption is not yet final they were not able to cross the border into Chile, and that was too bad, because while in Chile we had quite the adventure.
Upon arriving, the girls and myself seperated from the family from Lima (actually from Ohio) because they needed to go to the Peruvian embassy and we did not. Instead, we headed to the docks where we encountered the funnest fish market I've ever been to. While walking through, perusing the morning catch, we found one particular group of gentleman who were eager to chat, show us their take from the sea, and allow me to admire their Japanese knives (by which I was quite impressed).
They then asked if the girls would like to step behind the counter and take a picture with them, and of course they accepted. The fisherman then "encouraged" me to join them in the photo (which I was attempting to take)and told me to pass our cameras on to another fisherman they called "SeaWolf." I gave one to him but held on to mine. The fisherman again insisted that I join in the photo so I did.
As soon as I was behind the fish counter "SeaWolf" was no where to be found, and neither were the cameras!! I ran into the aisle, looked around, then headed out of the market to look for this fiend (he was a big guy, and I knew he couldn't run very fast). As I exited the market there was a steel building to my right so I went in. When I walked through the door there stands "SeaWolf" with camera in hand taking my picture and saying "HaHa." It was all a big joke!!!
Later that afternoon we took the family from Lima back to the same market and repeated the prank with them, at my request!! Talk about a good time!! I know I enjoyed it, and I'm pretty sure the Shrader's did, as well.
Since those adventures we've been hanging around Arequipa, teaching at the school, and preparing for the newest changes in our lives.
Cohen's adoption should be finalized no later than the end of September. We visited the "Secretary of Adoptions" last week and were informed that as far as they are concerned we're good to go, just waiting on the judge. We're going to see the judge personally next week and see if we can't speed up the process.
My parents have been in town for almost two weeks and we've been travelling almost the entire time. Last week we headed to Cusco and Macchu Picchu, spent several days there, then returned to Arequipa. A few days later we took a day trip to Chivay and Ichupampa, visited the old-folks home and Cohen's Aunt and Uncle. It's been great having them here and it will be hard to see them go.
Even harder will be watching my boys, Alec and Chandler, go with them. They will be moving back to Colorado in two days (Wednesday). Alec can't receive the medical care he needs in Peru, and neither of the boys are receiving the education they need or deserve. While their time here has been a beneficial and integral part of their lives it's time to consider their futures. Please pray for us all, as this transition is going to be difficult in many ways, despite the fact that we believe it to be the best and right decision.
I'll have pics posted on Flickr soon, so check them out when you can.
Thanks to all of you for continuing to support us in whatever way you can.
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