Chris's 32nd Birthday!

We celebrated Chris's 32nd birthday here at the Borja house last Saturday. It was a great time with friends. We invited everyone from Casa Victoria, our friends Lenin and Mateo, and of course the Borja family. Chris is not one for big parties, especially when it comes to his birthday...so, we kept it low profile...I cooked some chili and made him a chocolate cake with strawberries. We basically sat around and talked for a few hours. Chris got some great gifts: a brand new soccer ball (which he hasn't stopped playing with since), a leather flask-liquor holder thing, the National (soccer) team's warm up jacket, and a really cool black and white photograph our friend Mateo took while in Uganda. We don't get much time outside of Casa Victoria as a group, so it was fun to hang out.

On a different note, Chris and I have decided to return home earlier than planned. Originally, we thought we would stay until July. However, our travel plans have shifted a bit since we've been here and our purpose has evolved. It seems the Lord has divided our time into two different seasons here, one in Casa Victoria and one outside of the house, living with the Borjas. Both have been incredible. We are very thankful and feel blessed for having lived in both places because it has allowed us to experience the different subcultures here in Ecuador and given us a more rounded view of the culture as a whole. Both have been amazing experiences...different and unique.

So, now we are enjoying our last couple weeks here in Ecuador. We leave May 26th to return to the States, where we'll spend some time in California and Michigan before heading out to DC. We still aren't 100% decided as to where we'll end up living...but, we're getting there. Staying here at the Borja's has been very helpful in giving us the space to think through and talk through the next season in life. We are excited to return and see everyone.

P.S.
Don't ask me why it uploaded two of every photo...blogger has a mind of it's own