The Week Of Christmas!

Christmas Day was yesterday, and it is just now that I am able to sit down and rethink the week. The week leading up to this special day has been a long one. Christmastime here at the children’s home is full of activity and emotion. The big activities started last Saturday when Jill and I took 13 children shopping for their Christmas presents.

Every year the home is able to spend an allotted amount of money on each child, and the older kids pick out their presents so they are sure to get something they want. Saturday we headed to Oaxaca City for shopping. We went to the zocolo and the kids took off in search of their present. We took seven girls and six boys. The girls took a ton of time shopping around which left me in the zocolo with my boys who were not very patient, hungry and a bit obnoxious. After a couple hours of waiting they were beginning to drive me a little nuts. I told them, I would give 50 pesos to whoever brought me a pigeon, pretty much thinking none of them would be able to catch one. So they were off. Pio gave up first after a half an hour. Then Zuri was back with no pigeon. Eduardo was gone for a long time, and after more than an hour returned to me with my pigeon. He was so extremely proud of himself that I had to pay him. I was stunned that he had the patience to catch one of those dirty animals, and have since learned not to challenge Eduardo because he will basically do whatever I ask him to. Saturday was a good long day. After nearly eight hours of shopping all the kid had their presents and were definitely excited for Christmas.

Sunday Ricardo and three of our boys went to the mountains to help lead a youth event. So I was left with six. And I am amazed at how easy six children are compared to nine. Both Ricardo and I had a wonderful time with the kids we spent our time with. It has been so fun to get to know them and learn more about their families.

Monday was a crazy day as all the kids had their last day of school before Christmas break and that evening was the primary school Christmas pageant. The Christmas pageant was a hilarious experience. There were a ton of us from the mission who attended including a group of college students from Chicago. We were quite the spectacle and it was so fun to watch the kids perform. It was somewhat traditional in that there was a chorus and the whole Nativity scene. The only weird part was when three Satans came and tempted the shepherds who then got drunk in the play. I didn’t really understand what the point was or what it had to do with Jesus’s birth, but the kids were cute and did an excellent job.

The second part of the program was all dancing and singing. Each of the different grades presented a dance or song. My favorite number was the 5th grade boys dancing to Michael Jackons’s Billie Jean. Completely random and so funny.

Tuesday was your usual chaos. It was the first day of vacation and the kids were all bouncing off the walls. Ricardo, David, Pedro and Fidencio all got back from visiting the Mijes in the mountains. It was so nice to have them back.

Wednesday was CRAZY! Ricardo took the final three kids to buy their Christmas presents, while I helped all my other boys get ready to go spend a few days with their families. We did laundry, cleaned the house, did house chores and prepared for the big Christmas party. Every year here at the children’s home all the kid’s families are invited to a party hosted by the us at the home. It’s an interesting evening as the children’s biological family comes together our children’s home family. It’s an emotional considering each child has a different relationship with their parents, grandparents or extended family. Some of the children don’t have any family at all, and other kids wish their families did not attend the party. All the kids act differently when their real mothers/family are around.

We had pizza and tamales for dinner. There was a program with skits and songs. All of the Americans were introduced as the “international entertainment” and we sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. After dinner everyone heads outside to break piñatas and set off fireworks. It’s a bit crazy, well really crazy, but fun in an awkward way to see the kids with their families. For the most part, the children love that their parents come to this special party. It’s amazing to watch them sit with their mom and hold her hand and smiling. This one night is a taste of what God had intended for their family. All of them together celebrating the birth of His Son.

Finally when the party is slowing down everyone goes to bed. All the parents and family members spend the night. The men slept in our auditorium and the women and kids on the first floor of the visitor center.

Thursday Christmas Eve Day the kids and their families woke up and had breakfast of tamales in the kitchen. After breakfast the kids packed up some of their things and then headed out with their families to their houses for a few days of vacation. Each child who has family is given a certain amount of days to go and visit with them. Most of them go for about a week and others of them just four days depending on what the home situation is like. I was so happy that four of my five boys leaving for vacation came and said goodbye to Ricardo and I. They hugged us and we reassured them we would be here when they got back and we hoped they had fun at their homes. And with those little goodbyes, they were off.

Four of our boys stayed behind. Two of them have no family at all, no parents, siblings or extended family. They would be completely alone in the world, if they were not a part our family. Our third boy ended up going with his family on Christmas day which was really good, and our fourth who stayed behind cannot go home because it is too dangerous where his parents live. His father is a pastor up in the mountains where Christians are persecuted and people are killed all the time.

So for Christmas Eve day, Ricardo took our four remaining boys to the movie Avatar which is always a treat for them. Then a big group of us went down to the zocolo or the town square for the Christmas Eve party. There was a parade, balloons, and fireworks. It was kinda wild and the fireworks were basically shot into the crowd which was interesting. Janelle’s pants were actually set on fire, but she wasn’t injured. They also have huge sparklers you can buy and balloons and lots of yummy food. It was a great evening and all the kids had fun.

Christmas morning we celebrated with a delicious brunch and the kids opening gifts. For a few of our children this is the first Christmas they have ever celebrated. It was a fun morning as we watched them open their presents and were able to spend time with them. There are about 30 of us here at the mission who spent Christmas together. It was a wonderful day of celebrating Jesus’ birth and the connection we have with each other through him.

The week was long, crazy and so fulfilling. Ricardo and I feel so honored to get to care for these children and to learn more of their lives. Please pray for us as we don’t really know what we are doing most of the time and need lots of wisdom and compassion especially during this time of festivities that are influenced a lot by family.

We are looking forward to New Year’s Eve as all the kids will be back from their vacation and we will open more presents and bring in the new year together!

Our First Week as House Parents: A Summary

All in all, I would say that our first week as house parents was definitely a success. Up to this point the boys have adjusted well to having Ricardo and I as their parents. There has been no open rebellion or major issues which I am so thankful for.

This last week we worked on wrapping up school before Christmas as well as creating a house routine. Wednesday was the longest day of the week as two of my boys didn't turn in important homework assignments resulting in my first "very disappointed in you" conversations as well as "get the assignment done before I see you again." Both David and Eduardo did their autobiographical assignments and did a good job. All my middle schools boys probably should have studied more for their finals, but there is only so much a new mom can do in her first week.

My three elementary students are wonderful, do all their homework and bring home 10s! I love it. They are also getting ready for the school Christmas pageant on Monday night. We have been putting together costumes and watching them practice their dance moves as it appears to be a musical. It should be absolutely great and I will for sure post pictures. Two of my boys are shepherds, and one is Satan. I can't wait to see how it all works out, and then they are all dancing a hip hop so it should be entertaining.

This weekend, six of the boys and I are going shopping for their Christmas presents. The kids get to buy their own presents so they can have just what they want and choose. It should be a crazy day to take six of them shopping. We are going with some of the muchachas from the teenage girls house. I'm not really looking forward to this outing as it sounds stressful, but hopefully it turns out to be fun. The other three boys will go shopping for their gifts next week.

On Sunday three of the boys, David, Fidencio and Pedro are going with Ricardo and the worship team to minister to the Mijeh people up in the mountains. It sounds to be very primitive camping and the people are very poor there. So we are praying that they will be blessed by our young people, and that our youth will find special places in their hearts to serve the poor.

So that is what is going on with us. Christmas is coming up so quickly and we have much to do. If you think of it please pray for these boys. At Christmas time, nearly all of them get to go with their families for a few days to spend their holiday. However, three of my boys have no one to go with, and it turns into a challenging time for them. Even in this first week, I see that they are changing and getting sad. Pray that Ricardo and make this Christmas fun and special for them, and that they would know, they are family to us.

A Big Family

Last Thursday Ricardo and I became house parents here at the Children's Home. We now have nine sons ranging in ages from 12 to 17. They are incredible young me who have experienced so much in their lives and they have accepted Ricardo and I as their new parents without so much as a groan.

So on Saturday, we took our new family out on our first adventure. We went to Oaxaca City. The day was fun. We ate lunch at McDonalds (always a treat for the boys) and then spent the afternoon in the Zocolo or the city center's courtyard. The boys ran around and checked in with me every half hour or so as I stayed at a cafe with my friend Samantha and read.

The funniest part of our day was when Sam and I were sitting at the cafe table outside chatting and Ricardo and the boys came and circled us to say hi. The poor waiter at the restaurant thought they were attacking the two gringas and tried to get them to leave. I then explained Ricardo was my husband and all was well. It was a moment of confusion and embarrassment for the waiter, who apologized profusely after the boys had left again.

By the end of the day, I feel like we have really connected with most of the boys. Their house has had three different authority figures in the last year, and they still behave really well despite all the changes they experience. Each boy is a blessing and talented and fun to be around. All of them are super social and eager to please. And they love having a mom since most of the people who have cared for them were single men. And thus far, I love being their mom.

Ricardo and I are honored, scared and blessed to be their parents. We hope we are able to learn from them as well as teach them in the next couple months we are here. And please pray for God's guidance as we have fallen in love with them and don't look forward to leaving.

Back Row: Florencio, Pio, Zuriel and David

Front Row: Pedro, Chucho, Ricardo and Andrea,

Eduardo, Fidencio and Alfredo

Catching Caterpillars

On Friday the kindergarten kids didn't have to go to school. So instead we played outside. During our time, we found that there were caterpillars devouring some of the plants so the kids started catching them. It turned into a little science lesson on caterpillar habitats and the kids created them in plastic bottles. The kids had a blast and the pictures turned out really cute.

My little group hunting for caterpillars.

Carlos with his caterpillars.

Luis trying to drink out of the bottle. Gross.

They are so adorable: Carlos, Debbie and Tavo.

Santa Maria del Tule

"El Tule is a gargantuan Mexican cypress, probably the massive tree in Latin America. Its gnarled, house-size trunk divides into a forest of elphantine limbs that rise to bushy branches reaching 15 stories overhead" (Bruce Whipperman, "Oaxaca").

"In 2005, its trunk had a circumference of 119 feet, a slight increase from a measurement of 37.5 ft in 1982. However, the trunk is heavily buttressed, giving a higher diameter reading than the true cross-sectional of the trunk represents; when this is taken into account, the diameter of the 'smoothed out' trunk is 30.8 feet. This is still slightly larger than the next most stout tree known, aGiant Sequoia 29.5 ft diameter.

The height is difficult to measure due to the very broad crown; the 2005 measurement was 116 feet. According to the signboard by the tree it has a total weight of 636.107 tons; these figures are however not independently verified.

The age is unknown, with estimates ranging between 1,200 and 3,000 years, and even one claim of 6,000 years; the best scientific estimate based on growth rates is 1,433-1,600 years.Local Zapotec legend holds that it was planted about 1,400 years ago by Pechocha, a priest ofEhecatl, the Aztec storm god, in broad agreement with the scientific estimate; its location on a sacred site (later taken over by the Roman Catholic Church) would also support this" (Wikipedia).

Ricardo and I had a great time going and seeing El Tule. We walked through the gardens, saw the tree and did a bit of shopping. Oaxaca is such a fun place to be because there is so much to do, and everything is pretty close. We've seen El Tule. We have visited some ruins, and hope to visit the ruins at Monte Alban sometime soon.

The tree El Tule

It's huge.

Thanksgiving 2009

This is the fourth Thanksgiving that Ricardo and I have been married. We have so much to be thankful for. We have a loving and supportive family, a "job" or work that we love, and we are surrounded by people who love God. We are especially thankful this year, that we were able to spend Thanksgiving in Oaxaca. We had such a wonderful day celebrating an American holiday in Mexico.

We had a traditional meal and evening with the children here at the home. One of the traditions here is to invite people from the community that the children's home is thankful for. Some of the kids' teachers were able to come, along with the lady who cuts the kids hair and some others. Nearly 150 people had dinner here. It was an evening of fellowship and recognition of what the Lord has given us. The Lord has blessed us so much, and we are indeed thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Thanksgiving Dinner cooks: Andrea, Janelle,

Jill, Celina and Samantha

Ricardo and Victoria

A full dining hall. We served about 150 people.

Mexican Revolution Day

November 20th is the day that commemorates the Mexican Revolution. The Revolution is different from the war of Independence from Spain. "The Mexican Revolution was a major armed struggle that started in 1910 with an uprising led by Francisco I. Madero against longtime autocrat Porfirio Diaz" (wikipedia.com). The Mexican Revolution is remembered throughout Mexico through many school programs, pageants and parades.

The kids here at the Casa Hogar in Oaxaca are no different. The kindergarden, primary and middle school all had programs going on. Ricardo and I were able to go to the primary school program which was mostly dancing. The kids danced traditional Mexican and Latin American dances. It was so much fun to see them all dressed up and dancing about. Here are a few pictures:

Jose and Graciela

Chuchito

Jireh

Javier

Javier is one of the kids I worked with in Baja. He's been a part of the Day Home Ministry for almost three years now as he has lived with muscular dystrophy all his life. Over his fourteen years his muscles have broken down and he now spends most of his day in a wheelchair. He is a boy who embodies joy, and despite the challenges he faces, he is happy. The joy he has spreads to those around him and he is a blessing to all those he meets.

I am asking that you would please be praying for Javier. The winter is very hard for him as he can get a cold from any of the children and it can very quickly turn into pneumonia. Once Javier is sick, it is extremely hard for his body to fight the virus due to muscular dystrophy.

Javier

Javier is in the hospital right now after getting a cold and with it some fluid in his lungs. Please pray that the Lord's Will will be done in Javier's life and that he would be able to come home from the hospital next week. I am so thankful to know this young man and so many people love and care about him. Thank you for joining us in prayer for his healing.

We've Moved!

The FFHM orphanage in Oaxaca (wa-ha-ka) has always been a place we’ve wanted to visit. It’s much smaller than the Mission in Baja with 50 to 60 children and about 20 staff. We were invited there a year ago, but the time wasn't right.

Now after lots of thought and prayer we have decided to take a three month leave of absence from the Mission here in Baja and head down to Oaxaca. We are so excited to see what God has for us there. We pray to gain a new, fresh perspective as we serve the indigenous children there at the children's home. We are sure it is going to be a wonderful change of pace, and that the Lord will use it to bless our lives as well as the lives of those we are going to serve.

* * *

We arrived in Oaxaca this last Saturday night after driving through Mexico. Our trip was fabulous as we got to see so much of the country and take a ferry ride over the Sea of Cortez. After four days of driving and a pit stop in Morelia, we were happy to reach our final destination, and start getting to know our new home.

After being here a week we are in love with this place. The small community of believers here are so welcoming and friendly that it has been an easy transition. The children so polite and engaging that we know our time here will be a blessing.

Right now our jobs are very open-ended. Here everyone just helps out. If there is a need, that becomes your job. So far, I have cared for four little toddlers each morning so their moms can have a couple hours to themselves. Celina, Luis, Debbie and Tete are so cute, and I have already fallen in love with them. I also am helping out with the sponsorship program. Each child in the children's home has a one or more sponsors who help make it possible for them to interned here. I get to translate letters of correspondence and currently am working on what kind of Christmas cards the kids will send to their "tios."

Ricardo has quickly become the go-to-guy for all the other staff members. This week he's worked a lot in maintenance making minor improvements and fixing little things that get passed by. Because of his musical abilities, he was quickly integrated into the church worship team and played a youth conference last night. He loves doing so much music and having that be part of his "job" or service here. He is also hoping to give some lessons to the kids who live here.

Overall, we are so happy to be here and thankful that we have been so eagerly accepted into the community here. We are excited to continue to get to know the children and staff here, and serve them to the best of our abilities in the next few months.

On the ferry from La Paz to Topolabamo crossing the Sea of Cortez.

In the city of Morelia one evening. It was so beautiful.

Driving through the mountains of Oaxaca to the children's home.

Luis and Celina playing.

Debbie

Tete

Mother's Day Cakes

We missed mother’s day because of the “swine flu epidemic.” Which was such a bummer.  So we had to celebrate a little late. In our effort to honor the kid’s mothers mom or grandma. It was quite an event since it was our first day back after not having class for over a week. Nothing like jumping in with both feet, right?

Well it was a great day. The Nut House Staff brought over 16 cakes, that were a whole lot bigger than we thought they were going to be. They brought tons of frosting and cake decorating candies and sprinkles. The kids had a ball, and made beautiful works of art on their cakes.

Then the only challenge we faced was getting 16 cakes home. It all turned out fine in the end and not one cake perished on the way home. It a nice treat for each mom, grandma or family to have a cake.

An Update

So it really has been forever since I have posted anything on this blog and for that I must apologize. The last couple months have been very interesting and rather challenging. There have been lots of changes going on at the Mission. But things are going well.

I am still working with the disabled children in the Day Home. It is such a blessing. The kids are so great and so fun to be around. We do have a prayer request regarding the Day Home. We lost four staff members in two weeks. The month of April was hard for us. This loss in staff has forced us to reduce the number of children we are able to care for because we lack the personnel. So please pray that the Lord would bring us more staff so that we might have all our children back with us.

I am now teaching three little ones. I think I posted their pictures in a previous blog. Their names are Cristian, Lupita and Miguel. They are great kids. They definitely keep me on my toes.

* * *

Ricardo and I have been busy at home. We had lots of visitors in March and April. Nearly three weeks of continual visits. First from Carol and the girls, then two friends were living with us for a week and then my parents and grandparents came to visit for Easter. So we have been busy. Since then we have continued work on the fence/wall going up around our house and we are happy to say it is nearly finished. We hired some men from town to work on it. We are so thankful it is nearly done.

* * *

Now I am sure all of you have seen the bad press Mexico is getting in the news. It's the drug cartels, the Swine Flu, and an earthquake yesterday in Mexico City. We are living in very interesting times. Here the schools have been closed for two weeks. The Day Home department is also closed as a precautionary measure as well. So things here are interesting. But the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, so we are trusting that He will protect us.

I'll try to post the happenings more often. We would love to hear from you and hope you are doing well.

The Band Broken Heart

So Ricardo and I get to do quite a bit of work with the youth here at the orphanage. He does lots of music stuff with the teenage boys and I have Bible study with the girls. We love getting to see what God is doing in these young lives. 

They have changed and grown so much, and it is such an encouragement to see. 

Ok, so we went the youth event on Saturday night because Ricardo was playing at it with the boys. And it was hilarious. Any church event is bound to be interesting. It was very good actually. The funny part was when the MC was announcing who each of the band members were. He was asking their names. So the boys introduce themselves. Juanito, Fernando, Giovani and Ricardo.  Then the MC asks Juanito the name of the band. And he said, “Broken Heart.” That name totally made me laugh. Because he answered in English. I have no idea where they came up with a name like that.

Rebeca, Me and Angela.

But the kids did a great job. They totally rocked!! Rebeca, the female lead singer was so great. I am completely proud of her for putting herself out there and being a part of this group. She has changed so much in the last year. God has done huge things in her heart to bring her closer to him. I just love her!!!

Juanito is the lead male singer, and he is such a talented musician. We love getting to know him and getting be a part of his life. He has changed a lot in the last two years since I have known him.

Giovani is the bass player. He is really young and loves hanging out with Ricardo and the guys. He is your typical 14 year old and can drive us nuts on occasion. But he is growing and changing, and we are thankful to get to see what God is doing in his life.

Giovani, the bass player

And finally Fernando, he is the drummer. He has lived at the orphanage his whole life. He is so funny and fun to be around. He is very friendly, and loves that he is the drummer of the band.

Fernando, Giovani and Juanito

We love these kids and are so thankful to be a part of their lives. It is a blessing to spend time with them and invest in their lives.

The Band Broken Heart

So Ricardo and I get to do quite a bit of work with the youth here at the orphanage. He does lots of music stuff with the teenage boys and I have Bible study with the girls. We love getting to see what God is doing in these young lives. 

They have changed and grown so much, and it is such an encouragement to see. 

Ok, so we went the youth event on Saturday night because Ricardo was playing at it with the boys. And it was hilarious. Any church event is bound to be interesting. It was very good actually. The funny part was when the MC was announcing who each of the band members were. He was asking their names. So the boys introduce themselves. Juanito, Fernando, Giovani and Ricardo.  Then the MC asks Juanito the name of the band. And he said, “Broken Heart.” That name totally made me laugh. Because he answered in English. I have no idea where they came up with a name like that.

Rebeca, Me and Angela.

But the kids did a great job. They totally rocked!! Rebeca, the female lead singer was so great. I am completely proud of her for putting herself out there and being a part of this group. She has changed so much in the last year. God has done huge things in her heart to bring her closer to him. I just love her!!!

Juanito is the lead male singer, and he is such a talented musician. We love getting to know him and getting be a part of his life. He has changed a lot in the last two years since I have known him.

Giovani is the bass player. He is really young and loves hanging out with Ricardo and the guys. He is your typical 14 year old and can drive us nuts on occasion. But he is growing and changing, and we are thankful to get to see what God is doing in his life.

Giovani, the bass player

And finally Fernando, he is the drummer. He has lived at the orphanage his whole life. He is so funny and fun to be around. He is very friendly, and loves that he is the drummer of the band.

Fernando, Giovani and Juanito

We love these kids and are so thankful to be a part of their lives. It is a blessing to spend time with them and invest in their lives.

the Day Home

So two weeks ago there was yet, another change. My job has changed. After working a year in the office, I am back to working with beautiful Mexican children. “What brought about this change?” you may be wondering. This change was my choice after realizing that I came to Mexico to serve the people, and I didn’t feel satisfied working in the office. So I talked to one of the administrators, letting them know I would like a change if a position became available working in the disabled children’s learning center. A spot opened last week, so I jumped right in. I started working in the Day Home last Monday, and I love it.

The Day Home is basically an unrecognized school that teaches children with disabilities. There are no services for people with special needs in Mexico. These lovely little kids are not able to go to school because the schools will not accept them.

Two years an incredible couple started the Day Home program here at the Mission. They started with about four or five children and now the program has 20 children enrolled. There are children with a variety of different medical challenges including: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy,  spinabiphida, down syndrome and brain damage.

Here are a few of the kids I get to work with. This isn't all of them because there are twenty-one in all. But I absolutely love it.

Cristian, he is so helpful and patient. What a good kid.

Miguel, so funny and sure of himself.

Angel who is oh so cute, and active as ever. 

Lupita, the flirt and we totally love that about her.

Alondra, she is who I work with most of the time. 

She is so funny but scared of everything.

I am so excited to be working with these children. I have two little ones that I am primarily responsible for. Their names are Alondra and Chuy. They are five and six years old. We will be working on preschool type academics as well as different life skills they will need as they grown.

I am blessed to be working in a department full of wonderful people and incredibly funny children. I can’t wait for the stories that will arise out of working with these kids. They are truly a joy to be around.  And I love my new job.

the Day Home

So two weeks ago there was yet, another change. My job has changed. After working a year in the office, I am back to working with beautiful Mexican children. “What brought about this change?” you may be wondering. This change was my choice after realizing that I came to Mexico to serve the people, and I didn’t feel satisfied working in the office. So I talked to one of the administrators, letting them know I would like a change if a position became available working in the disabled children’s learning center. A spot opened last week, so I jumped right in. I started working in the Day Home last Monday, and I love it.

The Day Home is basically an unrecognized school that teaches children with disabilities. There are no services for people with special needs in Mexico. These lovely little kids are not able to go to school because the schools will not accept them.

Two years an incredible couple started the Day Home program here at the Mission. They started with about four or five children and now the program has 20 children enrolled. There are children with a variety of different medical challenges including: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy,  spinabiphida, down syndrome and brain damage.

Here are a few of the kids I get to work with. This isn't all of them because there are twenty-one in all. But I absolutely love it.

Cristian, he is so helpful and patient. What a good kid.

Miguel, so funny and sure of himself.

Angel who is oh so cute, and active as ever. 

Lupita, the flirt and we totally love that about her.

Alondra, she is who I work with most of the time. 

She is so funny but scared of everything.

I am so excited to be working with these children. I have two little ones that I am primarily responsible for. Their names are Alondra and Chuy. They are five and six years old. We will be working on preschool type academics as well as different life skills they will need as they grown.

I am blessed to be working in a department full of wonderful people and incredibly funny children. I can’t wait for the stories that will arise out of working with these kids. They are truly a joy to be around.  And I love my new job.

Vacation Part 1: Our Journey North

So our second day of our vacation began after another late night at Nick’s house. It has been chalk full of activity and preparation to hit the road. We woke up leisurely, and got coffee at Starbucks that was delightful. We talked to my mom. We then got chains for our little pick up because we are anticipating snow in the Siskiyou Mountains.

We packed the car with all of Nick’s stuff, and talked with my mom again. Then we picked him up from work about 2p.m. Our drive started with power food from Adalabertos Mexican Food. Nick had a delicious California burrito. I had a chicken chimichange that was smothered in sour cream, and Ricardo had nachos loaded with guacomole. We started the trip off right. Right after we got on the 5, Nick remember he forgot his Christmas cards, so we had to turn back. So thankfully Nick has his Christmas cards, which are pretty funny, and I am glad he will be sending them out.

So we were on the road, headed north. I immediately had to go to the bathroom and Nick told me to suck it up and wait ‘til we needed gas. Kind, huh? We drove about four hours. Traffic was terrible in L.A. Shocking, I know. However, we talked to my mom again as we slowly moved through the traffic jams. After we got through L.A. we stopped in San Clarita so I could go to the bathroom and we could get some munchies. Our power foods continue with yogurt, apples, bananas, and donuts.

6:32 p.m. I am currently in the backseat of the pickup, thinking of all the American luxuries I have been missing. They include the following:

         -root beer                                    -Starbucks

         -toilet seat covers                           -wireless internet everywhere

         -clean produce                           -stop signs

         -sparkling grocery stores         -indoor heating

3:36 a.m. We enter the State of Oregon. There was snow in the mountains, but we didn’t slide at all or have to put on our snow chains. So that was good. We drove and drove. Southern Oregon seems to go one forever. 

6 a.m. We received a phone call from my dad asking how we were doing and if we were going to pull over and take nap. I was like no way, Dad. We are nearly there.

7:06 a.m. We stop for breakfast at Dennys in Eugene. Denny’s was a welcome stop, as we all needed a bathroom break and were so very hungry. Our power food this morning included bacon, eggs, hash browns, and French toast.We are nearly to Salem, just one hour more. And thankfully we will be able to get out of t his little truck and spend some time with my good friend Mary. We have been listening to a variety of Nick’s colorful music. Not all of it’s been bad and we have listened to lots of Christmas which is fun.

Nick at Denny's half asleep.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed.

4:38 p.m. So we are on the road again. We spent a couple hours in Salem. We visited my friends Mary and Lindsey. It was so great to see them. We got to Mary’s about 9 a.m. And kinda hung out there for a while. We  brought all our stuff in the house, took showers, and then went to Dutch Brothers for coffee. Oh it was wonderful.

We had planned on spending two nights in Salem, but due to the weather, we aren’t spending any night there are working to head for Camano Island right now. We had lunch with Mary and Lindsey and David, and it was great getting to spend a little time with them. We are so thankful we were able to see them even though it was only a little snippet of time.

We also stopped by the Woodburn outlet mall. I got some great deals, but our shopping was interrupted by the snow and freezing temperatures. So we took off for home. On the freeway, Ricardo had his first snowy experience of this trip. He helped Nick put snow chains on our tires. He was freezing, but got to use his new snow gloves so he was happy.

Lindsey, my best friend ever, and I at her apartment in Salem.

Nick putting on our snow chains.

Ricardo in the snow.

The rest of our drive took a while, but we finally arrived home about 10:30pm. It was a long time to be in the car, but we were on vacation!!!! Yeah for being on Camano Island! Yeah for the snow!! What a great beginning of our Christmas vacation.