SETTING UP

September 13, 1010

Friday, after our Guarani class, we traveled to San Francisco for the weekend. Our main goal was to set up our house before moving in for good Wednesday of next week. For the year that we were on furlough we piled all our possessions into a back bedroom and locked the door. Saturday we had the daunting task of unpacking, uncluttering, and reorganizing our house. I was amazed at how dirty, dusty and grimy things were – even things that had been packed in Rubbermaid containers. Everything had to be scrubbed or dusted before being put in place. We didn’t set up the washer, so we have all our towels, sheets, and kids dress-up clothes and stuffed animals waiting to be washed when we return. Jeff thought we actually got more accomplished than what he expected. I was a little too optimistic and thought we could get the house 100% in order, but we still have a bunch of odds and ends to put away.

We had a tragedy on the way down to San Francisco. It was one of the hottest days as of yet and well, it got a bit too hot for Ginny’s two hamsters who were traveling with us in our Non-air-conditioned car. Ginny picked up Spot and said, “Mom, what’s wrong with her?” I looked back and was surprised to see a stiff hamster. I said, “Its dead, Ginny.” Poor Ginny replied, “No it isn’t. Her eyes are still open.” Micah said, “Hyper is frozen too!” So Saturday we took a break from unpacking and had a little burial service for our loyal hamsters. Jeff gave us time to say a few words and then he prayed. The kids took turns each throwing a pile of dirt into the grave. Ginny made a twig cross to set on top.

Sunday we had a wonderful time fellowshipping with the believers. It feels good to be singing in Guarani again and hearing what God is teaching the leaders. We all ate lunch together afterward. Everyone was thankful that we had come back.

Traveling back to Escobar (where we are finishing up language class), the tire of the trailer blew off. A Paraguayan walking on the road saw it happen and offered to help us by leading us to a mechanic. Since it was Sunday afternoon (siesta time), the first two mechanics were away at soccer games. Thankfully the third one was at home. And once again, to the Paraguayan, necessity is the mother of invention (see photo below).

Ginny was glad to see that her favorite chicken "Birdie" was still there and hadn't been eaten whike we were gone.


hamster funeral


Church


little girls fascinated with Julia


break time - enjoying terere


Lunch time!




We reattached the trailer to our car and the mechanic chained the non-wheel side to this bumper and we went in tandum to his shop.