We are in Washington... and loving the nice hot summer. Every day we are in the pool and hanging out with our family. Isabella loves her cousins. Maddy and Trinity are 1 and 2 years older than her, so they are pretty close in age. They are so sweet with her. This is the only photo i have right now, Cynthia took it. You can see the joy on Isa's face. She's been trying new things!! The slide at the park.. she went on a swing for the first time.. and swam in the pool.

we have arrived

we are here, finally!

Thanks for all your prayers. We got through customs quickly and easily and sat together on the plane, just as we asked you to pray for. In Cusco, we left at 5am... got a taxi to the airport just fine. Because of the nation-wide strikes, everyone was arriving to the airport at that hour, even if their flight wasn't scheduled til later because if they waited, then there wouldn't be transportation. So we walked into the airport in Cusco and it was wall to wall people. Hundreds of tourists waiting and standing in lines. I immediately thanked God profusely for Isabella. She saved us! In Peru they give priority to people with little children. We were ushered to the front of all the lines and got through really quick.

However, there were other unexpected problems. We had a layover in Miami. Due to engine and other problems, our plane from Miami to LA was delayed and then finally canceled and rescheduled.. 4 hours later. Then in LA, the airline lost our stroller, which we finally got. No one could come pick us up because of the delay. Our arrival time was 2:30 AM. Well, after recuperating lost luggage and getting a shuttle service at 4:30AM, we finally arrived at Ricky's aunt and uncles house at 6AM. Let me tell you. LAN is wonderful. American airlines is another story. And after all that they made us wait, American Airlines didn't even give a snack for our kids.

After more than 24 hours of traveling and not sleeping, we were tired (and i was cranky!!) But we have slept and showered up and are SO happy to have finally arrived!! Praise God we are here and are safe. God protected us and we are thankful. We are looking forward to all that is in store in these few months to come.

We love you!

travels

We are almost on our way. Sometime after 4am tomorrow morning we will be up and getting ready to head to the airport. it will be a LONG day of traveling. There weren't any direct flights this time, so we have a connection in Miami. We won't arrive to LA until after 10pm. I'm stocked up on snacks, books and coloring pages for Isabella.. hoping she doesn't get too bored. Boredom is a child's worst enemy!

Pray for us. Especially that we can just get to the airport! Tomorrow is a nation-wide "paro" in Peru.. protests.. again. All the ground transportation will be stopped and most businesses closed. But we have been reassured by many that it will begin at 7-8am. We should still be able to find a taxi to take us to the airport!

Also, this is something simple, but pray that we will be able to check our bags all the way to Los Angeles and won't have to get our bags and recheck them in Miami. With Isabella tagging along and with such a short layover, having to get bags really slows things down. Also that we will get seats sitting together! We have been trying to check-in for the flight, but it's not open yet and won't let us choose seats. The worst is if we are separated, trying to entertain an 18 month old (and forget about in-flight service!). BUT however things go... everything will be fine. I just keep telling myself that.. haha

We'll post again once we arrive!

Chao

cravings....

a raspberry scone sounds so good right now. I have yet to attempt to make scones at home but I think I'm going to try. Imagine this with a hot cup of tea or coffee. mmmm.... i am so pregnant