My Monday & Tuesday

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to go and visit 5 friends/mentors in the Warren area. All these guys are pastors and I’ve known all of them for a very long time.

My first meeting on Monday began at 7:00 am at Starbucks, one of my favorite places. Meetings at 8:30 and 12 followed. My lunch meeting was at the Mocha House, one of my favorite places in Warren. If you’re ever in the neighborhood I highly suggest going there to grab a bite. Personally, I am a huge fan of the barbeque chicken wrap with seasoned fries and barbeque sauce on the side.

After my lunch meeting I got to swing by the old homestead to see some of my family. After time with them, I was off to another meeting. I then joined my family for a late dinner at a new local diner and crashed at my parent’s house on Monday night.

Tuesday morning brought some fun. I was able to take one of my nephews to preschool. He asked me the night before if I would take him to school in my “fast car.” My car really isn’t all that fast, but to a four year old, it’s pretty fast & fun!

We decided to grab breakfast on the way to school, so we stopped by the local grocery store for some fresh doughnuts. He snagged a chocolate one that was covered in yellow, red and orange sprinkles. When we got to his school he had chocolate all over his face! It was then that I noticed he had the most slamming bag for a four year old. It was an AC/DC black canvas bag. I wish I had taken a picture… It’s not everyday you see a four year old big pimpin’ with an AC/DC bag and chocolate doughnut smeared on his face.  Too awesome!

After the preschool drop off, I was able to spend some time with Ike (Isaac). He’s one and a half years old and pretty darn cute. We jumped on my parents’ golf cart and went around the pond several times and even took pictures:

Then I was off to my last meeting before returning home to Akron.

It was a good trip. Now I need to make plans to go and visit my other nephew and nieces in the near future!

Word. A-Rae

Ecuador recap #4

One of our favorite places to be in Ecuador is El Refugio. It is a camp located about 45 minutes north of Quito and is the site we’ve used to host our junior high camp the past 4 years. Last year the camp staff began working on an amazing new project – a tree house built on the side of a mountain.  Our friend Paul has an incredible vision of the tree house becoming a place for people to individually connect with God through solitude retreats, as well as connect with each other when the platforms are utilized for team/group times. Last year one of the platforms was finished and they were working on a second as well as the rope bridge that connects them.

Courtney and I wanted to visit the tree house to get away for an afternoon before camp started. I found myself in the book of Numbers. (*I know, who reads the book of Numbers?!*) I was reading from chapter 22 and ended up focusing on verses 21-34. This section of scripture always makes me laugh, but it is also quite profound.

I won’t share all the scripture here, but I encourage you to read it. This guy named Balaam ends up riding his donkey and beating it three times. Finally, God enables the donkey to talk and Balaam has a conversation with the animal.

This prompted me to think. What will it take for me to listen to God? (*You know what I’m talking about?*)  Sometimes God is speaking so loudly in our lives and we find it easy to ignore Him.  Ironic, but true.

God used a talking donkey to get Balaam’s attention. What is He using to get yours?

For fun, read the scripture passage here. I put it in the King James Version because it will make you chuckle like a little schoolgirl!

Court and I were in the tree house on Good Friday. Before we left we sat together overlooking the valley and read the account of Jesus’ betrayal and his crucifixion. It was an incredible moment and a reminder – How many days do we not even take the time to acknowledge Him and the incredible sacrifice He made on our behalf?

Here are pictures taken in the tree house. It was truly amazing.

Word: A-Rae

Ecuador recap #3

My recap of a touristy day:

Court and I caught a cab and headed to Quito’s downtown markets. There are two markets that we like to visit. The first is called the covered market (because it is covered) while the other market is referred to as the outdoor market (because, in fact, it is outdoors). Now that we have that straight…

When we jumped out of our cab, we were greeted by a broken, naked, face-down mannequin. When Court and I finished browsing in the market, the same mannequin was casually standing against the wall. It made us laugh to think of someone picking her up and carefully putting her back together.

Here are the before & after photos:

People do a lot of things to earn money while traffic is stopped at red lights. One guy caught my attention on our way to the outdoor market. At the time, we didn’t know why he had two mannequins strapped to his back (this is a lot of mannequin talk!) The male figure was in a suit and the female figure was in a dress. The performer was also holding a pair of boots with sticks in them.

At the next red light, we saw an amazing act: he would go into the cross-walk, bend over, & made it actually look like two people were fighting/dancing.

So all you high schoolers looking for a job, find a busy intersection and go for it!

Finally, what day would be complete without a picture of an authentic wiener-mobile?

Word: A-Rae

Random moment of happiness

Stryp and I have been loving the open windows & beautiful weather

Don’t you love it when you can photograph a pure moment of happiness?!

much love & smiles, Court

Ecuador recap #2 The Dump Daycare

Early on in our trip we joined the Alliance academy in their weekly ministry at Zambiza, Quito’s city dump. Our friend Daniel goes there every Wednesday to help at the daycare. He spends time with the kids and loves on them. The kids were incredible as they always are.

They always seem to have a new way to break my heart. One little girl and I took turns tracing each other’s hands. She was absolutely precious.

Word. A-Rae

Ecuador recap #1

As promised, this is the first of a few updates from our recent trip to Ecuador. This was the fifth trip for Courtney and me and we absolutely loved it. In fact, next year I invite all of you to come with us. It will change you. Your heart will break. You will see God in ways that haven’t seen Him before.

There it is, you’re officially invited for 2009. I dare you…

The first morning: Court and I were given a set of keys to Maloy’s Suburban. Off we went to one of our favorite restaurants located at Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world). We first became acquainted with this restaurant on our first trip to Ecuador.

 

I’m going to stop here for today. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Tonight I’ll be leading worship at Grace with my friend Joel.  I’m pretty stoked about that.

Have a good evening.

Word. A-Rae

Home Sweet Home

After an amazing trip to Ecuador, we are home.  The laundry is in the dryer and the dogs & cat are back in Akron. Life has begun the process of regaining normalcy (whatever that means!!)

It was an interesting flight back – our plane from Miami to NY had mechanical issues. It sat on the runway for 3 hours before leaving FL.  The delay caused us to miss our final connection home, so we had an overnight stay in NY.

Many thanks to Mom & Dad Harnett for watching the babies, as well as to Ann & Brad for being so kind with airport transportation!  We are very, very grateful!

We will be posting numerous pictures and stories soon (probably starting this weekend).

 

Love to all, Court