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

Ecuadorian Entertainment

Many Ecuadorians sell random things by the side of the road (chips, visors, ankle braces, etc) – this guy sells entertainment!

Bien Venido a Ecuador!

I really love this country – these people get inside my heart. Especially those at Zambiza (the city dump).

Zambiza will always and forever break me. The workers at the dump are some of Quito’s poorest. Many used to live in the dump, but the government does not allow this any longer. I cannot comprehend a life that is lived in a dump. Raising children, searching for food, building a “home” from what can be collected, digging for materials to sell to the recycling… Even after 4 years, I still cannot wrap my mind around such a life. The workers may not live in the dump any longer, but most (if not all) still have an equivalent standard of living. For instance, many now build their “homes” directly outside of the dump. About 3 weeks ago, those homes were razed by the government – leaving many of these workers homeless once again. All I can do, the only reaction that is worth anything, is to pray and love.

Here is a video that shows the daily reality of those who build their lives on the city’s garbage:

Be sure to check out the other Extreme Response videos as well – I believe that they will show up as related videos in YouTube.

much love, Court