The best part of Chrismas in South America

Have you ever wondered what Christmas was like in another country? There is the typical buzz and excitement that is associated with Christmas in the States. But in our part of the world there are some definite changes.

One of the things that I enjoy most is reading the English printed on the boxes of the toys in the stores. I know that this may sound odd but it is quite comical. The things that are printed on these boxes are absolutely unbelievable. I wish that I had written or photographed the best ones but unfortunately I did not.

Below are a few examples of what I have found. Please remember that you must read them exactly as they are written. These are also best if they are read aloud.

This a box for a small desk lamp. Possibly you can make out the lamp on the left of the photo.

The above photo was for a toy that was a flat plastic tray with several different colored golf balls that were to be stacked to make a pyramid.

I know everyone is looking for toys that have a 'lovely lustre' for their loved ones this Christmas

Another favorite is a disclaimer on a box that reads "The contents and color of the enclosed items are subject to amendment." I thought this must be one of those surprise gifts if the contents and color were subject to amendment.

I think that at times my wife was on the verge of embarrassment as I read the labels aloud in the stores. Sometimes with a TV announcers voice other simply monotone. I am convinced that all of the toys that don't make the 'grade' for the states end up in other countries where it supposedly won't be noticed. Regardless of the why, I certainly enjoy reading the boxes.

"Ah, are doz fir da wadies?"

Every second Thursday of the month we have had the ladies Bible study and each time I have tried to bake up a North American delicacy. Things like Monkey Bread, Cookies, Brownies, and more. I also make up a tray of Jello Jigglers for the children. Every ladies meeting I am asked by the kids if they get to have some. Sometimes they say just what the title says, even the bigger kids but from them it sounds more like English. :-)

Friday's are our family night, and tonight I was in the mood for some White Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookies. Scott also made up a batch of his famous regular chocolate chip cookies. And for the first time I helped Adeline make some Lemon Blossom cookies - no eggs, milk, or butter. As Scott was putting his cookies onto my decorative tray, the one I use for the ladies meetings, it occurred to Simeon that the cookies just may not be for us. And he asked Scott, "Ah, are doz fir da wadies?" Pobrecito (Poor little one/boy)! I guess I should bake more often for my family.

Day to day life

Simeon sleeping on the couch - without a diaper!

This week has been quite the week for milestones with the kids. Simeon is finally (!!!) potty trained. You'd think that after 6 before him he would have been a breeze. But all my techniques were hindered here on the field.

For example, the first thing I do when I realize my children are ready to use the bathroom is to go to Wal Mart with them and let them pick out a package of underwear. We've had Hello Kitty, Strawberry Shortcake, The Lion King, Care Bears, Thomas the Tank Engine, Princesses, and super heroes. Once we get home the potty chair comes out and the trainee gets the big boy/girl pep talk.

First problem was that we have no Wally World here and let's just say the underwear here is, well, lacking. So I tried to get Simeon excited about the training undies, you know the thick ones. That was a no go. I left it alone for a few days then I tried a different form of bribery...M&M's. No go again. In desperation I had Naomi bring some Super Hero undies down with her. Still a no go. Now frustrated I decided to pray about it (I know I should have done it sooner). The first day he had one accident, the second day through today he has stayed dry through naps and through the night.

I know this post seems trivial, but it just proves to me (reminds me) that God cares about our day to day lives. He knew the price of diapers here is exhorbitant, He knew our desire to have Simeon out of diapers, and He knew my inability. He was waiting for me to get to the end of myself and look to Him.

Friends, is God waiting for you? Have you a problem, a burden or trial that God could help you with? Why not go to Him and ask Him to aide you in your time of need?!

A Huge Storm

The past few days have blessed us with warm pleasant weather. Much different than the freezing weather we had this time last year. With this warm weather we have had some heat storms. Tonight's was exceptional! Scott was picking me and Silas up from the hospital (for vaccinations) when we saw an enormous storm approaching. I wish I would have had my camera with me because it was actually pretty the way it hovered over the water of the river. The front and bottom edges of the clouds had an orange glow. And the contrast of the river water, a tannish brown, against the cloud color, a dark grayish black made it even more spectacular.

After the hospital visit we had get people to drop people off at the Perez' and pick up Bethany from her piano lesson there. The brunt of the storm hit about halfway to the Perez' home. I've never been in a hail storm so bad. The ground was covered with hail ranging in size from grapes to baseballs. (Note: the above photo is borrowed from the web and best shows what the ground here looked like.) I was shielding the baby's eyes from the glass that I just knew was going to fly in on us. Thankfully, it didn't and we are fine but I'm sure there are some pretty dented cars and people tonight. We felt so badly for the people on foot and motos.

Church had to be cancelled because the storm broke windows at the church as well as windows on our bus. We have some sky-light windows in our house that I'm surprised didn't break but I'm glad they're still in tact.

Uruguayan Turkeys

Pumpkin and apple pie, banana pudding and cherry dump cake with fresh whip cream topped off our Thanksgiving meal this past Thursday. We had all the rest of the North American fixings - stuffing, sweet potato casserole, onion pie (this was new to us, thanks Judy for the great dish), a relish tray minus carrots and celery because we couldn't find any fresh and the black olives that we forgot to put out, deviled (fallen angel :-) eggs, mashed potatos, gravy and Uruguayan Turkeys. What a delicious meal!!! Even better was the fellowship with our dear friends, Bill and Judy Baltzersen, who gave up the holiday with their family to be here to help us with Silas.

In case you are wondering what the difference is between an American and Uruguayan turkey, keep reading. I hate to make our blog too techinical, but the biggest difference is that the great big beautiful imported turkey costs over $100 US dollars (!!!!) and those big fat juicy Uruguayan Turkeys (aka chickens) cost 10 dollars. Though we would have loved some real turkey, the Chic-fil-a cows will be quite pleased to know that we definitely enjoyed our imitations.

Our chickens look like turkeys when they are in my small Uruguayan oven. For the right perspective, that's a 9x13" pan.


After we feasted on our very north American fare we allowed time for everyone to share their thankfulness to God. It warmed our hearts to hear how thankful our children are to be here in Uruguay. This year has not been easy, the adjustments have been tremendous and the lessons difficult, but God's grace has proven to be more than sufficient! We look forward to another year on the mission field and to next Thanksgiving where we can once again give thanks for another wonderful year, to the One Who deserves all the glory and honor!

Our warming oven - also known as a Uruguayan BBQ.

Changing his mind.

After an hour of strong contractions at 3-4 minutes apart we headed to the hospital. The doctor confirmed things were a go and for about four hours things were looking good then all of a sudden the contractions came to a halt. So here we are back at home waiting for Silas.

Honestly, it is a let down, especially when you've literally been up all night. But I can see the benefits of last nights "trial run"; mainly that the Lord relieved some concerns of mine over the delivery of this baby here: our doctor made it from his town to ours without incident, the preps they do for childbirth here aren't as bad as I imagined they would be, and though still difficult the language barrier is manageable.

Scott heads to the airport on Wednesday morning to pick up our friends, Bill and Judy B. Everything looks pretty much in order for their stay and we are so looking forward to seeing them - in just 2 more sleeps! Please pray for traveling mercies for them as they will have nearly 20 hours travel time ahead of them.

Yep, another one of those.

Today Scott and I celebrate our 16th anniversary of the day we were married, and we certainly praise the LORD for His sustaining grace!!! For the past few years we've been unable to celebrate our anniversary on the 19th of October. Well at least not in very romantic ways, after all it's not too romantic to share an anniversary with dozens of other Baptist World Missionaries during annual meeting. Now this year I'm stuck here on bedrest. Oh well, at least we are together! And it will be memorable at least for the fact that it's our first one in Uruguay.

The comforts of home...

Here in Uruguay cookies have a different texture and taste. At this point I've not seen a real chocolate chip cookie for sale in a bakery or grocery store. For some reason (hmmm, pregnancy...maybe) these past few days I've had a sweet tooth. Yesterday Scott asked what I wanted and I told him I'd love a chocolate chip cookie but would have to do without because they have to be made at home and I'm on bedrest. His reply was an easy, "Which recipe do you use? I'll make some." To be willing to make chocolate chip cookies after he's already pulling his normal load and now mine too makes him the husband of the year! The cookies were absolutely delicious way better than my best cookies. I'll just close by saying I'm definitely not going to lose weight while I'm on bed rest Scott is a terrific cook.

Seven Little Monkies....

Sleeping in their beds

One fell off and

Didn't break her head.



But she did break her collarbone. Last night we woke up to the sound of Bethany crying after she had fallen off her bed. Everything looked ok when she stopped crying we went back to bed. She must be one tough cookie because she made it to church this morning before she finally gave in to the pain.


Ruth and I headed to the hospital where thankfully the Traumatologist (that's the equivalent of what he would be called in English anyway) was the doctor on call. He ordered an x-ray which clearly revealed that her collarbone was broke clear through. The treatment is the same here as in the States - keep her arm in a sling for a few weeks and keep her activity level down. No more chores, bummer for her!!!


After we got home we took another look at her x-ray and grew concerned over the angle of the bone closest her breastbone. Our doctor in the US returned our page within a couple minutes and we have sent the x-ray scan to him for a second opinion. Hopefully everything is normal and she will heal quickly. We'll keep you posted!

A SEOG or would that be FREAL?

I woke up last week with a really sore throat. After 5 days of pain, losing my voice and coughing at night I saw the "ER" doctor before my ultrasound. Turns out I have strep throat. This afternoon I woke up after my very cough interrputed nap sounding like a FREAL - of course that is a cross between a frog and a seal.

Because I'm allergic to Penicillans and their family of drugs I'm limited to an expensive $10 a day medicine. Believe it or not that's more expensive than my ultrasound. At any rate I sure hope my voice goes back to normal after this.

What in the World is that?

If you were in Buenos Aires, Argentina yesterday you may have heard those words uttered in awe of the first snowfall in nearly 90 years! Across the water in Colonia we only saw some flurries. Scott called it the river de-effect, somewhat like the lake effect in the USA but it works opposite. Of course that's only a theory. At any rate the weather forecasters can now pat themselves on the back as their predicted snow finally fell.

Scott and I spent the afternoon and early evening making a grocery run to the capitol. Groceries are often much cheaper in Montevvideo, not to mention we can usually get some goods imported from the USA - like Betty Crocker baking mixes, or cremora coffee creamer, and the best yet Kraft Mac N' Cheese. We needed a "date" so we used this as an excuse. Plus, we got to give the van another good long drive.

I was enjoying my McDonald's Cuatro de Libre meal when I thought I saw someone I recognized. It turned out to be the Perez family who was returning home from their winter vacation in Treinta y Tres. Our shopping time ended together and we headed home in caravan. It was a good thing too as 40 minutes from home we heard a sound. It wasn't just me saying, "What in the World is that?", it was the sound coming from the left front tire. The wheel bearing went out and so we transferred luggage from the Perez vehicle into our van then the perishable groceries and ourselves into the Perez' vehicle for a very tight ride home.

Scott spent all of today trying to fix the van, but that's another post (maybe Scott will write that one). I'll end this one by thanking the Lord for His perfect timing in bringing the Perez, to the capitol when we needed them.

Our fourth 7 year old.

Adeline is 7!!! With all of her allergies and problems with severe asthma this is indeed a miracle. Kaitlin baked her an egg and milk free birthday cake and I attempted to decorate it after Brandon frosted it. Adeline loved it and I do have to say it was the best allergy free B-day cake we've had thus far.

A birthday tradition is to take each birthday child to dinner at the restaurant of their choice. This year for Adeline we had to eat in as we weren't confident in our ability to tell the waiter how we needed her food. So she picked a meal of BBQ'd pork Chorizo (sausage), rice and gravy. It was all yummy.

She opened up her loot of presents, and played while we cleaned up. Then we watched a couple movies together as a family. Everyone, Simeon especially, enjoyed all the candy that arrived a couple days ago from Dyer Baptist Church - Nerds, Jujyfruits, Gobstoppers, Dots, Red Raspberry Dollars and Mike & Ike's. And, of course, a couple large bowls of popcorn. What a day!

Our 4th of July...

Was not as patriotic a day as it would have been in the States, but we had a good time together as a family. Scott took us for a drive in our van up to Anchorena, the presidential ranch. The visitor center was closed, as were the tours of the ranch, but we had fun playing at the playground on the ranch.

Lil' Patriot

Lil' Patriot scrapbook layout by Debbie

HAPPY 4th!!! Our family (and all American Citizens in Uruguay) was invited to an open house at the US Ambassadors home but we missed it as we had no transportation. Maybe next year.

The Perez' are gone this week for winter vacation, so we will celebrate tomorrow as a family. Our plan is to BBQ, we bought our steaks from the butcher next door and Scott found fresh mushrooms. And maybe we'll take a ride in our new wheels - that's right the Lord directed Scott to a very nice van (pictures to come). We might even find some firework to set off.

It's so cold here right now it's hard to remember it's July so I decided to scrapbook. I thought you all would enjoy the patriotic layout of Simeon I did on the computer. I'm thinking we need to put up the Christmas tree and wrap some presents. As you all are swatting mosquitos and wishing for the AC we'll be bundled up in our winter gear by the fireplace. We hope you all enjoy your Independence day celebrations...fireworks, BBQ's, and all the Red, White and Blue.

Remember to thank God for the freedom we have in America. It's a wonderful heritage not to be forgotten.

Got Gas???

A missionary friend of ours in Bolivia recently sent us an e-mail with that title. And, no, the subject matter within the email was not about fuel for cars. Rather it was about propane gas, you see we are having a bit of a shortage here in South America. Scott has had to drive all over town looking for garafas - filled propane gas bottles. Right now we have no estufa since we're all out of gas, BRRRRR! What makes it especially bad is that even when we find propane the bottles aren't filled all the way.

Thankfully we're not like our friends who are in a pioneer missions life where their garrafas run all their appliances, fridge included. The only appliances that we need propane for are our estufa, stove and clothes dryer. The latter is run by two very large tanks, about 5 feet high, and I'm wishing our other appliances were as well. I'll admit that it's a little annoying to be in the middle of cooking a meal only to have the gas run out. Though I can cook eggs in the microwave, for some reason it doesn't do such a nice job on pancakes.

Later today we're headed over to the immigration office with all the kids to get our temporary ID's. That should be an adventure all in itself. Though hopefully nothing like our Ministry of Health visit when we first arrived. Mr. and Mrs. B, I'm sure I don't have to remind of that adventure.

Scott is hoping to find a van to purchase this week as well. Keep praying we sure would like a larger vehicle especially since I'm taking up a lot more real estate these days.

In like a lion, out like a lamb.

Or is it the other way around? At any rate, those of you reading from north of the equator have officially started summer while we have started winter. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, today is gloomy, rainy and foggy. It's especially cold when the sun doesn't shine as here in Uruguay the closest thing to central heat is a propane heater called an estufa de gas (see picture) that is wheeled from room to room.

I know many find it hard to believe it is actually cold down here, but remember we're far enough south of the equator that we do have all the seasons. Add to that the concrete construction, high humidity, plus no central heat and it makes for a very cold winter. We are all constantly bundled up and wear multiple layers, even inside!

It was so cold in church on Sunday that you could see everyone's breath. Sunday night service was a lot better since that is our bigger service, plus we had the estufa de gas on. I actually unbuttoned my coat and took off my scarf.

The church bus has no heater and with each person I greet I can tell they are much colder than I as their cheeks are frigid. Not one of them complains, at least not that I understand. They all say they are fine, even if they do mention the cold they know it is part of life here. I'm told I will adjust. One thing is for sure the longer we are here the more clearly I see that we are so spoiled in the US.

A Balmy 55

Yesterday was a great day, the Lord blessed us with a gorgeous day and good friends. Not only were we able to BBQ but we were able to enjoy the outdoors in the sun and 55 degree warmth. It was a great celebration of my 21st birthday...with 16 years experience. Some eyebrows were raised at the coleslaw (KFC copycat), and at the potato salad (they make Russian style here) but the only things left over were a couple cups of baked beans. The ribs were absolutely delicious as were the shish-ka-bobs. Can you tell I'm pregnant?

I got two beautiful sweaters (when you come for a visit you'll want to invest in the hand knitted clothing) a mate gourd fitted inside a cow hoof, a cow skin wallet, a scarf, a Uruguayan cookbook and some candy. I even got a bag of marshmallows. Let me tell you I had no idea they were even in this country. So tomorrow we'll have sweet potato casserole with some colored marshmellows. On second thought maybe I should save them for the hot cocoa that everyone wants to drink after church. I definitely was spoiled with central heat. But that's another post.

Thank you to everyone who sent cards, e-cards and I even got a package! I especially appreciate your prayers for a special day.

Flip...flop

Dinner has been a bit of a challenge here in Uruguay, because we are in language class 3 afternoons a week (M-W-F), we have church Wednesday & Sunday, SILOS on Thursday and Brandon and Kaitlin have youth meetings every Saturday. And when Kaitlin had mallets for her bells she had orchestra practice on Friday's. You can see that makes our schedule full and makes the dinner meal difficult.

Being a perfectionist and type A personality (so I've been told) I don't care too much for a system that doesn't work. So I ponder it in my mind for awhile looking for a way that works. Sometimes my new ideas only make the system jam up further, but other times the ideas pan out and are quite productive.

After pondering the dinner time stress I flip flopped the meal times so every day is like Sunday. You know, where we have a large meal for lunch and a light meal or snack for dinner. I've been fixing a big lunch all week and it's worked great. I enjoy the unbroken time I have in the afternoon to work on projects - like translation work for Spanish class, or even better a scrapbook page and hand stamped thank you cards. Plus, I have all morning to make yeast rolls or something else requiring more than an hour. Now I don't need to worry about whose meal is going to be cold when they get home.

I truly am thankful to the Lord for giving me the gift of working out the kinks in my daily life. I know I got through much of deputation because He allowed me to think of better ways to do things - like dressing the girls all in one color each day (Monday's were pink, Tuesday's were purple, and so on) of missions conferences.

Tomorrow is my first birthday in Uruguay! And my first birthday when it's been in the 50's instead of the 80's. I'm hoping we'll have a sunny day because we are going to BBQ, American style! I can already taste those slow cooked ribs slathered in Texas style BBQ sauce. MMMMM.

Ex-patriate...no way!

While we come across Americans either in person or on the internet that have left the USA and call themselves ex-pat's we have never considered ourselves to be in that category. During our visit yesterday to the US Embassy, for renewal of my passport, I had a rather unexpected patriotic moment. It may not be too surprising but we had to pass through a lot of security. First we entered into a bomb-resistent building to go through a security check. I had to leave my purse behind in a cubby and Scott had to leave his soft sided briefcase in another cubby. Both items were identified as ours by our drivers licenses. The Uruguayan belongins were ID'd by their Cedula cards.

Once we cleared security and had our visitor badges we headed to the main building. Where we once again went through security. You should see the size of those doors we went through. As we entered into this foyer I thought I saw a Marine out of the corner of my eye. I couldn't resist looking and when I did I had my patriotic moment. There he was in what I think is called his field dress uniform standing proud as an American. I went through security and looked again, I'm afraid I was staring, then he smiled at me, wished me good morning and we were on our way. But I knew that if we ever needed assistance to get out of this country in a civil emergency, America's finest would be here to help.

I've had many moments that have made me thankful I'm an American; especially so after September 11th. But this moment was different it had different meaning. It reminded me that though I'm here in Uruguay, and happy to be here, I'm still very much an American. Red, white and blue courses through my veins and that will always be. I praise God for the rich heritage I have as an American. For the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for my freedom! Now, I think I need to come up with an excuse to visit the Embassy this coming 4th of July, and have another patritotic moment! God bless America!

Six months in Uruguay

Today was our sixth month anniversary on the field. It's been a time packed with learning, adjustments, trials, joys and a different persepective on life. I'm ever so thankful to the Lord for giving us this opportunity! Brandon and Kaitlin have found areas to minister in the church. Brandon will begin this week with the children in Kings Kids and he also ushers. And Kaitlin has been teaching the children during the S.I.L.O. (Bible Studies) at the Perez' home on Thursdays.

Scott and I have been given the go ahead to preach and teach (respectively, of course) once a month. So now we get to start translating and begin public speaking in Spanish. It's frightening and exciting at the same time. Our language teacher believes this will be very helpful for us and will work towards solidifying the language in our minds. She is even willing to proof our work for us. This is a wonderful opportunity.

Kaitlin and Brandon are nearly 100% comprehensive in Spanish. Brandon has an all Spanish speaking friend and so he's been the testing ground, poor guy! Kaitlin still hasn't been daring enough to speak much. Nehemiah talks a lot in his Sunday school class, not necessarily a good thing, but he does speak in Spanish. Bethany and Adeline are learning Spanish in school now. And I'm sure we don't need to worry about Simeon and Isabel.

I find myself singing songs now in Spanish. Usually it ends up being more Spanglish than anything; as I start to sing in either language I forget the words in one and remember the words of another and so I go back and forth - Spanglish singing. That's a huge step for me as I never thought I'd get the rhyme and meter of singing in Spanish.

It's possible that we could have our legal residency in it's final submission this month. A miracle to be sure! It usually takes this long just to get the papers back from the FBI. All we need now is a statement from the Uruguayan police verifying we have not been in trouble while here in the country. If that comes in the next couple weeks we should be good to go. If not we'll have to re-submit a couple papers.

The honeymoon is definitely over, but with it the time of major homesickness has passed. We're starting to settle in and adjust. I'm sure it will be a lifetime of learning, thankfully, we have God at our side to guide us along. Proverbs 3:5,6 continues to give us hope and strength.