Familia Hanson

My Resolutions...

2012-01-09T07:04:00.002-07:00

Well it's that time again when you think about what you did and didn't do. I like it! It's kinda like Monday mornings when you get a fresh start. Sometimes I need it on a Wednesday morning too, but that's another story :) I love hearing about what others have been challenged with as well. Here are a few things I would like to improve on this year:

1- Read through the Bible again. Man! that was challenging but so good for my soul.

2- Be active. I have no excuse, we now joined the 'Y'! Being active with three kids who are spread out four years apart is not easy, but we must do it, for everyone's sake-lol!

3- Plan better for school. I feel like last year was a big blur with school. I just need to purpose to have 'planning time'.

4- To read more. Not just magazines :) Actually finish books, I'm so good at starting them but don't finish them, ugh!

5- To REST. Rest not only physically but emotionally as well. Last year it was evident that my body is screaming for rest...so I'm working on it.

6- Last but not least to do things and not procrastinate so much. Whether it's writing a letter, returning a call, or returning something back to the store (I'm the worse at this one!). I will not spend another year with six bags in the back of my car with stuff that needs to be donated, returned or recycled!

Ok, I think that's it. Oh yes, I want to blog more. My friend Jenn has inspired me too. I feel like it's a good way to spend less time on Facebook and more time sharing about what God is doing in our family. So, here we go...Happy 2012!!!

Letter to my little brother

2011-10-13T07:22:00.007-06:00

I am 34 and Ramiro just turned 21 this year. Can you believe it?! Thirteen years difference which means most of the times I just bossed him around like a Big Sister does :) When I think back to our childhood it was well... pretty dysfunctional but hey it all worked out! Thankfully, we always knew Mom loved us in her own way and Dad in his. It all made us the people who we are today. Ramiro, has always been the clown. The one who made us laugh about every day situations or ourselves. He is the youngest so he definitely has been spoiled but he also put up with Mom & Dad the longest! lol.

To my surprise, in September, he came out to Idaho for a week to hang out with us. I asked him if he was sure...I mean, out of all the places he could go, he decided to spend time with his crazy US? To wake up early, that's unheard of for his lifestyle! One afternoon he told me he doesn't know how I do this every day and that I should have 'Happy Hour' every day around 3pm- oh man, I laughed so hard. We had meals together, went for bike rides, did some school, he took the boys to a movie, he experienced Downtown Boise with three kids, went shopping for 'cool' shoes for Javi, etc. it was a sweet time as a family. The kids loved every minute of it.

Yesterday he sent me a picture in his new uniform and I cried. My little brother who I've always felt like I can somehow protect is now leaving to War. Any minute now he can be called to head out to Afghanistan. This is my letter to you, Rami:

Hey Nerd!

I miss you. Thanks for coming all the way out here to spend some time with us. I still think about silly stuff you did to make us smile around here. The boys still talk about you often. I am excited to see you grow and mature through this experience. No doubt it will be hard to be away from home for a year, but I know that your humor will bring joy to many. You have a gift of encouragement and laughter. I pray that you draw near to God and realize how much He loves you. Stay in the Word, it's what gives us direction. Be wise in your decisions and a good example. You have many nephews and nieces who look up to you. I am proud of you for stepping out in faith. Love you, nayi

Now Mami is running...for a great cause!

2011-09-14T07:48:00.002-06:00

Hi Family/Friends,

Hope you had a great summer. We have been enjoying and trying to keep up with three kids! A couple of years we went to Colombia and met a family who we got to know and love, the Nietos. Andres, Carla and their two kids (and now new baby girl). Last October when we were in South America we saw the Nieto's selling everything they owed. This Spring they took their two children, very pregnant Carla, four luggages and went to live in Brazil. Andres is training to be a Pilot with MAF. Mission Aviation Fellowship (for those who may not know) is a ministry who goes into the jungles and untouched areas of the world and bring HOPE, water and necessary items to those in need. I am writing to ask you to consider sponsoring me. Just this last week I signed up for two half-marathons in October. ALL your money will go to The Nietos. I am not the long-distance runner in our family :) So I need motivation to go past mile eight! Can you imagine not having a table to sit at for meals or not having a washer with three small children one being an infant? (about $1,000). That is specifically what I am digging deep and running for. We paid for my races and everything I will need. Would you consider giving any gift? Would you also pray for my health...my knee acts up from time to time. THANK YOU for your friendship, generosity, and prayers Love you! ~nayi

NAYIBE HANSON

6355 S. LUNAR AVE.

BOISE, ID 83709

MEmo: The Nietos

OR you can send it directly to MAF and get tax-receipt:

MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP

PO BOX 47

NAMPA, ID 83653

MEMO in check: Nieto Family #23939

Leadville Trail 100 Race Report 2011

2011-08-26T02:17:00.003-06:00

It was still dark at half past four in the morning, the clear Colorado sky holding back some of the brightest stars I've seen. Crisp mountain air filled my nostrils with every breath. The dirt road beneath my feet was moist and soft from last night's thunderstorms as I glided softly down hill away from the town of Leadville now a good mile behind me.

I anxiously looked at my watch to make sure I wasn't getting too carried away in the moment. 9:45 per mile perfect. Yawning I looked around at the runners beside me who only minutes ago had toed the starting line of one of the greatest ultra marathons in the world with 600+ other hearty souls. 1mile down and only 99 to go.

Hundreds of headlamps bobbed all around me in front and behind. All had different reasons and motivations for running that morning. This race has been in the back of my mind every since I first read about the race in the mid 90's. You could almost call my decision to run this year a little mid-life crisis, somewhere inside I wanted to prove to myself that I am still as tough as that 18 year old kid with a chip on his shoulder lying on a Helena golf course puking his guts out. Little did I know how similar the picture would be today... 2 miles gone

WATER, WATER, OVER HERE!

Mile 7... I had just reached the Tabor boat ramp where Nayibe and Lance where waiting for my first water bottle refill and some energy gels. I rushed through the stop to get back on the traffic jam of a trail circling Turquoise Lake. The gravel road was gone replaced miles ago by a rutted rolling single track trail. Passing was near impossible, the pace was slow and my legs felt great. If I could just get around this guy in the yellow compression socks.

Paved road and a cheering crowd up ahead, the May Queen aid station and 13.5 miles down. The first half marathon had taken me 2:14...about 4 minutes off my target but great considering the traffic jam I'd just gotten out of and how rested my legs felt. Darn it, I gotta use the bathroom. Oh well, that's normal. I can make up the time coming down Sugarloaf pass.

I exchanged my head lamp for a pair of sunglasses, grabbed my food bag and headed on up the road. A huge smile crossed my face as I shouted, "I'm running LEADVILLE!" and I was gone.

THE LEADVILLE TRAIL 100

If you're not familiar with it the Leadville Trail 100 Run it's one of the premier 100 mile trail races in the United States. Starting in the small town of Leadville, Colorado it's also know as the 'Race Across the Sky' because of it's insane altitude. Starting at 10,120 ft, going as high as 12,600 ft and never dropping below 9,000 ft. the air is thin and the breathing is hard. If you've read the book Born to Run yeah it's that race. The race covers 100 miles on dirt roads and single track trail. It's an out and back course, basically you run 50 miles away from Leadville then turn around and run back into town the way you came. If I had a good day I felt I could run the entire course in under 25 hours, if I had an OK or even a bad day I felt I had a good chance of finishing before the 30 hours cutoff time.

I had trained hard for this day and so far I was having a great day as the Colorado trail opened up to a very runnable Hagerman Pass road. Before I new it I was running down the famous powerline trail. This was going to be brutal on the way back in the dark but I didn't have time to think about that now. I had to get to the next aid station to use the porta potty again... what the heck!

My awesome crew met me at the bottom of the powerline climb. I grabbed a fresh bottle of sports drink and motored on to the Fish Hatchery aid station. At this point in the race each aid station is a zoo as all the runners are still pretty close together. I rushed through a little faster than I should have and was back on the road. My two unplanned pit stops had caused me to spend more time at the aid station than I wanted to and my legs felt so great I really wanted to stay on pace. 23.5 miles in 4:14 everything was still looking good, even the weather was perfect for a run.

AN EASY 3 MILES OF FLAT ROAD

Run 3 miles on mostly flat and paved road. Easy on paper but wait I'd just about finished a marathon at 10,000 ft. above sea level. Running up and down a pass was easy but motoring along at 10:00 minutes per mile on the flat was a rude shock to my system. Probably hadn't eaten enough at Fish Hatchery, good thing my team was going to be only another 4 miles up the road, eat an energy chew and keep going cry baby. Most of the runners around me were doing a run/walk combination on this section so I felt better that I wasn't the only one having issues with the flat, we'd be back on trails and climbs soon enough. 5:11 and the first marathon was down I wouldn't see my wonderful crew for another 13 miles just before the run got real exciting and began it's climb up to 12,600 ft after Twin Lakes.

Mile 30 just wouldn't come soon enough, I mean really I had to go to the bathroom so bad I could barely run, come on this is getting ridiculous. 5:44 finally another porta potty. Everyone said this next section was a good opportunity to make up time. An easy dirt road and then some single track through aspen and lodge poll forests with super soft trails. This is what I run for, bring it on. Oh wait, every time I run down hill my stomach craps up and I have to go to the bathroom again. There's a good log over there behind those bushes, a quick stop will make me feel better. Nope still cramping, I'm wasting all this soft down hill running, drink water, eat more gels. Ouch where's that tree again? My legs still feel great but I'm starting to think this may turn into a long day.

WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

More food maybe some Coke or Sprite will help my stomach. At least the next section climbing up Hope Pass I'm not supposed to run, maybe my stomach will calm down on the way up. The Twin Lakes aid station was a party, tons of people setup cheering on all their runners and me once again ecstatic to find another line of porta potties. My pacer Lance was sleeping preparing to run the last 50 miles back to Leadville with me as my beautiful wife lathered on more sunscreen, handed me a dry pair of socks for the river crossing and wished me well... 12,600 ft. here I come.

WHY CAN'T I HEAR?

I didn't fall down crossing the river, at least I don't remember falling down. Why then are my ears popping and clogging up like I was just in a pool and I'm only at 9,500 ft.? Could it be that flu and sore throat I had for the last week and a half... darn it, I thought I was better! Please just stay away for another 14 hours please...wait is that a log over there behind that bush... I just went but ouch... let's use the log while I got it. The alpine pass is no place to drop your shorts in front of the race camera. Why does my throat feel like it's swollen. Eat more gels drink more water... just keep moving.

I LOVE LLAMAS

There's very few things better than seeing llamas carrying water to the Hopeless Aid station. They're making soup broth maybe that will help my stomach, it sure does taste good. Half a mile before we go downhill again, if I can run maybe I can get back on pace, or at least close enough that Lance has a chance to drag me back onto pace in the last half... why can't I still hear out of my left ear, wait now now it's my right.. dang it.. keep moving.

WHERE ARE ALL THE BUSHES

Ouch that hurts, I guess running down isn't in the cards today, I'll just walk fast until I can find a good set of bushes. Maybe if I make myself puke my stomach will feel better. Nope, I'm a terrible hurler... nothing, still cramping up. Man there are no good bushes on this section of the trail... keep moving you're keeping up with the bearded man in front on you and you're just walking fast there's still a chance you'll finish.

I WEIGH WHAT!

The Winfield aid station marks the 50 mile and halfway point in the race. I had now run 14 miles longer that I have ever run before in my life. Man I was so happy to get here even though now at 12:20 into my run I'm about 2 hours behind 25 hour pace. I've still got a good chance at finishing if I can get this stomach under control.

"Step onto the scale." Winfield is also the first mandatory medical check-in during the race. "Take a seat" the medical staff said. I'd lost too much weight 7 pounds to be exact but I'd been eating as much as I could stomach. Can I go to the bathroom before I sit? Over 45 minutes and several cups of soup broth, some pepto and some nausea medicine later I'd put back on 4 pounds and was cleared to continue. Back up Hope pass only this time Lance was going to be there to pace me. Now if I could just run without my stomach cramping up we could have a great night, my legs still felt great. 12:57 since I had left Leadville.

WELCOME THE RIDICULOUS

The road out of Winfield is all a gradual downhill until you begin the hike back up to Hope pass. A perfect place to crank off some miles with you pacer. Except after all that food and waiting I still could not run without severe stomach cramps. Oh well, at least it's not that long of a road... let's get on up Hope pass... wait let me find a tree first I remember coming down that trail.

At least my legs feel good as we head up the hill, these new calf compression sleeves feel awesome! What's that my throat's swollen and I can barely swallow that hammer gel. Come on! Ouch, great now my chest is cramping up. Why aren't there any good bushes on this trail.

MORE BROTH PLEASE

Eventually we muscle our way up to the top of Hope pass between alternating stops for chest and stomach cramps. Thank you Jesus they had a toilet up here on top of the pass. I downed more soup broth and tried to run down the pass to Twin Lakes as much as we could but I knew we were losing valuable time. Finishing in 25 hours was now long gone... now we were fighting to just make the 9:45 pm cutoff at Twin Lakes. Run...walk...run... just keep going.

IT'S DARK NOW
... and I'm getting grumpy. 60 miles and 17:10 are gone but I've discovered that I can drink soup broth and eat oranges. The chest cramps were starting to worry me so I had the docs at Twin Lakes check me out. They gave me a clean bill of health so Lance and I grabbed our head lamps and gortex jackets from Nayibe, our beautiful crew chief, grabbed a banana for the road and headed out, right after stopping at the porta potty again of course.

Things didn't get any better climbing out of the Twin Lakes aid stations. It's at this point that I owe all the credit for every foot step to my pacer Lance. Regardless of how often I snapped at him he consistently tried to shove food down my throat and encourage me to run as much as I could. I felt terrible because I know he had made the trip hoping to run the last 50 miles with me and not walking with a grumpy and complaining old man. Oh did I mention that by now I was chaffing like a diuretic infant in a kiddie pool of vinegar. Yeah, it was that much fun but at least this section of trail had great bushes.

With Lance's urgings and care we made the Half Pipe aid station 15 minutes before the cutoff. More oranges and soup broth, and of course another visit to the porta potty.

YOU KNOW I'M GOOD

We were still mostly walking but we knew the cutoff was close and were pushing really hard to do a 1 minute run and 2 minute walk routine. We met Nayibe at Treeline and she took over the pacing duties from Lance for about 3 miles. It was almost a romantic moonlight walk there under the Colorado sky with the love of my life and the moon overhead.... except for the stomach cramps, chest cramps and diarrhea, but hey for better or worse right. Nayibe had sacrificed a lot for me to run Leadville this year and I was really happy she was able to run some of it with me. At this point, with me not being able to run I knew that finishing in under 30 hours was going to be a long shot but I knew I'd given it all I could and I was happy with that, it just wasn't my day.

We made the cutoff at the Fish Hatchery aid station by 1 minute, I'm pretty sure that Nayibe physically pushed me the last 400 yards. 22:50 since I started. Only 23.5 miles left... and the dreaded Pipeline climb and of course another stop at the porta potty.

THE END IS NEAR

Pipeline crushed me. Neither my stomach nor chest cramps went away as the we climbed up to Sugerloaf pass with the search and rescue trail sweepers following behind us just around the last corner the whole way up. My left foot started hurting something fierce about halfway up the hill. By the time we reached the top of the pass we had 30 minutes to drop the last 6 miles down to the May Queen check point. It wasn't going to happen. We slowed down and enjoyed the early morning sunrise in the Colorado Rockies. Just 24 hours ago I had run up the same road with dreams of a sub 25 hour finish now I just wanted to get down the hill and take my shoes off.

We made the May Queen aid station at around 8:00 am Sunday morning. 1:30 behind the cutoff. I had completed 86 miles but I hadn't finished the Leadville Trail 100. I was one of the several 100 participants who received a DNF in this years race but I had keep going until they made me stop and when you've had a day like I had that's all you can ask of your mind and your body.

MY CREW ROCKED

I couldn't have asked for a better crew. There is no way I would have made it as far as I did without Lance pushing for those last 36 miles. If I had just had one leg of the last 50 where my stomach was calm enough to run I'm confident that Lance could have pushed me to the finish.

THE FINISH

After leaving May Queen we drove back into Leadville to watch some of the other runners finish. It was definitely inspiring and while I was a little jealous I knew that I couldn't have given any more and by now I could barely walk on my left foot anyway. In fact it's Friday morning right now and I'm still having issues walking. There's a chance I gave myself a stress fracture on my left foot but I'm still hoping it's just a soft tissue injury.

I didn't finish so I'm still debating on whether I get to put the Leadville100 sticker on my laptop. I'm proud of what I did. Sometimes it's just not your day and this year it was definitely not one of my days. Like life you just have to take the situation you're given and try to make the best of it.

RUNNING IS NOT REALLY HARD

The Leadville 100 trail run was one of the hardest things I've ever done physically but let's face it running 100 miles is a pretty selfish thing. In preparing for this race I spent every weekend in July doing 30 mile runs through the mountains, 1 night a week running up at Bogus Basin and a whole week in Colorado relaxing while I tapered and acclimated to the altitude. My beautiful wife tirelessly made me egg whites every morning and my kids missed out on a summer of weekend outings with Dad.

In real life hard is waking up every morning and not being able to run, not having a job, facing real pain that doesn't go away after a day, moving your family to Brazil so you can fly relief missions into the amazon or opening your house to the smelly homeless guy on your street. Now that's hard. I just spent a day running through the rocky mountains. And whether that's 100 or 86 miles that's really not a bad day... not a bad day at all. Until next time.

Run hard... but live harder.

-Andrew

Ten things we love about our 10 year old...

2011-05-14T13:53:00.008-06:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet Javier...you are a blessing beyond measure! And now for the TOP TEN reasons we LOVE you:

10- You say silly stuff like 'Ohh come on" to yourself when things don't go as planned.

9- You can spend a whole afternoon drawing a cartoon to make a friend smile.

8- Listening to you play the Piano in the afternoons...or blessing someone with a song.

7- Everyday you ask, 'Is there anything else I can help you with Mom' :)

6- You still name all your stuffed animals and play with them on a daily basis.

5- Your funny jokes or remarks at random throughout the day!

4- You get SUPER excited and jump up and down when I announce it's 'Library Day'

3- You are a great example to your siblings. Patient in teaching them, loving to them and silly with them.

2-Every morning you spend time in the Word without being told. It's just you, your Bible, your journal & Jesus...I absolutely LOVE that!!!

1- We LOVE you because you are YOU - gentle , funny, thoughtful & loving. OUR 10 year old who we get to call OUR SON :)

Three is more than two

2011-03-10T21:05:00.003-07:00

This week we celebrated five months of life with our sweet Anna Sofia. Daddy took us out for ice cream (in honor of what we did in Colombia when something special happened, we went out for ice cream)! Life has been quite busy with three little ones, three is definitely more than two, but better :) It's taken me a while and lots of prayer to figure out how to school a fourth grader, keep a preschooler busy and a one year old safe! Here are some pictures of 'my students' ...I'm so thankful I get to teach, hug, instruct, play, read and love on them all day long.

Jojo plays with Anna while I help Javi...

The easiest kid to teach, seriously I just love him. He jumps up and down when I tell him we can go to the Library :)

My crazy five year old who is smart and thinks 'outside the box'. Josiah is very hands-on and loves to draw. He prefers to write on the white board rather then paper.

Anna Sofia has a new-found love for books. She walks around with them most of time, just looking for someone who will sit down and read with her.

I feel like I am learning something new every day. Sometimes from reading with Javier, other times learning something new about one of the kids, other times about me. Being a stay at home Mom who homeschools is very humbling. I mess up sometimes, pray for wisdom, try to slow down and am learning most of all to enjoy our children and their unique personalities.

Feliz Navidad!

2010-12-23T21:18:00.003-07:00

Hello family & friends~

Christmas already?! Seriously some days we are so busy around here I don't even know the date. What a wonderful year this has been! Finally, I have pink, bows, ruffles, and flowers and they are not all my stuff :) Anna Sofia has bonded to us very well. She loves chasing the boys around the family room, or just sitting and watching them as they play together. Anna crawls super fast especially when it involves food. She is now 10 months and very close to walking. Her favorite thing to do is cling on to our pant legs and pull herself up. Life is full of diapers, bottles, nap schedules, baby food and snacks, all over again and it's good. There is something so special about when she smiles at us or tilts her head to one side.

Josiah is a full of energy five year old boy. He loves swimming, play Legos, cars, airplanes, playing chess and Penguins! In fact, he has about five right now and he hugs them to sleep every night. Jojo still snuggles and naps with me every day, I love that time. He tells me, 'Mommy, I wuv Anna Sofia SO much, and I can't stop touching her hair, it's so soft'...yep, that's our Jojo.

Javier has informed us lately that he is a 'pre-pre-teen', whatever that means, he's nine! He is very funny and smart. He loves playing piano, comics, drawing silly cartoons, anything Mario, reading, and skiing. Javi is such a great helper with his siblings and around the house. My favorite thing about him is his heart, it's SO sweet. The other day he asked me if we could have a date. A couple of days later we snuck out for breakfast. Come to find out he was sharing the Gospel with a new friend in his ski class!

Most nights Andrew and I put the kids to bed at 8pm and come downstairs to watch part of a movie or a show with a small bowl of ice cream or share chips and salsa :) We are always working on our schedules, the endless questions of when can I work out, what do you have going on this week, work with one of the kids on this or that...you know, life! Thankfully, we have three AMAZING kids who help us slow down, not take life too seriously, laugh, play, and keep us humble!

Praying that all of you have a beautiful Christmas and enjoy your time with family! Happy 2011. Love, The Hansons'

Today, someone forgot their underwear!

2010-10-24T21:08:00.001-06:00

It’s been 16 days since we went from two children to three and it’s been great, crazy, exciting and unforgettable. This Sunday we went to church at ‘Comunidad Vida’ where our good friend Jorge is the Pastor. After church we went to Jorge and Ginny’s for lunch and finally dropped off several bags of gifts to the Sukani House (the orphanage around the corner… big thanks to everybody who sent stuff with us for the kids…we’ll post pictures and a quick recap later).

All in all it was a pretty busy but fulfilling day. We were feeling pretty good when we came back into our apartment around 6:00 p.m. and sent the boys off to go potty and wash their hands. It wasn’t 5 minutes before Jojo triumphantly returned into the living room with the big announcement,

‘Guess what guys, I didn’t have underwear all day! Maybe that’s why my pants kept falling down!’

Javi was appalled! And we all began laughing hysterically! Jojo just smiled and laughed. We’re sure it’s just a sign of things to come.

So to recap day 16 in the Hanson-Cobo family, we went to church, had lunch with our friends, gave out clothes, socks and school supplies, and one of us even forgot our underwear… but hey that’s just how we roll!

It's only been a week?

2010-10-16T11:40:00.005-06:00

Last Friday, October 8th we finally got our baby girl! We got a call ten days before asking us if we would be able to be in South America. How could we say no, when we've been waiting for about 34 months! Within a couple of days we booked tickets, started packing clothes and took a few trips to Walmart. Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Hanson and many wonderful friends we were able to pull it off. It's such a blessing to know our home, mail and all other belongings are being taken care of. God really has orchestrated all of this.

We are living in an apartment that our missionary friends had ready for us. We have carpet, so Anna Sofia can crawl around. We have the necessary furnishings and a washer. Oh yes, and hot water, which is a huge blessing here! Jorge is a Pastor here in Bogota, his wife Ginny and I have become good friends. It's so neat to be able to spend time with them and their girls, we are always amazed and encouraged to watch the way the Lord is using them here in Colombia. From Sunday services, to people stopping by for advice, Bible Studies held in their home, mentoring, on and on....they are living it.

This week Javier went to 'Super Vacas' (Super Cows) VBS, Josiah got a used bike and had fun riding it any time he could, and Anna Sofia is busy pulling herself up and wanting to walk. She also enjoys watching her brothers play. Andrew and I are just getting used to having a baby around again, bottles, diapers, stroller, blanket...we are getting better at it now! Life is different. We have bigger lunches and just a little something at dinner. We have a washer and no dryer, so we have to plan ahead a little :) We enjoy walking a lot more here. Our milk comes in a small bag, when we buy eggs they also come in a bag, and no one really buys groceries here in bulk, you just walk down the street for fresh eggs, milk, fruits and veggies.

Some days it seems as if Anna Sofia has always been a part of our family. When we watch her playing with the boys on the bed, crawling around, or standing there playing in the castle with her brothers playing Mario, we say to ourselves, it's only been a week? Other days when we the boys are bickering, we're sleep deprived, it's cold and there's no heater, or some other inconvenience...we think it's only been a week? Because it seems so much longer! Either way, we are all estatic with our baby girl. Anna Sofia is our princess, Jojo sums it up well when he saids, 'Mami, I love Sofia so so so so so very much'.

Anna Sofia - The Pickup

2010-10-09T11:50:00.001-06:00

It's been almost three years in the making but we think this video says it all. Enjoy.

Our Referral

2010-10-02T22:29:00.007-06:00

June 30th at about 1pm we got a call from our Adoption Agency. This sweet baby girl is who we have prayed for three years and we finally got to put a face to our little angel!

Here I am on Skype telling Mom!

God fills in the blanks....

2010-08-27T09:43:00.003-06:00

This morning Josiah came to me and asked me to close my eyes, he was holding something behind him. Then he presents me with this!

I've heard when Psychologists evaluate a child they often role play or have the child draw something. This morning when I saw Jojo's drawing, it made me smile and reminded me that God fills in the blanks.

When I asked him to tell me about the picture he said, 'It's you and daddy getting married and there is a heart because you're kissing. There's a candle because it's night time and there's Javi (who has a backwards 9 on top of him, his age and me with a backwards 4).

Andrew has been working so hard. Somehow he always making time for us, but it has a been a bit crazy lately. And I, well I am always trying to do five things at one time! God will nudge me throughout the day to sit down and read a book, or listen to a joke, or play a game, etc. He alone is able to balance me, and I need it daily. The secret to it all is asking, asking for help and well...He is faithful to fills in the blanks, where I seem to fail.

Random Summer Pics

2010-08-11T16:05:00.005-06:00

We've had A LOT of fun this summer, here's some of my favorites... Javier completed his first piece of Art on canvas!

Downtown with our boys, but they were taking this picture :)

Camping with Grandma & Grandpa Hanson

We discovered one of Josiah's fav' things to do, swim!

Javier is becoming quite the piano player, here he's at Recital.

These boys are silly, fun, and oh so sweet!!!

It's a Roller-Caster ride and not a fun one....

2010-08-05T16:26:00.003-06:00

Just opened up a package and read that our we were 'denied' approval to move on because of a 'missing digit'...argh! Are you kidding me. We've been so busy this summer that I've thought about blogging but haven't actually sat down to update on our adoption. June 30th we got a call and that afternoon we finally got to see the picture of the little girl we've been waiting for all these years! Since then it's been updating of paperwork and filling out more paperwork for her citizenship, trying to get our home ready to bring our baby home(More details to come). Today I just want to say 'this is hard man'....YET, who am I to say it's 'too much'. I know there are worse things in life and I must persevere but I get tired and burnt out. For the hundredth time I feel like I am on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One moment I am on top of the world picking out stuff for her room, or showing off her picture and the next moment I am told to re-do my fingerprints, another piece of paper, update something, you get the point. This is when I say 'Lord your grace is sufficient for me, take this burden...help me to do the next right thing, press on and finish this'...my HOPE is in Him alone.

Our Javi is 9!!!

2010-05-13T22:10:00.007-06:00

3 months

Seems like just yesterday we were excited and scared all at once, as we prepared to welcome you, our first child into this world. Nine years later we're decorating our house with 'Mario Brothers' stuff getting ready to celebrate your big day. Javier you are sensitive, caring, thoughful, kind, funny, creative and unique.
- I love to see you be silly with Josiah, read to him, teach him.

- I love that you like to ride with me when Jojo goes with Daddy and you say 'I didn't want you to be all alone'.
- I love that you ask 'Is there anything else I can do for you Mom', when you see me running around.
- I love to hear you play the piano.
- I love your goofy laugh.
- I love how much thought you put into your drawings.
- I love that you can't eat without first praying.
- I love that you cry when you see me cry.
- I love that you care about others and put them before yourself.
- I love that you enjoy reading so much.
- I love that you like to tell us jokes.
- I love when you look at me one more time, wave and smile when you get out of the car in the morning.
Javier Andres I simply love you for being YOU!! Te Quiero, Mami

Javi at 3yrs, 6 yrs and almost 9 yrs...

What I know at 33...

2010-03-20T17:35:00.006-06:00

I've been thinking...there are MANY things I've learned the last couple of years I just wanted to share :) Sooo...in no particular order here are some life lessons or you know, random thoughts:

- I have to train myself to slow down and soak in life (for some of us it's easier said then done), thankfully kids help with that one
- Even though it's very hard and humbling, saying sorry is necessary at times
- I'm learning to be ok with the fact I will probably always fluxuate between size 8 and 10, and that there are worse things in life for me to worry about that!
- It's ok for me to take care of me and not to feel guilty about it (in fact, it makes me a better wife, mom, daughter and friend)
- How thankful I am for my friends (they don't realize how refreshing they are to me, truly what a blessing!)
- It's best to have less, use it often, give away what you don't need and bless someone else instead of it just collecting dust
- Andrew and I make a good team...I am so thankful for a husband who is present, always working on improving our family, and thinks outside the box
- If I don't have time with the Lord I am a mess because I'm trying to do it all out of my own strength, NOT GOOD
- I don't have to be great everything, but I can try my best, ask questions, learn...
- How precious life is and what a gift from God it is
- We all have a journey while we are here on earth and it's a beautiful thing when you live life with purpose
- Finally, I am thankful for a God who knows me better than I know myself

10 Years Ago Today...

2010-03-04T08:39:00.002-07:00

I remember it ... well let's be honest... like it was ten years ago.

I remember the rain and the tornado

.. way too many people crammed into a little townhouse,

.. .. somebody telling stories about crazy dreams,

.. .. . a power outage and subsequent lock down at a local department store

.. .. .. .. you stranded alone... and me stranded well, with everybody

.. .. .. .. .. .. there was also this 'Lost' ring... you 'member?

I didn't sleep much that night.

You 'member the shoes and 'the funeral'

.. .. the dresses that fell apart

.. .. .. and that one time I almost dropped you ... but didn't

.. .. .. .. yeah, those were good times

You 'member how tired we were

.. .. how we forgot our passports

.. .. .. then had to chase 'Mr. Fat' in his pink Cadillac

.. .. .. .. all the way down to New Orleans

.. .. .. .. ..we made it with time to spare

.. .. .. .. .. .. well before we got stuck in Mardi Gras traffic

You 'member? yeah those were the days

We've been on tear since then. We've lived we've laughed and we've cried... well you've cried more than me, but we've cried too. It's been pretty great.

Most of all I'm honored to have spent the last t 10 years of my life with you and to have you love me. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I can't wait for the what the next 10 years will bring.

I love you, happy anniversary!

He knows her name...

2010-02-02T12:51:00.004-07:00

Today I am comforted by knowing that God is in control of this adoption process. He formed her, He knows her name. What an amazing process this has been, December marked two years we began in this journey. Sometimes it seems it will never happen. YET when I feel like that I am overwhemled with God's goodness to come alongside me to give me what I need to do the next right thing, to take one more step. Colombia is a Hague Country which means they have a framework of paperwork to ensure children are protected, given the best home and not sold or taken advantage of. This includes a list of background checks of every State we've lived in since we were 18, original Birth Certificates, Medical Exams, even a Psychology report! On top of that, quite a bit of it has to be notarized and some apostilled (stamped by the Secretary of State). Oh yes, and it all has a shelf life so it does expire. Just this last week we sent the bulk of it out, yesterday I was at the Post Office three times! I will spare you the rest of the details. Please pray for us, as you can imagined this is an emotional roller-coaster. Trying to run a home and get all of this done is overwhelming at times. I am oh so thankful for a husband who is helpful, encourgaing, and supportive. Earlier this week Andrew and I heard some stories of other families who have adopted and were comforted by each one of them. Some easier than others, but everyone has a journey. Here we are in the middle of ours. We covet your prayers. PS We do have a paper saying we were approved by Colombia for 'one little girl from 0-3 years of age' :)

Un Año Loco! 2009 (A Crazy Year)

2009-12-22T22:35:00.007-07:00

Last October we packed up our house and put things in storage, packed our bags and left for six months. It was crazy, amazing, hard at times, wonderful most of the times, a life changing experience. Andrew decided we needed to take a Family Sabbatical to South America. In Colombia we met up with a missionary family, Jorge and Ginny and their little girl Matilde. It was so humbling to see how they live every day life serving, being available, totally other'focused. Most of their ministry at the time involved reaching out to children in the neighborhood and orphans. We also were able to spend time with my extended family for a couple of weeks who lived a plane ride away from Bogota (where we stayed for our sabbatical). We spent last Christmas with our old friends who I had not seen for over 13 years! It was a quiet, sad, joyful, sweet and simple Christmas we'll never forget. When we came back in April we definitely had culture shock. I remember Josiah being SO excited for warm water to wash his hands :) Living in Colombia for six months changed our lives in many ways. We realized the boys were absolutely happy and content with the toys they had in their backpacks. They also found joy in sharing those with kids who had none. We were convicted about how busy our lives had become. We learned that God wants our family to live life, and minster to people as we go about our day. There are plenty of opportunities to reach out to others in very simple ways. To not just have stuff, but use it, take care of it, share it, or give it away. There are so many things we have some people wish they did, and we complain about it! We are forever changed by each person we met and all the wonderful things we were able to experience in another country.

Well around here the boys are usually playing pretend with their friends (aka stuffed animals), doing a craft project, wrestling daddy, or chasing each other around the coach in the family room. Javier was accepted to an Arts Charter School, he's in third grade now. He is still very much our 'artsy' child. He had his first musical this Fall and did awesome. Javi enjoys playing the piano, reading, writing, and drawing. He's a great big brother and very patient with Jojo who is usually following him around the house. I would describe him as sensitive, kind and sweet. Josiah is going to Preschool twice a week and loves it! He's very interested in letters and numbers and very much a hands'on type of boy. He likes to figure out how things work and doesn't like it when things are broken. Jojo loves playing with cars or his soft animal friends. I love that he speaks Spanglish ('Mamita, I want some lechita con chocolate please'). I would describe him as intense, thoughtful and energtic.

We want to end this newsletter by saying THANK YOU to all of our family and friends. For everyone who helped us pack and unpack, brought a meal, took us to the airport, watched our house, emailed us, prayed for us, helped buy bedding for orphans, visited us, met us somewhere for dinner, on and on...we are so grateful and blessed. Gracias y Feliz Año!!!

Four wonderful years!!

2009-11-27T23:14:00.007-07:00

Boy how time flies when you are having fun! Seems like just about every evening Andrew and I are standing in our family room smiling as we watch our boys run around to music, dance, or play pretend. It is busy, full of energy, crazy and wonderful. God gave us Josiah to bring more laughter and joy into our lives! Just the other night he said, 'Jesus, let it be morning time, let it be morning time'...I asked him why he was asking for that, 'cuz I don't wanna go to sleep'....ahh, our Jojo. What is he up to lately? He's discovered letters and numbers. I love that when he spells his name he does it in Spanish. When called, he also answers in Spanish, and Andrew is known as 'Papito' and me, 'Mamita'. He calls Javier his 'best brother' and has a hard time saying bye to him EVERY morning we drop him off at school. Josiah also started calling us (his immediate family) 'wubby'. If you know him you know how much he loves cars, monster trucks, motocycles, and well, anything extreme! Oh yes, recently he's into mismatching his socks. Here are some pictures from then and now.

Josiah George weighed 9lbs. 2oz.!!

First picture with Daddy!

First nap with Javi, check out his smile :)

Mom came out to help care for him and me :)

Grandma Bec and Jojo, check out his socks :)

Josiah and his 'best brother' Javier....

Family Pictures

2009-11-18T22:52:00.004-07:00

These pictures were taken last month at the Boise Train Depot. Our friend, Bridgette, did a wonderful job capturing 'us'. Things going on this Fall include: Javier going to Christine Donnell School of Arts and enjoying every minute of being 'artsy'. Josiah going to preschool twice a week and being schooled by mom the other days. Andrew working lots, brainstorming on his next new thing, taking care of all of us. I am trying to be purposeful this season of life getting projects done around the house. Oh yes and enjoying my Kitchen Aid. We are also finishing up paperwork for our little girl :) We still don't have a timeframe, but we are filling out the last package of paperwork called our 'dossier'.

My 'Pit Crew' Rocks!

2009-10-11T08:58:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my second race. Unfortunately, Grandma and Grandpa are out of town so we had no help this time with the kids. Thankfully, it didn't rain this time. Andrew and I were trying to explain to Jojo in three year'old language what we were doing. Since we love CARS around here, the best way to explain it, 'pit crew'! Andrew told Jojo, 'we need to take care of mommy while she runs for kids who are sick. we will make sure she has water and things to fuel her body'...all of a sudden we had a very excited crew :) I cannot explain to you what it means to see them throughout my run. This time our run was in Fruitland, ID, about an hour away. We started packing Friday night, snacks, sweater, gloves, DVD player, not to mention all the stuff I need! But we did it, we were out the door by 7:15am. The race started at 9am, and I was done 2 hours and 16 minutes later! Since I only had six days to recover from my last half marathon, this one was exhausting. I did pretty good until the last two miles. I was tired. Also, I heard a song that reminded me of my brother and his fiance who are overseas, and forget it I lost it. After praying for them, I asked the Lord to help me. You asked me to do this, give me the strength to endure. I knew I could not walk or it was all over. God was faithful, I was able to run it all, and even finish 6 minutes faster than my last race. A big thanks to my 'pit crew', thanks for the cheering, smiling, for all the water, GU, jelly beans too, and just for being you. (Lightening McQueen would be so jealous).

We did it!!

2009-10-04T21:38:00.003-06:00

'I did it!' that is what a yelled out, with my arms up in the air, as I crossed the finish line. Two hours, 22 mins. Sigh of relief. It was 40 degrees this morning and raining, not good. I prayed that it wouldn't rain, but it did. He doesn't always give us what we ask for in the way we ask. God was faithful to give me the endurance I needed to run the whole race and an incredible husband to help me do it. DRUM ROLE please...Andrew has officially won the 'husband of the year' award. Where do I begin, he set out all of my stuff I needed for the race and the boys. He fixed me a yummy baked potato last night for dinner and made sure I did the minimal amount of work around the house. He made signs with the boys to cheer me on. He even went to the store for me! But the sweetest thing he did, was run the last 1.1 miles with me. When I was totally exhausted...he cheered me on, made me laugh by chasing deer, told me that one mile was nothing for me and that I was doing great. It reminds me of a verse in Ecc. 4 that saids 'two are better than one, for if one falls the other will pick him up'...I am so thankful for someone who is willing to 'pick me up'. One race down, three to go!

Chapel Missions India

2009-09-30T22:46:00.003-06:00

My first race is on Sunday. Ready or not?! Rain or shine (looks like it might rain). What would make me run a half marathon, something I never thought I was capable of doing...children who need it. Please take 3 minutes and watch this video. If you would like to sponsor me, please go to http://www.chapelmissions.org/ , donations will be accepted through the end of the month for Heaven's Gate. We will update the blog with pictures, time, and stories.

Four half marathons in four weeks what am I crazy!?!?!

2009-09-09T14:08:00.007-06:00

This is what I say to myself every so often as I train for this intense challenge! If any of you know Andrew, you know that he has a passion for running. I, on the other hand have only done it in the past, well basically to keep off weight. I like the way I feel AFTER I run but I would not say I love doing it. I love eating chocolate, drinking lattes, daisies or shopping :) Yet, I couldn't resist the challenge when I saw it mentioned on our church bulletin. Since we got to meet some orphans face to face this last year I've realized...children are children, they just want to be loved and taken care of. How could I sit around and do nothing, so I'm doing something, a BIG something along with over 20 other people at Calvary. We are running for 'Heaven's Gate'....four half marathons in four weeks, it all starts in October. I covet your prayers! I have not ran one half marathon let alone four, yikes!! What better reason though. We are paying for all our race expenses and travels, so everything that is donated will go to children and parents in India with HIV'AIDS. Please consider sponsoring me, every dollar helps. It can be done online or snail mail. ALL donations must be in by the 1st of October. Thank you... For more info go to http://www.chapelmissions.org/

Teddy Bear Drive

2009-08-21T14:36:00.005-06:00

Earlier this summer Javier and I decided to do something special for our new friends, the orphans in Colombia. We wanted to let them know we hadn't forgotten them, so we thought up the 'perfect idea' (the boys are always saying that to each other 'oohh... I know I have the perfect idea'). Our boys love their stuffed animals, they name them, play with them, sleep them, do worship, go on adventures, you name it, they do it! Javier drew up a flyer for a 'Teddy Bear Drive ' we dropped off flyers to our neighborhood friends, and later that afternoon we got called for our first job. We pulled weeds, helped wash a car, and pulled more weeds :) The parents of our missionary friends were going to Colombia in June to welcome their brand new granddaughter and were very sweet to take the stuffed animals to our orphans! Thanks to them and all our friends who were so generous not only were the kids in the orphanage blessed but so were some neighborhood kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Javi's First Sleepover!

2009-07-25T13:15:00.003-06:00

In June Javier was asked if he could sleepover at his friend Nick's house. I wasn't sure what to think. Andrew said, 'he's at that age'. I thought to myself, 'is he really 8 already'. Nick lives across town in South East Boise so they don't get to play much, but when they do they have so much fun together! Some of their activities included swimming, making a movie, and of course, reading comics. Nick's mom, Gina, is a wonderful photographer...she is so sweet to let me share these. Thanks again, Gina!

I just love that Luke is in this picture...Jojo is usually like this :) Little brothers gotta love 'em!

Eliminate and Concentrate

2009-06-18T22:29:00.005-06:00

While in our family 'sabbatical' a sweet friend sent me a book called 'The Gentle Ways of the Beautiful Woman' written by Anne Ortlund, ladies I highly recommend it! (that is where I got the title for this post). It is the perfect way to describe our way of living now as a family. There are SOOO many lessons, I truly think we will be talking and writing about it for a LONG time. God is faithful, perfect and no one else knows what we need like Him! When we first got here it was hard not to feel sad, guilty, thankful to be in our home, but overwhelmed, it's also known as culture shock. How could we not, now we can put' faces' to people who are hungry, who want to be part of a family, who struggle to make ends meet, ugh. We have not forgotten our experience, I don't think we ever could. Jesus challenges us to live with what we need, eliminate the rest. Why have so much stuff? Just more things to store or clean? Now we use all those little soaps that were hidden under the bathroom sink, the pitcher that was up as decoration in the kitchen for years, I don't get caught up so much on whether it matches the room decoration or not, if I can use it, great, I don't think twice about giving clothes or shoes away, it seems like we take better care of everything we have...I don't know how else to describe it. We are exceedingly thankful for so much that we do have and have realized God doesn't want us to feel guilty, just be faithful with it. More than just our stuff, our time, our children, our lives. To concentrate on what is important, not just say it is. Life can be chaotic if we lose sight of what it's really all suppose to be about. Love, live, laugh...be present...and hang on for the ride God has for your family. Eliminate and concentrate, easier said than done!

Here are some recent pictures of us trying to take care and enjoy those things we have:
They do this every day!

Jojo is only three, but is a great utensil sorter!

I have to tell him to put his book down sometimes (I love it!)

Finally!! I stopped making excuses and learned how to use my sewing machine I've had for years! (how embarrassing). Now on the guitar ;)

Andrew working on his bike and of course Jojo has got to be there any time daddy fixes anything!

We have an 8 year old!!

2009-05-26T22:47:00.005-06:00

Carolina, Javi, Andres and Juan.

May 14th Javier turned 8, it seems unbelievable! Nine years ago we had so many plans, places to go, things to do and then SURPRISE, we were pregnant with Javier. I remember being scared out of my mind and thinking 'I can really mess this kid up'! And then praying for God to step in and help. Andrew, well he stared at his computer screen for days (hahahaha). Well Javi was definitely God's plan for our family. He made us jump right into parenting! It made us realize how selfish we really are and what an awesome priviledge it is to be a parent. Javi is a sweet, sensitive, smart, and kind young boy. I find myself trying to kiss him more, hug him more...enjoy him, because I am beginning to realize they are not going to be little forever.

My favorite memory of Javier while in Colombia was soon after we got there. There were lots of boys playing in the park. We watched the boys as they played with sticks and piece of wood. They were having a blast and invited my boys to play. After a while Javi asked me if he could give out the little cars he had in a bag. I told him they were his and he could do as he pleased with them. It was so neat to see the boys light up when Javier told them to take a car. They hugged him, thanked him and told him how cool he was for doing this. As we walked away I held Javi's hand and told him how proud I was of him...he smiled at me and said, 'Mom you were right, it is so much better to give than to receive...my heart is smiling'.

Mi Mamita

2009-05-09T14:07:00.005-06:00

This year I am EVER so thankful for mom! I remember when I had Javier...I truly felt like my love for mom grew. To realize what it really means to be a mom. To realize that she has put up with me when I was loveable and most importantly when I wasn't so loveable. There are many things mom tells me she wishes she could go back and re'do. But I remind her that we can only change today and each day that we are given. I decided to jot down some of the reasons I love my mom SO much!

¨¨for making my birthdays special every year and buying me a whole new outfit, underwear and all!

¨¨ for making me walk around with heels, so I knew how to use them correctly...IMPORTANT.

¨¨for teaching me how to make rice at the age of 8 and learning how to make that rice go a long way when unexpected people came over

¨¨for teaching me how to clean (before we had the easy wipes to clean with)

¨¨for making me walk around with a book on my head so I wouldn't be so shy (I know me, shy, you can't imagine!)

¨¨ for reminding me of what really matters when I have called her crying, overwhemled with being a mom

¨¨ for the way she has learned to be a grandma and enjoy every minute with her grand'boys!

¨¨for dancing in the parking lot of Target, showing me her aerobics moves, no kidding ;)

¨¨for being loving, kind, and other focused...there are many more reasons, I love you Mami...Happy Mother's Day!!

Exceedingly, Abundantly Grateful...

2009-04-29T09:03:00.002-06:00

After seven months of traveling two continents, we are home! It feels, well...weird. I find myself trying to make sense of this. Sometimes I just burst into tears, I still can't put it all into words. Andrew and I talk often about what the last few months means to us. Our children are also adjusting. Last night Jojo was in a tub full of bubbles and he said, 'I so glad to be at Jojo's red house...and love bubbles too, mami'. Javi said, 'Wow our tub is really deep, neat'!

Thanks to faithful friends, family and hard work, we were able to move everything in by Monday afternoon. Slowly we have been organizing and cleaning. It's been a great time to analyze if we really need this or that. Also, I cannot remember ever being so thankful. I am walking around my house thinking...is ALL of this really ours!??!! Thank you, Jesus for warm water to wash dishes, for a washer and dryer, for my pillow...thank you Lord for a big backyard to run in. I am not caught up on if everything matches, as I was before...ugh!

There is a verse in the New Testament that talks about God giving us 'exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ever imagine'...that is EXACTLY how I feel! And the funny thing is, I had it all before. My husband, my children, my health, my extended family, my friends, my house, more kitchen gadgets than I need! You get the point. God wants us to not take it all for granted. Let's stop complaining, we have SO much. We have found that in simplifying, life is more precious than ever. Make time for what really matters. Be thankful for all the stuff you have and use it up or give it away to someone that will. One of my big challenges is to minimize all the stuff in our pantry and just have what we need...and boy is that a challenge!

An Unforgettable Farewell

2009-04-04T20:37:00.005-06:00

Sunday, 29th of March, was the last church service we went to in Bogota. After spending six months there, we couldn't believe it was all coming to an end. Andrew and I are still in a bit of shock of how fast time has flied. We feel priviledged to have been given the opportunity as a family to go to another country and encounter so many people we now call friends and so many unforgettable experiences. While we are ready to stop being nomads and return to our own house, we will definitely miss more people and things in Colombia than we ever could of imagined! As we shared with all our new friends...we arrived in Bogota without knowing one person, yet when we left it felt like leaving home all over again.

The last six months definitely has had it's ups and downs, but we are a better family for having gone through it.

Has it really been 9 years?!

2009-03-09T20:30:00.007-06:00

March 4, 2000 is when we got married. Andrew & I were giggling at the fact, nine years later we were celebrating in Hard Rock Cafe in Bogota, Colombia! Who would of known?!?! As he said, 'We had a few detours (unexpected things happen)' but overall we've done good ;) I totally agree. Marriage is a rollercoaster, there are ups and downs. We've changed each other...it's so much better because of it. God knows my life without Andrew would be BLAH. As I am writing this he is backpacking the mountains in the Patagonia with his best friend, nice huh?! I am thankful for a man who loves God above all else and has a passion for living what he believes. A husband who challenges me to be myself, to be better, and to grow. For a dad who works hard to take care of us, gets on the floor and plays with the boys, takes the time to teach them valueable lessons that will stick with them forever.

Just the last couple of years I've been learning what it really means to be a wife...to be Andrew's Helpmate. It's so easy to be just any ol' wife, as the world expects, but to be a godly wife...WHEW, what a challenge! Yet I am reminded daily that it's not something I do, but that if I surrender Jesus will do through me. There is so much that the Lord is slowly teaching me that has truly changed our marriage for the better. I'm learning to trust my husband, to submit, to honor, to die to self, to be ok with leaving some dishes in the sink, to enjoy where I am at....ahhh.

I will end with some verses that were read in our wedding:

(thanks honey, for truly teaching me what love is)

''LOVE IS PATIENT , LOVE IS KIND AND IS NOT JEALOUS; LOVE DOES NOT BRAG AND IS NOT ARROGANT, DOES NOT ACT UNBECOMINGLY; IT DOES NOT SEEK IT'S OWN, IS NOT PROVOKED, DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A WRONG SUFFERED, DOES NOT REJOICE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT REJOICES WITH TRUTH; BEARS ALL THINGS, BELIEVES ALL THINGS, HOPES ALL THINGS, ENDURES ALL THINGS"

~1CORN. 13:4-7

Mission Completed!

2009-02-21T15:45:00.007-07:00

Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward

We dedicate this Bible verse to all of you who donated towards the bedding for the Orphans. This week we were able to complete the mission we felt led to do and thanks to all of you it was possible! Since we've been here in Bogota we've had the pleasure of spending time with twelve children who above all desire time and love. After spending some time with them we realized the need they had of new bedding, so we sent out an email and friends responded. Thank you!! Here are some pictures of their reactions, it was PRICELESS.

Todos los dias en Bogota (Everyday life in Bogota)...

2009-02-13T20:17:00.004-07:00

I thought it would be fun to share some of our pictures with you. Here is a glimpse of our lives in South America:

At an overpass...love the Colombian flag in the background.

Must do school even if we are in another country...Jav loves it!

Daddy and Jojo coloring...PLUS Andrew answering endless questions of, 'So why??' Jojo's new favorite words (ex. 'So why we color it blue'?)

At the park in front of the house we are staying in. Andrew is usually carrying all of our raincoats and other necessary items for us in his backpack ;) (ex. snacks, juice boxes and cars)

Yes that is me scrubbing shoes with a toothbrush! I'm so Colombian ;)

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

2009-02-08T15:34:00.005-07:00

Yesterday as we were walking back from dinner I turned to Andrew and asked him if he would of ever imagined spending his 32nd birthday in South America. He responded, 'no I didn't think I would ever live in the most dangerous country in South America'...we just smiled. And yet here we are again, in Colombia. We had a really special day yesterday...I made a Colombian breakfast for Andrew and for dinner he chose to eat at TGIFridays, yes- there is one here!

Sorry we haven't blogged for a while we went back to the States and spent a few weeks in Florida. We were too busy resting, enjoying conveninces and consistent warm water :) Andrew's parents met us in Orlando. We had a great week of fellowship and fun. Did I mention it was COLD (30 degrees), but we still managed to have fun, I mean how could we not, we were in Disney World. Then we went to South Florida and spent a couple of weeks with my family. It was great to have some time to be spoiled a little by our families (he, he, he).

I must be honest...when we stepped out of the plane I almost cried. Not of excitement, but of selfishness. I just thought of all the things I missed. A few minutes later though I had a change of heart. God gently reminded me that there is a purpose for us to be here. It's not about me. There are things we are suppose to 'finish' here. God has been so faithful to us, every step of this journey. We left with two luggages and came back with seven!! All stuff to give to people who need it, mainly the orphans. We 'dreaded' customs but know that is part of the deal when coming here. And guess what? Not one luggage got checked...we walked right through. This is unheard of in this country. God is so sweet to us and definitely knows how much we can handle. Our children have been amazing! They have adjusted to our new life just fine. In fact, in the van our way to our home in Colombia...they were laughing, dancing, and enjoying every minute of being in a no car-seat country.

Jojo and Daddy fighting for the last bite ;)

I Finally Did It - MTBR in Colombia!

2009-01-11T00:08:00.001-07:00

Well, we've been so busy here on Bogota it took me almost 2 months to get in a good mountain biking ride. Sure I hit Bogota's Ciclovia the second day we were here but as fun as riding the empty Sunday streets of such a big city, it's not the same as bombing down the side of a mountain on some fresh single track.

I've lost track of how many bike shops and people I've asked for guided tours of the trails but didn't find anything until I walked into a bike shop in Paipa over Christmas. I was just finishing up a run but in my out of breathe and broken Spanish I was finally able to setup up a bike tour for a few days later... and boy was it worth the wait. Like most Colombian roads they don't mess around when it comes to going up or down.... and I was soon going to find out that their trails don't either.

After our warm up around the lake we started our climbed up to a set of communication tours that overlook the city. The road, which was mostly primitive dirt climbed up the side of the hill through several Colombian finca's giving us excellent views and the lake and the other mountain ranges surrounding the town. There were two climbs on the way up to the tower where I had to walk my bike, the altitude and the pitch were just too much for me.

Anytime the climbs make me walk and give me a view I'm having a fun time. But everything got even better once we reached the top of the towers. Not only was the view breathtaking, not to mention the altitude, but when my guide, Miguel, pointed out the trial down the mountain I knew I was in for a whole new type of downhill experience.

You see when Miguel pointed out the trail he wasn't really pointing to a section of well maintained single track but rather a flattened section of the large grass field in front of us where previous riders had descended the mountain. And like all paths I've experienced in Colombia they pointed their bikes straight down the hill and let it fly. I don't think I've ever been on a longer straight down hill decent. I think we screamed down that hill through trees and grass for almost a good mile before making our first turn.... which was only possible after jumping your bike off of a 2 foot bank onto an old cow path that began side hilling it's way down the mountain.... can you say 'pucker'.

Anyway, the ride was amazing and I was even able to get back there a week later and catch some smaller trails. The pictures are all from the second ride. I'm itching to get back and ride some of the longer trails across the valley.

My guide Miguel has placed some YouTube videos of his rides on these trails, check them out at http://www.youtube.com/user/migvelTT

Christmas in Paipa, Colombia

2009-01-01T21:32:00.004-07:00

Who would of thought that our family would be spending Christmas in South America. This trip has brought us many unexpected surprises! This fall I found out one of my mom's closest friends, Bertha, was diagnosed with cancer. One of Bertha's daughters, Jessica (and her husband David) has been caring for her the last three months. Jessica asked if we could spend Christmas with them...and so we packed up the boys stockings and our gifts and headed out to Paipa (a three and half hour bus ride). We had a wonderful Christmas! Some friendships truly are forever...it had been about 12 years since I had seen Jessica.

Oh yes...we also brought along our friends Crystal & Juan (teen orphans who attend our church)...we love them!

Navidad en Colombia...

2009-01-01T21:10:00.004-07:00

Here I am baking cookies with my cousin, Aura. Fun times :)

The following day at the park with 'our' kids. Children we have adopted, while in Bogota.

December 22nd...my cousin Aura wanted to buy gifts for the orphans we have come to love. I love this picture of Javi...he was calling their names out and giving them the presents.

What can you do for the cost of a dinner night out??

2008-12-18T13:09:00.001-07:00

Feliz Navidad de Bogota, Colombia! We pray that your families are doing well and enjoying this sweet season. Ours is ‘quite’ different this year, being in another country and all :) One of the highlights has been getting the chance to know twelve orphans who live in the neighborhood by church. We are looking for twelve families to come alongside us and help buy them new bedding (total cost is $30).

These children live in a home that was started by a mom who has two boys of her own. She has taken the huge responsibility of raising these children because they were abandoned. We toured the home yesterday and got to know more about this ministry. As you can imagine the needs are many with that many children. These are children from 8 -18 years old, more than likely they will not be adopted because of their ages. They all go to school, have been hurt in many ways, are very loving, kind and full of hope. We plan to come alongside them as much as possible while we are here, so please pray for us to be able to share God’s Love with them.

All I want for Christmas....

2008-12-13T15:43:00.001-07:00

.. is my one front tooth.

Javi is hoping he looses the second before Christmas. In the meantime he sure is digging the Chipmunk's version of "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth"

Adoption Update...

2008-12-12T19:09:00.003-07:00

Well we thought it was time to give everyone a quick update on our adoption process, since so many have asked. Please continue to pray for us, that God would give us discernment. Just this week we spoke to several different people who work in Bienestar Familar (similar to our Health & Welfare). Pretty much we were told that because we reside in the States, that is where we have to our process. It would not help to move here or get an attorney because there are specific processes that need to be done in order for the U.S to let us get back in the country with a child. For now there is nothing we can do while we are here in Colombia, so the whole process is on HOLD. They did ask us today if we would consider taking two little girls, siblings...I just looked at Andrew and smiled :)

Jojo's 3rd Birthday!!

2008-12-06T20:04:00.003-07:00

Who would of known that we would celebrate Josiah's third birthday in another country! Jojo's birthday was actually Saturday, the 29th of November. We had spent the two weeks prior to that in Cali (visiting family), we are now back in Bogota. After church on Sunday we walked with our missionary friends and a couple of neighborhood kids to a bakery shop and let Jojo pick out his birthday cake. Of course, he picked the one with the most chocolate (just like mami would have)! We had lunch and later that afternoon played the Wii and sang Happy Birthday in Spanish & English. Josiah is speaking a lot of 'Spanglish' lately, it's very sweet, some words in Spanish and others in English...mainly English though. Javi has blown us away at time saying phrases at a time in Spanish. Life has been chaotic to say the least...YET we are at peace because we know beyond a shadow of a doubt, we are where God wants us to be.

So when's the last time your house was without water?

2008-11-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

So, this happened to us today and in a 'good' neighborhood in Cali. About 3:00 or 4:00 this afternoon some signal went off and everybody in the house started filling up containers with water. Apparently going without water is a common enough occurrence here that people are prepared for the occasion.

When Jojo promptly indicated that he had to go #2 later tonight I was reminded of my early years at Nana's house where you had to fill up the commode with a bucket of water before commencing to "flush it down". I guess the more things change the more they stay the same, huh.

It was also another reminder that no matter how glitzy the shopping malls are, how accessible gringo style food is, or how much you can spend on clothes Colombia is still a third world country and presents it's own unique set of challenges.

Our lunches in Cali

2008-11-21T15:57:00.001-07:00

So just so you know I wasn't making up that part about trying not to gain 20 pounds here in Cali. Here's a picture of our lunch from yesterday. They make something like this for us everyday and it's awesome.

Yes there's rice everyday and yes that is fresh squeezed lemonade in the background.

"We're all American"

2008-11-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

One of the things I learned on my first weekend in Colombia was that although those of us living in the United States like to call ourselves American's others lay claim to the title as well. At our first church service they welcomed some missionaries from the States then added this little tongue and cheek statement about the missions team,

"They like to call themselves our American brothers but we like to call them our gringo brothers. Because you know, we're all American."

I had honestly never thought of it before but they were right.

Hanging out in Cali

2008-11-18T16:29:00.005-07:00

So, we've been in Cali now for almost 5 days. Wow, I can't believe it's been that long since I've been online! Anyways, it's been pretty busy since we arrived last Friday. Highlights of the trip so far include:

A very short plane ride of 1 hour instead of a 10 hour bus ride.
An afternoon spent in La Forteleza with one half of Nayibe's family. Javier and Jojo had a blast playing with their cousins. We had some slamming homemade soup (I told you Cali would be all about soup!) We also watched a lot of kids march up and down the street in devil costumes with really big drums dancing and asking for money, I think you payed them to go away! Suprisingly the boys actually liked it. Javi actually wants to buy a drum. I'll upload some video and pictures later.
We went to a Nazarene Church down here with our friend Diego. Let me tell you Mom and Dad it's nothing like the one you attend back home. But it was awesome to see that they have about 5 services each Sunday with several hundred people each.
This Monday was another one of those Colombian Holiday's and Tio Memo took us to a club with a swimming pool up in the Farallones de Cali on the Rio Pance. The water was cold and the sky was overcast but we had a lot of fun.

All of Nayibe's family really goes out of the way to make us feel at home here and show us the city. The only real challenge we have is not gaining 20 extra pounds during our stay. The food is incredible and plentiful, it just keeps coming.

Of course, the reason we're in Cali this week is because Nayibe's grandmother Rosalba has been very sick. She was able to come home last Saturday but was taken back to the hospital again last night. It's been really tough on their family especially Nayibe's aunt Nancy who lives with her grandparents. You're prayers for her and their family are greatly appreciated. We actually staying at Rosalba's house during this visit so that we can help out, well so Nayibe can help out my job is basically to coral the kids when Nayibe is needed.

Anyway, that's the Cali update for now. We're doing well and enjoying the warmer weather... oh and the boys are enjoying Spanish cartoons this week too.

And We're Off... again.

2008-11-14T03:12:00.001-07:00

So after managing to spend almost 2 weeks straight in Bogota we've gotten the itch to get back on the rode and for the next two weeks will we trade in the cool, dizzying heights of Bogota for the hot, steamy, salsa driven nights of Cali, the self proclaimed salsa capital of the world.

But wait before you start getting the image of us dancing the night away under an equatorial moon let me interrupt by reminding you that all of Nayibe's immediate family in Colombia lives in Cali. Furthermore we will be staying at her grandparents house. So lets all just replace those rather festive images with homemade soup, rice and to bed by 10:00 p.m.

Some of you may remember that Cali was the location of last years flip flop zip line and paragliding incidents but I expect a more mellow trip this time, although you never know in Cali. We are going to try to have a 'Gringo Style Dia de Gracias" or Gringo Thanksgiving since we will be in Cali over the holiday. I'm pretty sure the whole pilgrim thing will be lost on them but I'm kinda looking forward to the opportunity to butcher my own live turkey. And it gives us an excuse to get a bunch of the family together and party which is always exciting.

Nayibe attended her first woman's bible study at our church here in Bogota today and then helped make some signs for the church to use this weekend. I think it went pretty well although I was safe hiding upstairs working on getting some donated laptops ready for a language and Internet cafe the church is setting up as part of a community outreach project.

It took a while but Jojo had fun playing with his new friend Matilde, Jorge and Ginny's little girl. Funny story, I was over at their house yesterday by myself working on the computers and when Matilde saw me she said, "Jojo!" and now every time she sees me she says, "Jojo!" and her mom says, "Yes, Jojo's papi." which I think is what Matilde means anyway but it's still cute.

Warning: next post may include some 'Salsa'

Notes from Mami...

2008-11-10T21:04:00.001-07:00

I wanted to start the post by saying, 'Really, it's only been two weeks since we've been in Bogota'!! Don't get me wrong it's been fun, but please do not think it's always been easy. As I wrote a friend earlier today...I'm beginning to realize (once again) that just because it's God's Will doesn't mean it's going to be without trials. There are so many things we are accustomed to back home. Here are some examples: I have a washer but no dryer (which means we wear clothes more often and it takes a day or two to dry so we have to plan ahead), in order to start the stove I have to turn on the gas (which is located outside and turn it off once I am done), no microwave (enough said, right moms?!), no heater so we wear layers of clothes), when we are walking down the street we are constantly watching over our shoulder to see who is around us (oh yes and I turn my ring in order for it to just look like a band), and keep the boys VERY close because there are no vehicles that stop, even when it saids 'PARE', oh yes and washing everyone's underwear daily...those are just some examples.

This evening we went to Jorge & Ginny's house (our missionary friends). Andrew worked on fixing some laptops, while I was outside with the kids and Ginny. By 6pm everyone was outside playing games (taking turns with a bouncy ball or frisbee) and yes we had a time of fellowship over bread and hot chocolate. I am AMAZED with how easily pleased these children are! And though we have lots of toys in storage right now, our boys are perfectly fine with a couple of cars, sidewalk chalk and a ball, and their new friends. They LOVE the time they get to play with the neighborhood kids (some who are orphans, others have parents but work all night so they sleep during the day, and some children truly are just left to wander).

We took a some new cars with us and also had a little bag with some of the boys cars. Before we left Javi and I walked over to the boys....you should of seen these boys faces, they lit up (yes, over one little car). I was so glad Javier was there with me and helped them pick out which one they wanted. They kissed me in the cheek, hugged me and said 'Dios te Bendiga por pensar en nosotros' (translation: God Bless You for thinking about us)...of course, I cried! They also thanked Javi (he extended his hand to say bye) then next thing he knew they gave him a big hug said thanks and Chao Javi! As we were walking back, Javi looked up at me and said, 'Mom you were right, it does feel good to give stuff away and not hold on to it'. I hugged him :) Ohhh...it's so sweet to see them 'get it'...it made all the little inconveniences seem like non-sense (and it is!).

Week 2 in Bogota Draws to a Close

2008-11-08T21:37:00.003-07:00

So it's hard to imagine that we've only been in Bogota for 2 weeks. I guess that's because we left home back in Boise about 5 weeks ago and have basically been traveling for over a month, spending our first 3 weeks in Florida. Then we only spent 3 days in Bogota before hoping the bus north to Paipa. Spending 3 days there and then back to Bogota for a busy weekend.

I guess all that activity makes it okay that this week we really didn't do much. Monday was a Colombian holiday and while nobody could tell us why it was a holiday they did have the Ciclovia open which is awesome. (If you haven't already you have to check out this video on Ciclovia, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELa5CHsUepo.) On Monday I was able to use the Ciclovia routes to check out Parque Simón Bolívar which is Bogota's version of New York City's central park. This park is awesome. We all went there on Tuesday and enjoyed about 5 different large playgrounds but decided we'll come back some other day to kayak around the lake or enjoy a concert.

Other than that we laid pretty low this week. The boys took turns getting sick, first Javi and then Jojo so we were required to stay home a lot. I finally got around to hooking up the Wii only to discover that we had left our controllers and all but 2 games somewhere back in Boise. So we're having a lot of fun playing Big Brain Academy over and over again.

We setup my wireless router at our neighbor Senora Teresa's house. She's been an awesome help to us and we now have access to our email without walking down to one of the many internet cafe's in our neighborhood. The connection can be a little bit sketchy but it'll work for now and I've been able to get a couple of photo albums up on Facebook.

I'm loving Bogota but sometimes you really miss the comfort and routine of home. Not to mention the comfort of a warm house, the insulation in the houses here is nonexistent and 48F is a little chilly inside even for me. We're still in vacation mode and living out of suitcases. Nayibe had to get on me the other day for wearing the same shirt 2 days in a row, or was it 3. It wasn't that I was trying to be dirty I just didn't want to unpack. Suitcases can get a little old after a while but it's all part of the ride and it'll be worth it all in the end.

Jojo is a chatter box now and will start picking up Spanish like a champ in another week or two but for now even though everybody tells us not to speak English in the taxi's Jojo just won't keep quite, "Daddy, we go up now. Daddy, we go down now. Daddy, we been there! See Daddy, that where my balloon at! Yes Daddy! Yes! We go Jojo's house now? Yes! My balloon pop go boom. Yes Daddy!" Then he pauses to breathe and I say, "Si, Jojo"

Javier has impressed me with the confidence he's gained over the last two weeks. He's hanging right in there with the boys in the neighborhood and always trying out new Spanish phrases. And like the typical big brother always reminding Jojo, "Don't speak English in the taxi" to which Jojo responds, "No JAVA!" At least he's trying.

My favorite things about the trip so far?

One morning this week we ran out of juice and arepas for breakfast and at 7:30a.m. I walked around the corner and bought both for the equivalent of $2 USD at a little neighborhood shop. I love neighborhood shops.
I love the fact that I'm not working as much and have been able to help teach Javi school. We've started really simple multiplication and covered the comparison and contrasts used by the author of Proverbs. (Do you realize how tricky teaching Proverbs word for word to a 7year old can be? Proverbs 5:19 anyone?)
We have a small park right across the street and whenever I come back from a run the boys have to go running with me. We usually make one lap around the park before doing 5 pullups and then playing on the swings. It's great!

Anyway, enough for today. It's late and if I want to enjoy Ciclovia before church I'm going to need to get up early.

Second Breakfast & Chocolate with Cheese

2008-11-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

One of the things I've found in Colombia is that they love to feed you. In fact the day we left Paipa last week we bought some food for breakfast in the morning so that we could get an early start just to be served the following once we arrived at our host's house.

The food was awesome but I told Nayibe that I felt like a hobbit having 'second breakfast' all the time. Guess I'm going to have to run another lap around the park.

Javier loved it though because they had what has come to be his favorite meal of this trip Colombian cheese, hot chocolate and bread.

And yes... like a real Colombian Javier put the cheese in the hot chocolate.

Colombia Week 1 Recap

2008-11-05T18:57:00.001-07:00

Well we've completed our first week in Colombia and to quote my lovely wife, "We've only been here a week! Feels like 7 years." We've done a lot since arriving in Bogota on Saturday Oct. 25, 2008.

My most pleasant surprise has been how easy and comfortable we've felt getting around the city. We've ended up mostly traveling by taxi. Since there are four of us shorter rides are actually cheaper in a taxi than on the bus. A half hour ride from our place to the north of the city only costs about $5-7 depending on the day (Sunday's and holiday's are a bit more). We've used the TransMilenio (Bogota's subway style bus system) a couple of times and we'll probably use it a lot more if we end up getting an apartment closer to a station. Currently we're about a mile away and that's a decent walk with the kids. While we've tried the regular street buses, or busettas as they're called, they're a little crazy and after Javier almost forgot to get off with us last time I think we'll stick to a less chaotic means of transportation.

Paipa

We've ended up splitting our first week between Bogota and a little village 3 hours north called Paipa. Paipa is known for it's thermal hot springs which we took advantage of. It was also our first chance to take an intercity bus trip, or floata. I thought taxi drivers in Colombia were crazy but bus drivers take the cake in the crazy department. Paipa was great and we plan to add a couple of more posts on our trip there later.

Church

We attended our friends church in the northern part of the city again this week and we're really liking it. The ministry in the neighborhood around the church that our friends Jorge and Ginny are doing is really awesome and we're hoping to be able to find a place closer to their neighborhood so we can be more available to help. There are a lot of boys around Javi's age in the neighborhood and our boys have a blast every time we're able to visit and they learn a lot of Spanish.

What's Next for FamiliaHanson?

Right now we're still staying in the house in central Bogota getting to know the city and enjoying our amuerzo ejecutiva (that's an executive lunch at the local restaurants. Usually soup, meat, rice, salad or potatoes and fresh fruit juice of some kind. It usually costs about $3.00 USD. Two plates feeds our whole family). We did some apartment hunting this week. Nayibe's family friend Conseulo is coming to see us this week which should be a great help with the boys and with the house.

We just heard today that Nayibe's grandmother in Cali was taken to the hospital this week so it looks like we may move our Cali trip up to next week to go see her. We're in the process of finding the best way to get there plane, bus, etc. So the travels and adventure continues.

Cerro de Monserrate

2008-11-04T14:11:00.001-07:00

On our first Monday in Bogota we traveled to the top of Cerro de Monserrate. Monserrateis a Bogota land mark and is known for its statue of Senor Caido or Fallen Christ which dates back to the 1650's. At 3160m high Monserrateoffers an awesome vantage point and there are excellent views of all both the central, northern and southern parts of the city.

There are three was to get to the top of Monserrate walk, funicular railway or teleferico (cable car). The cable car only operates on the weekend and walking from 8,600 ft to 10,000+ ft in elevation with a two year on my shoulders didn't sound like much fun so we took the railway. While the railway does go straight up the mountain I don't think it was quite the roller coaster ride that Jojo and Javier were hoping for when they stepped into the car although they were pretty excited about the tunnel.

As expected the view from the top was incredible. Even on an overcast day like we had you could still take in the whole city. We've traveled to the more upscale northern part of the city already but I was amazed to see how far the city stretch out to the south of the valley and up the southern mountains. Much of which, to my understanding, is basically slums.

Unlike many of these tourist type 'churches' that I've visited before they still conduct daily mass at Monserrate. They even had one scheduled while we were there, about 10:00 a.m. Luckily we got into the building and took some pictures before the priest came out with his acoustic guitar... which I thought was a little out of place.

Beside the view and the church the flowers and sculptures were pretty neat. If you start from the exit of the railway you can walk path with statues every 20 feet or so depicting the Passion of Christ. Adding to the statues were some amazing flowers and gardens making.

On the lighter side Jojo didn't care much for the altitude and I had to carry him on my shoulders for the whole trip, that is of course when he didn't want to jump off of the rocks and statues. We also saw a lot of people who were running up the trail to the top of Monserrate so maybe we'll have to try that one of theses days when we can get a baby sitter for the boys... I'm not running up that mountain with Jojo on my shoulders.

Enjoy the pictures.

Slim Jim Pizza

2008-11-01T10:19:00.001-06:00

As promised here's the picture of the Slim Jim pizza... viva America! ... and Colombia too.

Funny Colombia: Pizza

2008-10-30T09:28:00.002-06:00

I forgot my SD card USB adapter but I thought I would pass this along anyway. Last night we decided to have pizza for dinner. You know have a little peice of Americana... well I didn't know how american this pizza would really be.

First of all colombian pizza doesn't have any tomato sauce just bread cheese and topping and they only had 3 options: meat, hawaiian and mushroom. I had the meat and what was great about it was that the meat was not pepperoni like I thought, it was more like a Slim Jim sliced up and placed on the pizza... and everyone knows you can't get any more american than a Slim Jim.

Anyway today we're off to try the local hot springs in Paipa... hast luego - Andrew

Where are the Hansons now....

2008-10-29T09:45:00.002-06:00

Right this minute we are in an Internet place in Paipa, Colombia. We got to Bogota on Saturday but it seems A LOT longer than that. We have been trying to learn our way around town and trying to be as resourceful as possible. Of course, we are enjoying all the food and how inexpensive homemade food is here! It has been hard for all of us at times with the chaos of the town, figuring things out, and living life without hot water, internet, or cable. That sounds so selfish but truly it´s how we feel. We are reading lots, walking around town lots, and just praying about what is next. We visited ´RENUEVAME´on Sunday, it was a welcoming church and an awesome message. Well my time is about up...please pray for us as we make a decision on where to go next. We found out the house we are staying in has lead paint on the doors. Miss you all!

Mami got inked

2008-10-21T22:14:00.004-06:00

What do you get when you have a mom who has not gone out much and her brother who just got back from Boot Camp? A Tattoo! That's what I got last week with my brother, he paid for it...I couldn't resist. Andrew was at home taking a nap and I dropped off the kids :) Here are some pictures...I love it! It's a pink daisy with a yellow center. I'm not gonna lie it hurt. I was a little scared, but then I thought I had two boys I can do this right?!

What we've been up to...

2008-10-21T13:57:00.007-06:00

Ohhh we've been doing all kinds of things. I forgot how much cleaning I do at my parents house! Since we are in South Florida everything is tiled and gets cleaned daily. We decided to be out here for a few weeks and help mom out after her surgery. Thank you to everyone who prayed, she is doing really well and no cancer was found. Andrew makes sure that we are getting to do some fun things as well. We've played and swam in the pool, and this past weekend took off to Coco Beach...it was beautiful! We met up with Mary (who is like a sister to me), her husband Ben, and their new addition Marlin. It was lots of fun to have a sweet little girl to hold all weekend :) We got to hang out at the beach together, eat seafood (YUMM!!) and even go to the Kennedy Space Center (Andrew will write more about that later). We are counting the days down to go to Colombia, we fly out Saturday morning. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the time I have with my family (drama and all :).

We made it through the 'plane port'!

2008-10-09T19:55:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone...we made it to Florida! Josiah kept on asking if we were at the 'plane port' the whole time (it was so cute). Javier just kept shaking his head saying "Jojo, we are going on a plane but it's in the airport". It didn't matter to Jojo, he still wanted to call it what he wanted :) The boys did super!! We left Sunday night and got in to Florida early Monday morning. As most of you know my mom had surgery that morning (she had a fist-size tumor in an ovary). Praise the Lord, the surgery went really well and they didn't find any kind of cancer. Thank you to everyone who prayed with us about this...it was a huge relief. Well, the last few days we have been taking care of Mimi (that's what the boys call my mom). Andrew is finishing up a project, so we haven't done much. The boys are LOVING the pool in the backyard. Last night we were all in the pool and Jojo was yelling 'canon ball' and jumping in...it's hilarious. We will post some pictures soon. For now Javier is enjoying watching his favorite shows on cable. Josiah is enjoying canonball-ing into the pool. Andrew is enjoying Chick-Fil-A in town. And me...I'm not enjoying how frizzy my hair gets in this humidity, but I am enjoying my family, speaking in Spanish again, and all the yummy food I am learning to make :)

One more very important thing THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU....to everyone who helped us get things accomplished at home. Truly we are so blessed to have family and friends (who are like family) to make this happen. Some of you helped us pack, others babysat, others cleaned, packed, took out or trash, helped empty out our pantry, prayed for us, did going away meals, the list is endless....we pray blessings upon all of you! Seriously, we couldn't have done it without you. It means the world to us! Love you all and miss you, but we are excited for what God has planned.

Faith Hope & Love

2008-09-15T22:28:00.003-06:00

'...faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love'

~1 Corn. 13:13

I read this verse at breakfast today to Javier & Josiah. So true, especially when we have children. They've caused my faith to grow because sometimes I just cry out to God for wisdom, direction, creativity to deal with the boys. They have caused my faith to grow because I know that left to myself...umm...there is no way I can do this every day, day in day out! Hope, hope is found when I see a picture like this (that Andrew took)...it captures who they are right now...full of energy, silly, fun, and filled with so much possibilities for the future, full of hope. Love...well, it's what I ask for on a daily basis from Jesus. Enough love to be other-focused. To live what we believe. To think on what is eternal and not on what is temporary. Faith, hope and love...what a sweet reminder!

Fun Times with our Friends!!!

2008-08-24T10:25:00.006-06:00

It's official we are moving to Colombia, South America for about 6 months! I've started packing our things, we are hoping to rent our house. It's amazing how much stuff we have, even though we consider ourselves to be simple people who get rid of things constantly (obviously not enough)! It's been great to take advice from Andrew and purge, purge, purge. Andrew is excited about him and the boys being emmersed in Spanish (I could use some brushing up as well) :) These last few weeks have made me think and pray a lot about what is really important to us and what we can learn to live without. Not eveything goes to the trash, some things God has led us to give to a friend or donate. It's so freeing to let go of stuff! We've also enjoyed spending time with friends and family as we know we will miss them dearly. Here are some fun pictures taken with our friends:

Crikey, what a ripper!

2008-08-05T20:33:00.005-06:00

Well it looks all those hours of watching 'Bindi the Jungle Girl' are finally paying off.

This last Saturday at Camels Back Park Javier turned into quite the little Snake Hunter when we cornered a gopher snake at the bottom of the hill. I never thought I would see it but Javier jumped in and handled that snake like a pro. He didn't even need a leafy stick!

The Chase

The Catch

and... The Show!

Javier, all I've got to say is, "Good job mate!" - Dad

Gotta Love Homeschooling!

2008-07-31T21:41:00.005-06:00

I remember years ago when Andrew and I used to make fun of homeschoolers. Saying stuff like 'people are so weird', 'why keep their kids in a bubble' , etc. and now we are finishing up our first year of homeschooling Javier and Jojo some too! God is so sweet, isn't He? He gently humbles us. After much prayer we just felt it was best for all of us. At times it was challenging, I'm not going to lie, but overall it was great. And most importantly it was God's will. We have still been homeschooling throughout the summer, kinda' :) We've also started memorizing scripture, not just Javier and I but Josiah too. I was recently reminded that when Jesus was tempted by Satan the way he fought back was with Scripture. Andrew and I's heart is to equip the boys in every way possible, first and foremost in God's Word. Josiah knows 'God is Love' 1 Jn.4:16 (in Spanish and English), Javier's verse is 'But godliness with contentment is great gain' 1Tim. 6:6. That pretty much sums up our homeschooling year, God has taught me that there is no better way to live than having a content heart. I am content with being Andrew's helper, a stay at home mom, a teacher, a home keeper, a cheerleader, a disciplinary, a woman after God's heart. Content means satisfied.

Pretty Toes with a Purpose

2008-07-19T22:10:00.004-06:00

That was the title I gave to my email I sent out in May. After brainstorming on ways to save money for our Home Study I asked Andrew what he thought about me doing nails. As most of you know I am a Licence Nail Tech, but since we have the boys right now...working full-time is not an option for us. Soo...I sent this email out to friends at church and around the neighborhood. We were BLOWN away with the response and generosity of everyone. Less than 6 weeks after sending out the email we raised the $800 for our Home Study for our Adoption!!! Praise God :) Our study was done the 1st of July, the Friday before I had three appointments...and by the end of that day I completed all the money. God's timing is PERFECT! Not close, but perfect...now I just need to keep reminding myself of that when I see the endless pile of paperwork on my desk. Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who supported us in this, you know who you are!

Marlin you're missed

2008-07-05T20:55:00.005-06:00

A year ago today I got a call from my mom crying telling me my sweet friend had passed away. Marlin was like a sister to me, we grew up together, our moms are best friends. She was another daughter to my mom as well. Marlin called me every birthday, Mother's Day and Christmas (she didn't miss one). She was hard-working, sweet, and enjoyed life to the fullest! In memory of her I ran 5 miles early this morning (I know that doesn't seem like much but it kicked my butt)! Anyways, I cried some, prayed lots, and thought about how I could make sense of losing someone I loved so much. I have learned to not take the ones I love for granted. I have learned to take pictures no matter how I look or feel. I have learned to enjoy life right this minute, where I am at not wait to enjoy it. And though I cannot understand losing such a wonderful person at the age of 28, I can understand that God is BIG and full of HOPE when everything seems HOPEless. On Monday, June 30th, Mary (Marlin's big sister, my other sister) gave birth to a sweet baby girl Marlin Isabel Tyson! I will end by sharing a verse that God consoled me with and I was able to share at Marlin's Memorial a year ago:

'TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN...I KNOW THAT NOTHING IS BETTER FOR THEM THAN TO REJOICE, AND TO DO GOOD IN THEIR LIVES, AND ALSO THAT EVERY MAN SHOULD EAT AND DRINK AND ENJOY THE GOOD OF ALL HIS LABOR-IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD' ~Eccl. 3:1 &12-13

Father's Day Weekend...

2008-06-17T22:00:00.010-06:00

Since it was Father's Day Weekend we decided to let 'daddy' choose our family activities for the weekend. And of course, we went hiking! It was a perfect day, breezy and sunny. We all enjoyed being outdoors and the fresh air (did I just say that, Andrew is converting me!). Our good friends (David, Megan and their little boy Beckham) came with us. We had a wonderful hike, lunch at the top of the mountain, and even had a snowball fight. FUN TIMES :) We ended the day at home watching Princess Bride with Javier, eating popcorn and candy...Jojo, he fell asleep quick after the big hike.

Summer Fun!!

2008-06-08T22:53:00.009-06:00

Javier LOVES playing piano. He had his Piano Recital last weekend. Javi truly enjoys playing and is blessed to have a wonderful piano teacher Ms. Katie. His song was three pages long..."If I Only Had a Brain" from Wizard of Oz.

Just thought I would share some fun pictures of what we have been up to. Josiah helping me water my herbs and plants...he's all about it because he can get wet :0) Also, he got the coolest rainboots ever ...yes, they are 'Fire Engine Rainboots' he wears them everywhere. Since Jojo's favorite book ever is 'Fire Engines' we thought it appropriate to find him some boots to match! The last picture is of him 'helping' mommy bake a cake this morning. He stood next to me and said 'I watch too, Mommy'...so I sat him up on the counter...and then I heard 'I lick too, Mommy', thus the picture! Cream cheese frosting, YUM!!!

Oh Happy Day...

2008-05-24T22:41:00.006-06:00

On Sunday, May 18th Javier got Baptized. For those of you who may not know Javi accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was 3 1/2 years old! He still remembers it. Last year we spoke to him about what it meant to be Baptized but he wasn't ready to go under water. A few months ago it came up during one of our readings at Quiet Time. He told me 'Mom, I am ready to do it, I'm ready to be Baptized as soon as I turn 7.' I asked him what it meant to him he replied 'I am ready to tell the world that I believe in Jesus"...so we found out that the same week he turned 7 they were doing Baptism at church. Javier shared this Bible verse he memorized before being dunked, it sums it all up :) Psalms 51:2 'WASH AWAY ALL MY INIQUITY AND CLEANSE ME FROM MY SIN'

News Flash!!!!

2008-05-24T22:20:00.004-06:00

It's official we are in the process of Adoption! I am typing in pink and praying it will be a little girl, but there is a slight possiblity it could be a boy. Last year, we went to Colombia with our boys in August to visit extended family and we visited an Orphanage. When we came back Andrew said "Maybe we should go back and get a little girl" :) I've always wanted to adopt, but Andrew didn't feel the tug. Soo...I didn't think we would. After our trip God changed his heart. After attending a Women's Christmas Dinner at church I was really convicted to get the ball rolling. Sarah (Pastor Bob's daughter) shared her journey of adopting their little girl Ester from China. I was literally weeping by the end of the dinner. That was Monday night, Tuesday morning...I was on the phone calling to find out more information. Currently we have an International Agency in Minneapolis and another here who will do our Home Study. There are endless piles of paperwork, errands to run, etc....but we are in the process...in a journey, in an adventure. Please pray for God to gives us what we need at this time (perseverance, dicernment, patience). More to come....

Pure Joy

2008-03-30T08:40:00.004-06:00

Last year I was asked to speak at the first Spanish Women's Retreat at church. After praying and also asking Andrew I agreed to do it. Little did I know how much work it would be! It made me realize how much time I have to study or read some more 'if' I really make the time :) Also, it reminded me of how much I need to learn. My times spent studying were wonderful and priceless. Of course, the last couple of days before the Retreat were pretty hectic. Trying to leave things done around the house, like food to eat and laundry, and of course last minute notes I had to finish, being the procrastinator that I am (God's helped me to get better, but it's still a bit of a struggle). I went to sleep late and woke up early the next morning to find a rash! I had broken out and had a bunch of itchy, round bumps all over my elbows and some on both my knees. I have NEVER had anything like this happen to me. I ended up crying out of frustration. My hair and nails were done, I had my list of things to pack, my bag with all my paper stuff/Bile was ready...I thought I had taken care of everything and now this...something unexpected. Then, as I prayed that God would help me get through this, I felt Him remind me of the verse in James that saids "Consider it pure joy, when you face trials of many kinds." Then I took a deep breathe, gave it over to God in prayer. I was at peace about the whole situation. I know it might seem small (and it really it now that I think about it), but at the moment it was devastating, uncomfortable, I hadn't planned for it. I think we can all relate to feeling this way. What? Are you kidding me? I never expected this to happen to us? As if we were exempt from what Jesus tells us over and over about in the Bible. The truth is we live in a fallen world in need of a Savior. It won't be perfect like Heaven, but He is faithful to hear us when we call. He's promised to give us "peace that surpasses all understanding" Phil. 4:7 Javier asked me "mom are you going even though you are so itchy?" I said "regardless of how I feel, these women still have to hear about Jesus". He replied with a smile, "I knew you were going to say that"...then he prayed for me, it was gone my the next day. This past weekend five girls showed up to the cabin and we had a wonderful time in the Word of God and fellowship. The Lord revealed sin and encouraged us to grow in maturity. God changed us all and we are better for it. Totally worth the 'little' trial that seemed to 'big' at the time. And yes, it produced character in me :)

Be strong and courageous!

2008-03-06T07:05:00.003-07:00

"BE STRONG AND VERY COURAGEOUS. BE CAREFUL TO OBEY ALL THE LAW MY SERVANT MOSES GAVE YOU; DO NOT TURN FROM IT TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT, THAT YOU MAY BE SUCCESSFUL WHEREVER YOU GO. DO NOT LET THIS BOOK OF THE LAW DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH; MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, SO THAT YOU MAY BE CAREFUL TO DO EVERYTHING THAT IS IN IT. THEN YOU WILL BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL. HAVE I NOT COMMANDED YOU? BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED; DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOUR GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO" ~JOSHUA 1:7-9

It amazes me to see how easily people are swayed to the latest book or diet trend. People including me, when I am not seeking God and His Word, daily. The latest news flash is that Oprah along with some guy is starting this class online about a New Earth. I am thinking, what about the earth right now. You know, the one God created! I have only read bits and pieces of it on Amazon, but lets just say it was enough to ignite a fire within me. I cannot allow people I know to be fooled by this. God's Word is REAL and is the ONLY thing we need. God is the same yesterday, today and will be tomorrow. After Moses died, God appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promise land. These people were stubborn and God knew He would need to prepare Joshua and encourage him. He told him to be "strong and courageous" over and over in this chapter. To not be distracted by other things but keep his eyes on the task. And in order to be "prosperous and successful", God doesn't say read the latest book or you have to follow this tradition or talk like this or that. He says"meditate on my Word day and night". All of this is temporary...we must not get distracted. People are being deceived into thinking that this is it. God wants me to be prepared to give an answer to what I believe. There is no time to waste. This encouraged my 'mommy' heart as well. Sometimes it feels like I am Moses or Joshua trying to direct my boys into the promise land, but they are being stubborn and don't want to go! I was reminded this morning that God knows and not to be discouraged and that He will be with me. Ahhh...thank you Jesus!

An Answer to Prayer

2008-01-18T10:21:00.001-07:00

My brother Jorge is the middle child. Then there's Ramiro, who graduates this year from High School. I can't tell you how many times I would go out for a morning run and end up in tears. I usually use that time to pray. While Jorge was in Iraq (for 18 long months) he was the first one I prayed for and our other soldiers as well. Seeing Jorge again was an answer to prayer...thank you Jesus for bringing back my brother! It's easy to overlook the answer to our prayers sometimes. The moment I saw Jorge sitting outside by the pool, smiling, laughing...alive...I hugged him and cried, but this time just tears of joy! Thank you Lord.

New Years in Florida!

2008-01-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

On December 31st we flew out to Florida and got in just in time to celebrate New Years with our other half of the family. It was an exhausting day, but the kids did great once again. We made sure they could run around when they could and made going on three planes as fun as possible. When we got to Florida, they had a party going on outside by the pool. Quite different then how we spent our last New Years!

El Snowman de Dulce

2007-12-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

We made our first snowman last week. Not having much snow in the valley the last several years here in Boise I enjoy any chance to play in the white stuff in my own backyard.

There wasn't much snow on this day so we had to shovel the snow into piles and then 'carve' the piles into snowballs. We also didn't have an coal, corn cob pipe or top had so we had to settle for some old hard candies from the candy dish, a pixie stick for a pipe and a marshmallow mowhawk. I think it turned out pretty well actually...

Pixie Stix pipe

Snowman building fuel

Winter Aglow

2007-12-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Boise area and you haven't done so already you should check out the Winter Garden Aglow down at the Idaho Botanical Gardens off of Warm Springs Ave. It's become somewhat of a tradition for la Familia Hanson. Even when the boys where young they loved seeing the lights and taking the climb to the top of the the small hill over looking the city. If you children are really small I'd recommend bringing the backpack carrier as opposed to a stroller. It's easier to navigate some of the trails with a backpack and the kid will probably stay warmer too.

They even offer free apple cider or hot chocolate and depending on the night there's a good chance you'll catch some local musicians playing Christmas carols or even Santa Claus himself (which although la Familia Hanson doesn't believe in Santa it's still pretty cool because the guy in the red suite hands out free candy canes!). All around it's a good time.

The candy cane guy

Quick Update from Cali...

2007-08-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

So, it´s actually early Friday morning in Cali, Colombia. It´s been almost a week since we first arrived and it´s hard to believe we´ve only got 4 days left before we head back to Miami.

Our Internet connection at the appartment is ´muy lento´ (slow) so I´m going to forgoe uploading any more pictures until we can get to a faster connection but believe me we´ve got some great ones. Once we can upload the pictures and videos we´ll do some more details posts but for now let´s catch everybody up to today.

Day 2 - Saturday
So after an exciting night and a quick introduction to Colombian food the night before we packed up the cars and headed out for the day with our hosts Rafael and Claudia and Nayibe´s Tio´s (uncles)and grandma. I´m not sure if they didn´t tell us or I didn´t understand what we were doing but I totally prepared wrong for the day´s outing. I expected to hang out in town, drink some coffee, talk and eat some more great food. But instead we drove about 40 miles outside of the city (driving in the city was great by the way... but I´ll save my traffic experiences for another post), into the Colombian mountains to an ecologial preserve called ´Nirvana´, where we hiked a couple of kilometers up the mountian to get an incredible view of the Cauca Valley and even more Colombian mountains. I must say it was breath taking... and not just because I had to carry Josiah.

When we returned the cars they were nicely parked in front of this beautifull restaurant perched on the hillside where we had an incredible dinner of Truche Arcoiris (rainbow trout). Did I mention that they took our order before we left for the hike and caught the fish for us while we were gone... I´ll upload a picture later.

Anyway it was an incredible day.

Side note - it´s getting late so the next items will be shorter and I´ll fill them in later.

Day 3 - Sunday (Yacu and Dapa)
Sunday it was time to do someting fun for the kids so we went to a really large petting zoo outside of town call Yacu where the boys got to pet everything from zera to water bufallo, milk a cow and give a baby pig a bottle. It was a lot of fun and the weather was great. I haven´t missed the Boise heat at all.

After that we went to lunch at a little town called Dapa halfway up the mountain range on the other side of the valley. We had lunch with another amazing view of the city. The kids we wild but afterwards they got to play on one of the coolest playground´s I´ve ever seen perched on the side of the mountain.

We then visited Raphael and Claudia´s finca (cabin/farm) a little farther up the mountian and checked out their banana and mango trees.. among others. One the way back we stopped a another ecologicia preserver... they´re kind of like national forests or state parks back home... and went on a Canopy right. Canopy is the term they use here for zip lines. I spend a couple of hour travel across 1 km of zip line through the tree tops and across the mountain side. It was amazing. Javier though dad was a little crazy and Jojo was mad because it couldn´t come along.

Day 4 - Monday

I don´t remember a lot about Monday. I think we just tried to recover and spend sometime visiting with Nayibe´s grandma Saydee (not the one from Saturday). There´s more stories here but I´ll save those for later.

Day 5 - Tuesday

One Tuesday Claudia and Rapheal took the day of so that Rapheal could take me Parapenting (I think that´s how it´s spell. In the states we call it para sailing. You know where you running with a parachute off of a mountain. Again, it was a lot of fun. Nayibe saw her Abuela who gave her some cooking lessons (Abuela can throw it down!) Her Tio Alexander took the boys to a park and taught then some Spanish they had a good time.

Day 6 - Wednesday
We spent the afternoon at Nayibe´s other Granda´s house... yes she has three of them down here and then got a tour of the town with her cousin Auro Rosa. It was great to see them and part of the city. Oh, and Javier had his favorite dinner yet at this placed called ´Crepes & Waffles´down town. They had icecream on top and everything it was great.

Day 7 - Thursday
Today, our big item was to go visit the Oscar Scarpetta Orphanage with Nayibe´s cousin Auro Rosa. Sadly, the older kid, above 2, are out of town at a finca for the summer but we had a god time playing and sharing some toys with the younger kids. We were there for about an hour before the kids had to eat their soupita and take a nap. Come to find out this is a provinical orphange, only meant to hold kids temporarily who have been abused or fallen on some other hardship. The sisters did tell us about another place to try and visit and we plan on checking it out on Saturday.

To top it off we had a dinner outside by the river downtown that consisted of nothing but empanades... I thought I was in heaven... and then Jojo screamed, ¨Dada... bike!¨ He loves all the motorcycles around here.

Anyway, that´s a quick wrap up. The boys are doing really well. Josiah, is trying to kiss all the little girls and is saying some really funning Spanish words. In general he´s just being his crazy self.

Javier is adjusting well to the food and finally starting to enjoy speaking in Spanish after watching enough Spanish cartoons. We´ll have to see if we can get these channels when we get back home.

Nayibe is busy catching up with all here family down here and having some good ol´home style food. There´s an incredible amount of family down here and it´s been great. She´s getting here hair and nails done tommorrow so she´ll be all Calienan (a person who´s from Cali).

Me... have you read this post! I´ve been throwing myself off mountains this place is great! Honestly though, the people here have been great and not just the family. I´ll post more about the people later but it´s and an incredible culture and the world is definitely flatter than I expected.

-Andrew

Our Flight In

2007-08-06T22:55:00.000-06:00

WE HAD A 3 HOUR FLIGHT TO BOGOTA, COLOMBIA...IT WAS A LONG FLIGHT WITH THE BOYS. IT WAS VERY EVIDENT HOW TIRED WE ALL WERE BY THEN, ESPECIALLY OUR BOYS. JOSIAH LOST IT THE LAST HOUR. JAVIER DIDN´T WANT TO EAT. THE PLANE WAS HOT, IT WAS NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL. ONCE WE GOT TO BOGOTA...THINGS WERE GREAT. AS SOON AS WE GOT OFF THE PLANE EVERYONE WAS EXTREMEMLY WELCOMING AND HELPFUL. IMMIGRATION WENT QUICKLY, IT WAS A BREEZE. MY PARENTS WERE SHOCKED ON HOW FAST WE GOT THROUGH THERE. JOSIAH FELL ASLEEP FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES, AND WOKE UP CHEERFUL AND VERY MUCH LIKE HIMSELF. JAVIER WAS THRILLED WE GOT TO RIDE ON A BUS TO GET TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AIRPORT AND GET ON OUR LAST FLIGHT. OUR FLIGHT INTO CALI WAS ONLY AN HOUR AND THE TIME FLEW BY. WE EVEN GOT AN EXTRA CHAIR. SO ANDREW, JAVIER AND JOSIAH WERE ON ONE SIDE AND I WAS ON THE OTHER. I EVEN GOT TO DRINK A HOT CUP OF COFFEE--CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT, BECKY¿ JOSIAH WAS ON MY LAP AT ONE POINT AND KEPT ON SAYING, MAMA VEN, WHICH MEANS COME IN SPANISH. HE WOULD WRAP HIS LITTLE HAND AROUND MY NECK AND TUG A LITTLE---SO CUTE. HE WANTED TO SHOW ME THE PLANE OUT THE WINDOW. ONCE WE GOT TO CALI ALL OUR BAGS SHOWED UP, PRAISE GOD. ON THE OTHER HAND OUR FAMILY WAS NOT THERE. WE WERE EXPECTING A BIG GROUP OF PEOPLE, WHICH IS USUALLY WHAT HAPPENS HERE WHEN SOMEONE GETS IN FROM THE US, BUT THEY WERE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND. IN FACT, WERE LEFT ALL ALONE IN THE TERMINAL. A VERY NICE MAN OFFERED US HIS CELL PHONE, BUT THE NUMBER I HAD WAS OF MY COUSIN´S HOME, NO ONE ANSWERED. I ENDED UP CALLING MY DAD AND WE TIPPED THE GUY, OF COURSE. COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE TWO TERMINALS, MY FAMILY WAS IN THE OTHER ONE. ALL TWENTY OF THEM...WAITING FOR US. THANKFULLY WE ONLY HAD TO WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES. THE FUN HAD ONLY JUST BEGUN.

-NAYIBE

Javi in Bogata

Our first meal in Cali... mmmmm carne!

La Playa...

2007-08-03T13:34:00.000-06:00

So we're currently sitting inside the Ft. Lauderdale Airport just outside the security check point. Our bags are checked and we're just passing some time before our 5:30 flight to Bogata and then on to Cali.

This morning after a classic breakfast of rice and eggs (Colombian style... thanks Mimi!) we had lunch at my favorite chicken place Chik-fil-A. I always like to do what I can to save more cows. Expecially after Papi's huge BBQ the night before. Can you say Yummy. They really need one of these places back in Boise. I could probably keep on in business all by myself.

Anyway, on to more important things. Yesterday was our rest day between Miami and Colombia and we spent the rest day at the "Playa" (that's the beach for you gringo's). It was Josiah's first time at the beach and he sure was a little fish. I think he swallowed half the ocean. Javier had a good a time to. He tried to catch some pigeons that were trying to eat our food while we were swimming. Javier also caught a really big wave right to his face! It was like a scene out of surf movie.

The boys also took adavantage of the sand and attampted to bury their Tio Ramiro. It worked for a while until Tio decide it was his turn to bury Josiah. They all a had a great time.

As for mommy and daddy... mom got like four shades darker and daddy got a sun burn. A good time was had by all. Enjoy the pictures and videos of our little beach party below.

Jojo and Tio in the sand

Mom and the boys... "Que beuena vida!!"

Movie of Javi chasing pigeons.

So, tonight and tomorrow the real exciting part of our journey starts. Miami is always fun but we're really excited about what God has in store for us down in Colombia. We'll keep posting.

Hey mom next time leave the playdough at home...

2007-08-02T15:34:00.000-06:00

So the first leg of our we managed to survive the first air leg our travels. The flights went well and even though Josiah travel as well, or even better than expected it was still a long six hours in the air. They even added on a extra painstaking hour waiting to get into Fort Lauderdale due to a massive thunderstorm in the area.

In her great wisdom Nayibe brought plenty of toys and snacks for the boys. Tip: Don't pack play dough in your carry on. The boys loved it but the TSA agents at security we're too happy about it. Apparently it looks like plastic explosives in the x-ray machine.

Here's a couple pictures of the boys surviving the first flight:

Look mom ... no hands !

Nap Time !

Meeting Papi for the first time at the airport

My Pumpkin's taking over the WORLD!

2007-07-29T16:40:00.000-06:00

My pumpkin is the biggest. It will make a city.

Welcome to la Familia...

2007-07-28T10:06:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the online journal of 'Familia Hanson', otherwise known as our family.
Check back for our updates on our upcoming trip to South America.