commissioned

I am sitting here typing at what I consider to be perfect timing, as I refuse to let the conversation going on behind me between Devin and a buddy go unrecorded...

"Jesus is in your heart & Jesus is in my heart."
"No, I don't want to."
"Yes, He is. It's the TRUTH! He really is in your heart."
"No He's not."
"Yes He is. He died on the cross. You will have consequences when you go home if you say that again."
"No. I don't want to."
"Mom, he is saying that Jesus is not in his heart, but it's the truth. Right mom?"

(mom tries to give an intelligible answer about the decision each of us must make)

"See, it's the truth"

(silence on the other end)

"Mom, will he go to heaven?"

(mom tries hard to find words to encourage this other young one, while making sure that Devin knows the conversation he is having with his friend is of great importance)

"Okay, well you should ask Jesus in your heart, okay?"
"Okay"
"Okay. Let's see if that bug is still dead..."

vamos ecuadoooooorrrr....

The greatest thing about having to say goodbye is the anticipation of the next hello. If not for that hope, I do not believe I would cope with despedidas much at all. They have, however, been something I have grown more than accustomed to throughout the course of my life thus far. The reunion with the boys was wonderful, as I missed them even before I walked out the door. The fact that one is saying his first words and moving around at the speed of lightning compared to when I left adds to the occasion. Saying goodbye to the fam in Quito was still difficult, though the hope of reuniting is expected to occur very soon...

The Copa Mundial kicks off next month with Ecuador playing a couple of days after the opening ceremonies. As much as I root for my country, I do not expect them to go far this year. Such is the life of the game. Never does that dull the celebration, though! Any time there are important partidos going on, there is not a television not tuned in to the game, not a fan slacking, not a jersey left unworn. Having said as much, we are now suited up for the good times, and hopeful that we will be present in the best place to spend that time. We are excitedly anticipating the next hello!

P.S. - Thanks for the oso de alpaca, abuelitos! He hasn't put him down yet. See you all soon! (=