Uruguay Trip

Nick and I have just returned from the most amazing trip.  We spent the last two weeks in the home and company of my sister and her family in Maldonado, Uruguay.  Brian and Melinda (my sister) live in Maldonado and serve as missionaries for Avant Ministries.  When they moved to Uruguay Nick and I started saving with the hopes that we would be able to visit them.  (We don't have many reasons for international travel any more and a family member living outside of the US was a perfect reason for a trip!)  God graciously allowed the money to be there and provided us with two willing sets of grandparents to watch our 3 kids and the end of February found us boarding a plane.

Our trip was almost delayed due to an Iowa snow storm, but we were able to catch earlier flights in both Des Moines and Chicago which ensured that we would make our flight out of Miami.  We were very relieved and offered many prayers of thanksgiving!

After more than 24 hours of travel we were thankful to be greeted by my Brian, Melinda, Ellie and Judah at the airport.  The best thing was that Ellie willingly came to me within minutes of seeing us!!!  Thus began 2 weeks of making memories and just spending time together.

We had tons of fun just spending time with Brian and Melinda and seeing what everyday life looks like for them.  We spent time helping them around their house, moving firewood, grocery shopping, preparing meals, washing dishes, playing with the kiddos, deep cleaning the shower, experiencing a storm, sorting the kiddos clothing and playing canasta, Bocce Ball and Ticket to Ride.  We were also able to participate in some of their ministry activities. We were able to attend Team Worship one Sunday and Nick was also able to attend the weekly youth gathering and the weekly men's gathering.  Of course there were also the touristy areas of Maldonado that we had to take in as well.  A trip to the beach, shopping on the point, riding over the wavy bridge, visiting Piriapolis, collecting shells at Punta Ballena, a visit to an authentic Uruguayan restaurant and taking our photo in front of the Hand on the point.  There were also several ice cream runs and many yummy baked goods that were consumed. :)

There is no way that I can recount all the things we did or post all the pictures that we took (we took nearly 300 pictures during the 2 weeks).  I am posting a few of my favorites here, but more of them can be found on my facebook page and if you are really interested in seeing allllll of them you will just have to get in touch. :)

 Grateful to be on the plane leaving Des Moines!

  The skyline of Maldonado and Punta de Este.

 Nick trying his hand at grilling.

Auntie Michelle and pretty Princess Ellie!

Experiencing a Uruguay storm.  We actually lost power for a few hours. We were very thankful when it came back on!

A top Piriapolis

 Mr. Judah!

Nick in front of the grill at the authentic Uruguayan restaurant.

Good food and good company!

Playing in the waves at the ocean.

 The boys had a lot of fun jumping in the waves.

Hard to see, but this is the wavy bridge.

 Watching the waves bring in more shells.

 Horsey rides are so much fun!

 In front of the hand.

 Shopping with little Miss Ellie

 Bocce Ball in the yard

 We LOVE these guys!

 Returning our bed to its rightful owners.  Very normal to transport items this way in Uruguay. :)

 Mr. Judah trying his feet at walking.

 Getting ready to land back in Des Moines.

We are so grateful to have had this opportunity.  It is always eye opening to see how other cultures live and it was a huge blessing to be able to spend time with Brian, Melinda, Ellie and Judah.  We pray for God's blessings on them today and every day!