For those that are interested...

Since April 2011 we have been back in the States, after almost 6 years in Fortaleza, Brazil. Though we thoroughly enjoyed our time overseas, it is great to be close to family and be back in the US. If you are not aware of what we did in Brazil, feel free to ask.

It has now been over a year since we settled into our home in Akron, PA – 908 Oak Street. Let us know if you are in the area, or are passing through and are in want of a friendly place to rest your head or fill your stomachs! We are just hours away from Philadelphia, Washington DC, Baltimore, and New York City. We also have two adorable kitties if that is any form of enticement!

Lyndell and I are finding many ways of being meaningfully involved in our community – from helping out at MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) doing computer systems and administrative work, to MCC (Mennonite Central Committee)’s Book Savers sorting donated books, to spending time with nephews and international hosting… we are very happy. Finding a Portuguese speaking small group has been icing on the cake!

Our most recently started venture is BLT Homes. We aim to purchase homes and add our creative touch (and apply the wrecking ball as necessary) before either reselling or renting. We are still on the lookout for our first place… let us know if you have something in northern Lancaster County you would be willing to part with for cheap and see us magically transform…

We are also at the stage in life where school reunions are bidding… CV for Lyndell (Nov. 2012) and Isaac Brock for Bruce (May 2013?).

Oh yeah, Go Jets Go!

PS. We tend to post pictures and short updates more frequently to our Facebook page.

Where in the world are Bruce and Lyndell?

So, it’s time to update our status “in The Blog!”…

Since April 20, 2011 we have been back in the States, and are in the process of finding our place in Lancaster County, PA. It is wonderful to be back among family and friends, but at the same time quite disorienting after almost six years in Fortaleza, Brazil.

CONTEXTWISE, from 2005-2011, we assisted a small, young community church in areas of leadership development, mentoring, administration, resource generation and English classes. We enjoyed our time thoroughly and really felt that we were able to use our skills and giftings. We are now looking forward to what is next...

TRAVELWISE… over the summer we will be travelling both to Indiana for a family wedding, and Winnipeg, Canada for a family campout. It is good to be back in North America to be able to participate in such events more regularly than in the past.

WORKWISE… Bruce continues to do computer systems design, programming and support, and will be expanding into the smartphone realm to carve out his piece of the pie. Lyndell is enjoying volunteering at the moment, and is also looking at how she will “plug-in” long term. During June she participated in a two week health and fitness retreat in Vermont with her mom. They really loved being able to share this helpful experience, and had a “hoot” together.

HOBBYWISE…  digitize, digitize, digitize – music (cds,tapes), pictures (slides,prints,negs), video (vhs,hi8)… Bruce has been doing the research and testing for various services out there who do the dirty work of digitizing media in bulk for quite reasonable prices. Many people have expressed interest in how this pans out, so as the results come in, he will post reviews for those interested.

LIVINGWISE… on June 29^th, we settle on our new home in Akron – 908 Oak Street (Akron, PA 17501). This will follow many, many months of living on the go, and we REALLY look forward to having everything in one place, FINALLY setting up our hammocks, and eventually getting a kitty or two. Once we get settled, we look forward to hosting many of you (please, not everyone at once!) over the coming months and years.

As the saying goes, “Don’t be a stranger!”

Our first 5 weeks back in PA, USA

April 17 - leaving Fortaleza with our 1/4 tons of luggage!

Upon arrival in PA, we hosted Justo from Peru for 10 days (here visiting NYC)

Justo joined our family for Easter celebrations (and walks with Phillip)

Not to be outdone, Lyndell took our next guest Christine to NYC too!

Hershey's products are more popular in the US than in Berlin!

We settle on June 29th - 908 Oak Street, Akron, PA

Spectacular Machu Picchu!

Train that took us to the base of the mountain.

Machu Picchu!

Terraces for farming purposes.

 

 

The raging Urubamba River.

Today in the Sacred Valley, Peru

The requisite pose with the locals and their prized llamas.

We stayed clear of mudslides - yesterday the road was closed.

On top of the world!

Thousands and thousands of original Incan terraces.

Still on top of the world - this time, in our rain ponchos.

Climbing the terraces - they are much higher than they look!

We visited a textile co-operative in a remote, mountain village.

The Alpaca wool is dyed using natural elements.

Lyndell posing with Canela.

Sorocho Pills and Matte de Coca

Today we add dealing with altitude sickness to our growing list of experiences in Peru!

This morning, Lyndell and I flew from Lima, Peru to Cusco, Peru - a one hour flight. What complicates the issue is that Lima is at sea level, and that Cusco is at 3400 m (11,200 feet) above sea level. Gathering advice from many sources (Lima friends, books, internet, taxi drivers!), here is what we learned:

#1 Take it easy the first day - rest, drink lots of water, relax - this is easy for us, especially since we are in a wonderful 5 star hotel at the moment :)

#2 Medication - there are 2 over-the counter meds that are available to try to prevent eventual doctors visits and more complicated treatments - first we were recommended Gravol to deal with general motion sickness (also the eventual windy roads that we have to look forward to in the next few days). However, the more prevalent recommendation, and what we are going with, are Sorocho Pills which are miracle altitude adjustment pills that work both to prevent and treat all related symptoms. One pill every 8 hours. The one thing we would do different next time, would be to take the first pill 2 hours before arrival. We only bought the pills here in Cusco so had a bit of catch up to do :(

#3 Matte de Coca (tea made from cocaine leaves!!!) - as harsh and shady as this may sound, it is highly recommended and "they" say it is perfectly harmless when done in moderation (we know, sounds a bit like another green drug)... and "they" say it is a natural solution to a very natrual and potentially dangerous problem. The tea is really quite weak and tasteless and they serve it 24/7 in the reception area. When in Rome...

To end this post, three pics: the first of a lovely Gerber Daisy that awaited us in our Hilton Suite... then, the views as we passed atop the Andes late this morning.

Stay tuned...

An unforgettable birthday in Peru!

Thanks in large part to:
#1 Having my wife at my side for each of the following... :)
#2 A wonderful, long overdue time of reconnecting with close friends of the family in Holland (actually already on the 26th)
#3 A nice surprise of a cake from Justito and family in the morning (see picture below).
#4 A wonderful lunch with Daniel (see picture below) and family... eating Lomo Saltado (one of our favourite foods here, consisting of rice, french fries, beef strips, onions, red peppers, gravy) and drinking Inka Cola. Followed by some heartfelt singing, music listening, private traditional dance presentation, and the watching of the movie: The Social Network).
#5 Then in the evening, a pleasant, low-key church service, where Bruce shared a few spontaneous words in Spanish, and where we then proceeded to not only understood a good part of the rest of the proceedings, but also walk away feeling refreshed and encouraged - all, of course, in Spanish!
#6 THANKS to those who sent (or thought about sending) Facebook greetings (and other formats too!)

With all the above... what more could I wish for :)
Bruce

Justito helping Bruce blow out his candle!

Bruce celebrating with Daniel and the largest candle ever!