Almost a Full Week of School

Apparently, we've been around one too many dogs, and we think Gregg has fleas again. Twice this week we treated all the bedding, clothes, floors, and bodies. However, new bites keep appearing so looks like Monday will bring a another full treatment. Yuca offered a chemical that kills fleas for outside so we sprayed all around the front door and truck.

Truthfully, none of us believe the fleas are outside the house, but we heard that the chemical is also good to deter snakes. So, Amy jumped on getting some of the solution in a heartbeat. We have actually been very blessed to have escaped the torment of snakes ever since we filled the gaps and spaces around the front with sand. However, one cannot be too careful when it comes to creepy, crawly things.



We found another ancient vehicle to add to our collection. This one is actually for sale. Any takers?


Our internet has been very inconsistent this week despite the new router, but at least we have a connection part of the time. However, both computer days this week turned into game days for Uno. Don't tell anyone, but we taught the kids how to shuffle cards...but in English, of course. :)

Monday was a holiday and we couldn't go to Los Peralos this week, but otherwise, the week was full with school or taking families to and from Feliciano for appointments or other needs. We even got the truck door fixed.

We are told that the next missionaries coming to Argentina, the Copes, are making progress on their visa acquisitions so we are starting to feel a little nostalgia for this place as our departure date is within sight. Following are some of the typical scenes we want to remember.








We want to remember these scenes that we witness outside our windows everyday. With rain on Saturday and Sunday, we are home bound again so Amy often paces the house observing these sights while listening to Spanish tapes or good books. (Gregg works out with our exercise equipment and then sits while he reads and reads.)

The miracle of the week was getting strong internet connection on Saturday for no apparent reason. We are suppose to get an antenna on our roof tomorrow, but with rain over the weekend, it's not likely that anyone will make it out here for the installation. Therefore, we are delighted to have connection again. What a blessing or we would not be updating the blog, connecting with our kids, looking up how to rid ourselves of fleas, or the other hundred things we do with the internet.

Another good week!

We had a full week of school with the exception of a visit to Los Perales. It was too muddy for our weekly visit on Wednesday so we rescheduled for Friday. However, our truck needs some repairs and the best day for that was Friday, so we had to postpone Los Perales again. Rain is in the forecast this week which means we probably won't get to visit with the chicas of Los Perales for the whole month of August. We'll see--Ya veremos!

This vaca didn't like our trek along his road. He gave us the "stare" until he finally turned and meandered off the road. The cows are quite amusing.


Juan was still enjoying his computer time when Gregg showed up with the other kids. Naturally, the other kids all wanted to see what their wise firend had found to entertain himself. As you see, lots of boys with only one or sometimes two girls is the norm around here.


We are in early spring. The weather is warming and the ranch is beautiful like it was one year ago when we first arrived.


We could take pictures every day all along our route. As we're anticipating our return home, we feel inclined to capture the grace and tranquility of one corner of our beautiful world.





Friday was Dia De Ninos or kids day. When our children were small they use to wonder why we don't celebrate kids day along with Mother and Father's Day. Well, if you want to celebrate kids, come to Argentina.

We had to walk the mile and a half to the school on Friday since our truck was being repaired, but we're glad we made the effort.

The kids got to jump and play on the rented blow up gymnasium.

Parents and grandparents showed up to support the event. (Gregg was the only male adult.)

The kids put on a program explaining the ant population and habits. Ants are a really big part of the ranch--building their tough-as-cement hormigueros or ant hills throughout the pastures. Did you know that after the male ant mates with the future queen ant, they die within two or three days? Did you know ants can lift 20 times their own body weight? Did you know that millions of ants live in one ant colony? Did you know that ants can take prisoners of foreign eggs of a defeated ant colony, and when the eggs hatch, the new ants become slave ants for the colony? Bummer!


Aren't they the greatest kids? Note the new school that the church built and donated. This was the first time we've actually been inside the new school. It was very impressive.

We ended with treats. The cake was delicious.


Saturday, we were asked to make a trip to Federal to pick up a a new router. A storm was expected, so we were a bit reluctant, but fear of not having the internet for a week was motivation enough to chance the storm.

On the way to Federal we took note of the black clouds ahead.

It rained in Federal as we got the needed part and some groceries. Then, on the way home we saw that though rain clouds were hovering over both pueblos of Federal and Feliciano, the ranch had sunny skies.


Once again, our prayers were answered as we retrieved the needed part without incident and now we don't have to feel isolated without internet. Without the internet, we would have no email, no phone, and thus no sanity.

Saturday afternoon, we decided not to go to the baptism in Feliciano due to the possibility of more rain. Sunday morning we headed for church since the roads weren't too bad around us. However, as we got closer to Feliciano, the roads got worse and worse. We realized that had we tried to go to the baptism on Saturday, we would have been stuck for sure.

By the time church was out, the roads were much drier so we brought the sisters to the ranch for dinner. They always cheer us up and they say the same about us.


Dogs at church are now the norm. No one even notices except us.


We are collecting pictures of really old vehicles. We wonder how they are kept running.

Week of Miracles:

Remember, last week we mentioned that we were headed to Concepcion Del Uruguay to renew our visas? Well, I , Amy, need to back up a few days and mention that the week prior, I kept getting a nagging feeling that we needed to do something more for the visa transition. Going over the few notes that we had from prior missionaries, we decided to ask Yuca for a form letter with the ranch address on it. When we were at the immigration office a year ago, they had accepted the address we gave them without question, so we assumed it would be fine. However, with a little more investigation, we learned that we should have evidence from the police in Feliciano of our residence, and it would require a special form from police here. I talked about the process last week in the blog, but didn't mention that it was certainly inspiration to have it ready. We would not have been successful without it and would have wasted the full-time missionaries time as well.

The other miracle was that we had enough money. The fees for renewing the visa went up more than 3 times, so instead of 600 pesos each like we had been told, it was 2,000 pesos each. Using our back- up money that we carry in case we get a ticket for a traffic violation, we barely had enough.

Another issue we had was that the clerk we got to help us was new and didn't know the number of the document stating that the LDS church has permission to be in her city. The missionaries had the number for the Rosario migration office where they usually go and in Feliciano where we live but not in Concepcion Del Uruguay where the immigration office is. It took an extra hour getting the correct number. First, those who had the number were in a morning meeting, then the computers at the migration office weren't accepting the number, and we had to wait for the workers in the church office in Buenos Aires to call the immigration office and get the computer to accept it. In the end, a different number was used and we could move on to the next step.

The clerk that helped us a year ago in Concepcion was there again and remembered us. She seemed to be a little sympathetic to our long wait and when she saw that our passport pictures were US size not Argentine size of 1/2 inch smaller, and that in the picture, we were smiling (a big taboo here), it looked again like we were going to be rescheduling the trip. However, she told the full-time missionaries that next time, make sure the pictures are correct, but she would accept ours as they were this time only. What a relief as time was running out.

It was 11 AM and the banks close at noon before we had all the needed documents. We had to go to the National Bank which is the one we waited in last year for two hours and never got in so we were concerned. The missionaries dropped us off, we got a number for the long wait, we noticed that the situation was much like last year with too many people ahead of us, walked up to the enclosed cubicles of clerks, and watched for an opening. Immediately, there was a clerk waiting for the next customer who was either not paying attention or had left the bank. We went to the window and gave the man our number. He crumpled it without looking at it and began stamping our form. We had enough cash--barely and met the missionaries outside who had circled the block exactly one time waiting for us. The ride back was without incident due to the use of both their Garmin and ours otherwise, we may not have gotten back quickly because of the many one-way streets.

Once back at the immigration office, we still had another hour wait as the clerks took breaks, helped other people, and finally got around to our passports. We left the office at five minutes to one just minutes before closing for the day.

Waiting at the immigration office in Concepcion Del Uruguay with full-time missionaries from Santa Fe.




So let me back up again. Rain was predicted for Monday afternoon. It was suppose to start raining at 2 PM and the trip is 3 1/2 hours away, but needing to stop in Concordia to pick up Osmar from the hospital clinic, it was going to be a 4 hour trip. As we left the full-time missionaries and went our separate ways, it was pouring. It was suppose to rain all afternoon and evening which meant we'd have to be in a hotel for two nights in the lovely one-star Lopez Hotel in Feliciano. However, we had prayed for help and safety and felt confident that even if a bad hotel was in store for us, it would be okay, and something good would come of it.

We picked up the Espinoza's without a hitch other than terrible traffic in Concordia, and we were on our way. It was still raining heavy.

However, the closer we got to home, the less it was raining. There were puddles everywhere but the rain had stopped. We were hopeful that the roads around El Quebracho would have time to dry up enough to pass.

We noticed as we headed west, that there was a break in the clouds over the ranch. Dark rain clouds were on both sides of what appeared to be El Quebracho. Could it be that we are witnessing a tremendous blessing?  Sure enough! As we got to Feliciano and headed for the ranch, the roads were completely dry. The roads around the ranch had received no rain at all!

The Espinoza's picked up their loro (parrot) in Feliciano to bring back to the ranch. We didn't even notice it until we were part -way home and it started squawking. Maria was trying to get it to talk to us, but it was apparently too shy. (There are hundreds of parrots around the ranch. The Espinoza's had raised and tamed this one as a baby bird.)




Below is a picture of a 1959 jeep that still runs. When we say ancient, we mean it.



Tuesday and Wednesday were beautiful days with no rain. We couldn't go to Los Perales because they had been drenched like the rest of the area, but we continued to have gorgeous weather and therefore school.

We often see the animals drinking for local ponds. They are so picturesque, we had to stop for pictures.





Below is an attempt to get a picture of the sunrise--breath taking though the picture doesn't do it justice.


Vanesa finished the adult jacket that she started last week and sent me a picture. We are so glad that they carry on even when we can't get to them.



The picture below is the bridge that has continued to break apart and is a big part of the last miracle this week.




Thursday morning we had English class and computers with the kids and then took them to the public school by noon. One hour later it started to rain, so we dropped everything and got back to the school in record time. The kids came out quickly, and we headed back to their homes needing to cross the dangerous bridge above.

In those few short minutes, the road had turned into a mud slide and though in 4 wheel drive, the truck was swerving all over the road. Shortly before the bridge above, the truck went off the road, and I felt a strong impression to get the kids out of the truck and walk across. Of course the kids were excited about the adventure except for the youngest, Vale, who broke into tears. However, the rain stopped--absolutely stopped, and we walked about 1/4 mile. Gregg was able to get out of the ditch on the side of the road, got across the bridge without incidence, and caught -up to us. However, when we all piled back in, the truck began sliding again. Apparently, the extra weight did not add traction, but rather made it worse.

So, the 5 kids and I climbed out and began walking again. Gregg got out of the ditch but this time waited for us to walk to the first ranch home where Enzo lives which is about 1 mile from the school and 1/2 mile from the bridge. We asked Enzo's mom if the kids could stay with her until we got help. The kids slip-slided through her yard and out of harms way.

Just then Yuca came from the other direction not knowing what adventure we just had. He slowed down to wait for us as I closed the gate and slid to the truck. In the mean time, he too slid off the road and into the ditch. We learned a lot watching him maneuver the truck and mud to get himself set right. We then followed him back to the ranch and clued him into the situation. He was not happy, and we wished we had the language skills, and he had the time to hear the whole miraculous event.

Certainly, we were blessed and protected. The truck slid before the bridge alerting us to the dangerous road ahead. The rain stopped during our 1/2 mile walk. Gregg got across the bridge without the kids and without incidence. We got the kids to safety. We reached our home in safety. Yuca came just in time and would take the kids home later. Actually, we found out later that the kids got home by horseback. Fathers showed up for the rescue.

So there you have it...the Lord lives and loves his missionaries and will support them and ease their burdens. He loves you too. Will you look for how He blesses your lives? Will you thank Him?

Ranch Update

We had two full days of school this week, but it rained the rest of the time. On Monday, we left early to pick -up the kids and got back to the ranch in record time. With extra time on our hands, we played "Uno" with the kids. Have you ever wondered if Spanish speaking countries call the game "One"? Nope! The game, Uno, is apparently universal. We used English during the game for the older kids. The younger ones did well to follow the rules in Spanish. Gregg helped the youngest, Vale, and she won both games. Hmmm, did they cheat? :)

Our newly repaired road was ruined this week when a wide tractor drove over the bridge.

So sad. Now it feels more dangerous than ever though reality is that though it would be scary to fall, it would not be deadly.

Visa Renewal:

We are finally prepared to travel to Concepcion Del Uruguay and renew our visas. We plan to leave at 5 AM tomorrow and take Osmar to Concordia on the way so he can get another study (test) done for his upcoming surgery. Then we'll meet the young full-time missionaries in Concepcion Del Uruguay to get through migrations. We have been instructed to change our visas from a "Retired" visa to a "Religious" visa which has included a number of new forms and letters to complete. If all goes well, tomorrow will be the last step.

Yesterday, we had to go to the Policia in Feliciano and get a form stating that we are currently living in their area. We had to have two adults from our church branch meet us and vouch for us. That was quite the ordeal, but it worked in the end.

After that, we stopped at the bank to pull out enough pesos to pay for the process tomorrow. It's not too much--less than $100 for each person, but just getting the form and standing in line to pull out cash took a couple of hours. It's always amazing to watch the community waiting patiently for whatever they need. We are accustomed to fast and efficient (unless you are at the DMV) and here standing in line for hours is just life.

Good Books:

With rain and extra time on our hands, Amy is reading a historical series about the Revolutionary War called Prelude to Glory. It is a nine volume series so it will keep her busy for the month.

As you recall, Thomas Paine wrote:

"These are the times that try men's souls, The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."

These words of Mr. Paine, inspired George Washington when all seemed hopeless. It appears that many individuals who fought for our freedom felt an inner drive that confirmed that the Almighty was involved in the outcome of their war against tyranny. So many miracles were required for the success of our founding fathers, I believe that it would be nothing but ingratitude to believe God was not involved.

Read again the words of Thomas Paine referenced above only this time apply it to your own life and your relationship to Deity. Again, remember, "...the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." If heaven is going to be as wonderful as we hope it to be, the road to get their should be and will be steep enough to make it all worth while.