Back Home Again in Indiana

Liam Giggling (5 months 3 weeks)

2010-08-02T14:12:00.002-05:00

Summer Photos 2010

2010-08-02T10:15:00.011-05:00

Liam 5 months 3 weeks

Cael after finger painting

Our little happy guy

The finished product

Look at all the colors on my hand Aunt Joanna!!!

It was so hard to get him down for a nap, that I needed a nap too!

Riding the lawnmower with Nana

Cael and Aunt Joanna playing Rambo

Liam smiling again!

Cael and Daddy in their boots

Cael and Papa napping together

Liam eating cereal for the first time (5 months 2 weeks)

Brothers at a tractor show

Cael helping Daddy clean off the hay wagon

Paul and Cael on Papa's loader

Cael with his two cousins, Casey and Caleb at the Linton 4th of July parade

Gran Nana's great grandkids: L to R Cael, Avery, Casey, Aidan, and Caleb

Cael, Aunt Jen, and Mommy in the back of the van. The two babies (Liam and Izabella) were in the middle which made for a long trip!

Cousin Aiden and Cael playing in the sandbox

Liam and Cousin Izabella

Cael has discovered a love for playing blocks

Liam and Gran Nana

Liam and Aiden riding rides at the Linton 4th of July carnival

Paul and I celebrating 8 years of marriage

The boys and Uncle Jay

Cael at the "big sandbox" up in South Haven, MI

Cael riding a pony at the Fort Wayne Zoo

I became an Aunt when my sister had Izabella Marie Cole in June!

Liam and Daddy

Paul and the boys playing in the sandbox at Nana and Papa's house

Cael lining up all his trucks

Liam and Aunt Jen at her baby shower

Cael and Aunt Julie making cookies

Cael and Grandpa ready to go outside and play

Liam and Great Aunt G

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-14T21:24:00.003-05:00

Cael trying to sing "The Muffin Man"

Little Liam smiling!

Hide and Seek

2010-04-23T20:59:00.002-05:00

Cael's Birthday Party

2010-04-14T10:18:00.004-05:00

Cael and his Swiss girlfriend, Kati with all the decorations

Claudia and Liam

Our neighbors the Kims

Liam with his party hat on

Paul and the birthday boy

Our family (everyone had to have their hats on for the picture according to Cael)

We gave bubbles to all the kids, so they all went outside to play after the party.

More bubbles

Feliz Cumpliaños Cael

2010-04-10T12:03:00.003-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Cael!!!

2010-04-08T22:27:00.002-05:00

2010-04-08T14:37:00.002-05:00

Liam smiling at Paul

Cael and I near the ocean at sunset

Paul with the boys

Liam with Dr. Arce, the doctor who delivered both of them.

Cael playing with his little brother.

Friends from Pucallpa

2010-03-05T15:13:00.005-05:00

We had the opportunity to meet up with our friends from Pucallpa, Pastor Caleb, his wife Ivon, and their son Efrain. I worked with Efrain during our time in Pucallpa developing a friendship with his mother and from their Paul was able to start a savings group in their church, which has grown from 9 people originally to 35 people participating in this years group. Ivon told us that she has not only seen a financial improvement in the member's lives but also the quality of their lives, as most of the members are regularly attending church and getting to know the Lord. Here are a few pictures from our time as well as a few new pictures of the boys.

Efrain and Cael

Pastor Caleb, Ivon, Megan, and Paul

Efrain and Cael shared a ride back from the restaurant after lunch.

Grandma Jill and Liam

Look at those eyes

Cael giving his little brother a kiss

Cael buffing the floor at our apartment...he loves to help!

Updated Pictures

2010-03-01T12:42:00.004-05:00

Liam sleeping

Liam with his eyes open!

Paul with Liam all stretched out

Cael finally gets to hold his little brother!

Cael pointing to the Crocodile in a restaurant here in Lima

Cael with the neighbor kids

Liam, 3 weeks

Liam James McCann, born February 9, 2010

2010-02-13T11:54:00.004-05:00

Few hours old (8lbs 7oz, 20.9in)

Cael meeting his little brother Liam for the first time

Liam after his bath in the hospital...fresh and clean.

Liam in his outfit to go home.

Liam all ready to go home

Grandma with her second grandson

Cael's checking out his little brother...he has been pretty excited so far to be a big brother.

Liam, Dad, Mom, and Cael

Wide awake

Liam checking out his rattle toys (3 days).

Airplane with Daddy

2010-01-21T19:42:00.006-05:00

Paul and Cael playing on the floor at our house in Lima. Cael loves the airplane game.

Summertime in Lima

2010-01-21T19:28:00.007-05:00

Makeshift pool

Washing the car

He sprayed the wrong person!

Here are a few pictures of Cael playing with the water hose outside of our house in Lima. It was a beautiful summer day, so we took advantage of the sunshine and warm weather.

Happy 2010 from Lima Peru

2010-01-01T13:47:00.003-05:00

This video was taken from our roof at midnight New Year's Eve. Everyone in the city shoots off fireworks to celebrate the new year. It was incredible to watch and very similar to their Christmas Eve celebration for Christmas at midnight. We hope you all have a Happy New Year 2010!

Pucallpa Pictures

2009-12-21T21:38:00.003-05:00

Our friends, the Cintrons, holding the famous 200lb Anaconda in a local zoo in Pucallpa

Local girl and boy collecting fruit along the river.

Local fisherman bringing in their nets

Floating house along the river. The lady in the picture is washing her clothes and hanging them out to dry.

Paul with our friends and fellow coworkers for the last 3 months, Esther and Luis Cintron in a peki-peki boat on the river. (Named peki-peki due to the sound it makes while running)

Local store in one of the communities

Church located in the community of Acho Mego

Bananas being brought into Pucallpa

Local dock in Pucallpa

Pucallpa Bound

2009-12-15T15:53:00.003-05:00

Please keep Paul in your prayers this week as he heads to Pucallpa to help with the closing and reopening of the five savings groups. He continues to remain in contact with our coworkers in the FH office in Pucallpa of which several have commented that the groups continue to flourish. This is a huge encouragement and blessing.

Please also keep Cael and I in your prayers this week as we remain in Lima. I am down to the last two months of the pregnancy and it is becoming increasingly more difficult to keep up with Cael! Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We feel truly blessed to have friends and family backing us during our time here in Peru.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T09:48:00.003-05:00

We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with 20 + friends and coworkers at our new home in Lima. It was such a blessing to be able to host the dinner and spend the evening eating some Thanksgiving favorites and celebrating with our family away from home! Here are a few pictures from the evening.

Lauren (friend and coworker) cutting the amazing turkey she prepared for the dinner!

Cael's buddy, Luis (friend and coworker), helping him eat his Thanksgiving meal and giving mom and dad a break!

Angela (friend whose husband works with FH) and her two boys making their way through the line.

The kids had a great time playing at the coffee table.

Left: Luis, Karina, Cristian, and Lauren

Left: Janina, Kami, Priscilla, and Mesha (friends and coworkers)

Left: Luke, Ryan, and Paul (friends and coworkers...and husband)

Grand Escape

2009-11-27T16:26:00.003-05:00

This is a typical scene at our house around 9 in the morning. Cael usually wakes up, eats his breakfast, and is ready to go outside and play until it is time for lunch. However, if I need to get something done, he usually isn't too forgiving, resulting in him hanging on the door, trying to get out! So far he hasn't figured out how to open the door on his own, which I'm not encouraging either!

Baking Cookies

2009-11-24T12:36:00.003-05:00

This past Saturday, me and three other girls living and working with FH here in Lima, went to our language teacher's house to show her and her sister how to bake cookies American style! It is difficult to make the common cookies you would make in the states, because you cannot find brown sugar here in Peru. It is even difficult to find molasses to try and make your own kind of brown sugar substitute. However, after living here in Peru for the past few years we have learned to stock up on brown sugar from the states...it is a staple on the list of "what to bring down". Several small packages of MMs were also donated to the project to help flavor the cookies. Therefore, we were able to make monster cookies, sugar cookies, and a chocolate brownie cheesecake as a treat!

It was a long afternoon, but I had a great time hanging with the girls! Paul was gracious enough to take Cael out for a boys afternoon so that I could have the afternoon off. What a sweet guy!!

Me and Irma (pronounced ear-ma), our language teacher

Irma and her sister, Elsa setting out the monster cookies

Mesha and Kami helping out on cleanup

Me and Elsa helping Esther, the chocolate brownie cheesecake expert.

Irma, Mesha, and Kami cutting out sugar cookies

First Crush

2009-11-19T10:08:00.003-05:00

Cael seems to have a little crush on our Swiss neighbor's daughter, Katarina. Every time she comes outside to play with her two older brothers, Cael runs up to say hi and usually tries to give her a hug. It has been really cute to see. Here are a couple pictures of Kati sharing her cookies with Cael yesterday.

Little Man #2

2009-11-13T16:27:00.005-05:00

We had our 6 month doctor's appointment this week and are excited to say that our second little guy is healthy and growing. He weighs, based on his measurements, almost 2.5 lbs. He is due on February 10th and we are looking forward to meeting him. Here is an ultrasound picture of him trying to suck his fingers.

Hair Cut

2009-10-30T17:56:00.004-05:00

We finally broke down and cut Cael's hair...even his cute little curls in the back! Here are a few pictures from the adventure.

We quickly realized the only way Cael would sit still to get his hair cut was if he were on my lap.

Cael also loved the fact that Dad was in the next chair having his hair cut at the same time.

They gave me the camouflage cover and Cael the pretty purple cover...funny

He wasn't too sure about wearing the cover and kept trying to get it off

Our friends Mesha and Kami were there to help and take pictures!

Excited to be done!

The final product

Circuito Magico del Agua in Lima

2009-10-30T08:52:00.003-05:00

This past Saturday we were able to spend time with some friends we met over here in Lima a year and a half ago when Cael was born. They have a son named Joshua who is 10 months older than Cael and the two of them play well together. In the evening we all decided to visit the Circuito Magico del Agua in Lima, which won the Guiness World Record for largest water park in the world. The fountains were very impressive and the kids had a great time watching (not playing in) the water.

One of the larger fountains

Joshua and Cael watching the fountains

The kids were tempted to run and play in the water, but the Dad's did a good job containing them while their pregnant wives took a break.

Paul and Cael walking through a water tunnel...very cool!

Boys Will Be Boys

2009-10-19T21:08:00.002-05:00

Cael and I went to the FH office today to participate in a devotional and eat lunch with the staff. For the last few months now Cael has been fascinated with large trucks, buses, and motorcycles...basically anything that makes a lot of noise. Cael enjoyed socializing with everyone in the office, but his favorite part was sitting by the window and watching the digger scoop up dirt from the street and fill a large dump truck. He sat still for a record amount of time, and as you can see he had a great front row view.

The Lima Coast

2009-10-18T14:31:00.002-05:00

Last night we went down to the coast to see if we could watch the sun set and get Cael out to play a little before bed. Our departure was delayed due to a salad dressing accident...Cael spilling dressing on my last clean pair of pants so we had to do a load of laundry before going. So we arrived down by the coast a little later than we wanted and only caught a glimpse of the sun set, which takes place around 6pm every night of the year. However, we were still able to enjoy the park by the ocean and visiting with our friend Kami, who also works for Food for the Hungry here in Lima. Here are a few pictures from our time. You might be able to see a little bit of a baby bump in the second picture too. Enjoy!

Neighborhood Friends

2009-10-16T16:14:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures of the neighborhood kids. Cael loves going outside to play with the kids and he especially loves to do what the bigger boys do...good or bad.

Our Swiss neighbor's oldest two: Nathaniel (5) and Mateo (3)

Cael and Caleb (2), our Korean neighbor's oldest. He just became a big brother and isn't too happy about his younger sister getting any of the attention.

I finally got them to look at the camera together.

Here are all the kids playing in the back of our neighbor's truck. Left: Katarina (1 1/2), Caleb, Nathaniel, Cael, and Mateo

New Favorite Activity

2009-10-16T15:52:00.005-05:00

Since the telephone/cable company here in Lima has basically been non-responsive/unable to install anything at our apartment for various reasons, Paul and Cael have discovered the joys of Youtube. They have been able to watch videos of big trucks, motorcycles, and various animals which Cael absolutely loves. Here are a few pictures of them hanging out at our place.

Lunch Date

2009-10-07T14:13:00.013-05:00

Unlike the jungle, Lima does not have the wide open spaces to run and play for children. Instead there are several different parks and restaurants around the city with playgrounds where kids can be kids. We met up with our friends from Pucallpa, the Brewsters, who are waiting in Lima for their visas to go to Brazil, on Monday. Our kids have explored mud puddles, ditches, sand boxes, and jungle animals together in Pucallpa. So now they are exploring restaurant play areas in the city together. Here are a few pictures of the kids playing. The two boys were mostly interested in playing with their hotwheel cars and not playing in the play area.

Out for a Little Sunshine

2009-10-07T13:24:00.014-05:00

This past Saturday, our neighbors invited us out for a little sunshine. We traveled by car approximately 30min. outside the city into the mountains to a recreational area...basically a restaurant with fun family activities for the day. There are several of these restaurants located up the side of this mountain, and the only thing they ask is that you buy lunch there and the rest of the activities are included. So we were able to go for a short horseback ride, swim, and Cael was able to play on the playgrounds there. It was a nice Saturday activity and allowed us to get to know our neighbors a little better.

Just to fill you in a little on the Lima climate...after driving for 15min we came to an area where the sun was able to peak through the Lima haze and the weather is very pleasant. Since arriving in Lima we have had only a couple of days where the sun peaks out for about an hour or two in the afternoon, but other than this it has been grey. The temperature has remained in the high 60's since we arrived, but with 85-90% humidity so it feels super cold when there is no sun and really hot when there is sun. It is a very odd climate.

A Trip to the Park

2009-10-07T09:41:00.002-05:00

Since arriving in Lima, I have been trying to find a few different spots to take Cael where he can run around and play. One of these spots is a park not too far from our house that has two different playground areas and live ducks that run around and are fairly tame. One of the park employees wanted to show Cael the baby ducks, so we went over and he let them out for Cael to play with. Cael wasn't shy at all. He just bent down and picked one up...faster than I could even react. Then he just chased them around the park.

We are past our first month back in Lima and are beginning to adjust back to life in Peru. Lima is a very different place to live compared to Pucallpa. There are so many more things to do and the city is much more organized than the jungle was. Paul has a little longer commute to the office, but has noticed that things move a little faster over here and there aren't quite as many "days off" due to the rain, since it doesn't rain at all here.

Enjoy the pics and hopefully I will be able to update the blog a little more frequently now that our internet has been installed.

Arriving and Unpacking in Lima

2009-10-02T20:45:00.002-05:00

We arrived in Lima on September 5th and have been unpacking and settling into our apartment and life in the city. We spent the first week and a half setting up our apartment and getting to know our area of the city. Paul returned to work 2 weeks ago and Cael and I are trying to get into a routine here at home.

The people in the communities in Lima have demonstrated excitement about starting savings groups, which look to be started within the next couple of weeks. We have also heard that the groups in Pucallpa continue to function and are thriving!

As you can see from the pictures below the process of moving to Lima and adjusting to a new setting is exhausting. These pictures of Cael were taken within the first couple days of arriving in Lima. He finally had enough unpacking, so he found our pillows and decided it was time to take a nap. This is how we found him. The former renters also left us a nice hammock which fits nicely on the roof. Now we can enjoy the occasional sunshine here in Lima.

Please keep us in your prayers as move through all the new changes and challenges over the next several weeks/months.

Summer Activities

2009-08-03T10:30:00.002-05:00

Cael loves riding on the 4 wheeler with his dad and running and jumping in the pool with Nana.

Happy Belated B-day Cael (by 3 months)

2009-08-03T10:23:00.002-05:00

Because the family was not able to celebrate Cael's birthday with us in April, they decided to have a party for him while we were home. He had a great time playing with his cousin Aiden and a few new toys. He also enjoyed trying a little birthday cake as you will see in the photos.

4H Fair

2009-08-03T10:18:00.002-05:00

Cael enjoyed seeing all the farm animals at the 4H fair. His favorite thing to do right now is to tell everyone what sound a sheep makes....baaaaaa.

Bethany Beach, Delaware

2009-07-31T16:29:00.005-05:00

We had a great time visiting family out at the beach in Delaware. We were able to see Paul's extended family, including Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and grandmother along with some of my family. All in all it was a nice time to relax and catch up with people we had not seen since leaving in September of 06.

Our family

Casey (Cael's cousin) wanted to pull Cael in the wagon while we were visiting

Cael trying to ride a scooter with his cousin Caleb (Casey's older brother)

Cael with his cousins Reese and Mitchell

Joanna (Paul's sister), Megan, and Julie (Paul's sister) eating a slushy

The three of us with Paul's sister Joanna

Cael with his cousins, Nolan (13), Mitchell (8), and Reese (10) at the beach

Joanna (Paul's sister), Megan, and Nolan (Cael's cousin) celebrated birthdays

Cael loved riding the little car outside the shops at the beach

Cael, Nana (Paul's mother), and Great Nana (Paul's grandmother)

I was able to find 3 clams while we were clamming

Cael picking up the little black snails in the water in the bay

Paul and his mother

Cael loved playing in the water in the bay while we were clamming

Random Events from the Summer

2009-07-31T16:17:00.002-05:00

Paul and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on the 29th of June.

Cael has been enjoying his time in the states. He loves playing in water!

We were able to meet up with Tami Walker, a long time friend of the McCann family. She was up visiting from North Carolina and was able to tell some great stories from Paul's younger years when she was babysitting his younger three siblings!

Since Arriving in the States

2009-07-09T12:02:00.005-05:00

We have officially been back in the states for a month now and have been working on reconnecting with our family/friends/supporters while home. The first week we were home we were able to meet up with Paul's brother Pat, who is serving in Iraq and was on his two weeks of home leave. The bonus was his entire family was able to meet in Wabash during this time for the first time in a year and a half. Then we were able to attend my sister, Jenna's wedding and see all of my extended family as well.

We are currently in Delaware where we have been able to meet up with Paul's extended family and my cousin Christina and her two boys. Here are a few pictures from the last month.

We continue to fill the rest of our time here in the states with the hope of raising enough funds to return to Peru for one final year. Thanks for all of your prayers and support!

From tallest to shortest: Jay, Paul, Pat, Melisa (Pat's wife), Megan, Julie, Joanna, and Cael.

My mother, sister, Cael, and I before the rehearsal dinner

The wedding party

My cousins: Christina, Kimi, and I

Cael all dressed up for the wedding

Cael with my cousin Christina's boys, Caleb (5 1/2) and Casey (2 1/2)

Cael and I with Paul's cousins, Nolan (13), Mitchel (8), and Reese (10)

Our family at the beach

Saying Goodbye to Pucallpa

2009-06-09T15:21:00.002-05:00

We are now officially in Lima and planning to fly out tonight to the States. It was difficult to say goodbye to the hard earned friendships that we have formed over the last 2 1/2 years there. We would like to share a few pictures from our "goodbye party" at the Pucallpa FH office.

Monica, Juanita, and Megan

Cael and our co-worker Erika

Our boss Luis presenting us with some local artesania (art work) from the jungle.

Our co-worker Cesar presenting us with a framed picture of all the staff.

Our friend and co-worker Rachel Cohen put together with the help of the FH Pucallpa staff a memory book of our time in the jungle.

Pucallpa to Lima by Truck! - 14 hours

2009-05-27T10:34:00.014-05:00

This past weekend we made our first car trip starting in Pucallpa and ending in Lima. This trip will take a bus 20hours, a cab 16-18 hours, and our neighbor's truck 14hours! We drove on the main road connecting the country's capitol to the jungle of Peru. You will see from the photos the change in scenery as we move from the low flat jungle to the high jungle with lush vegetation to the mountains. The highest point on this road reaches a height just under 16,000ft. which is higher than the highest peak in the continental US. The country of Peru is incredibly beautiful and we wanted to share a few of these pictures with all of you.

We are spending this week in Lima for the FH retreat, then we will return to Pucallpa to finish packing, close the savings groups, and say goodbye to friends. We will arrive in the US on the 10th of June and are looking forward to seeing you!

Also please keep Cael in your prayers. He has been fighting a fever which has finally broken and now has a rash on his body. The doctor believes he has Roseola, which is a common childhood illness that just has to run its course.

This is an iguana that landed on our roof the day before we took off. It jumped out of the tree that hangs over our house.

We followed this creek with several waterfalls along the rock's edges as we passed from the low jungle to the high jungle

You can see the vegetation and the rolling hills in the background. This part of the road was paved but there were several areas where the road had been washed out or fallen into the water. There is also about 200km of road that looks like the back roads of Indiana!

Here we are passing over the bridge you can see in the previous picture above.

You can see the sun rising and the fog beginning to clear off of the trees. This road is on the edge of a cliff.

Cael did great! He played and ate and watched shows on their portable DVD players. He only became fussy the last 30 min of the trip.

Here you can see the road isn't paved and we are nowhere near any city. There are double decker buses and semi trucks that travel this road on a daily basis...it really is incredible.

Here they are trying to flatten the road and pave it, but you can see some of the traffic that passes along the road.

I just thought this picture was a good view of the landscape.

The road still isn't paved and we are still in the middle of nowhere!

The first large city since Pucallpa is Tingo Maria (4 hours). This is high jungle and where most of the drug trafficking occurs in Peru.

Here is just a glimpse of the main road through Tingo Maria. There were mountain 360 degrees around the city. Really a beautiful city and not quite as hot as Pucallpa!

Here we are moving out of the jungle and into the mountains. The mountain out in front doesn't have much vegetation.

Here we have been on the road for 9hours and are definitely in the mountains

(13,000-14,000ft) but it looks like the plains in the US. Look at those clouds!

Here is a local shepherd with his flock of alpaca.

Here you can see the mountains and the local political advertisements. This city is Orolla which is one of the most polluted cities in the world due to it being the main refinery area for the mines in Peru. Don't drink their water!

Its a little cold here!

Yes that's snow! We were in a snow storm for 5 min and then all the snow disappeared and we were back in clear weather.

This was the final view before we headed straight down to Lima. We traveled 12 hours at a gradual climb and then 2 hours to get back down to sea level.

Birthday Party

2009-05-18T10:33:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we went over to our friends, Kyle and Cristina Thomas' house where they were celebrating the birthdays of their two kids Elijah (4) and Abbie (2). Cael had a great time playing with the kids and we had a great time visiting with the adults. The theme was Finding Nemo, so there was a Nemo piñata, fishing, and a slip and slide.

For Paul and I it was a nice time to visit with people we have met and befriended here in Pucallpa over the last 2 1/2 years possibly for the last time as we begin to close up our time here. This next week we will be packing and preparing to leave Pucallpa before the FH retreat next week.

Enjoy the photos!

Paul and Cael watching the kids hit the piñata.

I'm trying to convince Cael that its ok to pick up the candy!

Cael was one of the first kids to try out the slip and slide.

Cael running down the plastic which usually ended up with him on his rear.

Paul and I started sliding him down on his stomach and he loved it!

Look at that grin!

Hey Mom and Dad I might be done...no I think I'll go down a few more times!

Cael and Caleb (2), our neighbors Joe and Megan's child, sliding down together.

Peruvian Labor Day

2009-04-30T15:24:00.003-05:00

The FH office in Pucallpa celebrated their Peruvian Labor Day by having a cookout in the office. It was a great time to sit and visit with the office staff. Here are a couple of pictures.

Cael and Siana-el, our co-worker, Monica's daughter who is 7 1/2 months old.

Paul and our co-worker, Cesar in their usually position of discussion

Cael giving Herlin a high five

Several of our co-workers laughing and visiting during lunch

Our Week in Lima

2009-04-28T09:37:00.004-05:00

This past week Paul, Cael, and I flew to Lima to look for an apt., a car, have Cael's 1 year checkup, attend a wedding, meet with friends, and continue to work on our plans for the next year. Here are a few pictures from the week.

Cael and Joshua coloring together. We were able to meet our friends Chris and Jess Rose and their son Joshua, who live in Lima, for dinner. Cael and Joshua played so well together.

Cael and Joshua

Cael trying Chicha morada, a purple corn drink commonly offered in Peru. He finished his glass, so we assumed he liked it.

Cael was able to use crayons to color at the restaurant which he loved.

We were able to attend our friends, Karina and Luis' wedding.

Cael had fun playing on the kneeling posts

Cael and Mom

A Trip to La Merced

2009-04-21T14:48:00.008-05:00

We were fortunate enough to take a trip out to the community of La Merced to visit and spend time with the members of the savings group. A fellow co-worker of ours, Mesha Smith, visited Pucallpa this past week to do some filming of the savings groups and to interview several members to talk about the impact each group has had on the participants and the community. We just wanted to share a few pictures of our time spent in one of these communities and look forward to sharing with you the video in the future.

Palm Oil - grown in the community of La Merced and is used as a cooking oil or some even use it as a motor oil for their vehicles.

The muddy one lane road we took to a neighboring community to see their water well project. This community was very remote!

Mesha Smith, a fellow co-worker, came over to Pucallpa to do some filming for a video she is putting together on the savings groups in Pucallpa. She was trying to stay cool in the truck while we waited for the men to help push out the truck that was stuck in a muddy hole in the road.

Cael playing in the back of the truck while the men work to push the truck out of the middle of the road.

The men working to help push the truck out of the hole. They were successful about an hour later.

Paul and I in front of the truck in the middle of nowhere in the jungle.

Paul and Cael with the savings group members in the community of La Merced.

Paul and Cael

Cael being corralled on Dad's shoulders.

Cael playing at the FH house in La Merced.

The savings group put together a great meal and brought out a cake for Paul, Cael, and I with candles to blow out.

Cael had a great time playing with the kids of the group members during out get together.

The kids love Paul...especially since he is a good foot taller than anyone else in their community.

Rainy Day

2009-04-15T17:37:00.003-05:00

Here is a short video of our time in the rain!

8 Days of Rain

2009-04-15T15:08:00.004-05:00

It has been raining in Pucallpa for the last 8 days without stopping. Some effects of this have been cooler weather (high 70's low 80's), wet/damp clothes that won't dry, muddy roads, and our personal favorite standing water around the yard! It poured this afternoon, so Paul and Cael decided to take advantage and have some fun in the rain. Cael was so excited to play in the water!

Cael before taking the plunge

He also enjoyed falling in the puddles

Our co-workers stopped by the house to pick up our house guest and co-worker from Lima, Mesha

Cael saying hi to Luis Chamorro, the FH director in Pucallpa

Paul and Cael after taking the plunge

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T17:49:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter! Praise the Lord for He has risen today!

After returning from church this morning, we decided to do your traditional American Easter egg hunt. I believe Cael ended up enjoying himself once he got the hang of hunting for the eggs. Paul was a little tricky in hiding some of the eggs, so Cael required a little extra help! Here are a few pics from the afternoon.

Wheelbarrow Ride with Dad

2009-04-12T17:28:00.003-05:00

Paul borrowed a wheelbarrow from our friend Poncho (Vileta's husband) to take Cael out for a ride. He enjoyed it as long as Paul was moving, but as soon as he stopped Cael was trying to climb out.

Cael's 1st Birthday Contd... Dinner at Orlando's

2009-04-08T22:05:00.002-05:00

My camera battery died just before I was able to take a few pictures of Cael eating his piece of birthday cake. Thankfully Rachel was there and was able to take several pictures. I will post them as soon as I am able to get them off of her camera. I hope you enjoyed the photos. We enjoyed celebrating our precious son's 1st birthday and feel blessed to have him in our lives.

Cael in front of his birthday decorations

Rachel was able to join us for the birthday celebration!

Cael playing with his pencil and monkey

The owner of Orlando's wanted to give Cael a gift as well...a little monkey. Her granddaughter is one month, to the day, older than Cael.

Cael opening one of his presents

Cael's 1st Birthday Contd... Trip to the Pucallpa Zoo

2009-04-08T14:11:00.005-05:00

Paul and Cael at the Tiger's Mouth - entrance to the Pucallpa Zoo

Megan and Cael at the Tiger's Mouth

The easily maneuverable path

Ominous sign

Tapir, supposedly the largest jungle animal in South America

This is the monkey that escaped from it's cage and then kept trying to get back in.

How close can you get?

scary!

Cael checking out the animals

Ready for a nap!

Cael's 1st Birthday!!

2009-04-08T13:25:00.004-05:00

Our attempt to decorate our house this morning!

Cael eating one of his favorite foods...a banana!

We had cereal and pancakes. Yum!

Cael opening one of his presents this morning.

We were trying to get Cael to hold up one finger for the camera. You can see the beginnings of a one in this picture.

We hung streamers from the doorway and Cael had fun running through them this morning.

You can see them a little more clearly in this picture.

Presentation at the Refuge of Hope

2009-04-04T16:44:00.003-05:00

I (Megan) had the opportunity, this past Friday, to speak at the school, Refuge of Hope, about Occupational Therapy. I had a great time explaining, in Spanish, what Occupational Therapy is and what it is not. I spoke specifically with the special education teachers, who are basically regular education teachers who have a desire to teach kids with special needs.

Some of the misconceptions of OT were that it mainly consists of giving massages or that it addresses labor conditions. I talked with one of the teachers after the session and she told me she couldn't understand why the government of Peru wanted OT in the schools. It didn't make sense to her that children would need counseling on their future occupations so early. However, after she heard what the term occupation really stood for - the ways in which we use time and energy - and all the other ways an OT can work with a child with special needs, she understood the need for OT.

This was also a great opportunity to visit with the men and women I worked with the first year we were in Peru. Because my language skills have improved since that first year, communication is much clearer and I really enjoyed frustration free conversations.

Below are a few pictures taken from the teaching session.

Cael stopped by for a little visit to say hi to my former co-workers

Savings Group in Las Brisas (The Breeze)

2009-04-04T13:44:00.002-05:00

Cael and I took a trip out to the community of Las Brisas this past week to sit in on one of the savings group meetings. It was nice to get out and visit with some of the women and Cael enjoyed playing with a few of the kids. We were also able to take a couple of women, who work for our neighbors, out to observe the meeting. They are interested in starting their own savings group and wanted to find out how the groups function. Below are a few pictures of our trip.

Limni, Eilene her daughter, Rita her mother, Paul and Cael in the community

Cael interested in what the other kids are doing

Cael playing with one of the local pets

Paul teaching during the meeting

Cael and a group member's little boy sizing each other up

Almost Nap Time!

2009-03-27T14:05:00.003-05:00

We have been trying to transition into taking just one nap a day and as several moms have told me, by mid-day the kids are exhausted and can barely stay awake! Well, this is a prime example. Cael was trying to finish his lunch before taking a nap and he was just dead tired and could hardly hold his eyes open. He also gets a little sloppy with his noodles in the process.

Learning to Play Golf

2009-03-19T14:07:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Paul introduced Cael to golf. He mostly enjoyed carrying around the club and the ball, but he would laugh after Paul helped him to hit a ball. His swing was better than Charles Barkley's but not quite as good as Tiger Wood's just yet. We'll have to keep working on the form!

Arachnophobic?

2009-03-17T12:13:00.003-05:00

We found this tarantula lurking around our house this morning. So we quickly reached for the Bygone bug spray and watched as it flipped over and died. You can see in the last pictures the size of the spider's fangs. I think we might fumigate the upstairs (area between the ceiling and metal roof) to kill all the tarantulas that are living up there. We think that this spider slid down one of the holes between the ceiling and the wall to get into the house...yuck! I guess that is what you get when you live in the jungle!

Hello?

2009-03-16T20:49:00.002-05:00

This evening, Paul was talking on his cell phone and as he turned around he found Cael holding the other cell phone up to his ear imitating his dad. How cute!

Saturday in Pucallpa

2009-03-14T19:50:00.002-05:00

Checking out at the grocery store (the scrape on his nose was from the night before when he fell face first into some rocks...ouch!)

While waiting on our pizza, Cael checks out what the restaurant next door has for lunch

Cael and Paul outside the pizza parlor

Our neighbor, Neils, celebrated his 3rd birthday and Cael and Paul are playing with the toys that fell out of the piñata

Cael playing in the confetti

Helping in the Office

2009-03-13T11:56:00.004-05:00

Every Friday Cael and I attend the morning meeting in the FH office. This helps me to feel connected with the organization and to hear what has been going on in the communities. I also enjoy visiting with the staff members and they love playing with Cael. Now that he is walking it is a chore running around the office trying to keep him out of trouble...the office isn't designed for young kids. Here are a few pictures of Cael playing around our co-worker, Cesar's desk.

Our Little Monkey

2009-03-12T09:16:00.002-05:00

Cael has started climbing everything...our couches, the chairs on the porch, and now his push-car. He is actually safer climbing outside than inside our house, because the ground is a lot softer than the concrete floor. We try to keep a close eye on him, but he remains fearless not having fallen yet.

On a Mission

2009-03-10T18:48:00.009-05:00

Cael had a great time this afternoon chasing after our neighbor's cat. He just couldn't understand why the cat was running away from him...all he wanted to do was pet her. In the end he was able to pet the cat once, then the cat ran off. We'll have to work on being gentle when petting animals.

My Favorite Fruit

2009-03-04T20:30:00.003-05:00

Cael loves to eat bananas. These aren't your typical store bought bananas though, they are one of the many types of bananas that grow here in the jungle. They are about 2 1/2 inches long and are the perfect size for an 11 mo. old. Everytime I open our refrigerator, Cael tries to reach in and pull out a banana to eat...he usually cries when he isn't fast enough.

Morning Playtime

2009-03-04T10:10:00.004-05:00

Cael loves going outside in the morning to play around the house. There is a sidewalk that goes all the way around our house, so we have to make our way around the house several times. This morning he found the dust pan to carry around and some styrofoam to tear up.

Cael found some Styrofoam to tear apart

Cael loves dragging the dust pan around

New Boots!

2009-02-28T12:49:00.005-05:00

Here in the jungle it is the rainy season, which means lots of mud, lots of mud puddles, and quite a bit of water. For example, an average rain can add up to 4-5 in. and within 30 min. after the rain has stopped the ground would have absorbed the majority of that water. Its really incredible. That said, we picked up some rain boots for Cael to play in outside in the mud. I thought it might help with the clean up after being outside. ha! Amazingly enough all the mud did come out of his outfit!

All clean and ready to play

We just had to sit in the mud

Since we had already sat in the mud, we thought we might as well fall face first into one of the drainage ditches! Thank God it wasn't sewage!

Did Somebody Say New Toy?!

2009-02-23T19:06:00.004-05:00

Paul picked up a new push toy for Cael to play with this evening and he loved it! Then so did all the kids in the neighborhood. It was a great opportunity to learn how to share, which to a bunch of 1 and 2 year olds didn't mean a whole lot.

Be Nice

2009-02-23T17:07:00.004-05:00

When interacting with cats or dogs Cael hasn't quite figured out that you can't pull the tail or the ears or hit the animal just because you are excited. He is, however, learning how to be nice.

Rainy Day

2009-02-18T11:35:00.008-05:00

Paul and Cael went out for a little walk in the rain just to get out of the house, so Cael was able to try out his poncho. It is customary to stay inside and sleep when it rains in Pucallpa...there is nothing going on in the communities. The roads turn into mud and are difficult to navigate so meetings usually are cancelled or postponed until things dry up a little.

Playing in the Mud Puddles

2009-02-18T08:58:00.002-05:00

It finally rained, creating mud puddles all over the main road to our house giving Cael and the other kids a great opportunity to play in the water. He had a great time watching the other kids, who are a little more experienced in playing in the mud, but he learned quickly and was right in there with the rest of them. We just need to work a little bit more on our balance...he kept falling in the water and eventually had to take off the shirt. Its a good thing we live in the jungle where it's hot!

The shirt came off and Cael finally found a ditch that was just his size

Caleb showing Cael how to pick up the mud and rocks

Then he showed him how to fall in the water

Isabel and Cael. Cael enjoyed just sitting in the water.

The other kids showing Cael how to stomp in the water.

Anyone want to play?

2009-02-18T08:50:00.003-05:00

Cael loves playing with the other children in the neighborhood. Yesterday we went to visit the twins that live next door to see if they could come out and play.

The Great Outdoors

2009-02-12T21:36:00.005-05:00

Cael's new favorite thing to do is push the screen door open and walk outside to play. He is discovering rocks, dirt, little balls that fall off of a tree outside our front door, grass, ants that bite, and plenty more. It is so fun to watch him explore and learn new things about the great outdoors.

Cael's Curls

2009-02-11T14:15:00.008-05:00

Cael finally has hair, and when we arrived back in Peru, due to the humidity, we noticed he also has curls. How fun! I can appreciate this since I never had waves let alone curls!

Mango Slicer

2009-02-11T13:44:00.004-05:00

Well I received a mango slicer for Christmas and wanted to try it out since we are nearing the end of mango season. The result was that it worked perfectly. Now all I have to worry about it getting poison ivy from cutting up the mangos! That's right the mango is in the same family as poison ivy...so beware. I found that out the hard way!

Long Day!

2009-02-10T13:43:00.003-05:00

After refusing to take his afternoon nap, Cael could no longer keep his eyes open and fell asleep while eating dinner. What a long day!

Local Playground

2009-02-09T11:25:00.003-05:00

Vicente, Caleb, and Cael swinging

Cael loves to swing

Playing in the sandbox

Out for a walk

Here are a few pictures of the local playground located right outside our house. It has been a blessing to have a place outside to take Cael where he can play and socialize with other children. He loves interacting with other kids, and between German, Spanish, and English they all seem to communicate well and have a great time together.

The Move

2009-02-07T14:39:00.004-05:00

Before leaving to spend the holidays with our families, we decided to move to another house located in the same compound to be closer to other families with small children along with a few other reasons. It was a last minute decision and we had to rely on our friends and neighbors, Megan and Joe Brewster, to help us with the move. So while we were gone, they grabbed their other team members and graciously moved the majority of our belongings to the other house. We weren't quite sure what we would be returning to, but were pleasantly surprised to arrive home to a fairly organized house and a made bed!

So far the house has been cooler than our other house due to larger shade trees and the concrete structure. We also have internet in the house and a small playground area for Cael to play on during the day.

We are now into the last 6 months of our term and would ask for your prayers as we try to decide on our next move.

Back in Peru

2009-01-31T10:58:00.005-05:00

Cael and Aunt Jen

Cael and Grandpa Mike - ready for the cold

Great Gran Nana Sachs and Cael

Library day!

Enjoying the snow

Cael, Uncle Jay, Aunt Julie, Aunt Joanna, Mom, Dad, and Aunt Melisa

Cael and Grandpa Jim

We have safely arrived back in Peru and will be spending a couple of days in Lima before heading back to Pucallpa. It was great to see family and spend time with friends. We look forward to our next visit in June when my sister will be tying the knot! Please pray for us as we move into our last year of time in Peru.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-06T15:30:00.003-05:00

Hannum side Cousins (left to right): Aidan (2 years), Caleb (4years), Cael (8 months), Casey (2 years). Avery (2 years) not pictured due to difficulty maintaining all the kids attention to take the picture!

Cael opening one of his Christmas gifts

Christmas Eve Dinner with the McCanns

First Steps!

2009-01-06T15:15:00.003-05:00

Cael's mobility has really taken off in the last couple of weeks since coming home for the holidays. He is crawling all over the place and on New Years Eve he decided that he was ready to take his first few steps. Paul and I were really excited and then the rest of the parent's response was,"now you're in trouble!" I guess time will tell, but he is certainly a lot busier now.

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-16T08:32:00.003-05:00

Tonight we fly out to the states for six weeks. We are looking forward to meeting our family at the airport tomorrow afternoon! As you can see in the picture above, we have been enjoying or at least experiencing the 90 degree heat of the jungle while the weather up north has been changing and becoming increasingly colder. So landing in Indianapolis with the snow, ice, freezing rain, and wind will be a shock to our systems and especially to Cael's who has only known warm weather for the entire 8 months of his life.

Cael has also discovered that he loves to stand on Dad's lap and grab the steering wheel. He would probably do a better job driving around Pucallpa than some of the motor-taxis drivers!

Update

2008-12-05T16:18:00.006-05:00

Cael wiped out at the end of the retreat

Cael practicing standing - we are still pretty wobbly

Roasting marshmallows with the girls

Cael, Paul, and Luke starting our campfire

This past weekend was our end of the year retreat with our fellow coworkers from the states. It was a nice time to sit and visit, worship the Lord and take a little time to reflect on what the Lord has been doing in our lives over the last year.
We are preparing to leave for the states on the 16th of December. We will be visiting family and supporters over a six week period. It is hard to believe we have been in Peru for 2 years and are now 3 months into our last year. The savings groups that Paul is working with are closing this next week and are making plans to restart in January. Each group has been able to save over a $1000 (3000 soles) over the last year, which is approximately $100 (300 soles) per person. One of the groups has had a 40% return on their savings due to the interest rates placed on the loans given out to the group members. It has been a huge success! It has also been used as an outreach to non-believers within the communities and has been exciting to watch God work among the members this past year.
Enjoy the photos and we look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks.

Month of October

2008-11-06T17:01:00.010-05:00

Cael having fun during bath time

Cael and I enjoying the pool at a local retreat center in Pucallpa

Lauren holding the 20ft. Anaconda

Loren, Paul and Cael on their way to the Zoo

Paul translating for the Vision Team from the States (Luis Chamorro, FH Pucallpa director to the left of Paul)

Cael and Juanita

We wanted to give you a quick update on what we have been doing over the last month (October). During the first week of October, Paul and I were able to assist with a Vision Team in Pucallpa. Paul was able to assist with some of the translation and Cael and I were able to visit with the team and answer any questions. Cael is pictured above with one of our Pucallpa staff members, Juanita. He is always a big hit in the communities.

We were also privileged enough to receive our great friends, Loren and Lauren, to visit us in Pucallpa. We were able to show them around town and were encouraged to hang out and catch up. We visited two of the Zoos in Pucallpa, the regional zoo and the petting zoo where Lauren was able to hold a 20ft. anaconda.

Towards the end of the month, a pastor from the states and his wife came down to Pucallpa to spend some time and work in the local communities in Pucallpa and also to provide a retreat to encourage and spend some time with the Pucallpa staff. We enjoyed an all day retreat at a local park playing games and swimming with our staff. It was a nice break from the every day routine. Cael loved swimming in the kiddies pool.

This month I, Megan, have also started going to a local clinic in the community of La Florida to volunteer my therapy services once a week. I have enjoyed visiting with community members and see my role as providing medical/health information to the patients as well as sharing God's love by caring and lending an ear to the people who come in to see me. Several of the people I talk with have no access to health information and can't afford general medical care so we talk about ways to address their condition in practical ways.

Paul continues to work with his two savings groups, which continue to do very well. They will both be ending at the beginning of December. He has also started teaching Worldview studies in the office on Monday mornings and "Running your Business for the Glory of God" in the communities throughout the week. Please continue to pray for the people in Pucallpa as we continue to try to serve and love the people of Pucallpa as best as we can.

We also continue to praise the Lord for Cael's continued health and safety here in Pucallpa!

Now That We're Back

2008-09-27T14:30:00.006-05:00

Grandpa Jim at our trip to the Fort Wayne Zoo

Great Aunt G, John, Aiden and Kimi (cousins)

Mom and I

Grandpa Mike and I at the airport

Aunt Jen

Cousin Aidan and I playing

Swinging with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Jill

Grandma Chris and I at the Zoo

Gran Nana Hannum

Megan and Cael:
It took a total of 15 hours to arrive in Indianapolis from Lima. There was a 6 hour flight from Lima to Miami (Cael slept the whole way there), a 6 hour lay over in Miami (Cael played and made friends with other people waiting in the airport), and a 3 hour flight from Miami to Indianapolis (Once again he slept the whole flight). Even though Cael did wonderfully on our trip I was still exhausted and so thankful that my parents were at the airport waiting for us.
During our time in the states we were able to meet and visit with several family members. Cael was able to meet for the first time his Aunt Jen, my sister, his Great Grandmother Hannum (Gran Nana), Great Aunts and Uncles, cousins, and of course see both sets of grandparents and his aunts (Paul's sisters) once again.
I don't think Cael spent hardly any time on the floor while we were there...he was always in someone's lap. It was such a blessing to be able to visit home and see family. This was Cael's first trip to the states and I would say it went very well.
We are currently back in Pucallpa and back into our daily routine. Next Tuesday I will be visiting a local community in the afternoon to assess any therapy needs they may have. So hopefully I will be able to provide some help to local community members in their homes one afternoon a week.

Paul:
He was able to spend the two weeks we were gone traveling around Peru visiting different sites and learning more about the economic development that is taking place within the country. He first visited Chinchay, the site of last years devastating earthquake, and was able to see the work that FH has done in this city. He was also able to talk with local community members to see if there was interest in starting savings groups in the area. Later he traveled to the north of Lima and was able to visit a city that has started a few economic initiatives (sandals business) where local women are able to make and sell sandals made of rope (website: http://www.islacreations.com). His last stop was in the city of Trujillo, which is a larger city on the coast of Peru, where there is a group called Mission Peru, who have started a few savings groups, have a lending program for small startup businesses, and teach English to natives as part of their ministry.
He is now back in Pucallpa overseeing his savings groups, which will be ending in December of this year and restarting in January with farther reaching influence within the community. Praise God!

I have attached a few pictures from Cael and my trip to the states. Unfortunately Paul didn't have a camera with him, so there aren't any photos from his trip.

2008-09-02T15:18:00.002-05:00

We wanted to update the blog with a few new pictures. Everything is continuing to go well in Pucallpa. For the next few weeks, Paul will be traveling to a few different areas of Peru to observe other micro-finance programs already established along the coast of Peru as well as visit Chinchay, the city affected most severely by the earthquake last August. He will be speaking with the FH staff members as well as community members concerning the economic effects of the earthquake in the city. I fly to Indiana tonight to visit family for the next couple of weeks with Cael, so please pray for a safe and easy flight. Enjoy the photos.

Golfing in the rain. He just needed a little recreation and couldn't wait for it to stop raining. Over the last few weeks the temperatures have been averaging in the high 90's to the low 100's.

Cael helping Violeta fold up his clean diapers.

Cael sleeping at the office

Cael and Paul enjoying an afternoon under the shade trees by our house.

Cael enjoying his time outside (almost 5 months old!)

2008-08-16T18:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Paul had his biweekly meeting with the savings group out in the community of La Merced de Neshuya, and Cael and I tagged along. This was the first time either of us had visited this community and we had a great time.
It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to this community and half of the trip is on the backroads crossing makeshift bridges made out of logs placed across the road. We passed small horsedrawn carts carrying produce (mostly palm oil trees and sugarcane), fields of produce which is the main source of income for the people living within this community, and several juice stands along the side of the road.
There were a few highlights, starting with our stop at one of the juice stands. I had a glass of the freshest and sweetest orange juice I have ever had. The price for three decent size glasses of this orange juice totaled a whopping $1. Upon arriving in the community we stopped to visit the pastor of the local church and were able to meet his wife, Marisol. She took to Cael right away and is pictured above holding him at her house. We were also warmly welcomed by the savings group who to date has saved over $500 and are already talking about restarting the group at the first of the year and including more people from within the community. This has been a true blessing and encouragement to our time here in Peru.
However, the real highlight of the evening was Cael. Because this community is so far away from downtown Pucallpa, it is very rural and there are not too many white people living there. So, to see a white person walking around is unusual and the only thing more unusual is a white baby. We were surrounded by several kids from the community wanting to look at Cael. Then on our way home, in true Peruvian fashion, we were asked to take someone back into town, which by the time we actually left ended up being a family of four and a tank of gas.
All in all we had a great time and plan on returning soon.

The Whereabouts of Cael

2008-08-10T18:09:00.004-05:00

A few people have asked, after seeing our last blog entry, where Cael was during our tours? So we wanted to let you know we didn't just leave him at the side of the road while we were out having fun. :) Our friend, Oscar, who picks us up from the airport when we fly to Lima, has met both of our parents, is well known by other missionaries in Pucallpa, and runs his own tour agency here in Peru was with Cael the whole time . He loves kids and Cael was fond of him. We found Cael sound asleep on our return from the sand dunes. As they say here in Peru, he is a "hombre de confianza" (man of trust).
We are now back in Pucallpa readjusting to the heat. Paul's sisters have made the trip back to Indiana safely, but before they left we were able to show them some of the sights of Pucallpa.

Downtown Pucallpa Streets

The market where we find all of our produce and meat.

The Local Pucallpa Zoo

Blindsighted

2008-08-05T21:41:00.011-05:00

Here we sit, breathing, alive...in Lima. The past two days has held some exhilarating and adrenaline producing adventures as we headed to Paracas, Nasca, and Ica. These are three cities located south of Lima on the coast of Peru. These cities are a desert climate with no rain, yet travel 100 km and you will reach a new climate.

In Paracas we took a boat tour of nearby islands that had several native birds, penguins, dolphins and sea lions. Taking the waves head-on, we flew airborne over several in a speed boat. :) It was a blast! Along with these islands was a huge candelabra etched in the rocks of an island off the coast created over 2000 years ago. It's still in tact because the sand has solidified as well as the wind blows from the other side of thet island. This is Paul, Megan and Cael sightseeing. The other is of Julie & Joanna wind-blown on the ride to the islands.

Next we traveled to Nasca to see the Nasca lines made by the Nasca people who were long before the Incans, created drawings in the sand desert that could only be viewed from a plane. There are several theories as to why these were created, but none for certain. This plane ride was terrifying. In a 6-passenger plane, we drove over a desert land and tilted (to a BIG degree) then flew around in circles over the drawing. The pilot happened to b Next, we went to Nasca - the group of peoplee talking on his cell phone for a few minutes as well as one time taking h is hands off the wheel. Talk a bout terrifying. However, here we are safe and sound. The Nasca Lines have recently been made popular by the new Indiana Jones movies. Although the movie doesn't depict Peru the way it really is (geographically, etc) , the Nasca Lines are very true. The first picture is of an alien (we like to think he looks like ET), and the last of Paul, Megan, Julie & Joanna about to board the plane.

Today we went to Ica for a Dune Buggy "tour"...or what we thought was going to be a tour. These "dunes" looked like sand mountains from the Middle East...they were HUGE. What we thought was a tour ended up being a 2-hour ride-of-your-life hold-on-to-your-seatbelt-for-dear-life adventure. Our crazy driver took us down 80 degree hills at speeds up to 40 mph! As well as driving crazily through the sand mountains, we had the opportunity to go sand boarding- which was a BLAST!!!! We took snowboards and slid on our bellies down HUGE slopes at incredible speeds! This is us at a stop to take pictures, and the other is of Megan sand-boarding down a hill.
So although we had such an incredible vacation, we are happy to be back lounging in Lima. Tomorrow Paul will go back for a check up. All is healthy here in the McCann household. Cael's cold only lasted one day. He, by the way, is the most "tranquille" baby ever. (That's what they call him over here). He did a magnificent job in the car today and is just a joy to be around!! We head to Pucallpa Thursday!

Surviving Lima

2008-08-02T18:08:00.005-05:00

Aunt Julie in the doctor's office waitin' for Mom and Dad
Aunt Joanna and Cael in Lima at the restaurant.

Julie and I decided since many of you have not visited Lima, we might enlighten you on this wonderful piece of South America. :) First of all, Lima has no sunlight, it is only gray skies. Also, imagine walking into a room full of cigarette smoke - except replace cigarette smoke with car exhaust and multiply the intensity times 20. That's Lima. Also there are no road rules - well, the unspoken one is: the biggest car wins. Today went to the Plaza de Armas in Lima. We walked around downtown and then ate at a great restaurant and walked around an Incan Market. This is all of us in front of the President's Palace downtown and Julie & Megan in front of a bead shop in the market.

Health news update: Megan and Paul are clear of any sickness! The doctor inPucallpa was very wrong in her diagnoses and the doctor here in Lima thinks they both just ate something that caused the sickness. However, Cael is now experiencing his first cold - with a fever and a runny nose. That's Mom and Dad giving Cael Tylenol!

Aunt Julie & Joanna Arrive!

2008-08-01T14:20:00.003-05:00

This is Joanna and I've decided Paul and Megan need a little help with updating their blog. Julie and I flew in early this morning to Lima to see baby Cael and help out with Paul and Megan. Recently, Paul and Megan have been very sick, and with the health care being not-so-outstanding in the jungle, there has been some misdiagnoses which has led them to get much better health care here in the capital, Lima. Paul has what we think is Typhoid, along with who knows what. Megan also has been feeling under-the-weather. But no fear, Aunt Julie and Joanna are down to save the day!!!

3 months old and counting!

2008-07-15T16:10:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since I have updated our blog and I was recently asked to share this photo because of how big Cael appears next to Violeta, a friend from our neighborhood. Just remember she is only about 5 ft. tall. This picture was taken at 2 1/2 months old and we just recently past the 3 month mark.

Updated Pictures from Pucallpa

2008-05-23T10:56:00.004-05:00

Out for a stroll in the evening...don't leave home without your mosquito net!

working on strengthening those neck muscles!

Cael and Mom out to visit some neighbors

We continue to adjust back to life in Pucallpa. Paul has been setting up meetings within the various communities that FH works and several of them have been interested in starting up savings groups. He has been very encouraged by there interest and excitement and knows that God has been answering his prayers by opening these doors.
Cael and I are getting use to being at the house and are able to regularly get out and visit our neighbors who also have small children. This has been a huge encouragement as well.
Now we are anxiously waiting the arrival of Paul's parents, who are coming to visit us and see their grandson for the first time. They will be arriving next Tuesday night in Lima and will fly to Pucallpa on Wednesday. Please pray for a safe trip and pleasant weather (it has been around 100 degrees here this past week!).
Ok, enjoy the pictures!

Return to Pucallpa

2008-05-09T10:44:00.008-05:00

Paul, Cael, and Roger enjoying the Mother's Day Celebration at the office.

1 month old!

Snoozing in the car seat

Hey dad!

Enjoying the hammock on our porch

First Flight

We arrived safely back in Pucallpa Sunday night. We are happy to be back in our own home and sleeping in our own bed. Cael is adjusting well to Pucallpa and the heat. He enjoys walks in the evenings, sleeping in the middle of the day, and he now coos and looks around during his baths instead of screaming and crying. Its hard to believe but yesterday he turned 1 month old! We couldn't have asked for a better baby.
Paul returned to work on Monday afternoon and is enjoying being around our co-workers once again. He attended the savings groups that were started before we left and found them doing very well. Also this Friday I was able to take Cael into the office to meet our co-workers and celebrate my first mothers day.
We have had several people helping us out with the transition back, which has been a blessing. A group of missionary women here in Pucallpa got together and have been bringing food by the house for us to eat! This has been a huge help!
Here are a few pictures of our time back in Pucallpa.

More Pictures

2008-04-24T14:02:00.007-05:00

Hanging with Grandma

Hey Dad

catching a nap

Its bath time

There's nothing like grabbing your ear to help you relax!

Pictures of Cael

2008-04-19T22:40:00.011-05:00

Hanging out with Dad

Laying on Mom's lap, eyes wide open

Cael's adorably chubby face

Cael and Dad hanging out

Cael and his stuffed monkey

Just looking at the puppy

Headed home

Fellow Co-workers visit us at the hospital

Cael dressed and ready to leave the hospital

Cael Michael McCann (4-8-08)

2008-04-11T16:27:00.006-05:00

Well, the newest member of our family, Cael Michael McCann, finally arrived on 4-8-08. He weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 21.5in long and we feel so blessed to have a healthy and happy baby boy. He has also been a good sleeper...so far...and hardly makes a fuss, unless he is getting his bath. I think he gets a little cold! :) We left the hospital and returned to our apartment here in Lima yesterday and will be here until the end of the month. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

While We Are Waiting

2008-04-02T20:03:00.005-05:00

Well we passed our due date yesterday (April Fools Day) and continue to wait on our little guy to arrive. However, while we are waiting, we continue to keep ourselves as busy as possible. Paul finished teaching his 4 week Crown Financial course in the FH office in Lima this past Monday. He has really enjoyed being able to share some of his knowledge of finances and budgeting with the other staff members.
Since we arrived in Peru, the value of the dollar and the value of the Nuevo Sol (Peruvian currency) have been moving in opposite directions, with the majority of the change having occurred since August, resulting in about a 15% drop in the value of our currency. OUCH! Many Peruvian workers people here, including until recently the FH staff, are paid in dollars. This has effectively resulted in pay cuts, including our staff. Therefore, God's timing was perfect in providing Paul with the opportunity to talk about budgeting and finances with the staff.
Another task we have been working on is finding a walker for Efrain, the 3 year old boy in Pucallpa. Someone donated the money for a walker and a pair of shoes for him. We looked for a store that carries child-size walkers but we were told that size doesn't exist! What we did find was a store that makes custom walkers and had a pediatric walker specially made to perfectly fit Efrain, which we will be taking back with us to Pucallpa when we go.
So, please keep us in your prayers and we will be sure to provide pictures of our new family member when he arrives.

Arrivals and Preparations

2008-03-22T21:06:00.005-05:00

My (Megan) mom arrived in Lima on Thursday night and has been helping out with the preparations for the little guy. We are currently down to the one week mark from our due date and are getting excited to meet the new member of our family. Besides waiting on the baby, Paul teaching on Mondays in the FH office, and my translating kids sponsorship letters we have been preparing the apartment to receive our little one. This evening we started putting together a pack-n-play for him, I put together my hospital bag, and we picked up some items for the apartment to make it a little more comfortable. I believe some people refer to this as nesting...so if the little guys decides to come a little early we'll be ready.
Please continue to pray for us as we embark on a new and unknown adventure for our family.

Time in Lima

2008-03-11T18:04:00.005-05:00

Here is the beautiful skyline in Lima during sunset in the summer...if you look close enough you can see the pacific ocean in the background.

A busy Lima street in the summer. There is actually sunshine...which only appears in Lima for approximately 3 months out of the year.

Here are a couple of pictures of Paul teaching to the Lima staff in the office.

Arriving Soon!

2008-02-22T20:01:00.002-05:00

Well we had our most recent doctor's appt. this afternoon and this is what we saw. The little guy is healthy and everything is on schedule for the end of March. We are getting excited for his arrival and wanted to share his most recent photo with all of you. Enjoy!

FH Office Baby Shower

2008-02-15T11:50:00.005-05:00

The staff in the FH office put together a baby shower for Paul and I this morning. It was a lot of fun. They had games, songs, dances, a cake, advice, and gifts. A very lively party, which is very Peruvian. We just wanted to share a few of the pictures from the morning for you to enjoy. In the second picture, Paul is participating in a game where he had two babies to take care of while trying to hang out the laundry with neighbors coming by to visit and a ringing cell phone to answer. His strategy was to stick both babies up his shirt for safe keeping to free his hands. I think we're in trouble! :) The third picture is everyone participating in a song and dance. The fourth picture is one of our cake...as you can see our last name is tough to spell out! MCCAHAN?!

A Sole Saved is a Sole Earned

2008-02-14T14:19:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday nights Paul has been meeting with several women from a local church here in Pucallpa to start an ASCA (Accumulating Savings and Credit Association). They have been diligently discussing rules and policies for the last 4 weeks and this past Tuesday (2-12-08) they finally made their first contribution into their savings account. The women were really excited to get started and Paul was really encouraged by their excitement in starting the group. Following this year, the women want to use these savings groups as part of an outreach to their community and nonbelievers. Please pray for wisdom as Paul facilitates the group as well as introduces new ideas concerning business and its purpose in glorifying God.

Celebrating FH Office Birthdays

2008-02-01T10:27:00.001-05:00

Paul along with six other coworkers within the FH office celebrated January birthdays today at our morning meeting. Here is a picture of Paul and Alex with the cake and Janette off to the side.