Lydia learns to eat like a Colombian

What to do when you are surprised that school is cancelled.

BOLOS!

Enough said

This boy

I remember his birth so well. I think it was my best. The birthing was so much more "orderly," more predictable, more controlled. I was intentional in my pushing, and he wiggled his way out without any complications, working with me the whole time.



In so many ways this process is just like him. He thrives with routine, with predictability. He is a hard worker. He likes things to be in order, controlled, and he loves being with others, especially when a challenge or adventure is involved.





I remember when nurse Cindy had to swaddle him tightly in his blankets, folding them neatly around him until he fell to sleep. Even now, when I tuck him in at night, he likes his sheets to be clean and smooth and tight. He likes his pillow to be "just so" and his blankets to be the right texture and weight.

We have laughed some times about how much Andy's temperament is like a dog. He needs a good amount of exercise, he has his own routine for self-care and eating, he often mimics the energy of the people around him, he likes a good challenge and is eager to please, hardworking, he knows when the schedule changes and he always lets us know what time it is, and he is an extremely loving, sensitive, generous, and dedicated companion.



Virtually all of his teachers have told us in conferences that Andy is a good friend. And he gets along with everyone.



We love you, Andy. We are so proud of you, and so very glad you are our son.

Another lovely trip to the flower market

We had an early morning outing with MCC friends to gather flowers for the wedding celebration of Shalom and Roberto. What a beautiful morning!

Land and Territory in Colombia

Marianna's Empanadas

We are so very grateful for our friend Marianna, who comes to help us with house work and cooking twice a week. She has taught us how to make Ecuadorian empanadas, and they have become one of our favorite treats to have around the house.

Mariana’s Empanadas

Sauce:
Boil 1 t. salt, 2 tomate de arbol, 2 tomate normal until bubbly. Blend in a blender.
Chop up onion really thin. Rinse and add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar, and strain. Add the juice of one lime. Mix with tomatos and add 2 t. oil and cilantro.




Pollo:
Boil 2 pechugas for about 20 empanadas. When partially done, add 2 broth cubes. When cooked, shred (reserve broth), and then cook some more with ½ c. reserved broth, black pepper, garlic, and part of another broth cube. Cool.



Masa:
Mix 2 t. baking powder, 1 stick of butter (or a little less), 1 cup and a little more of flour, and a squeeze of lime. Add enough very hot chicken broth to make a sticky paste. Let it cool a bit. Add more flour and knead until soft dough.






Roll the dough into balls about 1.5 inches wide. Roll and fill and wrap. Fry in 1 cm of hot oil.




You can use any combinations of chicken, cheese & mushrooms, ground beef & onion & boiled egg, jelly/fruit (smaller).