For those of you who aren’t able to follow my Facebook countdown, here’s a page a friend of mine slapped together with a running countdown until we hit the ground in KC … to the second.

I’ve said here before that there’s not a lot of Ecuadorian food that really moves me.  It’s mostly bland.  And while shawarma definitely doesn’t qualify as “Ecuadorian,” this is the first place I’ve ever had it.  And it’s everywhere here.

The closest thing to it in the U.S. is probably gyros, the lamb “sandwiches” that are cut off those big upright, rotating logs of meat that sit in those heater/cooker units.  Shawarma is cooked similarly, but it’s made of seasoned chicken breast.  Once they slice the meat off with a monstrous knife, they put it over lettuce and tomato on a flatbread/tortilla kinda thing.  Then they serve it with a creamy yogurt sauce and a hot pepper sauce.  I’ve gotten through 2.5 of them before.  They’re yummy.

Oh, and by the way … today is totally another one of those days.

I know, I know … “the next month or so” was highly ambitious.  I’m WAY behind on my things I love about Ecuador.  Here’s one that’s been reminding me of itself for the last couple of weeks.

You know that kind of day that usually falls in early spring or late fall, when it really should be colder and murkier, but for some reason just isn’t?  You wake up on a Saturday, full-on expecting to have to drag yerself out of bed because it’s grey, wet, and chilly … again … but then you roll over and have to squint for all the light that’s trying to force its way through the curtains and blinds on your bedroom window.  You stumble, blinking, to the door, open it and a cool breeze playfully tugs at the edges of your bathrobe while the morning sunlight screams through cloudless skies to fall across your face like a blanket of white-hot comfort.  It’s the kind of day where the sun’s visceral and relentless presence, unencumbered by even the hint of inclement weather, keeps the air warm enough for t-shirts and shorts long before (or long after) the season should allow for it.  All while the gently moving wind carries just the right amount of chill to both keep you from sweating and remind you what a gift these days truly are.  Bright, golden sunlight.  Deep blue skies that seem much deeper and wider than yesterday’s.  The sweet, tactile tingle of the heat on your skin.  The light, flitting, breezy caress of cool air moving and wrapping itself around your body.  These are days made for hours in a hammock in the back yard, or a drive in the country with the windows down.  They scream for a house full of open windows, for closets and drawers scoured for another season’s clothes, and for being outside as much as possible.  You know the kind I mean.

Where we moved from, there were maybe two months of the year where days like these were even possible.  At that, we counted ourselves fortunate as kings to have a dozen or so of those kind of days a year.  Consider how many of them we get now … living at 9,300 ft. high in the Andes mountains, 30 miles south of the equator.  As rainy season starts to sputter and draw to a close, we’re bracing ourselves for the onslaught of sheer awesomeness.

Discovered a kinda cool thing tonight.  A blog that I subscribe to showed me the link to Wordle.  It’s a site where you can either enter a body of text, or enter the URL of any website with an Atom/RSS feed.  The site will then analyze the content of your text/site, and create a graphic representation of the most common words.  The size of the words in the graphic indicate the frequency of the words.  Here’s one that I took from the blog yer reading now.  Evidently I talk about myself (in third person) a lot more than I talk about Rachel.  I should probably work on that.

Again, one of those things that can, at times, grate on you.  Being far away from comfort is always unsettling, even when “comfort” is the flat, grey-brown stuff of Kansas.

I live in a city of roughly 2,000,000 people.  That’s pretty much the same numbers as the entire K.C. Metro area, but in about a tenth the space.  While the population is predominantly mestizo (Spanish/Indigenous mix), there are a lot of Europeans, a lot of Asians, and a lot of Middle Easterners in Quito.  Nowhere is the variety more visible than in La Mariscal, the tourist center of town.  Black-skinned Afro-Ecuadorians rub shoulders with a wide range of mestizo skin tones that range from dark bronze to light cream and everywhere in between.  Sprinkle that with the pasty white of the expats and dreadlocked tourists, and you have a mix that’s truly international.

But it’s not just the people.  The entire country of Ecuador is just about the size of Colorado.  Yet we have gorgeous miles of sandy beaches, 20,000 ft. mountain peaks, misty cloud forest, dense jungle, and the seminal Galapagos Islands off the coast.  A 12 hour bus ride, or a one hour plane ride will get you just about anywhere in the country.  Roundtrip airfare to pretty much anywhere is roughly $120, and you can bank on about a dollar per hour in a bus.  Modern skyscrapers mingle with 16th century buildings that still house businesses and families.  Both stand in stark contrast to Incan ruins that dot the landscape.  You could live here for decades and not see a tenth of this place.

Though I frequently bemoan the difficulties of learning a new language at 39, the truth of the matter is that I thoroughly enjoy the perspective and opportunities it gives me.

When we were in the U.S. over the holidays, we spent one of our lunches at Mi Ranchito, a mexican restaurant in Olathe that we loved dearly when we lived there.  A friend joined us and wanted to know what he should order.  I remembered something that I used to order that wasn’t exactly on the menu and was a little complicated.  I then looked at our server, who had yet to demonstrate a good grasp of English, and without really thinking too much about it, ordered in Spanish.  The waiter looked at me funny, as did my friend, but the dish showed up as ordered.

I have several friends down here now, for whom English is a second language, who have realized how much I should be practicing, and are faithful to insist that I have opportunities.  Again, I’m not really having many conversations about politics or  philosphy yet, but it’s a trip to be able to be understood by someone in their native tongue.  It’s even more of a trip when they tell you that you speak their language with no gringo accent.

Yeah, yeah … I’ve gotten behind.  Blame Lost, a busy weekend, and a stomach bug I’ve been fighting.

I’ve mentioned our apartment many times, including here, here, and here.  So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it makes my list of things I love about Ecuador.  Everything from the view, to the distance from busy streets, to the crown moulding, the hardwood floors, to the enourmous kitchen, to the three bathrooms … I love all of it.

It makes entertaining so much fun.

When it rains in Quito (and this time of year it does that often), there’s a kind of frog that kicks in singing.  It took us some time to figure out that they were frogs, as their song isn’t exactly frog-typical.  They sound like a clave or a small wood block.  The rain starts up, and soon there’s a huge chorus of melodic, chiming clicks.  I’m sure that just one of them right outside the window would be annoying, but the cumulative effect is almost hypnotic.  I particularly love it when they start up just in time for a nap or as I’m going to sleep at night.

I’ve been challenged recently that my attitude could use some adjustment.  Specifically since returning from our holiday trip to the U.S., I’ve struggled with focusing overly much on all the reasons why “here” isn’t “there.”  One of the things that was strangest about our time back was how weird it wasn’t.  We slipped right back into our life in K.C., almost as though we’d never left.  I had to stop and remind myself that I (mostly) speak Spanish now.  It felt like everything that has happened over the last 15 months happened to another person, almost as though I’m living two concurrent lives.  When I’m here, the guy who lives in K.C. feels like another person altogether.  When I’m there, this guy feels 3K miles away.  Frankly, when I compare the two guys, I like the one who lives in K.C. a lot better.  That’s something that I need to work through, but in the short run, what I think I need to do is to start focusing on the positives about my life here.  To that end, I’ve decided to spend the next month or so chronicling thirty of the things that I love about living in Ecuador. Here’s the first:

#1: Mountains

I’ve always wanted to live in the mountains.  For years I tried to talk God into letting me move to Colorado, to no avail.  Now I live on the side of one.  The mountain I live on the side of is called Pichincha.  It’s an active stratovolcano, and it’s elevation is 15,696 ft. (which, incidentally, is more than 1,200 ft. higher than any of the mountains in Colorado).  As a matter of fact, there’s a place on the trail (really little more than a brisk hike) to the summit of Pichincha where there’s a boulder set at the point where you’ve climbed higher than any point in the contiguous United States.  Again, that’s the mountain that’s in our backyard.

From our rooftop, we can see three snow-capped peaks, Cayambe (18,996 ft.), Antisana (18,874 ft.), and Cotopaxi (19,347 ft.).  Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador is farther south, and weighs in at 20,565 ft.  The peak of Chimborazo is generally regarded as the spot on the Earth’s surface closest to space.  The earth is not a perfect sphere, and bulges near the equator.  Thus, even though Everest’s elevation above sea level is greater, Chimborazo’s distance from the center of the earth is significantly farther.

Mountains ground me.  Having something to look up to puts me in my place and reminds me that there are things in the world bigger, older, and more dangerous than me.  I love them, and Ecuador is full of them.

Our time in the U.S. was amazing, if a little exhausting.  We did three states in 13 days, and we’re both still kind of reeling from it.  There were many, many people who contributed in lots of ways to make our whirlwind tour possible and more enjoyable.  I’m sure I’ll miss someone, but I had to list a few here:

Oak Hills Presbyterian Church
Thanks for being a “home base”. Thanks for loving us well, and making us feel like rock stars.  There simply aren’t words for how refreshing it was to be able to worship with you again.  In some ways, it felt like it had been decades.  In some ways, it felt like it was just last week.  Thanks especially much for your generous financial assistance in getting us back state-side.  Without you, this couldn’t have happened.  Finally, thanks for the huge group of you who came up to see us in at KCI.  That’s not a short drive from anywhere (well, maybe from the Mauk’s), and you can’t imagine how amazing it was to see that many familiar faces as soon as we got off the plane.

John & Linda Miller
You guys have loved us well in so many ways, I’m not sure where to start.  The amazing party, the amazing after-party, the after-church lunches … it was so easy to pick up where we left off.  Your hospitality, your kindness, your hysterical fun-ness, and your warmth made our time in K.C. so much more enjoyable.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Russ Ramsey
Thanks for all your work to make our trip back home possible.  Both our moms send hugs for that.  Thanks for being a friend, and for doing your best to shepherd long-distance.

Jon Dunning
Why do I still feel like you’re one of my “ministry partners”?  Getting to be on stage with you again was a trip.  Getting to be across the breakfast table from you was the best kind of comfort.  Thanks for makin’ KC “home” for us.

Heidi & the OHPC Worship Team
Don’t tell anyone in Ecuador, but there’s just no way to express how much I miss worshiping with you guys. Being able to step so easily back into that space where I feel like I’m doing what I was born to do … that’s huge for me.  You enable me (and encourage) me to be that “conduit point” … that intersection between two worlds where, just for a moment, a door opens and we cease to exist, and only the beauty and glory shines through. If heaven is just singing with you guys forever, I’ll be more than satisfied.  Special mention: Shawn and Boyd - Guys, that arrangement was amazing!  I loved it! (Even if I did re-write the ending on fly.  Sorry about that.)  Keep ‘em comin’.  I hope to be back in late June.  I’ll be waiting for YouTube clips.

Mitch & Mary Miller
Thanks for hosting the after-party.  Our time back would have been severely lacking if we’d not had time to hang with the “yoots”.

Matt Miller
Thanks so much for the use of your vehicle, man.  The logistics of our KC time woulda been a lot hairier without your generosity.

The OHPC Youth Group
You guys rock!!  We miss you so much!  It was unbelievable awesome to get so much face time with all y’all … alway … at.  You’re all invited to come and see us.  At the same time!  Whoooo!  Seriously, getting to process the loss of Devin with so many people who knew and loved him was majorly therapeutic for me.  You guys are some of our closest friends in KC, I hope you know that’s the truth.

Kurt & Laura Fischer
Thanks for letting us move in, whip your kids and your dog into a frenzy, demand that you host a party for us, and then hardly be there for all the running around.  I promise to do that differently next time.  Thanks for being friends that transcend space and time.  You’re so easy in a world where true friendship seems to get harder and harder all the time.

Brian & Tracy Fischer
Really sorry the Saturday night deal didn’t work.  As it turned out I wouldn’t have been much fun, unless you think watching someone have a fever is fun.  (Come to think of it, I was in a lot of pain, so Brian probably would’ve enjoyed it immensely.)  We’ll remedy that next time.  Brian, thanks for makin’ time to hang with me.  Lookin’ forward to your next jaunt southward … bring the missus sometime, will ya?

Jon Winslow
Having a friggin’ huge long-distance personal trainer is kinda weird, but it’s pretty awesome when he’s also one of your closest friends. Thanks for all the time you gave up for me, and all the knowledge you’re continuing to let me mine … for FREE!  (Or have I just not recieved your bill yet?) Thanks for stayin’ in my life … and don’t hate me cuz I have better taste in Chinese food than you (and Laura Fischer) do!

Doug Ledbetter
Dude, you’ve been such a huge help and a blessing to Rachel and I.  From babysittin’ our car (and all that’s entailed), to comin’ to the airport to fetch us, to offering us your ride, to takin’ us back to the airport, and all the other things in between … we’ve leaned on you a lot.  Thanks for bein’ there.  It’s our hope to be able to spend a lot more time with you and the fam when we’re back next.

Chris Sterie
Thanks for watchin’ my Glock, bro.  Tell it I said “hey”.  Seriously, I’m so glad I got to see you.  Thanks from comin’ into town just to see me!  (Shh … I’m pretending.) I was majorly suffering from exhaustion the afternoon we hung out, and I apologize for all the really weird, offensive things I’m sure I said.  You’ve been a support to me in more ways than you’ll ever know.  Thanks for loving me.  The feeling’s mutual.

Mom & Dad Sams
Thanks for the hospitality, the Christmas lovin’, and your understanding.  I’m really sorry we had such an abbreviated time with you guys.  We’ll make up for it soon, I promise.  Really, you’ll be sick of us!  Being “home” is so centering and relaxing.  Being surrounded by the kind of love that can only come from family is rejuvenating.  We love you and are thankful for all that you are to us.

Mom & Dad Harris
Thanks for the generosity, the hospitality, and a place to recuperate from the awesome craziness that was Kansas City. Thanks for lettin’ us crash and decompress.  Thanks for lettin’ us take the nice car for a day.  (I swear we didn’t eat in it.)  New Year’s Eve was a blast!  Thanks for being a place that means peace and quiet and relaxation for us.

Like I said, I know I’m forgetting some amazing people.  Thanks to all y’all who came out to the Miller’s party, the Fischer’s party, the OT party, and the Tea Garden lunch.  Scott Rogers, Preston Pierce, Kevin Clouse, Bob Brandt, Robert & Donna Fae Tate, Brian Morsman, Brian Stites, Frenchie, Derek Herren, Daniel Duke, Josh & Levi, the Mitchells, the Smiths, the Jeffries, the Johnsons, the Morleys … there are so many of you who we love and miss and wish we’d had more time with.  Thanks to everyone who bought us lunch, dinner, or breakfast.  (I only gained 3.5 pounds over the break.  I was kinda disgusted, I shoulda done much better than that, considering how much I ate.)  Special thanks to Tea Garden, Barley’s Brewhaus, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle, Spin, Mi Ranchito, and P. Ott’s for being so delicious.  Many, many thanks to Kohl’s and Target for making me look so good.