I am also working on my photography skills.

Wouldn't you miss this cute face?

I also forgot to tell you that last monday like 8 days ago I had to got a mole taken off my back and now I have stitches there. Disgusting huh?

I LOVE READING!!! How about you??? My favorite books are romantic and mysterious. I just finished reading a book, called Happily Ever After. It was a real good book. It kept me interested the whole time. I was actually kinda sad when I finished, cause I wasn't sure when the next time I was gonna be able to find another GREAT book like that. On another note nothing really that interesting is going on in my life right now. I am counting down the days 'till Steven and his friends come. 18 days to be exact. And I am also really excited for SUMMER BREAK!!! Which for me will be in about 2 and a half weeks. And I am really excited to go back to the states in 35 days! (Yes I also am counting down those days too.) I mean I love Ecuador and all, but I cant wait to see my friends other family that lives in the states, and my doggy poncho. So yep just thought I would give you a sneak peek of my life.

If I could only be like Job

Yesterday during Bible we read about Job. He is one amazing man. Everything he had (except for God) was taken away from him. His family, all of his servants, his animals, all of this. Yet he still trusted in the Lord. If only we could be like Job. He trusted God that much. Oh and to top it off he had boils all over his body, he was miserable. He wanted God to just kill him right there. But through God he made it, and now he is with God in heaven, because of his trust in the Lord. He is one strong man, I just want to pray everyday that if God took anything away from me, that I would not turn away from him, after all the Lord gives and takes away.

Case de Fe.

I love his hair.

Hahaha, the kids loved to take pictures

Se was just a doll

When we were walking down the street 15 boys came and smeared black paint all over us,  I guess it has to do with Carnival.

So this past weekend Julianna, Sara, and I went to one of the cutest little towns i have been too, Shell. We went there to help at an orphanage with about 50 kids, all raging from the ages of 0-12. I love working there. The kids are just so sweet. So we got to shell thursday night, we had all day friday and saturday there. We worked from about 8:30 until 11:30 we walk home to eat lunch and to just chill/take a nap all of us were so tired, kids really wear you out. Then we would go back at around 2:30, thats when the older kids would get out of school(There are teachers, ecuadorian and american at the orphanage to teach them school, they are also bilingual.) I think one of my favorite parts about working there was when we walked in a couple of the kids would run up to us and give us HUGE hugs, it just made my day. I think it is so good when we go and help there because the tias there don't even really play with the kids, which I think is so sad, but they love to see people who will actually play with them. The whole time I am there I have something to do, which is nice, not a single dull moment. On saturday evening it was so hard saying goodbye to these kids. But I am oh so thankful that God gave me this opportunity, and I can't wait to see what God is planing for me in the future. Hopefully something to do with kids.

My essay!!

Hi Guys this is my persuading essay I had to write for my online writing teacher, I hope you like it, and I hope I persuaded you. :)

A Person’s a Person no Matter how Small

Have you ever thought how life would be like without the certain people you love? I think it would be terrible. You would have no shoulder to cry on, no one who believes in you, and no one who understands what you are going through. Just think if your best friend’s mom had your best friend out of wedlock and decided for an abortion, who would be your best friend then? Certainly you have other friends but what if there moms chose the same simple way to deal with their mistakes, abortion.

It makes me so mad sometimes when people have abortions. Even though you cannot see, feel, or here the wonderful human growing within you doesn't mean he is not alive yet. You were once as small as a peanut, can you imagine? But now look at you: fully educated, healthy, growing well all because of your mom. What if she’d decided the other route? 

If that poor little innocent human being had a choice, I am pretty sure they would chose life over death. Maybe you are in a situation where you can’t afford the baby.You should find other couples who are wiling to adopt, or send them to an orphanage. We adopted my little brother from an orphanage here in Ecuador, and his birth mom put him in the best orphanage in the whole entire country. I love him to death. I am so happy his mom chose life.

Did you know that God formed you even before you were in your mothers womb? Well he did, and that right there says that He has plans for us, for good and not for bad, and I don’t think any of those plans was to be murdered before you even had a chance. It is just not fair. I don’t understand why it is totally legal for an abortion doctor to do abortions, yet a serial killer goes to jail for committing murder yet both people are doing the same thing. I think this society is a little bit confused.

In the end then next time you or someone you know has a choice over life or death, I would chose life and so would that marvelous, awesome, amazing, human being living inside of you that God himself has created for a purpose, and that purpose wan not to be killed even before taking there first breath of air. After all a person is a person no matter how small, even if there as small as a peanut.

I Lift my Eyes unto the Hills

I know I have not blogged in a really long time, because I have been pretty busy. These past few weeks have flown by. Things have just been crazy. But I have a little time now, so here it goes. Two weekends ago us girls went to the beach to what we thought was our condo, but guess what??? We went again this past weekend and my parents just coudnt sleep , there is a bar really close and they play very obnoxious loud music......... until two in the morning. So now we don't own a condo at the beach, but we are looking for other ones. And I have pretty much been doing school. Do you know what I love??????? The Psalms that says I lift my eyes unto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. And Ecuador is full of hills, and the Lord gives us our help from them. I love it.

Anyways here are some of the things I enjoy the most about Ecuador:
-I love the culture, I just learn so much from it
-I Love the orphanage here
-the climate, I mostly love that it never snows
-My friends here, of course i miss all my friends in the states dearly
-The beach!!!!
-Teen night, I love going there, and I love the people there
-I love the ministry opportunities here
-I love that I can walk to most places
-I love the food here, it is amazing
-I love all the different regions in Ecuador (Jungle, Mountains, Coast, Galapagos)
-I love being on the equator, It is sunny most of the time
-Haircuts are sooo cheap, same with manicures

Me love me some beach

Cutie

I have started to collect shells

I Just love life!

Ooops. Again.

Grossest thing I have ever done or seen. By far!

Yes once again i forgot to make a post yesterday. Well I remembered when it was too late and I was to tired. Since this has happened twice, I am now just going to write posts when I feel like it. I don't think I should feel bad for forgetting, or it being boring so I am gonna write when my day has been interesting. And yesterday was very interesting. At around 3 we left for Calacali to go see cows get slaughtered. I did not think it would be very fun or appetizing. But I went and so did Erin. Then after that we went to the mall El Bosque and ate yum, yum. I promise you I did not eat anything that had to do with a cow, I simply had chicken. Then we just kinda hung out and went more shopping. SO yeah, but I had tons of fun! And today I am excited because we have teen night SURVIVOR theme tonight. The after I am going to Erin's house to spend the night. YAY I can't wait. Ok well see ya hopefully sometime this week, if my days are interesting.

Ooops.

Ok so Last night I was in bed almost asleep, then I remembered I forget to write a blog for today, well now its actually yesterday. So I am writing this for yesterday. Yesterday all I did was school, shop, and soccer. But I got to say that soccer was so fun yesterday. Well Yeah thats All I got oh yeah and one of my best friends in Colorado sent me a cute picture frame thingy too. Oh shoot well I got to go and eat and do math. Which I hate by the way. Well ok see ya later. Tonight.

Isn't it cute?

KIds.

Mateo

Felipe

Today was really fun, and busy. I first did school. Then we went to history and science class, then right after that we went to the orphanage. Little 3month Viviana was smiling huge today. It just made my day. Then once she fell asleep, I went to go help with the four older kids. The only people in the building were me and one other tia. And the kids were being CRAZY!!!! Then we had a new missionary family over for dinner, they are still here actually, so yep. Well I guess I got to go and socialize. See ya!

My painting. Well I did it with water color.

Monday.

Me having fun with photo booth

Skype chat with Megan

Facebook chat with Erin

Today was well lets just say that it was a monday. I pretty much just did school, eat my moms mac and cheese, skyped, played with photo booth, soccer, and showered, and I chatted with Erin on Facebook for a while. And soon I am gonna go eat dinner. Sorry this is so boring. I think all the interesting days quit once all of our visitors left. Now I pretty much do the same thing everyday. But I will try not to complain because I know God has me here right now. So I am just going to take it one step at a time. Bye bye.

No title.

Cutie

This is going to be a short and quick blog.
Things I did today:
- Church
- Read a really good book
- Ate delicious food
- watched a little bit of tv
- went to the mall
- had a snow cone
- and got free cotton candy.
I better go brush my teeth now. Haha.

My church outfit.
Sweater from Rachel
Dress from Sara
Leggings from Mom

I love me some micah.

In other words this weekend went by way to fast.

Mario Kart, and Card Games.

Saturday! Yay! Me and Erin have been hanging out all day. Until about 6:15 with another girl from youth group named Carolina. She is really nice. So today I got to practice more spanish too. :) All we did was play dutch blitz, Mario kart, oh and we went to my brother's baseball games. But it was fun. Oh yeah and we also did a photo shoot. And once everyone left my dad made his famous french fries and hamburgers. Yum. OK well I am really tired, probably from staying up until midnight last night. Ok well goodnight.

Scream.

 Today I only had math and history, since it's a friday. But when I was walking towards my room Micah asked me a question. He said "Katelyn is that a real spider or a fake one?"In a scared tone. I looked and all I saw was his huge legs. I screamed than everyone came and we were all super scared. We swore we saw it moving. Then I called Isabel and she runs up with a broom. All of us are standing there, super scared and she put the broom there and a BIG huge black spider came out. We all stared at it then started screaming. Until we realized that it was just a fake spider. Then we start laughing. But seriously that really scared me. Anyway I am really excited because Erin is coming over for a sleepover that is once pico y placa ends. But I am happy. Ok well I hope ya'll have a happy weekend.

The spider was right under those stairs

Isabel trying to get it

The fake toy spider

My story

This is what I wrote. I hope you like it.

Support

Josephine was in the kitchen washing dishes, as her mother walked in. “The principal called,” she said, “You had detention three times this week Jo?” “Why, why?”

“Mom i’m sorry, it’s Stacey.” Jo said. “ She has been bullying me ever since the year started, I have tried to do something nice, and she just goes and tells the teacher.

“Oh real mature!” Her mom yelled. “You are almost fifteen Josephine.” “You should know better.” 

“I know it’s just it has been really hard settling in here.” “You have to realize that everyone calls me the “new girl”, and I just don’t fit in.”

“Well you have Olivia she is like your best friend.” Her mom stated.

“ Yeah one friend, most girls there have like 10 friends!” “Ok well mom I am sorry, I will try to act better.”

“Oh honey come here,” Jo walked across the kitchen and gave her mom a hug. “I am so sorry honey, I know it is hard for you to be the “new girl” and I will try to be a bit less strict.” “I am sorry that my job transferred us here, but they did. It is not my fault, sweetie.” I love you.”

“I love you too mom.”

“Ok now go upstairs and do your homework.” Her mom said.

While up in her room, Jo looked out the window and saw girls ice skating on the pond across the road. She sighed “ awww that looks like fun.” “I better start on my algebra.” She went to her bed, and there right on her bed was the school’s brochure. And there it said in italic letters “ New to Our School, Ice Skating!”  She gasped. “Just what I need.”

The next day. She was walking into the school. “Hey Liv” Jo said. Olivia turned around.

“Hey Jo!” “How are you?” 

“Good I guess.” “You?”

“I am good too.” Did you here that we have a sub teacher in science today?” Olivia stated.

“No” “Why?”

“Miss Belemy is sick” She said. Ring ring! “Oh well time for math.” “See you at lunch.”

“Ok, bye.” 

As Jo was walking into her writing class, she see’s Stacey with her friends whispering and staring at her. Jo just rolls her eyes. Even though on the inside her heart is about to break. She hears her say. “Eww look at those clothes, I think I am gonna barf.” Her friends start laughing. Then she hears them talk about ice skating. “Did you here that the school has ice skating now?” I am totally gonna do it.” The sign up sheet is  hanging up by the principal’s office.”

“Good morning students.” Miss Smith walked in. “ I hope you all did last nights homework.” As Miss Smith was lecturing, all Jo was thinking about was if she knew where the principal’s office was. Right when the bell rang. Jo ran as fast as she could towards the principal's office.

“ Yes, I found it.” As she was writing her name down Stacey walked up behind her. She cleared her throat.

“Nice handwriting for a girl who is going to fail at skating.” She said in a mean tone. Jo tried so hard just ignore her, but she couldn’t.

“Stacey why are you so mean to me?” I din’t do anything to you.” Jo cried.

“But isn’t it the job for the popular girls to beat down the new girls?” Stacey walked away. I am gonna prove Stacey wrong. Jo thought.

Once she got home from school she thought, “Today is tryouts.” She ran upstairs and got dressed into sweats and a t-shirt. Mother won’t be back until late tonight. She thought, I should be back before she get’s home. She put the cat away and locked the door. “My dreams here I come!” She smiled and started walking to the school. She just got to the ice rink, where there was girls showing what they can do.

“May I help you?” A nice short lady asked her.

“Yes, I would like to tryout for ice skating, please.”

“Ok come right this way ma’am.” Jo followed this lady to the bleachers. “Ok put your things here, then meet me down on the ice.” Jo put her things there, put on her skates and walked down to her. “What is your name?”

“Josephine, but you may call me Jo if you like.”

“Ok, Jo show me what you got.” The lady said in excitement. A song started playing  and Jo started skating. The lady just stood there in awe. From across the ice Stacey was watching her too. She looked very jealous. “ Wow, Jo you are in.” Jo stopped.

“Really?” The lady nodded. “Thank you!”

The lady said, “On one condition, you have the $450 right?”

“Um well not really.” Jo said. There was a long silence. then the coach said,

“ We would love to have you on our team, but we will not allow you to come without paying. Jo looked down. She kept talking, “But I will consider it and give you a call.”

“Really?” Jo said with excitement.

“Yes, I am not allowed to but I will consider it. Please give me your number.

“Ok It is 469-1308, that is my home phone.

“Ok I will talk to you soon, Jo. Bye” Jo waved goodbye. As Jo was walking home she started dancing. That night before her mom was home the coach called and told her  that she was able to participate. She said that practices were in the morning from 5:30 to 7:30, and that they would have a big competition in 2 months. That wednesday night she prayed to God and thanked him. Even though her father died. She still had some hope left in life.

After manny practices of skating, her mom was wondering why her grades where going down. “Honey why have you been leaving so early to do extra school, and your grades have been going down?” “It does not make sense?”

“Uh I don’t know mom?” But I got to go now, bye!” 

“Wait!” Jo ran into her and her skates fell out of her backpack. “Jo!” Her mom yelled. “You have been ice skating all along?” “Haven’t you?” 

“Mom I am sorry, but I love it!” Jo said.

“Well I am not going to allow it any longer!” Said her mom.

“But mom there is a competition tomorrow.” “And I really want to go.”

“Too bad, that is not going to happen. Jo was going to say something but her mom cut in “because you are failing your classes and you went behind my back.” “That’s why.” Jo ran up to her room crying. 

The next day she decided she was going to go to the competition. While she was there she was really nervous. And it didn’t help that she din’t have her mom’s support. She hears the reporter say “Next up, Josephine Wild.”

Josephine went out there, her song started playing and she wan’t doing her routine, she looked very sad, and she was not even trying. Until she saw her mother sitting on one of the bleachers. Then Jo started to do a splendid job. She realized that all she needed was her mom’s support.

By Katelyn Shedd

It's the Cute and Cuddly one's you Have to Watch out for

We also played spanish bingo in spanish class today.

Today was really cloudy, especially when I first woke up. It actually rained this morning for like 5 minutes.  For snack I had ice coffee, and banana bread. Even though it was a cold day, I still like my coffee iced. I don't like hot drinks, at all. Then after school we went to the orphanage, in a taxi. My dad had pico y placa. So he could not drive. And my mom was at the mall so we took a taxi. Man the kids in the toddler house are crazy. I think I have at least a couple of bruises from there. And there was this one kid who was super cute and cuddly but then he started pulling my hair and stuff. And this one boy's diaper was just sagging in his pants and we told the Tia and she just laughed. What up with that??? Anyways I also wrote for about 2 hours today. I wrote a story for me online writing teacher. I am really happy that tomorrow is a friday! I am hoping Erin can come and sleepover. OK well goodnight.

Skype Date.

Hmmmm. Ok so today we well uh did school, No Duh!!! Then walked to the tienda. Got me some banana chips. Then well you see for the past couple days, Me and my friend Megan have been wanting to skype. And today it finally happened. I was so happy seeing her. It brightened up my day. :) Do you know what I thought would be cool? To hang a hammock in my room. Haha that is me just dreaming. Then we went to My dad's work, HCJB and had dinner, a soup dinner actually. But I ate SOOOOOOOOOO much dessert!!! It was so yummy.

HAHA I took this pictures right as she started to fall.

This is not the actual picture, because I forgot to bring my camera. Thank you Google.

Laughter

True Love

Oh Assaito you got some promblems

I did school today. But today was soooooooooper sunny! I loved it! Anyways I got to see my friend Erin at History and Science class. Then after that We went to the orphanage! The kids are so cute. I love kids and I love laughter. Right now I am watching Spider Man 3. Thats probably why this post is so pointless and boring. Sorry. Hopefully tomorrow will be a tad bit more interesting. Until then.

Happy Monday

Last night Sara straitened my hair.

I also started Art today. See the resemblance?

10 Cent Wonder?

Soccer

Yum Yum!

Today I started school again. :(  But I guess it really was not that bad. SO for the whole morning I was doing school. Then later Sara and I walked to the tienda. I got lollipops, for 10 cents each! Oh and they were full package, with gum! Then later we went to soccer practice, our coach was kinda grumpy. Anyways after practice, I was going to the bathroom and this girl walked in on me, and she just held the door open with her mouth wide open! Yeah I should of locked she should of knocked. I was just glad it was a girl.  So at 8 I have a skype date with Megan! Yay I literally cant wait.  Ok well have a great night!