The big news and more news

Since we've been back in the USA we've been even worse keeping this blog updated.  So here is a quick catch-up starting with the big news of course!

Gabriel Mateo Weigner was born 12/21/11 at 11:15pm.  He was 7lbs 7oz and 20in long.  It was a very normal delivery at the Puget Sound Midwives and Birth Center and both baby and mom are doing great (both sleeping at the moment).  Noah is loving his little brother.  When the first met, Noah gave Gabriel a big hug and kiss with no encouragement from us.  He also seems to enjoy the fact that both he and his little brother have a nose.

Noah meets his little brother

In other news, I got a job at Alere Wellbeing as a Tobacco Quit Coach.  Basically I spend the day on the phone coaching people through their process to quit smoking.  Yes different than anything I ever imagined myself doing but it pays the bills and I actually enjoy it!  Gabriel's arrival made me take off two days before the end of my training period which ended up not being a problem since they decided to make and exception and graduate me anyway since I was doing well. 

Jenna finished her first semester of prerequisites for her midwifery program and completed some workshops that will count toward her midwifery program.  She will be taking the next semester off then finishing the rest of her prerequisites over the spring and summer.  The next step will be applying for the program and praying that she gets in.

We will be enjoying a quiet Christmas at home with Jenna's brother Kyle up from LA.  Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement, and support through all changes our family has been through over the last few months.  We wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Baby Gift Registry

Christmas is coming which means baby Weigner #2 is coming too! For those of you wondering how you can shower the little guy with gifts, here are a few option:

Registries:
Cotton Babies - http://www.cottonbabies.com/7001.php
This is the company that gave us free reusable diapers when we were working in Bolivia.  They are a great company. Be sure to follow the instructions on the site (i.e. when choosing colors or checking out), it isn't as streamlined as some websites.

Babies"R"Us - Search for "weigner" under "registries"

Since we left most of our baby stuff back in Bolivia, we are also looking for clothing under 12 months.
We have no problem with used items.

Settled in Seattle

We made it! We are finally settled in Seattle after what felt like months of living on the road. 

We drove through 20 states! (click to view large)

After leaving Bolivia we took a road trip up the east coast starting in Miami and ending in Syracuse visiting friends, family, churches, and the SAM HQ along the way.  In Syracuse, we sortedhrough our junk that had been in storage for the last 3-4 years and got rid of the majority of it.  After all, we survived several years without it, we could still live without it.  We packed up what we wanted to keep and shipped it to Seattle via Amtrak (hint: Amtrak is the cheapest way to ship or move long distances!).  We threw the odd shaped stuff into our car (generously donated through the combined efforts of family and supporters) and into my parents van and embarked on yet another road trip, this time from the east coast to the west coast.  It was a beautiful drive although challenging keeping Noah happy for 700-800 miles a day.

People & Places along the way (click to view large)

The idea of moving to Seattle was more intimidating than when we were planning on moving to Bolivia. At least then we had a place to live, a job, and a support community.  When we started to move to Seattle, we had no place to live, no job, no car, and knew almost no one in this area.  Yet we knew this is where God had been leading us and one by one things fell into place in His time.

First off, some of our supporters and family members pooled their resources and got us a car.  Then right before we began our road trip to Seattle, the one family we knew in Seattle (missionaries we met in Bolivia) helped us find a wonderful apartment. We've plugged into a Church and small group and been making friends fast.  Then just yesterday I was offered a job.  It was a fun ride but is sure feels good to be settled.  Jenna has started classes.  Noah is growing fast and picking up new things every day.  Baby #2 is healthy and growing away.

Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement along the way.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we enter this time of preparation for our long-term return to Bolivia. 

Keep you eye out for our latest newsletter in your mailbox or inbox!

GOOD RIDDANCE!

As much as I would have loved to have punctured the fuel tank, pushed it off a cliff, then lit the trail of diesel and roasted marshmallows over the fireball, I decided it was a good idea to recover a little money from this hunk of junk.  Now before I tell you how much I sold it for, let us review a few of the problems I have had in the two years I had this vehicle:

Repaired side view mirror - 3x
Blown Head Gasket - 2x
Radiator problems - Lost track
Replaced alternator - 3x
Timing Belt - 2x
Other belt issues - 3x
Repaired Power steering - 4x
Electrical system repairs - Lost count
Suspension Repair - 1x
Leaky break fluid line (repaired with chewing gum) - 1x
Random parts falling off our car - 6 or 7x
Various other repairs - Who knows
SNAPPED CAM SHAFT - 2X! (Who snaps a Cam Shaft?)
Left unrepaired: Busted turbo, AC pump, oil leak, fuel pump, and who knows what else

Used car prices in Bolivia are very high.  We bought this car for $8,000.  We sold it for $7,000 two days before we left! Talk about God's timing.  The crazy thing is, used car prices are rising so fast in Bolivia that if I had more time, I probably could have sold it for $10-$12,000!  Bolivia is one of the few places in the world that purchasing a car is actually a good investment!

The Last Sunday

Our church family.  Can you spot the ridiculously tall Gringos?

Today was our last Sunday at our church in Nueva Belen. It was sad to say our goodbyes to everyone. Although I must say, we are looking forward to not having to entertain Noah through the service when he needs to be napping!  Churches in the USA have nurseries!  It is hard to believe we are down to our final days here.  I do not feel ready to leave.

The mural on the wall in these photos is the one painted by Cindy, another SAM missionary

Photo of the Week: Crash

Driving in the city one day we saw what we thought was a plane crash from the nearby airport.  Turns out it was just an elaborate advertisement for a movie playing inside the mall.

Photo of the Week: Pet or Pot

Bolivia is home to the Red-footed Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria).  A popular pet around the city, people often have them roaming around their yards.  Among the Ayore, they are a popular dinner dish!  They go on Tortoise hunts and bring them back by the dozens and are considered a treat!  The one in the photo is one rescued from the stew pot.  Here you can buy one for about $5-$10.  In the USA you could pay $500-$1000 for one this size.