Jul
03
Despite some scares with getting Ellie through the cargo process onto the plane, we arrived on time to Pucallpa yesterday at 11 am. Our SAM team has been incredibly sweet and welcoming-- helping us get moved in, feeding us, preparing a welcome basket, dropping off goodies, arranging for things we need. We are excited to be a part of this community. Our landlady (who has 6 names by the way) seems to have taken a particular liking to Tim and has been very helpful and enthusiastic as well.It's hot but not as hot as I feared. Nighttime and dawn are lovely, and daytime is about 90. When I woke up in the middle of the night and sat on the couch to ponder life, I was a little cold actually. The main problem with that is that we don't have air conditioning, so we're moving a little slower than normal in the daytime.
Despite all the warnings we got about the house, we think it's charming! An open floor plan, a cozy space, and screened windows everywhere. I know my standards in housing have changed so I'll only mention that I no longer mind things like a concrete floor with much evidence of plumbing work underneath, barred windows evoking a jail cell, somewhat rustic bathrooms, etc.
We're living in a gated community with 16 homes and 1 10-room hotel. It's beautiful, very green, peaceful, and quiet. I'm pretty sure the dogs think we live at the park. It's possible that our good friend David from language school will be moving in 2 houses down when he comes back in August, which has us praying fervently that the current tenant will move. Another SAM family that we admire and enjoy lives right across the street. Hopefully we will get to know some of our other non-gringo neighbors soon, too.
Here are some interesting things we've seen in the last day:
- one 4-ft long iguana
- roosters (not that interesting to me, but Taza was fascinated)
- rain on one side of the house only
- a completely naked man walking through town (apparently crazy)
More to come. There is so much going on that I can really only process the superficial right now. Bear with us and pray for us!
A jungle view in all directions! It's hard to take photos in here because the light is so bright outside.
Our front porch and the garden beside our house
Ellie likes to look out the front door.
This is the other side of the living room. It's a pleasant view into the garden while dish-washing. Nothing fancy, but a definite step up from our kitchen in Puerto Supe.
PS- If you've ever been to summer camp, you might have an idea what this is like. Summer camp, minus the other 16 girls in my cabin, plus a job, more freedom, and a husband.
An iguana? You should be familar with those. Was it as big as Spike? I am in Sofia on my way to Croatia. Limited internet access. Dad
Hey I know that house! I think that is where the McCain Family used to live. I was just there right before I left for the USA. I know right where you guys live then! Small Pucallpa world. Thanks for the honrable mention in your blog. I look forward to being there with you guys. =)