Monday, March 28, 2011

BFA Visitors

This past weekend we enjoyed visits from former BFA staff. Mike and Colleen stopped by on Saturday, and Julie was in our home on Sunday evening. It was a delight to catch up with them and to reminisce about Germany and life at BFA.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Incline

This morning we hiked the incline, the ultimate challenge in Colorado Springs. You can't imagine how difficult this is unless you have done it yourself! A trail carved like a scar up the mountain and lined with railroad ties, the incline follows what was once a cable car route that closed after a rock slide in 1990.
The U.S. Olympic training center is located in Colorado Springs, and many of the athletes incorporate the incline into their workouts. As gold medalist Rulon Gardner aptly states regarding this grueling challenge, "It's not running. It's not walking. It's surviving."
The thin air in this high altitude makes the climb even more brutal. This was our first attempt. We hiked to the half way point and then took a hiking trail back down. We were exhausted and very proud of our accomplishment! Someday we shall conquer the summit!



Hiking this trail is technically illegal, but you are allowed to hike it at your own risk. Today alone, 100's of people were hiking it!






Some athletes actually run to the top!
























I can do this! I can do this!





At this point on the incline, hikers can opt for what has been appropriately dubbed, the bail-out trail. Needless to say, we happily opted! This trail is loaded with switchbacks and leads back down the mountain.




















Back at the bottom after our grueling workout! We high-fived and Tim rewarded me with a big kiss! Mission accomplished!



Sunday, March 20, 2011

BFA cont.

We thoroughly enjoyed getting together with some BFA alumni and staff last night. We have a lot in common and it is always fun to connect with them!
Tim and I also enjoyed practicing for grandparenthood!

Scott and Fiona - BFA alumni


The Bryan family (Tim's nephew) who are currently in the U.S. on furlough from BFA.


Scott and Dan, BFA alumni, perusing an old yearbook.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Images of Ecuador

Tim just returned home from a trip to Quito, Ecuador. He attended and spoke at an international Christian educator's conference which was held at The Alliance Academy, an MK school very similar to BFA.
Note: Oops! These photos accidentally have my watermark on them. I obviously didn't take them!

Tim's favorite food in Ecuador was ceviche, a tomato-based cold soup with shrimp and onion in it. Topped with popcorn and corn nuts. Tim says that Ecuadorians use popcorn as a topping on a lot of their food.


Countryside in Ecuador.




Cotopaxi, the only mountain on the equator in Ecuador that has snow on it. The equator runs through Ecuador. That is how the country got its name.

Beautiful people.


Check out this musician's tip container!







Grilled corn, dipped in butter, then rolled in grated cheese. Sold at the market.







Sunday lunch - roast guinea pig!



25 roses for $1!!!!

Nice!

Aerial of Ecuador.


Coral reef