The Steve and Sandi Show

Meet Steve and Sandi Youngren. They are technically my 'bosses' here in Ecuador, but they are way more like my family and second set of parents. They met in high school, Sandi was16 and Steve was 17, and they have been in love ever since! Seriously, they are still like love-struck teenagers in the best way possible :) They are so lucky and found their 'media naranjas' or in English soul mates. Steve was a pastor and Sandi owed a Tea Shop in California before they entering the mission field in Latin America 12 years ago. 

Ever since I met Sandi at Urbana 2009, I knew that I wanted to work with them. After a 8 month story filled with God's provisions, Taylor and I finally found ourselves in working along side them here in San Carlos Maria de la Torre. Living in community with Sandi and Steve for the past 2.5 months has also been a huge and unexpected blessing in my life. Really, I feel so spoiled and blessed to be able to have such intense, quality time with these two servants of Christ. They do not know how much their lives and sacrifices are such an encouragement to me. Sandi pours into all the workers here and has really helped me grow spiritually through our women's bible study and time together. Steve has taken over the role as a father figure for Taylor and I while we are here. It's actually funny because a lot of his mannerisms really do remind me of my dad and sometimes I just want to hug him because of that. Another unexpected but great blessing about this couple is that they really live surrendered and devoted to Christ. It is evident in all they do, but especially in their marriage. As a single lady who hopes to change that status someday, it is great to have another strong, Christian couple in my life as an example of what marriage rooted in Christ looks like. I am so excited to spend the next 5 months with you 2! Thank you so much for all your work and love mi madre y papi ecuatoriana!!! :) Les amo muchismo. 

Sandi and Steve listening to a song Taylor picked out for them.

It was perfect :)

"Dancing in Minefields"

Still listening and reminiscing. 

Steve being silly and reenacting proposing :)

Gorgeous Sandi!

Such a beautiful couple!

I don't really know what is going on here...

el Día de Acción de Gracias

On Saturday we finally were able to celebrate the great American holiday: Thanksgiving. We had it on Saturday so that everyone could be there and it was a day filled with friends, family and food :) Taylor and I started the day off with the Brennan photo shoot then headed over to Sandi's to cook around 11:30. We cooked, talked, played games, listened to Christmas music and joined each other's fellowship for the next 11 hours! I learned a few new recipes that I will definitely use for Thanksgivings for years to come. My favorite new recipe is the Brie cheese topped with craisins, honey, fresh rosemary and walnuts wrapped in homemade pie crust. This yummy goodness is then baked and served hot and melted with fresh bread or crackers. It was an instant crowd pleaser and so delicious!

During dinner we did the traditional "What are you thankful for?" question around the table and the common theme in everyone's answer was being part of this Christ centered community which has been a blessing to staff workers, volunteers and Ecuadorians alike. Sitting at the dinner table with a magnificent feast in front of me I realized how our Creator and Sustainer really is wonderful and faithful even in the little things- such as celebrating an American holiday in Ecuador. Although I deeply missed my own family I was happy and felt so thankful to be a part of this new family in Christ who has taught and is continuing to teach me so much about myself, missions and God.

I made these- Pumpkin Scones :)

candles in the fireplace= a perfect touch of warmth

Here starts the photo tribute to my new favorite recipe:

the topping

fold the pie crust around yumminess 

decorate with leaf cut outs or whatever else

bake and serve hot- enjoy!

tower of pumpkin deliciousness- muffins, bread and scones

and we had to throw something healthy out there so there are apple slices too :)

wonderful homemade pumpkin pie

the healthy option: veggies and hummus

apple pie topped with cut out hearts

the beautiful layout for our feast