Boredom and the British

Eddie and I are in Pisco again this weekend because we couldn't turn down the oppertunity to go on a road trip with The Earls. But since I don't speak Spanish there really isn't too much for me to do. I also forgot my camera cords so I can't even post a blog of our trip to Cusco. So instead I thought I would do a pointless post...Normally I am not a Youtube viewer, but 2 months ago my friend Austin showed me this video, and ever since then if I am bored or in a bad mood I watch this video and it turns my frown upside down.

I am currently getting my masters in English Literature, with an emphasis is British lit. I don't know why but for some reason I have always loved anything British. Maybe its just their accent, but I feel like all British people are so jovial and funny. And I have nearly convinced Eddie to agree to living in England for at least a year or two of our lives. However, I think this video is what may have finally convinced him. Because maybe our kids could be this cute if we were to give up the states.

Hope you enjoy it!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

Pisco and PEF

Sorry that I haven't posted any pictures lately. I was sick all last week, so I couldn't come into the office to use the computer. These are some pictures of 2 weekends ago when Eddie and I went down to Pisco, Peru. Pisco is the city that was most affected by the earthquake 1 year ago. It was so crazy to see this city because it is still in total devastation. There were areas that looked as though the earthquake had just happened.

We went down for 2 days so that we could help some of the members sign up for the Perpetual Education Fund. Currently, Alan Layton (Lindsay's uncle), is down in Pisco working directly with the church to rebuild the city. And now PEF is getting involved by giving loans to the members so that they can take classes in construction/electicity. After they finish the classes they will work for Alan Layton and the church in an effort to rebuild the city. The church has such a great vision because ultimately it will get the city rebuilt while also providing jobs for the faithful members. Eddie and I feel very blessed to be involved in such a project.

We are going down there again this weekend, so I will be sure to get more pictures of the area. Believe it or not there are still people living in tents (as their permanent residence) because they can't afford to rebuild their homes. But even amidst all this suffering, the people still are optimistic and amazingly grateful. Its quite a humbling experience to see so many decicated and kind members who are are thankful for even the donated tent they are living in.

Poisonwood Bible

All of you who know me know that reading is one of my greatest passions. There have only been possibly one or two novels that I have read that I did't believe possessed any redeeming qualities. For the most part I believe that all literature offers at least some kind of useful commentary on the human condition.

When I started this blog I wanted it to be strictly devoted to our experience in Peru, but I have to break that rule now and discuss Barbra Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible. Since it's summer, I don't have my English classmates to discuss lit with, so if you choose to read this, you will be my discussion victim. My mom (the greatest reader in the world) suggested that I take this book with me to Peru. Much to Eddie's dismay, The Poisonwood Bible has taken up almost all my free time.

The PB is truely one of the most incredible novels I have ever read, and I would encourage all of you to read it. I am not going to give anything away, but I have never read a novel that so deeply impacts how I view myself and others in this crazy world around me. Through the 6 main characters, I have discovered so many of my strengths and weaknesses. Yet, at the same time I recognize that that to err is human---but that sometimes is no excuse. There are some choices that individuals make that will subsequently change the entire world. And although these changes don't always happen for the better, that does not necessarily mean they are wrong. Rather it is just a change.

In the book my favorite character mentions a poem by William Carlos Williams.

So much depends
upon

A red wheel
barrow

Glazed with rain
water

Besides the white
chickens

And though this poem can have about 100 different meanings, for me is has finally come to mean that so much depends upon one small detail (like a red wheelbarrow). That one minor detail will one day change someones life not for the good or the bad, but for the change.

Our Neighbors

Eddie found this on Yahoo a couple of days ago, and I couldn't believe it. These people are part of an uncontacted indigenous tribe on the border of Peru and Brazil; our dear next door neighbors. I wonder how they would feel if we asked to borrow a cup of sugar.

There are only 100 tribes throughout the world that have yet to be contacted by the outside world (us). Of those 100 tribes approximately 50 tribes are located in or near Peru!

Weekend Fun

After a long work week, Eddie and I decided that we deserved to go on a fun little date night. So Saturday night we jumped on a bus and started exploring. We had heard about this fountain thing, so we thought that would be neat to see. But honestly, we had no idea what it was. First, we heard it was a water park, then we heard it was a water show (like water world).

But anyways, we just got a bus bus and started asking around. We got there rather easily, thanks to Eddie. It was such an amaing place. Moms and Dads we can't wait to take you there. It is a water park, but not like the 7 peaks we know. It's literally a park with water fountains all over it. They have fountains you can play in, walk under, and some even have lazer shows in them.

So it was a pretty fun night just strolling through the fountain park. After Eddie decided he would treat me to dinner and I got to pick....so we went straight to Burger King. Sometimes, you really can't beat an American style cheeseburger.

I hope everyone is doing well. We have really appreciated all the emails and blog comments. We love and miss every one of you.

Love,Ky and Ed

p.s. Natee--- I am so sorry about the email thing. I miss you so much too! Are you sure your sending the emails to the right address? kyleelandgren@hotmail.com, if that still won't work try Eddie's enort_21@yahoo.com.