Vision Casting

Pictures of outskirts of Lima

2009-10-20T09:17:00.004-05:00

We have gotten out of our bubble a little bit recently and wanted to share pictures of north Lima. The top pictures are 10x10 homes without electricity or running water in an area called Santa Rosa.

Ecuadorians visit us in Lima

2009-10-20T08:31:00.004-05:00

We were so blessed to have Magus and Sandy visit us. They were here for a teaching workshop. Abigail was so excited to have fellow Quitenyos here in Lima. Our kids love visitors, let us know if you'd like to visit us in Peru.

Lynne's birthday in Lima

2009-10-20T08:25:00.004-05:00

Lynne came to visit us in Lima for her birthday. It was a huge blessing. She taught on Ruth in at a ladies gathering. There hospitality was very warm. We shared Chinese food after an encouraging message. Abi asked yesterday if Lynne was coming back today.

Crepes and Waffles in Lima

2009-08-31T23:23:00.003-05:00

Beka's class

2009-08-31T23:18:00.001-05:00

Beka

2009-08-31T23:14:00.003-05:00

Rebekah's 7th birthday

2009-08-31T22:59:00.003-05:00

Last Wednesday August 26th we celebrated Rebekah's birthday at Crepes and Waffles. This is her 2nd grade class with Mrs. Herring. She has a super class and teacher. God has blessed us in Lima, Peru. The kids love school, have friends, and enjoy their apartment.

How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Lima, Peru

2009-08-10T11:38:00.004-05:00

We arrived late at night on July 30th. The kids started school August 1oth. Here are some photos of our first week and a half in Lima.

Water fun

2009-08-05T09:56:00.004-05:00

We had a great time with water across New England. Chico even jumped in to the lake to swim out when I was done waterskiing.

York Beach, Maine

2009-08-05T09:41:00.004-05:00

We had an awesome afternoon at the beach. The boys didn't want to get out of the waves. They jumped and body surfed for hours. It was a lovely warm evening, a rarity in Maine. The sunset was gorgeous as the pink reflected on the wet sand. The girls found many sea creatures, played in the sand and ran a lot. They worked as a team to dig the biggest hole, so Nate could stand up inside. We walked by the Golden Rod to see them make salt water taffy and got a sweet treat to finish the evening.

More Storyland

2009-08-05T09:24:00.005-05:00

Here are some more pictures from our fun day in July.

Abi as a little Dutch boy.

Polar Coaster

This carosel is over 100 years old and the only other one in operation is in Munich, Germany.

Guess who found a hunting game?

Storyland Glen, NH

2009-08-05T09:09:00.004-05:00

Hi, we had a fun packed summer and now we are in Lima preparing the kids for the start of school on Monday.

On July 15th my mom and I took the 3 younger kids to Storyland. It was an awesome day of rollercoasters, swan boat rides, riding in the pumpkin carriage, a circus, shows, driving antique cars, carosels, Bamboo Shoots (a water ride), getting wet on a hot day, and Ben even found some guns to shoot. We all were exhausted. And yes, Abi wore her princess dress the entire day, even to get soaked with the water games. That is why she has a cover in the picture with Humpty Dumpty.

After being worn out we bought Ben new sketchers in tax free NH, and ate McDonald's in the ski lift booths in Conway. The next day while swimming in the lake the girls asked me when/if we could go again. The park is geared toward small children so Abi at 38 inches could ride all of the rides with supervision. Nate chose to stay back with Gramp. Phil was in Quito with a team.

North Carolina

2009-06-06T16:36:00.003-05:00

Hi, we arrived in Durham, NC last night. Durham was our home for 5 years, so it is great to be with friends. We spent a couple of days in Little Rock, AR with the Hamiltons. Leaving Texas was sad Wednesday morning: we've made awesome friends. The kids and Chico were awesome on the car ride.

May

2009-05-26T12:13:00.003-05:00

Things have been warming up in Texas. Phil

turned 40, Abigail turned 4, Tony took Ben fishing, Beka has been playing with friends, and we were able to see the Becks in Texas. It has been 5 years since we last saw the Becks in Quito.

Prayer requests:

Nate hopes to get his braces off tomorrow after just 9 months.

Packing, cleaning, and getting rid of stuff.

Friends that we leave behind and new relationships in Lima, Peru.

The beginning of June we will be traveling to Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina before spending the summer in Maine with family.

Peru

2009-03-19T12:14:00.003-05:00

Hola. We are still in Texas until early June. Phil is very busy this week: seeing God move with a dental team from Longview, TX and packing up our home in Quito. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for our next adventure. There are so many great memories of our life in Ecuador: its natural beauty, adventures, teams, friends, baptisms, rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, and God's mighty hand at work. Standing on the Holy Ground where our son, Ben, was baptized was awe inspiring. It was a huge blessing and privilege to be part of Jesus harvest. The family definitely hopes to return to visit dear friends.

In June we plan to drive up to Maine and see some friends along the way. We'll spend about a month with family, before flying to Lima, Peru. Most of our belongings will be shipped from Quito to Lima. I'll get new appliances since they are on the 220 voltage. Our children are enrolled in a International Christian School in Lima. Please pray for us to find housing close to the school and office in the Miraflores sector.

Lima, Peru

2009-03-16T23:01:00.003-05:00

We will move to Lima in late July. More details to come.

Boys

2009-01-25T00:05:00.003-05:00

4 pointer with icicles They love being in nature, country music and hunting. Phil and Ben even created a song, "All I want for Christmas is two bucks and a doe." Guess what, they got it, but it is stored in a friend's freezer. Tomorrow is our first annual Beast Feast at South Burleson Baptist Church. Ben is all about camo and Nate is more the Guitar Hero type. The boys have loved the PS2 from Christmas. Now that school has begun, we've had to put limits on screen time. Last weekend while Phil was preaching and teaching in Oklahoma, I was studying Evangelizing Roman Catholics, the boys had friends sleep over.

Nate's braces are really working.

Travels

2009-01-24T23:33:00.003-05:00

Oklahoma sunset

Marshall was baptized in frigid January.

Czech Castle

Phil taught post-Modernism in Prague and enjoyed his time with Wes Baker. Phil helped the students find a bold voice for sharing their faith. They also spent much time playing indoor soccer in an old Soviet era gymnasium.

Phil stayed home with the kids, so I could accompany his students and Dr. Carrigan to Mexico. I was blessed by a trip to Monclova, Mexico with Southwestern. I have always relied on Phil's leadership and evangelism talents. I met many new friends and was glad to be back in Latin America. We did a lot of street evangelism and house church. I would have stayed if my family joined me. One of the things I most enjoyed was the upbeat Spanish praise and worship. It was a blessing to walk alongside the Hispanics and help them discover their God given talents. Eddie realized that he could help advance the kingdom with his English. Damaris was a natural evangelist. She spoke with love, compassion, and connected to her people. I was amazed that it was her first time when I saw the ease at which she shared with an Evangecube. Her sister, Xiomara, had a heart for praying and handing out tracts. One of our fun moments that day was drinking water from little plastic bags. The little market didn't sell bottled water, so we bought clear baggies, bit a hole in them, and quenched our thirst. Patricio laughed at us, because it reminded him of bags that you could buy a goldfish. At a park the youth called me up to speak with them on top of a sculpture. They gave me permision to share about God with them. I went through the wordless book: black (sin), red (Jesus blood), white (purity, JC cleans our sin away), green (growth-Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and testifying about Jesus), and gold (the glory of God in Heaven). The youth were more interested in the Evangecube. After I shared it with them, I asked if they could show me. Obed was a natural, so I encouraged him to share it with 30 people at the park and then I'd give it to him. I think that he only had to speak 3 times and he had earned it. Pastor Cesar was an amazing servant of the Lord with many talents. (pictures or on facebook)

Last weekend Phil was invited to lead a Cross Timber Baptist Church college retreat, the students were from DBU and Hill College. The topic was making Godly decisions, following his way and direction in an ungodly world.

Christmas

2009-01-24T23:24:00.003-05:00

Phil enjoyed his trip to Prague, Czech Republic. We were happy to have him return. We had a nice Christmas with the Darmons and New Year's at the Roye's life group. We missed family and all of the snow in the northeast. Phil flew back for his grandfather's funeral. It was a sad occasion, but he was blessed by time with his grandmother and family.

Windy Texas day

2008-12-15T12:17:00.006-05:00

Phil's beloved grandfather passed away Dec. 13th in Maine at the VA home. He'd been there for almost 5 years. Some of you may remember Phil going up to Maine to see him when he was so ill in early 2004. Shortly after we went to Ecuador and it was Phil's prayer request to see his grandfather alive again. This picture is when we returned in 2007. This summer our family was able to celebrate his 88th birthday with him, his wife, Betty, their 7 children and spouses. Please pray for the family during this sad time.

It is 29 degrees with lots of wind, so it feels like 11. Nate had his third ortho appointment today. So much progress. We even met Dr. Birth today, the lead dentist. We have a tradition to get soft glazed donuts after the appointments. I am proud of him for keeping them clean and all of the pain he's endured. If anyone is considering braces, they are worth it, but the first week especially with expanders is excruciating. I am running out to buy gas at $1.36 before it creeps back up. Abi and I will wrap presents later.

Phil is in Prague teaching at the Baptist Seminary. Please lift up his students that struggle with sharing their faith in such a post-Christian culture.

Rebekah lost her First Tooth

2008-12-06T20:52:00.003-05:00

Rebekah is so excited, this morning she woke up with a loose tooth and she had wiggled it out by tonight.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-06T20:45:00.003-05:00

We have a lot to be thankful for everyday. We didn't get pictures of the Darmons, Ellers, other friends, and seminary families, but we were blessed by them. We got pictures later of our children. Beka has been busy making recipes.

Hunting

2008-12-06T20:41:00.002-05:00

Ben and Phil had a great weekend. They got the doe and 2 bucks in Johnson City, Texas. Thank you Scott for your help. Tenting was at Tim's, Ben loves it there.

Texas hunting

2008-12-06T20:31:00.002-05:00

We've been cooling off here in Texas. We are now paying $1.56 per gallon of gasoline. Such a difference from this summer, paying over $4. Phil and Ben are excited about the three Texas deer they got today. The camping picture is from last week during vacation.

Gold Belts

2008-11-20T00:22:00.004-05:00

Phil and Nate got passed their gold belt tests last night. Nate also went hunting with his dad Monday to get some guy time. Ben went out this weekend and they shot some hogs. Nate went with the youth group to play laser tag and whirly ball. Phil is going to Arizona tomorrow for a SAM summit, after he preaches in chapel at Southwestern. Pray for God to keep up his strength.

Gas has continued dropping to $1.74 a gallon. Our van recently reached 123,456 miles.

Puppy Rebekah

2008-10-25T11:14:00.004-05:00

Beka wanted a picture with her dog and in her puppy costume. Abi has a puppy costume like her sister. As fall arrives Chico needed a hoodie.

Gas prices have continued to fall. I was excited at $2.50, 2.22. 2.o5 and last night I saw under $2. $1.95 has been the lowest that I've seen in years.

Life in Texas

2008-10-25T10:56:00.003-05:00

Chico has been a lot of fun with the kids. Abi loves to dress up, so we got pictures. Phil and Nate are playing flag football today. Nate joined a math league at school. This morning he was helping some neighbors with their yard sale. Ben was at a boys' birthday sleepover last night. Last weekend Ben went to Monte's birthday party playing games and miniature golf. He's had a lot of fun. This week Ben won an All-Star Viking award in his class. Beka won awards in first grade too. We'll have to retake those missing pictures. Abi is excited about any opportunity to dress up and go to preschool, First Place for Health, or church.

Phil at Grand Canyon

2008-10-14T17:00:00.004-05:00

Phil had a great weekend in Arizona this weekend. They were able to ride a helicopter, train, go white water rafting, etc. Phil had amazing witnessing opportunities on both flights. On the way back he spoke with a Pakistani Muslim. Teaching World Religions has opened up some doors, as he was holding the Koran.

Yesterday the kids and I cleaned up and got to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. They loved it and couldn't wait to get back to see Chico. Chico had his microchip implanted today.

The other picture is of Ben with some Texas ferral hogs. Saturday we went to a rummage sale and Burleson Founder's Day. The kids were happy to see the petting zoo and play a game for goldfish. Sorry, they only lasted a day. Up in Maine this summer Ben won a fish, he named Survivor. First it spent the night in a bloated bag in the car. We eventually got it into a fish bowl and got it fish flakes. Survivor was still swimming strong. The kids even got it friends from the lake. He killed one minnow, so we put the rest back. One snail stayed and helped keep his bowl clean. This fall he was left in Bridgton for 10 days without food and he's still alive.

Gas $2.64

2008-10-11T17:39:00.002-05:00

Today we had fun at Canton at Cross Timber Baptist and Founders Days downtown Burleson. This afternoon we saw gas for $2.64 at Walmart. Phil is in Arizona at the Grand Canyon.

Gas $2.85 in Texas

2008-10-09T21:22:00.002-05:00

Wow, it is hard to believe after paying over $4 a gallon for gas this summer, gas is now $2.85 and free falling. Phil is in Arizona with the Bakers. The kids and I plan to see the Chihuahua movie this weekend.

Picture Day

2008-10-03T09:53:00.003-05:00

Today is awesome. The kids and I got out for a bike ride. Don't worry the car tail lights are just reflecting light as Phil takes a picture. Since Nate is 12 in 7th grade, he has been riding his bike to school. Rebekah has been wanting to ride her bike. Ben made sure that we all got up early enough. Ben got a haircut, so it isn't in his eyes for pictures. Beka wanted to be fancy. I got my bike at a yard sale on Saturday. Sunday I was able to get out on a long ride. We were able to see the sunrise at 7:30 as we rode to school. It was beautiful. Poor Rebekah really had to peddle so hard. Look at the difference in size of our tires. Ben and I have to hang back to prevent rolling her over. Next I'm looking for a baby seat or cart to pull them in behind the bike. Abi stayed home with Phil to make this excursion possible. Nate is doing much better with the braces. We still have a month before they will be tightened. He's going away to a youth retreat this weekend. Ben and Beka will go to a Creation Evidence Museum & Dinosaur World. Abi will be with us for Take it to the Streets Burleson, an evangelism event. This week I started a fitness program of weight lifting and last night I did Pilates. Watch out, next I'll start running. Phil is playing raquetball this morning. We get to meet Baby Haley for lunch. Ben and Christine Haley served as missionaries in Ecuador with us.

We got a dog

2008-09-23T17:51:00.002-05:00

Last year when we came to Texas we told the kids that we could get a dog. This is the first place that allowed it, so we got a dog. Don't think big. Chico, is a chihuahua blend stray. He's about 10 lbs. The kids keep calling him Okie, the min pin, we watched in Quito. His coloring is white, blond like my parents dog Oso. I walked to Norwood to pick up the kids and they were so excited to see the new dog. We picked Nate up at the library and he was thrilled. We saw the dog Saturday and it played very well even with Abi walking him. It had a heartworm screen and shots today. He has been well trained and housebroken so far.

God shining

2008-09-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

We have been in the duplex for about a month now. Wednesday after church Abigail and I walked to Walmart to get yogurt and applesauce. The sky was so pretty: light gray, pink smears, and feather swirls of silver. I wish that I had my camera. Through a friend, Leslie, I felt at peace that God even plans our detours. Looking at Moses in the Bible, the Israelites would rather return to slavery in Egypt than accept where the Lord God Almighty had placed them. They were constantly grumbling, which I too can relate. God protected his beloved people from a fight that they weren't prepared to fight during this delay or detour. God's beloved servant, Moses, never reached the Promised Land. Perhaps the relationship with God was the best prize. Ecuador has been my promised land, the land flowing with milk and honey. It has been a struggle to be away. God called us to a beautiful land. I'm trying to enjoy the time here and beauty. I don't remember many sunsets even amidst the beauty of the Andes.

Yesterday I went for my annual physical and the doctor was speaking to me about the End of the Spear when he found out that we lived in Ecuador. It was an awesome time to be able to share about the wonderful people of Ecuador and the work God is doing. In the evening I attended a ladies Bible study and it was a powerful time with the Lord. We were able to praise God, share, confess, pray, and be transparent. Whitney told me after how they see how God wants us here now. Even when I can't understand or rationalize it all, it is comforting to know that God's purpose is better than our own plans.

Nate's Braces

2008-09-11T21:48:00.005-05:00

Nate is 12 and got new braces. They hurt a lot and he's having to learn how to eat and speak again. You may notice that he got a haircut too. I hoped people would notice the hair before the braces.

We still have 3 birds by our front door. The mama dove had the two babies and they are growing fluffy and cute. We found a way to clean furniture with magic erasers. Marcia showed us how magic they were on walls, tubs, and even golf balls. Beka has been having fun scrubbing the couches with the erasers.

We've Got Furniture

2008-09-08T19:22:00.006-05:00

Texas has been hot. We've been blessed here. I'd been praying for living room furniture. Yesterday God provided a loveseat, couch and a futon. Thanks Nate for the pictures. Burleson has several claims to fame. True Love Waits began here in the spring of 1993, See you at the Pole began here in 1990, and the Will Graham Celebration was here in May 2008. School has been going well. The kids have homework, so I better run to help.

September in Burleson

2008-09-08T18:58:00.005-05:00

Rebekah's 6th birthday in Burleson, Texas

2008-08-27T10:18:00.002-05:00

Wow, high 90s, very hot first day of school. Rebekah celebrated her 6th birthday in Burleson, Texas with her first day of school at Norwood Elementary. We are in a duplex here. Abi has a new backpack, she just didn't wear it for the pictures. Rebekah is in the 1st grade. Ben is in the 3rd grade at Norwood where they still have art, music, and P.E. classes. Abigail really wanted to begin her school too, but her preschool starts next week. She tells people that her birthday is tomorrow, she'll be 5, and in the first grade.

Nate began 7th grade at Kerr Middle School. Wow, this is a little scary for all of us. He has a locker and a small disco ball. Nate is in Athletics, (where he has to try out for basketball), AP classes, Texas history, and public speaking/debate. The kids were able to start back in Tae Kwon Do with Master Hughes, our neighbor. Monday we were able to watch a sparring match. Nate even broke a 1" pine board with his palm on the first try.

Many people ask us what we are doing. We spent time with family this summer in Maine. We are presently in Texas with Phil teaching World Religions at Southwestern. He feels like he was created to teach. I also hope to take some classes. We are working at organizing, cleaning, and are going to bloom where planted even if for a short period. Our family still loves missions, Ecuador, its people, the IMB leadership, and hope to be back home soon. In Acts 18:21 Paul states, "I will come back if it is God's will." God is still with us and he reveals new things daily.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

On a fun note, I was able to escape a few hours of unpacking to attend a Beth Moore conference in San Antonio and meet some lovely, God seeking ladies. This weekend Phil is going to be able to camp and hunt with friends. We also have a dove that has a nest, next to our front door with eggs. The kids try to keep their daddy away from them. I'm praying about going on a November mission trip to Jamaica.

2008-06-25T13:09:00.003-05:00

We have been so busy this year back in the states. Father's Day was our one year anniversary back in the states since we flew back from Quito, Ecuador. June 15th we were in Durham, NC, a place that we have many friends, that we called home for 5 years. Here is a picture of the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. My parents flew to Texas to have Christmas with the grandkids. We drove to Marlow, OK just before New Year's Eve. In January Ben and Beka began school at Norwood Elementary. It was about a mile from the house. Many times the kids would ride bikes or walk. It was great to have them at the same school. Abigail began preschool at Charity Lutheran Mother's Day Out. Nate began homeschool using K12 curriculum through the TXVA program. We had lots of field trips and reading. In March Phil went back on a mission trip to Quito. They had a blessed week with Arizona SBC believers. We went to the Dallas Zoo and Come Worship Texas in Alvarado, Texas. I know the name is odd, but it was a Christian concert with Francis Chan as a guest speaker. It was awesome. Nate and I also saw Pillar, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, and Mercy Me from the front row. In May we began packing up for our departure from Texas. We'll write about the trip next.

Rebekah's Graduation

2008-06-25T12:48:00.004-05:00

Rebekah Praise graduated from kindergarten. Here she is with the Norwood Viking in Burleson, Texas. Beka is 5 and worked very hard to learn: count to 100, the alphabet and its sounds, reading and writing sight words. May she continue to grow in the Lord's wisdom.

How can a young person keep his life pure? By keeping with your word. Psalm 119:9

East Texas Hunting

2007-12-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos of Phil and Ben hunting. They got a bobcat and the landowner, who raises cattle, was very glad to have this predator off his land.

Grand Canyon

2007-12-19T14:00:00.001-05:00

Our family was blessed to be able to visit friends in Arizona over Thanksgiving. While we were there we enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Grand Canyon. The second photo was taken of the moon setting from within the Canyon. Phil and Wes hiked the Canyon at night! They started at 3:30 a.m. and finished around 11 a.m. They hiked by the light from the full moon and with a small light on their hats. It was about 37 degrees and very windy! But...they survived! Here is also a photo of Rebekah at some Native American ruins in the Arizona mountains.

Life is hard...

2007-12-18T15:54:00.000-05:00

...sometimes even the furry little squirrels seem to be lethal. We have been enjoying our time back in the States. There have been some setbacks...apparently the water in Quito is harder on teeth than we thought. Since this Fall Rebekah has had lots of dental work done. But, God is good all the time; and, all the time, God is good.

Ben still climbing the walls!

2007-12-18T15:50:00.001-05:00

Hi Prayer Partners,

We will be updating our blog with more photos and news. For now, here is a photo of Benjamin climbing the door posts. Missionary kids are the same on the field as they are back in the States. As you can see, Rebekah is pretty trusting of her big brother!

Merry Christmas!

The Calverts

Maine

2007-07-10T14:19:00.000-05:00

We are still having fun. Abigail is still climbing everything. We went to York Beach July 3rd. The boy between Ben and Nate is Shaine, their cousin, 8 years old. He survived the bad car accident and is home from the hospital. We appreciate your prayers.

Maine time

2007-07-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

We have been back in Maine for over 3 weeks and having a fabulous time. We arrived June 15th in Maine and have been traveling since to see churches, family and friends.

Ben's book award

2007-06-09T16:49:00.000-05:00

Ben won a book award for his art in a book about a monkey that stopped a robber with a banana.

He's the one with the red shirt on the stage with his hands in his pockets.

Friends in Quito

2007-06-04T20:14:00.000-05:00

Part of missionary life is saying good-bye to friends. Angelica, Dario, and Esteban are so sweet at Atucucho. Nate sang with his friends in a spring musical. In June we are excited to see how God moves.

Pastor Hugo

2007-05-27T21:14:00.003-05:00

Wow, Ecuadorians are strong. Pastor Hugo and his wife, Erika, are amazing reaching people for Christ. We never thought he could pick up Phil.

Carcelin

2007-05-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

Phil was able to witness with gang members this week. From street evangelism 12 new works were started. Phil's friend came back for a Bible. We were able to celebrate Matt's birthday on May 22nd with Ron in San Antonio.

Dog that bit Kristen

2007-05-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

Sunday, May 20th, we were evangelizing and inviting people to church. We were going up a hill while I was carrying Abigail when a dog bit my right calf. The little boy was hitting the dog with a stick when the dog was not tied. The dog understandably got mad and then it lunged at me. It broke the skin so we took a trip to the ER to get my rabies booster. Now I should be good for life on that shot. I praise God that Abigail, the children and volunteers were all okay. After reading blogs in China, I don't feel so bad for the dogs that get eaten in China. Pray for Greg May 22nd, it is his birthday and he's down here on a volunteer trip. God is doing a mighty work in Santa Isabel, and satan is trying to stop it.

Friday, Nate's 5th grade store

2007-05-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

Nate had his final sale at the 5th grade store. They had a lot of fun and learned a lot in their economics unit. Mom made cupcakes, popcorn, Starbucks coffee, etc. Nate won 2 awards at Awana so we were blessed to witness it. Phil had his last basketball game before going stateside.

Ben and Beka

2007-05-19T22:55:00.000-05:00

Here are some more pictures of Ben and Beka.

Abigail is 2!

2007-05-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

Abigail turned 2 today. She was happy and very proud of the party dress. The kids were all excited for her birthday as well. We took them to McDonald's and they all played for a long time. Last Thursday Abi also decided to turn the couch into a fort and take her nap in there. I couldn't resist putting that picture in there. We also got new neighbors today. The kids were surprised to return home this evening to a huge Saint Bernard chasing them.

Trumpet flowers

2007-05-19T12:39:00.000-05:00

Zoo, May 1st

2007-05-19T11:13:00.000-05:00

Ben in April at Museum on Equator

2007-05-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

How Great Thou Art!

2007-04-25T11:11:00.000-05:00

The Lord blessed with a harvest of fellowship, music and souls in North Quito on April 19th.

Changing of the Guard

2007-03-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Phil's mom was so excited she took 500 pictures. It was really a fun morning.

This was the changing of the guard at the presidential palace in Quito.

If you want to see this, just let us know and we'll make sure we include it in your itinerary.

Nate

2007-03-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

Nate is enjoying Piano.

Volcano Amusement Park in Quito in February

2007-03-03T13:25:00.000-05:00

Ben and Beka love the swings. Abi's blonde hair always attracts new friends. The kids loved the huge ball until it popped the next day. Nate and Beka play bumper cars. The kids enjoyed it even in the rain.

Beka and Abigail

2007-03-03T13:18:00.000-05:00

The sisters in pigtails in front of our house Quito, Ecuador.

Benjamin's Baptism

2007-02-26T13:46:00.000-05:00

Hi There!

On Saturday the 17th of February our son, Benjamin, was baptized on the equator in Ecuador.

Calvert Christmas 2006

2007-02-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

It was a warm, sunny Christmas here...we were blessed to start a new Church on Christmas Day in North Quito! Praise the Lord! Our children also enjoyed the day!! Here is Ben with his new Darth Vader outfit.

Nate Playing Baseball

2007-02-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

This is Nate's sport! He has hit at least one 3 RBI triple...and got the hit on video! He was accepted into Little League (for 11 to 13 year olds) and he is only 10!

Feeding the Children

2007-01-02T13:46:00.000-05:00

For Christmas, 2006, we had a team from Fort Smith bring food and toys for the children of Ecuador! This is a photo of Tio Ramon using as his Bible Study illustration a piece of bread as he explains that Jesus is the Bread of Life!

Baptism of Edwin and Jenny

2006-12-14T11:37:00.000-05:00

This is a photo of Edwin and Jenny just after they were baptized. This is their story:

The Lord has revealed Himself to us so many times in the past several years. One such time is that on September 30th we baptized 2 new Ecuadorian believers named Jenny and her husband Edwin. Phil was able to lead Edwin to the Lord on July 14. Edwin went home that night and led Jenny to the Lord. Two days later we started a Bible Study in their home. She was fearful that first day and she said she hoped that her family would not burn them for becoming Christians. Little did we know that she had real fears about being burned for being a Christian. The day we baptized Jenny and Edwin was very special. We used a baptistry at an evangelical church in El Quinche, the town where they live. El Quinche is the heart of idolatry in this province. This same evangelical church had been previously destroyed by a mob in that town because they did not want Christians there. After we baptized Jenny and Edwin, he told us that it was so ironic that Jenny was baptized in the church that her mother helped to destroy a few years ago! Jenny's mother was part of the mob that burned down the church and now her daughter was being baptized there. Praise the Lord!!

The Quito Calverts

2006-12-13T11:42:00.000-05:00

Phil, Kristen, Nathaniel, Benjamin, Rebekah and Abigail.

Nate at Quito Days

2006-12-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

He had a great dancing part in the event.

Ben Playing Soccer!

2006-12-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

Ben can run like the wind.

Ben Playing Soccer

2006-12-13T11:20:00.000-05:00

Ben is getting pretty good at soccer!

Three of the Four in Front of the Tree

2006-12-13T11:16:00.000-05:00

Nate, Ban and Rebekah in front of our Christmas tree. They are very excited about having a tree this year.

Tigrillo

2006-11-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

Calvert Kids at Quito Zoo

2006-11-15T17:20:00.000-05:00

Scorpion in the House

2006-11-13T20:08:00.000-05:00

Hey there,

Tonight we had a close call. Ben was walking downstairs into the dining room and he stepped onto a black scorpion. They have very painful poison stings but, praise God, the scorpion did not attack Ben when he stepped on it. The other great news is that I was just talking with Ben about what to bring to show-and-tell at school tomorrow and now we have a pet scorpion!

Calvert Family Photo

2006-11-01T22:41:00.000-05:00

Hi There,

Welcome to our Blog. We are just getting started and it will take a while to add stories, news, family updates and photos. Let us know what you think!

Blessings,

The Calverts