Church Outing to the Beach, Caleta la Ramada

The church members had been wanting a special activity. We have done these on occasion during our years here, but many years had passed since our last one.


A view of the ocean from the dirt road leading to this beach.

The first thing we did upon arrival was to set up the shade and the chairs for the service. It started out to be a very cloudy, cool day, we had hopes that the sun would come through and brighten everything.










Now we are ready for things to begin. Most of the church people said they would be going and some were planning to take visitors. But, on the day of the planned activity, many couldn't make it do to work, tests, or just didn't have enough money.







The men were kind enough to set up an area for some rest rooms. Many were thankful. Even a couple of people from another group asked to borrow it.





They enjoyed a game of beach volleyball. Hannah commented later that everytime she had to look up to hit the ball, little particles of sand fell into her face. She learned to close her eyes before hitting the ball. We spectators enjoyed watching as much as the players enjoyed playing.






Lunchtime.


The sun never came out all day. After lunch, some of the ladies got cold. I enjoyed the cool feeling all day.


Some even braved the cold ocean water.

Probably the most exciting activity of the day was watching the men and boys play soccer. The tide was coming in, so the field got inundated at times. One time, one of the best soccer players was ready to kick the ball into the goal and a wave took the ball away. It was funny to see the reaction on this guys face.

Mark's creation

Camp 2009

The children are enjoying several weeks off from school. One thing they like to do is play table games with each other or as a family.


On our way home from camp on Saturday, we stopped at this restaurant for fried fish.


We end our week of camp with an ice cream social. Ice cream is somewhat expensive here so it is usually eaten on special occasions. We always look forward to it each year.


The Stilwell Trio sang. David was missing so it wasn't a quartet this year.


Michael's VBS class led by Isaiah Petersen.


Luke's and Mark's VBS class led by Noah Kephart.


Hannah and Sarah were in the same class, even though Hannah is in the 12th grade and Sarah in 7th. Their teacher was Michaela.


The special speaker for the week was Dan Whitcher. He and his wife, Peggy, were missionaries in Mexico for 20 years. They are still with the mission but are now stationed in the States and works with home missions. They were such a blessing to us this week.

Camp Pictures

The camp is full of snails. The boys enjoying playing with the snails. Luke had three pet snails during the week. I don't think he was able to sneak any home with him.




Every year we have our business meetings in the camp chapel. This was Jon's third year to be president of the field council, but like all good things, he had to give it up because of furlough this year. But no fear, another Stilwell took over--his little brother,Steve.


On Tuesday we had a baseball game. I do not know which side won, but it sure was fun!


Michael awoke the morning of the trip with a fever. There were colds going around, so I figured that was all it was. So, I gave him Tylenol and off we went. During his nap, he found a very comfortable way to sleep. It reminded me of a pretzel. It is a good thing kids are so flexible.
The fever lasted for two days, and it was the cold. One of the days he couldn't speak. At one point he cried because he couldn't tell the person in the snack shop what he wanted. Hannah helped him.

Trip to the mountains

When the visiting module speaker was here, Jon, Michael and I took him to see the foot hills of the Andes Mountains. It was beautiful and much cooler.