There Goes Connie

Finally . . . Some Fun!!

07/29/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

After several weeks of bouts with parasites and worries about the safety of family members during Hurricane Ivan, I wrote this to family and friends on October 10, 2004.

It’s such a nice surprise when things actually work out according to a plan around here, and this morning was one of those times. Last Thursday night we had our Quichua guys over for a training session — Eduardo, Daniel, and Ignacio. They participated well and were very enthusiastic — and that Spanish just flew out of Steve’s mouth as if it actually belonged there! 🙂 🙂 So, this morning (Sunday) those 3 went with us to San Marcos (about 45 minutes north of Cuenca) and did most of the teaching. There were 7 young people ready and waiting to learn, and the guys did a great job. On the way out there and back, we helped each other with language. Ignacio is studying English, and Steve and I are constantly trying to improve our Spanish, so the camaraderie in correcting each other’s mistakes created a lot of laughter. Ignacio is the only single person in the group, so he has to endure quite a bit of teasing. All three are dirt-poor but have such genuine hearts. They are a real blessing to us.

When we got back to Cuenca, Steve stopped at a chicken restaurant to get the guys some lunch. Now, they are headed to Molleturo (about an hour and a half west of Cuenca) to visit a man who is studying to be a veterinary technician and wants Steve’s help. They are hoping to persuade him to allow a Bible study to begin in his home in the near future. We think he’s going to be our “man of peace” in that area (Luke 10:1-11).

I have a lot of work to do preparing for a group of volunteers coming soon from Washington State, so I opted to let the guys go on without me. However, they “casually” mentioned that Ecuador is playing Chile in a very important soccer game this afternoon at 4:00 and were ecstatic when we invited them to watch it on the television in our apartment (none of them has a television), so I’ve got snacks waiting for their return.

As we’ve explained to y’all before, our job is to train and empower the Ecuadorian Christians to reach their OWN people, so we feel that today has been a very successful step in that direction. It feels good.

Thanks for being such faithful prayer warriors.

Move Over, Cracker Barrel — Blue Plate Cafe is Doing It Bigger and Better!

07/25/2016 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Hungry? Headed to or from Parkway Place Mall, Huntsville Hospital, Von Braun Center or Clearview Cancer Institute? Then, boy, do I have a recommendation for you!

My Silver Fox and I recently discovered Blue Plate Cafe, and it was almost like closing our eyes and imagining we were eating our grandmothers’ cooking. With two locations in Huntsville, one on Governor’s Drive and the other on South Parkway, you should be able to find one easily.

Diner atmosphere and decor.

It’s a busy, noisy place with great food, courteous servers, fast service and large portions served in a 1950’s diner atmosphere. The Governor’s Drive location has been blowin’ and goin’ for 12 years, and the South Parkway version was added a little over a year ago. Carry-outs are popular, and the South Parkway location offers a banquet room.

Reasonable prices.

Breakfast is served from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Then the lunch and dinner menu begins at 11:00 a.m. and goes to 8:00 p.m. everyday except Sunday.

At least 5 meat choices and 10 vegetables are offered each day, varying depending on the day of the week.

Chicken and dressing, turnip greens, mashed potatoes, fried okra, cornbread and good sweet tea!

Chicken and dressing, black-eyed peas, Great Northern beans, tomato/cucumber salad, cornbread.

Breakfast offerings range from traditional eggs and bacon to omelettes, pancakes, waffles, fruit, pastries and everything in between.

3-egg omelette topped with pepper jack cheese, biscuit and grits.

Scrambled eggs, bacon, fluffy biscuit, hashbrowns and cheese grits.

Portions are larger and tastier than Cracker Barrel’s, and you don’t have to wade through all of the other merchandise temptations to get to your table. We liked it, and I think you will, too. Not gourmet. Just yummy comfort food.

15 Things I Learned about My Granddaughter

07/22/2016 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Missionaries are fervently instructed to be “ALL THERE,” when they are on the field. I understand this with my head, but with all children, in-law children, siblings, parents and our one and only grandchild in the States while we were in Ecuador, I found that instruction to be virtually impossible. And, I dare say, all of the missionaries who had children and grandchildren AWAY were in the same boat.

Near the end of our first year on the field, our youngest daughter and our only grandchild — who was a few weeks away from turning 3 years old — flew into Guayaquil to spend a week with us. Oh, the anticipation of that visit, and oh, oh, oh, the agony of taking them back to the airport a week later.

In the days after they left, I made a list of new things I had learned about little Allie Grace during that visit. Things that I knew would likely change before I’d see her again, but things that were dear to my heart during our week together. As you read this list, perhaps it will motivate you to pray for a missionary you know on the field right now who is separated from loved ones.

Allie Grace is the only person I know with a really CUTE passport picture.
Allie will go along with almost anything if you put the word “princess” somewhere in the activity, i.e. “Let’s get in your princess car seat.” “Princesses always use the potty.” Etc. etc.
She does not like it when her Granddaddy “cuts the faces off” when he’s cleaning the fish they’ve caught.
Allie’s favorite colors are pink and purple.
Allie is fearless on a playground.
She loves baths, bedtime stories and her new red dress.
She can spot a bug or a dog from a very long distance.
Her favorite songs at the moment are: “Bare Necessities,” “Whistle While You Work,” “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” “Jesus, Lamb of God,” and “Who Let the Dogs Out?” (quite a variety!)
She is very good at making pancakes and frosting birthday cakes.
She loves hats and does an amazing job of walking in high heels.
Singing and dancing come very naturally to her.
Allie loves ham . . . and peas . . . and corn.
Allie knows 3 new Spanish words: “Hola,” “Aqui,” and “Gracias.”
Her favorite hand to hold is her Grandmother’s.
She now understands the concept of a mountain and thinks Granddaddy’s roads are bumpy.

Allie and Grandmomma getting a pink birthday cake ready for her 3rd birthday party.

Allie catching fish with Granddaddy.

Actually, my list had 32 items on it, but you get the idea. Allie will turn 16 this fall. She has been joined by 11 other grandchildren in our family — all dearly loved and “precious in our sight.” This, though, was a vivid week during our time on the mission field.

“. . . May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from the other.” Genesis 31:49 (A constant prayer of mine during our years in Ecuador).

Hang Out with Creative People at Huntsville’s Lowe Mill

07/18/2016 By: CCPearson1 Comment

Do you enjoy watching artists and artisans creating, painting, sewing and crafting? Do you like a wide variety of artistic styles? Do you enjoy seeing both whimsical AND serious works of art? Do you ever wish you could meet the artists and have conversations with them? Do you sometimes want to do those things at times other than at spring, fall and Christmas craft shows? Well then, I have just the place for you!

Located in a gigantic (think 171,000 square feet) former cotton mill at 2211 Seminole Drive in Huntsville, you can find floors and scores of art studios, and in many of them, the actual artists will be working as you stroll past. Photography, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, painting, stained glass, printmaking, woodworking — you name it, and I bet you’ll find it at Lowe Mill. Musicians even get in on the action with indoor and outdoor concerts from time to time. Just check the calendar on the website to find out what is happening on the days you plan to visit. Lessons and classes are provided for those who want to learn the creative processes for themselves.

I first heard about Lowe Mill when I admired the stained glass work of Julie Gill at an Art on the Square event in my hometown of Athens, AL. I ended up commissioning Julie to create pieces for some very high windows in our family room. She and her husband came out with their equipment and an EXTREMELY tall ladder to install them when they were completed. We were amazed at her talent and very pleased with the results.

A few weeks ago, Steve and I decided to explore Lowe Mill to see what else might be interesting. I particularly enjoyed meeting Denise Onwere and admiring her paintings that are focused on encouraging and empowering women. Here are some photos from that trip.

Denise Onwere

Be sure to take note of the hours when Lowe Mill is open to the public. Wednesday and Thursday from noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday from noon until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It was fairly quiet on Wednesday when we visited, but I bet it’s hoppin’ on Fridays and Saturdays. I guarantee you will see something you’ve never seen before. Admission is free. And, by the way, there is a small snack bar called “Happy Tummy” in case you want to grab a bite while you’ll browsing.

A Precious Moment, an answered prayer and a prayer request

07/15/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

(Newsletter April 1, 2004)

Dear Friends,

“Alli tutamantaj. Allillachu cangui.” (Good day. Are you well? in Quichua)

Last Sunday, a commencement ceremony was held during the first part of the worship service for the Quichua teenagers in Cachigalguay who had attended my Saturday morning English classes. I presented certificates, and Steve gave a brief message from 1 Timothy 4 in Spanish. The church then presented plaques to each of US, and the pastor used Psalm 126:5-6 to encourage us. He said that this church recognized that we often “sowed in tears” because of missing our family, but they saw our work with them as “reaping in joy.” It was one of those indescribably precious moments.

In our last newsletter, we asked you to pray for Steve’s visits to Huigra and Molleturo. March 8th went well, but he wasn’t able to go on the 29th because of an injured foot. We think that an old ankle injury recurred when his foot was stomped a few times by the cows he treated in Guamote. Fortunately, we were able to find a good English-speaking doctor here in Cuenca who seems to have made an appropriate diagnosis. He’s much better now.

In these days leading up to Good Friday and Easter, the “Passion of the Christ” movie is scheduled to open here in Cuenca during the week, which we hope will provide opportunities for discussion and sharing. However, a pirated and doctored DVD has been reported to be for sale on the streets for $1.00, with such changes as: “Into Mary’s hands, I commend My spirit.” Pray that The Truth will overcome Satan’s attempts to distort.

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Grand Central Bistro — Hartselle’s New Little Sandwich Shop

07/11/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Hungry for a light lunch, made-to-order in a clean, friendly atmosphere? Drive down Nanceford Road past the Hartselle Aquatic Center and turn into Village West. Right at the front you’ll see Grand Central Bistro.

Side of building facing Nanceford Road.

Entrance to Village West.

The natural first question is “How in the world did a little sandwich shop in Hartselle get the name Grand Central Bistro?” The owner cites 2 reasons. First, he proudly proclaims, “I’m from New York!” And secondly, he says that his business partner made the following sign 11 years ago for no apparent reason. Well, the reason is now abundantly clear.

Sign randomly made by the business partner years ago.

This bistro seats only about 20-24 people at a time, but they do a brisk business of to-go orders. So, feel free to call your order in, and they’ll have it ready. Their menu even mentions delivery and catering. Might be worth checking out.

There are at least 3 soups offered daily and 4 salads. There are lots of choices for sandwiches or pressed, hot paninis. And then you can turn the menu over and find turkey, buffalo chicken and veggie wraps, kids favorites, desserts and the salads we all hope to find in a lunch place — chicken salad, macaroni salad, potato salad, broccoli salad and (drum roll, please) STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD!!! I also spotted banana bread and “The Grand Sandwich” with ham, turkey, capicola and two cheeses.

And, yes, I wondered the same thing — “What in the world is capicola?” Well, according to Wiktionary.org, it is –“A traditional Neapolitan-Italian cold cut made from pork shoulder or neck and dry-cured whole.” Probably something brought in from New York, wouldn’t you say?

I opted for the chicken salad on a croissant with a side of peach pretzel salad, and it was go-ood!

My lunch!

Oh yes, and the prices are extremely reasonable. Many items are only $5.99!

So, now you know. Go give them a try and support this new business. Show the guy from New York just how nice we Southerners can be.

The view of Grand Central Bistro from the main parking lot.

A Stroll and a Report

07/08/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

(Newsletter June 22, 2003)

Today’s stroll along the river near our apartment was particularly cultural. Because of yesterday afternoon’s rains, the water was running more swiftly and clearly than normal, so whole family groups were gathered to do their laundry. The atmosphere was unusually merry, though, because of a religious fiesta going on in town this weekend, so everyone seemed to be in a party mood. We suspected that the picnic baskets would be coming out shortly. We stopped in at the fish market, as well as at the fruit and vegetable stand. Business at both was brisk, probably in preparation for big family meals in the late afternoon. We sat on a bench to watch the world go by, and a young boy and his herd of goats came within a few feet of us. He was having quite a time keeping his stubborn, independent charges out of the street. A few yards further down we noticed a taxi parked beside the river and saw that the driver had gotten out to take a bath and had his hair completely lathered up — right there in the middle of the river! On the other side of the river, 4 or 5 cows were grazing, and some happy little boys were playing soccer. You talk about a great place to have a Backyard Bible Club?? This would be it! For us, it seems so good to be “home” again, among familiar sights, sounds, and smells, after being away for the past 2 weeks.

June 10-16, we were in Salinas (on the Pacific Coast) with all of the Southern Baptist missionaries serving here in Ecuador for the annual general meeting. Spending time with our colleagues, hearing about their work and swapping stories and advice was great fun. A former missionary and his wife, now serving in a pastorate in Texas, were there to teach Bible studies and preach. Being able to sing in English and hearing preaching in our “heart” language was absolutely wonderful. Maybe you haven’t thought about it, but missionaries are pretty much responsible for their own spiritual growth and development, so this was a much-needed time. We also had hours everyday for training and information, and meals were spent sharing and laughing. All of the missionaries who have moved to Ecuador since the last meeting were asked to give their testimonies, so Steve and I enjoyed telling our “story” on Friday night. There was a wide range of experience from which to glean wisdom — two couples planning to retire in another year, those with one year on the field and those with 30+ years, all the way to one new family with 5 children! A volunteer group from First Baptist Church, Trussville AL, was there to hold Vacation Bible School for all of the MK’s. That ministry allowed the kids to grow spiritually while their parents had a chance to get renewed without being distracted. The Trussville group also brought lots of grocery items from the States that are unavailable here, so an auction was held with the proceeds going to the Lottie Moon Offering or for the home missionaries we have in Ecuador. It was amazing what jars of crunchy peanut butter sold for! Steve was a mighty happy camper when he got 6 cans of potted meat for $11.00!

From Salinas, we went directly to the small town of Chunchi to join a medical team from Oklahoma, which was already at work. This group of thirty consisted of 3 medical doctors, 2 dentists, 2 eye doctors, several nurses, a pharmacist, assistants for each of these and children’s workers doing puppet shows, playing games, blowing bubbles, teaching songs and taking lots of Polaroid pictures (a treasure since so many of the children have never had a photograph of themselves). I was so impressed with the focus, stamina and dedication of the volunteers. The place where we stayed and the food we ate was “challenging,” but I never heard a word of whining or complaint. Clearly, they had come to be servants. Eight different villages were served by this team, and the very good news is that some of the best response came in a place with NO evangelical work. Steve and I hope that this experience will open the door for planting a new church in that community. At each location, Ecuadorian pastors were there witnessing and giving spiritual counseling. I don’t know how many total professions of faith there were, but at the last location on Friday afternoon, there were 9. The doctors all acknowledged that what they were able to do for the people was only a temporary fix, but the spiritual advances were eternal. Praise the Lord!

“To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Highlands Bar and Grill: A Sublime Birthday Dinner in Birmingham

07/04/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Do not, I repeat, do NOT wait as long as I did to have dinner at Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham. It. Is. Wonderful.

Frank Stitt opened his restaurant in what was then a very unlikely location in 1982 using funds from his mother who mortgaged her house because she believed that her son had the skills and the opportunity to be successful. Banks weren’t as confident, but Stitt proved them wrong. Boy, did he prove them wrong!

Stitt is an award-winning chef who has generously mentored other chefs who are making their culinary marks on the world. But, in addition to outstanding food, his restaurants have an unparalleled level of attention to detail and impeccable service.

Steve and I were in Birmingham for a few days recently to celebrate my birthday and made reservations for dinner at Highlands. Conveniently, it was located directly behind the Hassinger Daniels Mansion B & B where we were staying, so we could walk. But, there is an adjacent parking lot if you are staying somewhere else or just driving in for dinner.

We had an amazing time from the moment we walked in the door. Goren Avery, a 33-year wait staff veteran at Highlands, is a total delight. He knows the menu thoroughly, and furthermore, he understands PEOPLE.

Highlands is bustling and full of energy, but we never felt rushed in any way. We savored each course slowly and deliberately. Such delicious food!!!

Highlands even has an award-winning pastry chef, Dolester Miles. I can understand completely why some diners make reservations to come just for her over-the-top desserts.

Plan a true treat for yourself soon. The decor, the atmosphere, the staff, the drink menu (we chose a couple off of their list of Temperance Drinks, of course), the appetizers, the entrees, and the desserts ALL rate an A+ in my gradebook. Peruse the website and read all of the stories that have been published about it. Include my recent review for MilesGeek.com when you make your reservation. Enjoy!

So, this original review was posted in 2016, but we returned for an anniversary dinner in March of 2018. Here are some photos from our outstanding dinner that night — quail, venison and Aurora Tart. Oh my!

Manchester Farms Quail for an appetizer.

Grilled venison with sweet potato hash and collards for an entree.

Beautiful caramel custard tart, with chantilly cream and candied hazelnuts created by award-winning pastry chef, Dolester Miles.

Interior of Highlands with gleaming white tablecloths and uniformed servers.

P.S. If you are visiting Birmingham for a few days, Frank Stitt has added 3 more restaurants in the same area of Historic Five Points — Bottega, Bottega Cafe, and Chez Fon Fon. Each has its own distinctive menu and emphasis.

Blue Jeans and Blessings on a Sunday Morning

07/01/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

(Letter to our prayer partners, February 15, 2004)

Hi Everybody!

Before setting out this morning for Monjas, a very remote Quichua village about an hour and a half from our apartment, we decided to put on our blue jeans (not your basic typical Sunday morning attire), and it was a good choice. A shirt and tie, or a skirt and heels would have created instant suspicion and probably would have lumped us in with Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons. We picked up our helpers Eduardo and Daniel and started out. Along the way, we were treated to the sights of a newborn lamb with its mother, at least 10 different varieties of chickens, a runaway burro with its owner about 1/4 mile behind and incredible mountains covered in eucalyptus trees and native wildflowers. The road itself, however, should have posted a warning sign: “Do not start this journey in your truck unless your bladder is completely empty!” It was rough!

We arrived a little before the previously scheduled time of 10:00 a.m. (typical North Americans that we are), and immediately noticed that there were very few adults in sight. Slowly but surely over the next hour we were able to determine that there had been a death in the community and that all of the adults had gone to the wake, so the date for Steve’s seminar had been “changed.” (Hmmmmmm). The woman who seemed to be “in charge” had, though, collected a sample from her cow for Steve to check for parasites, but since he had planned a lesson on mastitis, he didn’t have his microscope with him. We kept hearing sounds coming from the partially-constructed Catholic church nearby, and at 11:00 a.m. about 35-40 children and young people poured out having just finished their catechism lesson for today. Water balloons were suddenly everywhere as the boys attempted to terrorize the girls. This is a very common practice in Ecuador during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. Water balloons, water guns, buckets full of water — whatever is handy is used to soak as many victims as possible. For some reason, this is considered to be great fun right now, making it treacherous for “strangers” to walk on the streets and sidewalks. It will all end abruptly on Feb. 25th, but until then, it has to be endured). Anyway, we were a source of unabashed curiosity, so we were immediately surrounded and stared at. While Steve, Eduardo and Daniel were communicating with a young man about another date for the seminar, it occurred to me that HERE was another possibility for English classes. Sure enough, when I mentioned it to the children gathered around me, they were all eager for classes like that, and I was even told that I could use the pitiful little 3-room schoolhouse building for that purpose. Unlike the teenagers at Cachigalguay, these young people have had NO previous English study, so I’ll be working with some eager “blank slates!” To our knowledge, there are no evangelical Christians living in this community, so start praying now for our return trip there on February 29th.

For our trouble, we were rewarded with lunch. We were directed to a room in the small community building and were given individual plates piled with boiled potatoes and topped with pieces of cuy (guinea pig). Lucky me. My bowl had the entire roasted head with its mouth wide open and eyes and teeth staring back at me!! There was also a side dish of habas (like big butter beans but with a thicker skin). Since no one was dining with us, it was easy to share my bowl with Eduardo and Daniel, plus it is very common to put leftovers in plastic bags to take home for later. According to the guys, the cuy head is particularly “rico” (delicious), so we were ALL happy with the sharing situation, and now their wives won’t have to prepare supper — thanks to the bagged up leftovers. Oh yes, when the food was being brought in I noticed that one of our spoons was dropped in the dirt outside. It was quickly picked up and brought right on in. I wonder which of us ended up with that one?

Did we accomplish the goal we set out to meet when we left home this morning? Did Steve teach about mastitis in cows, and did Eduardo lead a Bible study? Did anyone pray to receive Christ? No. But, we added another layer to the relationship that we are building for future sharing of the gospel in that community. No one said this was going to be easy. Somehow, though, we all came back feeling very positive about the possibilities. Remember. Animal health and English classes are just out tools, our “hooks” if you will, for building bridges. God will provide the open doors.

Keep praying.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

I heard a sermon on that verse once and took notes in the margin of my Bible. The 4 points were: 1) It’s God’s work. 2) It’s good work. 3) It’s guaranteed work. 4) It’s a growing work. A good reminder for all of us, don’t you think?

John’s City Diner, an Old Tradition Made New and Upscale

06/27/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

I remember going to John’s Restaurant back in the 70’s. The must-order item was slaw made with angel-hair cabbage and a special orange dressing. After all these years, some family members of the original owner John Proferis have bought the rights to that famous dressing, and it can be purchased through this website. John’s was wildly popular, but things changed downtown, the owners stopped doing business there, and the building became neglected.

However, Shannon Gober and his lovely wife Shana saw a tremendous potential in the building and the location. They bought it and fashioned it into a gleaming, up-to-date, new and improved version of its former self and named it John’s City Diner. The results are remarkable.

Looking from the reception area into the dining room.

A wall in the dining room.

Front door of John’s City Diner.

Reception area.

The exterior and interior decor as well as the serving dishes play on the Steel City theme and give the whole atmosphere an edgy vibe. Shannon, who is John’s Executive Chef, is diligent about using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and has developed his own signature dishes that are sure to become even more famous than the slaw on the original menu. For example, there are 3 versions of “Not Your Momma’s Macaroni and Cheese” — the original with imported cheeses and prosciutto, the “3 Little Pigs” with prosciutto, bacon and pulled pork, and a vegetarian version with spinach, roasted red peppers and feta cheese. You’ll never want a prepackaged brand again!

John’s City Diner burger and bucket of hot, homemade French fries.

Shana Gober designed the mural on the exterior of the building. She is on the staff for Good Grit magazine and is highly creative.

Outside mural designed by Shana Gober.

I must give a shout out for the mouthwatering bread pudding Steve and I shared for dessert. Those toasted pecans put it over the top.

Amazing bread pudding.

Parking for John’s City Diner is available on the street, but more than likely you will want to head to a public parking lot about a half block away.

John’s is open for lunch Monday – Friday and for dinner Monday – Saturday. Give it a try and tell Shannon and Shana I said hello.

For more photos and information click on this article I recently wrote for MilesGeek.com. John’s City Diner also gets a shout-out in this article published in Trip101.com.

Disclosure – Many thanks to John’s City Diner for hosting me. Regardless of John’s generosity, readers receive my honest feedback as my opinions are 100% my own.”

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