Computer is Back On Line!

We finally got the computer working again and we are back in business. Years ago it wasn't a big deal not to have a computer. But, once you get used to having it and comunicating with your loved ones so far away, it's like you can't live without it. How spoiled we get these days.

So, now that I am up and running (computer wise) I will try to keep up with the blog. It hasn't been easy lately. Working and trying to catch up with my pioneer hours hasn't been easy. At first I was doing okay, but I quickly became ill again and have been in bed most of my days off. Today I am feeling better and I hope to keep up the momentum.

Our studies are progessing nicely. Soon we will be losing two of our studies since they are now baptized and will be finishing their second book shortly. I guess we have to get busy to replace them with new ones. That isn't really very difficult here. What's is hard is limiting your studies so that you can take care of them. No, I'm not complaining. SMILE.

We are looking foward to our Kingdom Hall remodel. It is scheduled to begin about June 15th and the brothers mentioned that it should take about 6 to 8 weeks to complete. The end of July we will be going to Guayaquil for our English Convention. That is always a joy. You'll be seeing some photos of the event, I'm sure.

That's about all my news for now. Hope everyone is well and happy. May Jehovah bless your efforts wherever you are serving. Until next time. Chiao.

A Dangerous Chocolate Cake

My daughter, Aimee, sent this recipe to me by email. Well, I tried it since it looked so easy and I must say that it is an amazing treat. The only complaint that I have is that it is SO easy I am tempted to make it again and again. Not too good for the waistline. But, OH what a way to go!

In fact, I'm eating one while a write this blog....OOPS! I hope you guys enjoy it, too.

Let me know if you like it. I would like to hear your feedback. ENJOY!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug(Microwave Safe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

AY DE MI

Alas, the time has come that we have been dreading. The beloved computer has conked out. I am writing you on my computer at work, but I don´t know how long I will be able to do this. Someone unknowingly sent us a particularly virulent virus that has completely destroyed the computer. Since we do not have the funds to repair it at the moment, it may be a while before I will be able to contact you. So please be patient and I will let you know as soon as we are able to get the darn thing fixed.

I wish we could charge those computer geeks that have nothing better to do than ruin other people´s lives the cost of the repairs. Oh well, that will never happen. Don´t forget about us.

We're a New Congregation

The time for the Batan Congregation to split and form another congregation has finally arrived. Although Batan has only been formed for about 2 1/2 years, there is a necessity to split once again. So, one week ago, it was announced that a new congregation was organized and we will be attending La Florida.

This is exciting and sad at the same time. Exciting that there is growth in our territory and it obviously has Jehovah's blessing. Sad because we will be losing some of our beloved brothers and sisters that have been assigned to another congregation. Also, we received news that the plans for our building a new hall are in the hands of the GB in New York and we are awaiting approval. In the meantime, we will be helping with the remodel of our current KH which is in great need to be fixed up. Currently, there are four congregations meeting in the one hall and you can imagine the wear and tear that causes. So, we are looking forward to the project and will be very busy.

Other news, the Assembly Hall in Guayaquil will soon be finished. We are told that there will be a dedication of the Hall in October and those who have 30 years or more baptized are invited to attend. Can you believe that Mark and I qualify? I hate to admit it (I'm aging myself) but in October I will celebrate 37 years baptized and Mark 36. There are only 6 in our hall that are invited because we of many years in the truth are few in this country. A guest speaker from the GB will be down for the dedication and will give the talk. I'll be sure to write you guys about the event.

That's about all for now. Until next time.....

What Makes a Successful "Need Greater?" (A Continuing Series)

One more interview for you to listen to. Barbara came on her own to Ecuador and has been here about a year. This is what she has to say. I apologize for the background noise, we were actually at Barbara's "going away party" at the time. Regardless of the noise, maybe you will be able to catch some of what she says.

My First Week of Work

I finished my first week of work and I must say it was much less stressful than I anticipated. Mostly due to the fact that Sarah is still on board and showing me the ropes.

To give you an overview, I am working for Nelson Idrovo and Grace Velastegui, a husband and wife lawyer team. Their principal occupation is as immigration lawyers for foreigners that wish to live in Ecuador. They also dabble in real estate. It seems a great number of retirees are immigrating down south and Cuenca is a very good place to make that SS check go further. Since the majority of the clients are English speakers, my main duty is serving as translator between client and lawyer or notary and translating documents from Spanish into English and vice-versa. My background as a legal assistant is coming in handy after all these years. Who knew I would ever use those skills again especially in a foreign country? The work is very interesting and Nelson and Grace are extremely nice and easy going. They have made me feel very welcomed. I believe that this could actually be the easiest, most rewarding job I have ever had. And did I mention the schedule? 1/2 day Monday, all day Tuesday and Thursday. Perfect for a pioneer. And as salaries go in Ecuador, the pay is very good. So, we will be able to pay off some of that debt we accrued during my illness.

I'll let you know how it goes once Sarah is no longer around to hold my hand.