Brave Sisters

The other day while out in the ministry with 5 other little Ecuadorian sisters, we passed two men sitting in a field. They were obviously drunk so we just casually walked by and didn't say anything. The 2 men immediately started yelling at us and got up and walked toward us. We kept on our way, but they started directing their comments to me saying they wanted to talk to the "gringa." Anyone who knows me knows that I am a big girl and pretty much tower over any Ecuadorian, male or female. So I wasn't too worried about these guys. However, my 5 little companions immediately stood between these 2 guys and me and would not let them near me. They would not budge until these guys decided to leave us alone. Tears came to my eyes as I watched these brave little sisters take action to protect me. What a show of Christian love and loyalty and a lesson on how we defend our brothers.

Norman Thinks He's a Dog

This is one of our new hatchlings, Norman. From the day he came out of his chuaguaquero (nest) he has been popular with us. He came immediately out of his cage into Mark's hand and wanted to cuddle. He loves to be petted like a dog and sometimes even falls asleep on his side in our hand with his little claws in the air.

He is the sweetist little fellow. All he needs to learn now is how to bark.

All Good Things Must Come to an End...Or Do they?

The two weeks flew by. But, what a wonderful experience! This is the second time around for Mark and I and we feel we learned more this time than the first. Sadly, I got sick during the second week and missed 2 days and Mark was ill the last day. But, besides this great disappointment I can truthfully say that it was one of the most encouraging experiences in my spiritual life.

Students of all ages and many different backgrounds attended. From the U.S., New Zealand, Norway, Spain (actually our CO is from Spain) and in Ecuador brothers from the coast, mountains and rural areas. Single, married, male, female, mothers, fathers and even a pregnant sister. Age ranges between 16 and 55+. The instructors were excellent, our Circuit Overseer and the other brother in substitute work who also graduated from MTS. They are awesome!

So although the school is ended our life as pioneers begin anew. What an excellent way to start out our service year.

This is me and Baltazara who I mentioned in my last post. Isn't she beautiful?