Our Election Day Play Day

Sunday was election day for Ecuador. That means that everything shuts down, no meetings, no ministry, no liqueur for the entire weekend. So what does one do? Well, our congregation decided to have fun. We got together with some of the young ones and took a trip to Gualaceo a little town about 30 minutes from Cuenca. We went to a park and had a great time. Here are some highlights from the trip.

First we all met at the "Parque del Dragon" (the Dragon Park) So called because of the metal statue of a dragon. It's kinda cool. Then we took the bus to Gualaceo where we found a nice park by the river. I think the following video will give you an idea....

Rainy Day Turns to Sunshine

As I woke up this morning I was so sad because the dawn brought another ugly, cloudy day. It seems that it has been raining all year. So the dilemma, do I go out in service and give into my desire to stay in the PJ's and curl up in my warm bed or do I go out in this muck? It took all my energy to make myself get up and get ready and drive to the group. But, I'm happy I did for it turned out to be a great day.

First, when I arrived at the service group, I was actually the youngest member of the group. Our dear older brothers and sisters faithfully came out in service in spite of the ugly, rainy, weather. This is remarkable because unlike me, they had to walk to the group in this nasty weather. The oldest, 84 years old and me the youngest at ????? (I'm not telling though I'm getting up there.) The conductor was late so we all started talking about the weather and how much the rain was needed for the crops. That conversation turned to asking me about the planting, sowing and harvest schedules in the States. All started giggling when I told them how much I always loved having my own garden and how we learned to can or freeze our produce to get us through the winter. They were amazed at that concept because no one in Ecuador knows how to do canning because there is always plenty of fruits and vegetables all year long. Finally, the conductor arrived and we got organized for the ministry. I was assigned with Ester and she said she had some bible studies. So off we went. The first study was with a young mother and she was prepared and waiting for us. I got to conduct the study since Ester was busy keeping the child quiet which was quite a chore. As we knocked on the door of the second study, the husband opened the door. He said they were about the leave but invited us in for a quick "saludo". He called his wife and invited us to sit down. Ester explained to him that we come every week to visit his wife and we study the bible with her. The husband, named Eddie, was delighted and said that he fully supported his wife's desire to study and would we mind if he also sat in on the study. Once again, he mentioned that they were about to leave and as we were getting ready to leave he said, "but I have another question...." Okay, we listened and answered the question. We rose to leave again, and he said "one more question..." Again, we answered the question using the bible. This went on about 30 minutes more and every time we tried to leave, he came up with another question. We ended up having and brief bible study with the whole family. Mom, Dad and 2 children. As we were leaving he said that maybe next week we could arrange to stay 2 hours to really answer his questions. Why not? He invited us. I came home feeling very refreshed and happy that I decided to go out on this rainy, miserable day.

YIPPEE!

FYI everyone....I got the job. I start April 30. 18 hours a week and the bosses seem nice and easy going. This is going to be fun.

Something New

Some of you may know that Mark and I have been struggling for a while with our finances. We have been praying a lot and trying to decide what we should do. Mark is taking on more work at the University, but my situation is a bit more complicated with my health issues. Thus, many heartfelt prayers to Jehovah as to what we should do. Guess what? Sarah Rulla from Greely, CO is serving here with her parents Dan and Kelly. Sarah has been working for an immigration lawyer part time in downtown Cuenca not very far from where we live. In fact, it is within walking distance. Sunday night while the Rullas were over for dinner, Sarah mentioned that since she and her family will be returning to Colorado, her bosses were desperate to find someone to take her place. FLASH! Why not me? Sarah mentioned the possibility to her bosses and I have an interview with them this afternoon. After much reflection and prayer could this be the answer we have been waiting for? It's translation work, part-time and they are very flexible about the hours and willingly let you off for vacations and assemblies. I will be able to continue my pioneering and the money will help pay off the debts incurred with my surgery. Sounds like an answer to me....I will let you know if I get the job. Wish me well.

Memorial Update from Batan Congregation

How was everyone' memorial? Ours was very nice. We had a total of 310 in attendance and that included Esperanza and her husband which made me very excited and happy! Esperanza had told us the week before that they wouldn't be able to attend because her husband had a medical conference the evening of the Memorial. Thursday, Beth and I went to her study to go over the appendix of the Teach book about the Memorial. We had a wonderful study and at the end I mentioned the possibility of Esperanza coming to the Memorial with us since her husband couldn't be there. What a surprise when she told us that her husband decided to go with her and sure enough they were both there! We hope the information touches their hearts and continue to make progress. I'll keep you up to date.

Meet my Spiritual Children

I received wonderful news! My spiritual grandson just got baptized today. It is an amazing event. Jonathan is the son of a bible study named Diana. Diana studied a few years ago and when she started her study her husband left her and took her two boys with him. He then petitioned to court to take custody away from Diana. The only reason he was able to win the case is because he knew the judge and bribed him with money. There was absolutely no evidence at all against Diana. All through this terrible time Diana remained firm and faithful to Jehovah. We shed many tears together about the loss of her sons. Many bibles studies were just crying sessions because that was all Diana could do, but she never missed a study. With time, she was baptized. Soon after she won custody of the boys and they came to live with her. Jonathan, however, was very opposed to learn anything about the truth and was rebellious. Time went on and he was impressed with the friendliness of the local congregation and soon started studying. Today, he symbolized his dedication by water baptism. Once again Diana and I shed tears together, but this time they are tears of joy.
Jonathan, right before he entered the baptismal pool. Here I am with Diana, Jonathan and Diego. My child and grandchildren.

And here I am with my entire family. including Grandpa and Grandma. What a lovely family I have.

Wild Sheep Guard Dog

I had a funny experience today. We worked out in our rural territory trying to finish up the Memorial campaign. I really wasn't expecting to go into the country so I wasn't exactly dressed for the occasion. Anyway, Gloria and I were sent up a country road by ourselves. No problem. I had my handy "doggone" spray that Doug gave me so no worries about the mean dogs. I was ready for the meanest, wildest dog. Walking up a muddy path to get to a house that seemed miles away, Gloria and I come across a sheep tied to a stake. This should be easy. Just walk past the animal and continue going. They usually shy away scared of the stranger. So one would think. This particular sheep was actually a ram and he was not going to let us pass. He actually knocked Gloria with his head and followed us every direction we tried to sneak past. The path was very narrow so there was only one way to go...around the ram. He started butting and making noises and was worse than a guard dog. Good thing he didn't have sharp teeth, because he actually tried to bite. We didn't get past him. We finally gave up and had to turn around and go back. Could he have been a "wolf in sheep clothing?" Maybe. A lesson learned by this city girl. I didn't know they come in mean.