A Bit Sad

For 12 years we have never missed our English Convention in Guayaquil. Of course, we will be attending our convention here in Cuenca in September. This will be the first year we can't make the trip. I'm sad about it, but it can't be helped. Due to financial problems and health reasons, we just can't get it together to make the trip. So, to all of you that are going, enjoy! It is a wonderful convention and a great experience for the "need greaters." We will be missing you and thinking of you.

PS....For those of you going to the convention, if you would be so kind as to pick up the new releases for us. Otherwise we won't be getting them in English. It would be greatly appreciated.

Oh How We Change

My dearest childhood friend, Belinda, recently found me and wrote to me. We haven't talked since 1996. We have been chatting via internet and catching up on old times. Wow, how the time has flown. Can you believe she has some old photos of me and my brother Jamie? I'm sharing the photos with you guys...I told you I was a red head...

Signs

Walking around town, we often see American influences in the culture. Some signs are obviously taken from the States others are just different. I made a short video of some of the local scenery.

Enjoy.

Ministry of Health Advisory

This pamphlet was distributed in our building and this poster hung in the elevator. It is valuable information about "What you Should Know About the A/H1H1 Virus" (commonly known as Swine Flu) distributed by the Ministry of Health. Actually the information is very helpful and informative. However, I thought this particular page was cute. For those who don't read Spanish or these pictures are too small, I will translate a bit.

"Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after sneezing and contact with sick persons." Good advice.

"Wash the soap in running water before putting it in the soap dish and/or using liquid soap." Okay.

"Cover your nose and mouth with disposible tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the wastebasket." Good.

"If you don't have tissue (this was the one that made me laugh) use the inside of your elbow." The picture shows a drawing of a child demostrating the method.

The Kids are Here!

AJ and Jordanne have arrived. They are from Cleveland, OH and just landed in Cuenca on Wednesday. We are delighted they have decided to serve in our hall (we did a little arm pulling.) Today was their first congregation meeting and all were happy to meet them. They both plunged in feet first and commented on the Watchtower. Very impressive. They are a great addition to our hall and we really appreciate the help. Who knows what adventures lay ahead?

Always Learn Something New

Yesterday, I had the privilege to work in the kitchen at the KH remodel. We were in charge of making a fruit salad for the morning break. I must say that I started out with a bad attitude because when I arrived at the place we were going to cook, no one was prepared to start. (It didn't help that my blood sugar was very low so I'm sure all was blown out of proportion.) I won't go into details, because it is not important. What I want to say, is I got myself so upset that I was crying and called Mark to help me calm down. What I learned from this experience is that it's not a big deal. With all my worry and stress, the snack turned out very well and the brothers appreciated the refreshment. I ended up having a wonderful time with my sisters. I learned that everyone is working hard for Jehovah. My stress only ended up hurting me and no one else. And the work got done anyway. I'm not too old to learn.