Vilcabamba

We had the chance to get away for a few days and spend some quiet time with friends in a sleepy town called Vilcabamba. About 5 hours from Cuenca, but it is like a completely different world. Unfortunately, because of some stressful events at work, it was difficult for me to destress and relax. But, thanks to Jordanne, A.J. and Miha and our friends in Loja and Malacatos (towns close to Vilcabamba) I was able to have moments of extreme pleasure. Here are some pics of our adventure. There is nothing like our spiritual brotherhood. We even met some new friends along the way.

Do you think the luggage will fit in this small car? "Of course" replies Mark. "Toyota is Toyota."

Our little home away from home.

AHHH! Now we can relax.

This was such a surprise. My spiritual daughter and granddaughter are now serving in Malacatos. This made our day!

Friends we met serving in Malacatos and visiting from Canada and England. A very nice evening.

Orchids

Did you know there are over 4,000 varieties of orchids in Ecuador? I didn't either. There is an orchid sanctuary and cultivation center in Gualaceo about an hour away from Cuenca. Mark and visited and were amazed by the beautiful and unique flowers. One orchid actually smells like chocolate. There are orchids a little larger than a pin head and others that are like explosions of blooms. I put together a video of some of what we saw. Enjoy.

A Curious Bit of Trivia

For you Seinfeld fans out there that always wanted to know what happened to Bapu after being deported....well, he immigrated to Ecuador and set up shop. Here's the proof.

Our New and Improved Kingdom Hall

We had our first meeting in the remodeled hall Sunday. It is beautiful. The hard work and dedication of all the brothers and sisters is reflected in the finished product. We are so happy. As a new arrangement with the GB, the first meeting is dedicated in giving a talk about how to care for the new KH. Something that I really appreciated was that the speaker mentioned that we are preparing ourselves to live in the New System under God's Kingdom and the way we conduct ourselves, including taking care of our places of worship, reflects on how we will be in the new system and whether or not we are worthy of being there. It was very encouraging and throught provoking. Here are a couple of pictures of the interior.

Any of our friends that have visited us will see the difference. Look how clean and pristine it looks.

Evelyn and Luis' Wedding

Our dearest daughter Evelyn married Luis Cuesta last Saturday. I made a short video to share with you. Sadly her own mother didn't come to the event although Evelyn had hoped up to the end that she might change her mind. But, they had many friends and loved ones to share their happy day. We are happy that we were allowed to share this day as we feel like her parents. It was a simple wedding and she made a lovely bride as you will see in the video.

Evelyn and Luis are Tying the Knot

Our very dear, spiritual daughter Evelyn is getting married to a very nice brother named Luis Cuesta. We are so excited and happy for them both.

Evelyn is very special. She is a faithful pioneer that has overcome many difficult situations. She even graduated from the University (at the insistence of her mother) and pioneered the entire time. Evelyn has been a source of encouragement for Mark and I, our pioneer partner many afternoons when no one else supported the group, and our daughter. Mark is the Director of the Feast and I will be cutting the cake. We have also been asked to prepare the Sangria that will be served. Small tasks, but we are happy to be a part of this happy day. The wedding is on Saturday. I'm sure I will have some pictures to share. Stay tuned.

This Time Tears of Joy!

As you know, I've been sad that we couldn't make the English Convention. But, I received wonderful news yesterday. Donna Nicol called to let me know that she was baptized at the convention. You remember her? She was my English study while she was recovering in the hospital here in Cuenca. For a few weeks, I was privileged to start a study with her in the Teach book and watch her grow in appreciation. She moved to the coast a little later and I couldn't continue the study. But, she didn't stop. And she was baptized. Now she is our sister. I'm crying, but not because I'm sad but because I am thrilled that she progressed and that I was able to be a part of it, even if it was for a short while. Oh, I almost forgot...she told me that she is conducting two studies of her own! WOW!

Me and Donna in Cuenca after a bible study. Here she was still in the hospital.