Hello Again

It has been some time since I have visited this site. It has been a difficult year, very busy, dealing will illnesses, stress and well, extactly what everyone else is dealing with. But, things are looking up and there have been so many changes it's hard to know where to begin. So I will start at the change that has had the most impact on our lives recently. In July the branch in Ecuador decided to redistibute all the territories in Cuenca and this change meant that everyone was to attend the congregation that corresponded to where they live. Since we were assigned to a congregation on the other side of town this meant that starting in July, we had to change congregations. This was quite hard since we were very happy in our assignment and loved the brothers deeply. However, to be obedient we opted to say our farewells and attend the new congregation. This has been a blessing beyond belief. First, we are in the territory and live 3 minutes from the Kingdom Hall; 18 minutes from our front door to the Hall if we choose to walk. Our first meeting I was a bit nervous,you know going into a new place and not knowing anyone. But, we received the warmest welcome from everyone and soon we felt like we have always been in this congregation. To make things even better, I already have 6 bible studies, a lot of support in the ministry and inummerable new friends that are like family. The territory is very productive and the congregation is very sociable so there is always something to do. The challenge is this congregation is the largest we have attended since we came to Ecuador, 162 publishers and an average attendance over 200; so it is difficult to talk to everyone, but little by little we are getting to know the brothers and sisters. Mark is having fun trying to remember everyone's name in the WT study and this generates quite a bit of laughter. After a long day in the ministry this morning with 77 at the group, we arrived home tired and happy and grateful to Jehovah for this wonderful new experience He has given us. And to top things off, Mark just came over and gave me a big kiss and said "H

appy anniversary. Did you realize that today we have been in Ecuador 15 years?" How happy I am that Mark talked me into going to serve where the need is great. It has been the happiest years of our lives. Oh one other item of interest. Meet Boo, the new member of our family and the most spoiled animal in all of South American, maybe the world.