Some Things Money Can't Buy

I know of a sister that works part time in Cuenca and tries to informal witness to her co workers whenever the opportunity presents itself. Recently her boss came to her with some personal problems and, of course, the best solution is the kingdom. Once again my friend began to witness to her and they had a very nice conversation, but since it was work, they had to keep the conversation short. Later that day her boss commented to her...and this is the part that money can't buy...she said "you really are a great witness for your God, Jehovah." I can't think of a nicer complement.

Still No Internet

I know you haven't heard from me in quite a while. First because we were moving, then Mark's illness, the drama and our trip to the states. However, I am still having problems with getting Internet at our new house. We have been without service since May and this is really getting old. I am told that perhaps Monday a new company will come and install service, but at this point I will believe it when I see it.

So for all you followers that think I have abandoned the blog or those who have written and never received an answer, you now know the reason. I plan to be up and running as soon as I have INTERNET!

Happy Yet Sad

We have exciting news that has made us very happy and is very encouraging. Mark has been assigned to direct the drama for the district convention this year (in Spanish). Without disclosing details, it is very interesting and to the point and you all will enjoy it very much. What makes us sad is that the first presentation is scheduled for the weekend of our English District Convention which means we will not be able to attend it this year. Oh well, if it Jehovah´s will there will be another English convention next year and this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the drama. So, we decided to be possitive and enjoy this momment. Love to you all and I hope to post pictures of the drama after the convention. Please keep us in your prayers.

Update

Hi. I'm taking a moment to write a quick blog. We are moved into our new home and despite all the stress with Mark's illness, we absolutly are enjoying it!

Mark is going through the Social Security medical system to get all the tests done and see the specialists. We are very impressed with the Social Security system here. It is well managed and works very smoothly. The tests results should be back today or tomorrow and we will let all know what they reveal.

We got our first house warming gift! Fanny and William along with their girls came for lunch on Sunday and handed us a box. When we opened it there were two small chickens. The girls inform me they are a male and female named Bayly and Flippy. What a surprise! I guess you can say we are officially countryfied!

We still don't have internet so communication is sporatic. But, as soon as we do the blogs will continue.

What's Been Going On

Okay, so we finally get to go ahead to move. We started on a Monday morning and only one brother showed up to help (Mark J. you're a saint). Actually, 6 brothers committed to come, but I guess things came up. After a while, another husband and wife showed up and some sisters from the hall who helped me unpack the kitchen stuff.

It was Carnival week and everything shuts down for the holiday. Carnival is Ecuador's biggest holiday, even more revered than Christmas. So we were anxious to get everything done before the weekend and Mark's elder school. Just when you think you have everything planned, all goes haywired. Mark started running a high fever. By the next day the fever was spiking to 103 and we went to the Doctor. We thought he just had a bit of flu. Well, He was admitted to the hospital immediately. He had uerosepsis which attacked his bloodstream. The doctor told us had we waited one day more he would have died. This was very scary and they kept him overnight giving him strong, intravenious antibiotics. Then he was released and we had to go back every 12 hours to the emergency room for him to recieve 4 more introvenious antibiotics. We had to search the entire city for the medicine, it took us 6 hours to locate what he needed. Finally, we called the pharmecuetical rep and he located the 4 bottles that we needed. Each ampule costs $120 so you can imagine the added stress. He continues to be on strong antibiotics and will have to have a scan soon. Something unusual showed up on his kidney xray and it needs to be investigated as a possible cause for his infection. Mark is recovering slowly; he still is very weak and hasn't been able to work. He is depressed because not only does he feel horrible, this slowed down our move and to top things off he missed the Elder's school again...last time he missed because he broke his leg. So this is what has been happening...

We thank all our family and friends that have been supportive during this difficult time. Your calls and messages have been welcomed. I won't be able to write for a while because we still do not have internet or phone at the house. But, I will try to write once in while when at work when I have access to a computer.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Update on Our Move

We got news that the keys to our new home will be delivered Sunday evening and we will be moving on Monday. YEAH! Vamos a ver.

Our Internet will be down for a while so we won't be able to post anything until it gets set up in the new place. Once we are settled and up and running, I will post pictures of the interiors.

See you then.

Our Soon to be New Home

I thought everyone would like to see photos of our new home, well it will be after February 20. As you can see it has beautiful mountains and once I get access to the inside, I will be posting interior shots. I think we will be very happy with country living.