Monday: This morning I was still not feeling very well. I got up to teach and was about halfway through my first class when the internet went out for a second. Unfortunately, I had to reset the modem and restart my computer, which ending up taking too long and I was unable to rejoin my classroom. As a result, my next assigned class was rescheduled to another teacher, and I instead spent 30 minutes online with the IT guy only to confirm there was nothing wrong. His conclusion: "Probably just a connection glitch". Nice. So, I got up and began preparing dinner for some friends at the hall who have been a little under the weather. The one brother is a young pioneer and ministerial servant who'd been running a 100+ fever. The is other a visiting sister who is having to make some extra adjustments due to the altitude. She is visiting here along with her son, but we hope they will become a permanent part of our congregation! Our dear sister is 70-years old - but you would never know it - not in looks nor in actions! What an inspiration to all to reach out!
We actually have another two gentlemen visiting our hall; friends who are travelling together - the one brother is in his 20's, but the other brother is 73!! Its so encouraging to see these faithful brothers and sisters who let nothing slow them down in their service to Jehovah!
So, I prepared a rosemary/ herb-roasted chicken for each party, along with some roasted potatoes, onions and green beans, some Spanish rice, chicken gravy and NY-style cheesecake with a mixed berry compote. I finished around 11:30am, packed everything up in a laundry basket and caught a taxi outside my house to take me down the hill where I could catch the bus. I arrived a little after 1:00pm.
The sister and I got to talking (as we sisters often do!) and before I knew it, it was 2:40! What a pleasant afternoon. Isn't that always the way, though, you try to encourage someone else, but instead they encourage you?! It was starting to drizzle outside, so I quickly ran up to deliver the brother his food (fortunately for me, they live in the same complex!).
Then, it was back on the bus to the north end of town. I was back home around 4:30pm. I reviewed my upcoming talk again, worked on my TESOL certification (again) and did a little studying for the meeting. By 9:30, I was beat and headed off to sleep.
Tuesday: This morning I worked for a couple hours and then my roommate and I met up with the service group, who were working the territory a couple blocks from our house. We had 15 out again this morning - it was great!
Around 1:30, my roommate and I went to the office where she was to pick up her Visa. We had to wait a long time, but fortunately, we found English-speakers to talk to who were waiting also. Finally, around 3:30pm, she had her (6-month extension) Visa in hand!!
We then each did several calls we had in the area, one of which a brother had given her to check back on. The woman was so pleasant and explained to us that she previously attended an evangelical Bible study group, but that they recently dissolved. She also opened up to us about some health problems in her family and strained family relationships. She told us how excited she was about resuming a Bible study again and arrangements were made to start on Saturday at 2:00pm! I encouraged her to let any of her other friends know that we would be happy to study the Bible with them as well, and she said she would invite one of them to Saturday's study! I love the referral system :)
By the time we finished, it was 5:15pm, and I would soon be meeting my other friend in that area for our regular calls/ study. Unfortunately, most of them were not available, so we finished around 6:15pm that evening. I couldn't find any English speakers on the bus ride home, but I was able to contact my Bible study and make arrangements to study on Friday evening. I also contacted two other calls, and set up one to study at 1:00pm the next afternoon.
It was 7:00pm when I arrived home that evening and I was beat, but happy! I had some dinner, did a little laundry and my roommate and I had our own "Family Worship" night and did our weekly Bible reading together.
Wednesday: This morning I worked for several hours, then did some cleaning and laundry and preparing food for the weekend. Then it was off to meet a Bible study at 1:00pm. While at the mall, I ran into our visiting brother and his mother (who had previously been ill) and chatted with them for a minute while I waited for the student to arrive. I had only met her once, and it was many months ago, so she agreed to call me when she got there. She came, and brought a friend along as well. So we talked, I gave her the November and December magazines, along with an invitation, then showed her many of the features of the new Bible (which I assured her was in the mail and would arrive soon!) as the three of us had lunch.
At 2:30pm, we each had to leave, so we said good-bye for now and she said she would contact me on Saturday. I stopped at the grocery store quick for a few items, then walked to the bus stop and went home. I arrived home around 3:30pm, completed a game of phone tag with my assigned householder for my talk that evening, who was ill and would not be able to attend. So, my roommate was kind enough to fill in for me. I finished studying and then we were off to the meeting.
We had three Bible students at the meeting tonight! Plus some new visitors! One of which was kind enough to bring my phone from the US!! They are a beautiful family; a husband, wife, a teenage daughter and a young son! How we love to have families/ children in our congregation!! The meeting, of course, was not without bloopers. During the final 30 seconds of my talk, I reached into my folder to pull out a pen so as to write down the contact information of my householder. The pen was stuck so I had to yank hard on it, and while doing so, I bumped a button (or set of buttons) and my tablet began to read my talk/ document from the beginning! "Excuse me, do you speak English?..." I quickly turned it off and continued, but not without many snickers and chuckles from the audience. Later in the meeting, during the part about effective introductions, when the speaker asked what topic might be of interest to an older person, our visiting brother commented "the resurrection" and everyone began laughing. Even still later a brother mispronounced the name of one of our sisters, twice, before finally giving up. I love my Quito English meetings!
Once home, it was straight to bed... well, almost. I did try to start setting up my new phone, but finally decided at 11:00 that I needed to get some sleep. After all, I had signed up to start teaching at 5:15am the next morning, so I'd be getting up around 4:30am!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
12-07-13 & 12-08-13 Weekend Service, Watchtower Study and Weird Sickness
Saturday: This morning I worked for a few hours and then met for field service. The brother and sister had a wide selection of goodies; doughnuts, cookies, coffee and teas set up for the friends - it was quite a spread! (I, of course, satisfied myself with a nice cup of tea and refrained from the pastries!) We had good-sized group again this morning - close to 20 I believe. It was a nice morning.
We stopped for lunch around noon and many of us continued preaching into the afternoon. At 4:15, I had to leave the group as I had work scheduled at 5:15. When I arrived home, I realized I had no students assigned for my second shift, so I decided I would eat dinner in between classes. I finally finished work at 8:30. I then studied my Watchtower and went to bed.
Sunday: This morning I worked and then we left for the meeting. Our speaker this morning was a visiting brother from Illinois. We had so many visitors today. Our speaker and his wife were travelling with another couple from the US and had been visiting all the congregations in Ecuador. We were sad to learn we were their 'last stop' and that they were leaving the next day. We are hopeful they will return :)
During the Watchtower Study, one of our other visiting sisters began to feel faint/ weak. The altitude can really do a number on a person regardless of age! Lots of rest and water usually help; its also important to eat enough carbohydrates to keep up your energy.
After the meeting, my roommate and I headed home. I then worked on my TESOL for a while, ate lunch, and then started feeling a little strange. At 5:30 I had to work for several hours after which I went to the store to pick up groceries. Still not feeling well, I put the groceries away, watched a movie and then went to sleep.
We stopped for lunch around noon and many of us continued preaching into the afternoon. At 4:15, I had to leave the group as I had work scheduled at 5:15. When I arrived home, I realized I had no students assigned for my second shift, so I decided I would eat dinner in between classes. I finally finished work at 8:30. I then studied my Watchtower and went to bed.
Sunday: This morning I worked and then we left for the meeting. Our speaker this morning was a visiting brother from Illinois. We had so many visitors today. Our speaker and his wife were travelling with another couple from the US and had been visiting all the congregations in Ecuador. We were sad to learn we were their 'last stop' and that they were leaving the next day. We are hopeful they will return :)
During the Watchtower Study, one of our other visiting sisters began to feel faint/ weak. The altitude can really do a number on a person regardless of age! Lots of rest and water usually help; its also important to eat enough carbohydrates to keep up your energy.
After the meeting, my roommate and I headed home. I then worked on my TESOL for a while, ate lunch, and then started feeling a little strange. At 5:30 I had to work for several hours after which I went to the store to pick up groceries. Still not feeling well, I put the groceries away, watched a movie and then went to sleep.
Friday, December 6, 2013
12-04-13 - 12-06-13 - A week full of work, service and smiles :)
Wednesday: This morning I worked until 9:30, then spent the rest of the morning preparing and studying for this evening's meeting. At 1:00, my roommate and I left the house to conduct a Bible study for a friend who wasn't feeling well.
While we were waiting, I was able to contact my Bible study and make arrangements to meet up again on Friday. I haven't seen her since I got back (mostly due to the fact that my phone was stolen) and I didn't have her number. Fortunately, we were able to keep in communication via email.
The study that afternoon went very well, and the girl's co-worker also joined in again this week for the study. I had brought along a copy of the Bible Teach book in Spanish and she enthusiastically participated in the discussion. Afterwards, it was beginning to rain, so we headed back to the house, but traffic was so heavy that it took nearly 45 minutes to get there.
Once home, I fixed dinner and then got ready for the meeting. We decided to leave early in case the traffic was still bad. So, at 5:45, we headed out the door. We arrived at the Kingdom Hall at 6:30. The meeting was quite lively (in true Quito English fashion). And afterwards, there were several new people to meet.
Upon arriving home, I had a cup of tea and went to sleep.
Thursday: This morning I worked until 8:30, then my roommate and I rushed off to meet the group. For the sake of time (and since the group was meeting somewhat further away) we decided to take a cab. Amazingly, we arrived at 9:02 :) Again we had a large group out this morning, 17 in total! We spoke to many English speakers and I was able to set up a study for Monday.
Since tomorrow is a national holiday, "the founding of Quito" we decided to quit early around 2:00pm. Businesses will be closed and the city hosts many parties in celebration. Many people are off from work both today and tomorrow. My roommate and I walked to Mall El Jardin ("the garden") and did our grocery shopping. Then, we walked 2 blocks to the bus stop and took the bus home.
By the time we arrived home it was 4:00pm. I began working on my teaching certification course and also was able to Skype my dear, dear friend in NY for a few minutes :) I fixed dinner for myself and a cup of tea and continued to work on my teaching course until finally retiring at 9:30. It was difficult to sleep because I could hear the noise from the city - the loud music and partying that carried on until around midnight.
Friday: This morning I picked up a couple hours of work and so I finished teaching around 8:30am. Just in time to quickly change and leave for the service group. I missed the bus by about 30 seconds and so I briskly walked to the group instead. We had 16 out in the ministry this morning! A few were assigned to preach in the park, while the rest of us concentrated on the census work in the surrounding blocks. Our group had so many positive experiences!!
Around noon, we broke for lunch at the El Jardin Mall since it was the closest location. While, there, we found more English speakers to talk to and enjoyed some positive conversation among ourselves. During lunch, we also got the crazy idea to film a brief video skit in the park across the street. So all those left remaining (10 of us total) walked back across the street and spent about 30 minutes messing around with songs and a skit. This video will never be posted as its cast members have all been sworn to secrecy. I shouldn't even mention its existence.
My friend and I continued on and did some calls in the nearby neighborhood. Unfortunately, my Bible study was ill and canceled for today. But my friend and I headed to the mall to do some more witnessing as the location we had been in was about to get rowdy and crazy due to the holiday. At 6:15, I had to go home so I could eat something quickly and then begin work by 7:15. I taught a couple classes and then went straight to bed - tomorrow was going to be another long day!
While we were waiting, I was able to contact my Bible study and make arrangements to meet up again on Friday. I haven't seen her since I got back (mostly due to the fact that my phone was stolen) and I didn't have her number. Fortunately, we were able to keep in communication via email.
The study that afternoon went very well, and the girl's co-worker also joined in again this week for the study. I had brought along a copy of the Bible Teach book in Spanish and she enthusiastically participated in the discussion. Afterwards, it was beginning to rain, so we headed back to the house, but traffic was so heavy that it took nearly 45 minutes to get there.
Once home, I fixed dinner and then got ready for the meeting. We decided to leave early in case the traffic was still bad. So, at 5:45, we headed out the door. We arrived at the Kingdom Hall at 6:30. The meeting was quite lively (in true Quito English fashion). And afterwards, there were several new people to meet.
Upon arriving home, I had a cup of tea and went to sleep.
Thursday: This morning I worked until 8:30, then my roommate and I rushed off to meet the group. For the sake of time (and since the group was meeting somewhat further away) we decided to take a cab. Amazingly, we arrived at 9:02 :) Again we had a large group out this morning, 17 in total! We spoke to many English speakers and I was able to set up a study for Monday.
Since tomorrow is a national holiday, "the founding of Quito" we decided to quit early around 2:00pm. Businesses will be closed and the city hosts many parties in celebration. Many people are off from work both today and tomorrow. My roommate and I walked to Mall El Jardin ("the garden") and did our grocery shopping. Then, we walked 2 blocks to the bus stop and took the bus home.
By the time we arrived home it was 4:00pm. I began working on my teaching certification course and also was able to Skype my dear, dear friend in NY for a few minutes :) I fixed dinner for myself and a cup of tea and continued to work on my teaching course until finally retiring at 9:30. It was difficult to sleep because I could hear the noise from the city - the loud music and partying that carried on until around midnight.
Friday: This morning I picked up a couple hours of work and so I finished teaching around 8:30am. Just in time to quickly change and leave for the service group. I missed the bus by about 30 seconds and so I briskly walked to the group instead. We had 16 out in the ministry this morning! A few were assigned to preach in the park, while the rest of us concentrated on the census work in the surrounding blocks. Our group had so many positive experiences!!
Around noon, we broke for lunch at the El Jardin Mall since it was the closest location. While, there, we found more English speakers to talk to and enjoyed some positive conversation among ourselves. During lunch, we also got the crazy idea to film a brief video skit in the park across the street. So all those left remaining (10 of us total) walked back across the street and spent about 30 minutes messing around with songs and a skit. This video will never be posted as its cast members have all been sworn to secrecy. I shouldn't even mention its existence.
My friend and I continued on and did some calls in the nearby neighborhood. Unfortunately, my Bible study was ill and canceled for today. But my friend and I headed to the mall to do some more witnessing as the location we had been in was about to get rowdy and crazy due to the holiday. At 6:15, I had to go home so I could eat something quickly and then begin work by 7:15. I taught a couple classes and then went straight to bed - tomorrow was going to be another long day!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
12-01-13 - 12-03-13: Playing in the Park & Preaching Til It's Dark!
Sunday: This morning I worked, then went to the meeting. My roommate and I were the first to arrive, but soon one of our friends (and his father) arrived to let us in the Kingdom Hall. The Watchtower was abuzz with comments as around half of our congregation serve as pioneers - participation was abundant!! We had a nice group of visitors today - its always enjoyable to meet new friends!!
One of the sisters, who is currently serving in a local Spanish congregation, mentioned she is contemplating joining the English congregation. Though we have just begun to become acquainted, her story is an inspiring one. Our dear sister suffers from MS, yet despite the difficulties that her disease imposes, her goal is to regular pioneer. She possesses such determination and courage!! We assured her of our support and desire to help her reach her goals. I learned that she lives just down the street from me (only two blocks!). Its a small world!! So we shared a taxi home and promised to stay in touch. My roommate and I ate a quick lunch when we got home, then our friend came over and the three of us went to the park up the street from my house.
We enjoyed walking around, breathing in the fresh air and unwinding. The sun was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds all afternoon, and there was just enough wind to make is slightly chilly at times.
Monday: After work this morning, I met up with my friend and she helped me take care of a couple errands, and then we spent the rest of the morning preaching. We met our friend who was departing for the States that night for one final coffee break together. After coffee, my friend and I continued preaching until the early afternoon and then she had to leave for work. I had a bit of an upset stomach that afternoon and so I decided to go home and work on my certification some more, prepare some food for the week, eat dinner and do laundry. Then my roommate and I watched a movie at the house before going to sleep that night.
Tuesday: After teaching this morning, my roommate and I met up with the group around 9:45am. There were 15 of us out this morning!!
It was a great morning and we found quite a number of English speakers in the neighborhood. We switched service partners multiple times that morning, making it all the more fun and interesting! Around noon, we decided to pause for lunch and headed downhill to Quicentro Mall to eat. Most of us had packed our lunches, but for those who didn't they could choose from the variety at the food court. A few from our group went off to do calls and studies. We found many English speakers on the way to the mall, and also at the mall (there are no true "breaks" here in Quito!). Another brother met up with us for lunch and continued with a few of us sisters in the afternoon.
By around 2:30, there were 2 (people left preaching, that is). But we continued to do some return visits nearby. At 3:30, however, my roommate was ready to call it a day. I, however, already had arrangements to meet up with another friend at 5:00 that evening for a study and some return visits. So, the safest thing for me to do was to head back to the mall for some informal witnessing. On my way there, I met 3 different English speakers and had several nice conversations.
At the mall, I ran into several more, including a man at the bookstore, who readily accepted the tract and meeting invitation I gave him. I went to find a seat in the food court so I could record our conversation and his name, when I spotted 3 sisters from my hall taking a break at the coffee shop. I sat down with them for a few minutes and we shared our experiences for the day. Then around 4:30, they departed and I continued preaching in the mall. I headed for the restroom, outside of which I met a woman who was tending to her child and was able to give her the tract on family life. She thanked me several times for the information. I decided to make my way downstairs.
I noticed 2 fair-complected girls standing in the line at the Sweet & Coffee. I hadn't intended on purchasing anything, but while standing there (trying not to look like I was lurking behind them), I found myself in line. I decided to order a cup of tea. In my helplessly broken Spanish, I asked what flavors they had. The cashier, a young man, answered me in English. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness and explained I was trying to learn. I gave him a tract and pointed out the location of the Kingdom Hall and the meeting times. Meanwhile, the other girls were waiting for their items. Now that we were all waiting together, I asked them where they were from and why they were here. After talking for a few minutes, I offered them the tract/ invitation and they told me they had already received one! I encouraged them to come to the meetings.
By this time, it was only a few minutes to 5:00. No sooner had I sat down with my tea than I saw my friend walking up to the entrance of the mall. So, tea in hand, I grabbed my things and walked to meet her. The two of us walked to the bus stop, chatting and catching up about our day and our families. Then, we went to her study (the one that has been busy or unavailable the last couple weeks we've tried to talk with her). On the way there, we noticed the clouds getting darker. Just after we stepped inside of the store where the woman works, the rain started. How thankful we were to be under cover!
It was an awesome study. The woman selected the topic "How Do Bible Principals Benefit Us?" in the Good News brochure. Throughout the study, she expressed her appreciation for the Bible and called it a guide book from our loving Father! She even told us that though she knew she wasn't doing everything right in her life, she wanted to learn so she could do better. We were able to spend a lot of time with her since she was not busy at work. She expressed a desire to go to the meeting on Sunday and said she looked forward to the study next week. As we said our good-byes and stepped outside, the rain had almost completely stopped. Due to the hour, however, we decided to head home as it was not safe to continue preaching in that neighborhood.
I got on the bus just before 7:00 and was ready to call it a day. After a few minutes, however, a young woman sat next to me. She was friendly and smiled at me, so I thought, why not? It doesn't hurt to ask. She told me she only spoke a little English and motioned to her boyfriend, who was standing behind us and told me he speaks more English. I had a few remaining KN #38 tracts left in my bag, so I gave her one. She read the question on the cover and her boyfriend helped to translate some of the word's meanings into Spanish. On the ride home, the three of us read the entire tract together!
I finally arrived home around 7:30 that evening; tired, but happy! I fixed myself some dinner, took out the trash, did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen and finally went to bed.
One of the sisters, who is currently serving in a local Spanish congregation, mentioned she is contemplating joining the English congregation. Though we have just begun to become acquainted, her story is an inspiring one. Our dear sister suffers from MS, yet despite the difficulties that her disease imposes, her goal is to regular pioneer. She possesses such determination and courage!! We assured her of our support and desire to help her reach her goals. I learned that she lives just down the street from me (only two blocks!). Its a small world!! So we shared a taxi home and promised to stay in touch. My roommate and I ate a quick lunch when we got home, then our friend came over and the three of us went to the park up the street from my house.
We enjoyed walking around, breathing in the fresh air and unwinding. The sun was playing peek-a-boo with the clouds all afternoon, and there was just enough wind to make is slightly chilly at times.
I beat that kid by a long shot!
Surprise!
You are never too old to see-saw!
I almost stole her water!!
That night, I spent a few more hours studying for my teaching certification and answering a couple emails. A couple from Michigan is coming to visit some friends in my congregation and were kind enough to consent to bringing my phone with them!! Yea!
Monday: After work this morning, I met up with my friend and she helped me take care of a couple errands, and then we spent the rest of the morning preaching. We met our friend who was departing for the States that night for one final coffee break together. After coffee, my friend and I continued preaching until the early afternoon and then she had to leave for work. I had a bit of an upset stomach that afternoon and so I decided to go home and work on my certification some more, prepare some food for the week, eat dinner and do laundry. Then my roommate and I watched a movie at the house before going to sleep that night.
Tuesday: After teaching this morning, my roommate and I met up with the group around 9:45am. There were 15 of us out this morning!!
Pretending to be Normal
The True Craziness!
By around 2:30, there were 2 (people left preaching, that is). But we continued to do some return visits nearby. At 3:30, however, my roommate was ready to call it a day. I, however, already had arrangements to meet up with another friend at 5:00 that evening for a study and some return visits. So, the safest thing for me to do was to head back to the mall for some informal witnessing. On my way there, I met 3 different English speakers and had several nice conversations.
At the mall, I ran into several more, including a man at the bookstore, who readily accepted the tract and meeting invitation I gave him. I went to find a seat in the food court so I could record our conversation and his name, when I spotted 3 sisters from my hall taking a break at the coffee shop. I sat down with them for a few minutes and we shared our experiences for the day. Then around 4:30, they departed and I continued preaching in the mall. I headed for the restroom, outside of which I met a woman who was tending to her child and was able to give her the tract on family life. She thanked me several times for the information. I decided to make my way downstairs.
I noticed 2 fair-complected girls standing in the line at the Sweet & Coffee. I hadn't intended on purchasing anything, but while standing there (trying not to look like I was lurking behind them), I found myself in line. I decided to order a cup of tea. In my helplessly broken Spanish, I asked what flavors they had. The cashier, a young man, answered me in English. I thanked him for his thoughtfulness and explained I was trying to learn. I gave him a tract and pointed out the location of the Kingdom Hall and the meeting times. Meanwhile, the other girls were waiting for their items. Now that we were all waiting together, I asked them where they were from and why they were here. After talking for a few minutes, I offered them the tract/ invitation and they told me they had already received one! I encouraged them to come to the meetings.
By this time, it was only a few minutes to 5:00. No sooner had I sat down with my tea than I saw my friend walking up to the entrance of the mall. So, tea in hand, I grabbed my things and walked to meet her. The two of us walked to the bus stop, chatting and catching up about our day and our families. Then, we went to her study (the one that has been busy or unavailable the last couple weeks we've tried to talk with her). On the way there, we noticed the clouds getting darker. Just after we stepped inside of the store where the woman works, the rain started. How thankful we were to be under cover!
It was an awesome study. The woman selected the topic "How Do Bible Principals Benefit Us?" in the Good News brochure. Throughout the study, she expressed her appreciation for the Bible and called it a guide book from our loving Father! She even told us that though she knew she wasn't doing everything right in her life, she wanted to learn so she could do better. We were able to spend a lot of time with her since she was not busy at work. She expressed a desire to go to the meeting on Sunday and said she looked forward to the study next week. As we said our good-byes and stepped outside, the rain had almost completely stopped. Due to the hour, however, we decided to head home as it was not safe to continue preaching in that neighborhood.
I got on the bus just before 7:00 and was ready to call it a day. After a few minutes, however, a young woman sat next to me. She was friendly and smiled at me, so I thought, why not? It doesn't hurt to ask. She told me she only spoke a little English and motioned to her boyfriend, who was standing behind us and told me he speaks more English. I had a few remaining KN #38 tracts left in my bag, so I gave her one. She read the question on the cover and her boyfriend helped to translate some of the word's meanings into Spanish. On the ride home, the three of us read the entire tract together!
I finally arrived home around 7:30 that evening; tired, but happy! I fixed myself some dinner, took out the trash, did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen and finally went to bed.
11-29-13 & 11-30-13 Service, Studies and a Special Meeting
Friday: This morning I picked up a couple shifts for work and then met the group for service. We had a great day, with many positive experiences. We stopped for lunch just after noon and then continued on for the afternoon. At 1:30, I met up with a sister for her study. At 1:45, however, she still had not arrived. To our surprise the co-worker of the study showed up and explained that the other woman was on her way. Though she did not speak much English, we invited her to join us and follow along. My friend quietly explained to me that this woman had previously expressed that she didn't believe in the Bible, so we were quite surprised when she accepted our invitation. The study went so well, with both ladies participating (one in English and one in Spanish). At the end of the study, I offered to bring back a Bible Teach book in Spanish for the co-worker and she said she would appreciate it. How much joy we get when people take an interest in the truth (in any language)!
After that Bible study, we made a couple calls until it was time to head to the Bible study I had planned for the day. Unfortunately, when we got there, the woman was unable to take a break from work because her other co-worker had to leave for the day. And then, it started to rain.
We quickly walked to the mall one block up and decided to search for English speakers there until the rain stopped. We found a good number of English speakers, but the rain was showing no sign of lessening, so we hopped in a taxi and rode back to my house. It was around 5:00pm when we arrived. My friend had a dinner engagement at 6:00 so she departed about 45 minutes later, but we enjoyed a nice cup of tea in the meantime to warm up from the cool, damp, windy weather that afternoon.
I fixed myself some dinner and devoted the rest of the night to my online TESOL classes (I'll be so glad when I finish!).
Saturday: This morning I picked up 3 hours of work and then got ready for the special meeting/ interviews at our Kingdom Hall for the International Convention in January of 2015. Upon arriving, the Kingdom Hall was abuzz with activity! There were approximately 140 in attendance from a variety of congregations in the Quito area. Information was reviewed as the the various roles and responsibilities of the volunteers by 4-5 different speakers. Then, we were dismissed into smaller groups for our interviews. What an exciting day it was!! Of course, this is just the beginning we were told and there would be many more meetings, reviews, practice sessions and even tests!! Such a privilege to be in attendance!!!
I stopped at my favorite orchid store near the Kingdom Hall and picked up a dendrobium orchid for my roommate (a dark purple color - her favorite - and very fragrant). This afternoon was a somber occasion as she would be listening to the funeral talk of her dear friend in Florida.
Afterwards, I proceeded to "hit the books" again and try to whittle away at the 150 hour TESOL course looming over me.
In the evening, a few friends got together at Crepes & Waffles to say a (temporary) goodbye to one of our sisters who would be traveling home to Colorado for the month of December.
After that Bible study, we made a couple calls until it was time to head to the Bible study I had planned for the day. Unfortunately, when we got there, the woman was unable to take a break from work because her other co-worker had to leave for the day. And then, it started to rain.
We quickly walked to the mall one block up and decided to search for English speakers there until the rain stopped. We found a good number of English speakers, but the rain was showing no sign of lessening, so we hopped in a taxi and rode back to my house. It was around 5:00pm when we arrived. My friend had a dinner engagement at 6:00 so she departed about 45 minutes later, but we enjoyed a nice cup of tea in the meantime to warm up from the cool, damp, windy weather that afternoon.
I fixed myself some dinner and devoted the rest of the night to my online TESOL classes (I'll be so glad when I finish!).
Saturday: This morning I picked up 3 hours of work and then got ready for the special meeting/ interviews at our Kingdom Hall for the International Convention in January of 2015. Upon arriving, the Kingdom Hall was abuzz with activity! There were approximately 140 in attendance from a variety of congregations in the Quito area. Information was reviewed as the the various roles and responsibilities of the volunteers by 4-5 different speakers. Then, we were dismissed into smaller groups for our interviews. What an exciting day it was!! Of course, this is just the beginning we were told and there would be many more meetings, reviews, practice sessions and even tests!! Such a privilege to be in attendance!!!
I stopped at my favorite orchid store near the Kingdom Hall and picked up a dendrobium orchid for my roommate (a dark purple color - her favorite - and very fragrant). This afternoon was a somber occasion as she would be listening to the funeral talk of her dear friend in Florida.
Afterwards, I proceeded to "hit the books" again and try to whittle away at the 150 hour TESOL course looming over me.
In the evening, a few friends got together at Crepes & Waffles to say a (temporary) goodbye to one of our sisters who would be traveling home to Colorado for the month of December.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
11-25-13 - 11-28-13 Preaching the Word!
Monday: After work this morning, I stayed in to get some much needed housework done! I was also able to catch up with a good friend via Skype, do some grocery shopping and cooking, and work on my TESOL certification (which I have been putting off but must complete very soon!)
Tuesday: Again I went in service all day after work. My last class was cancelled, so I was able to meet with the group. It was a large group out this morning despite being overcast with the threaten of rain. While walking there, I encountered a nice young lady who readily accepted the magazines. After our service meeting, two of the members of our group struck up a conversation with the couple sitting next to us. The rest of us walked outside, where I met another English speaker sitting in the patio area. The morning was off to a great start!!
We broke for lunch a little early, around 11:30 am and then I went with a sister on her Bible study. It was so amazing to see the progress she's making and the depth of her reasoning. For instance, her teacher had showed her last week the Bible's command to "abstain from blood". Due to time, they had only been able to discuss avoiding consuming blood in any form. But this week, the student had already come to the conclusion that this command also includes giving blood and storing our own blood!
After the study, my roommate and I went back to the house and wrote letters to give to the guards at secure buildings where there are English speakers. Then, at 5:00, I met up with another friend for some calls. I was able to go back and call on a man at the coffee shop again and he was quite interested in attending the meetings and also accepted the "What Does The Bible Really Teach?" book. We decided to call it a day around 6:30 as it was getting to be dark.
Upon arriving home, I ate some dinner and began studying for the next day's meeting.
Wednesday: This morning was work again and then I worked on updating my blog some more, responded to a few emails (still so behind!!) finished studying for the meeting and cleaned the house.
At 4:30, my roommate got a call from our School Overseer to fill in for a talk tonight. So, we ate dinner quick and discussed the material as she put it together. Another sister who had been out in service that day came over (since it was too far for her to travel back home). And then at a few minutes to 6:00, we walked to catch the bus for the meeting.
It was a relatively quite meeting - though we had a lot of visitors in attendance.
Thursday: After work, my roommate and I went to the Migracion office so she could get some paperwork started for her Visa extension. After a relatively short wait (where we were also able to witness to a few others) we left there to take the paperwork to the brother and sister who are handling her application. After that, we met up with the service group in the territory. There was a large group out that morning - about 15 in total! After an hour and a half though, we had to return to drop off some additional paperwork. Once again, back to meet the group in the territory. We stopped at a park to eat our lunch and then worked more in the territory for another hour or so. When two of the sisters were leaving to go do a return visit at the mall, we decided it best to go with them and do some informal witnessing at the mall. After that, I stopped at the store on the way home to pick up a full length mirror (since the small one in the bathroom is not enough for the two of us, not to mention that my roommate can only see half of her head because its up so high - ha ha ha).
Then it was back to studying for my teaching certification for the rest of the night.
Tuesday: Again I went in service all day after work. My last class was cancelled, so I was able to meet with the group. It was a large group out this morning despite being overcast with the threaten of rain. While walking there, I encountered a nice young lady who readily accepted the magazines. After our service meeting, two of the members of our group struck up a conversation with the couple sitting next to us. The rest of us walked outside, where I met another English speaker sitting in the patio area. The morning was off to a great start!!
We broke for lunch a little early, around 11:30 am and then I went with a sister on her Bible study. It was so amazing to see the progress she's making and the depth of her reasoning. For instance, her teacher had showed her last week the Bible's command to "abstain from blood". Due to time, they had only been able to discuss avoiding consuming blood in any form. But this week, the student had already come to the conclusion that this command also includes giving blood and storing our own blood!
After the study, my roommate and I went back to the house and wrote letters to give to the guards at secure buildings where there are English speakers. Then, at 5:00, I met up with another friend for some calls. I was able to go back and call on a man at the coffee shop again and he was quite interested in attending the meetings and also accepted the "What Does The Bible Really Teach?" book. We decided to call it a day around 6:30 as it was getting to be dark.
Upon arriving home, I ate some dinner and began studying for the next day's meeting.
Wednesday: This morning was work again and then I worked on updating my blog some more, responded to a few emails (still so behind!!) finished studying for the meeting and cleaned the house.
At 4:30, my roommate got a call from our School Overseer to fill in for a talk tonight. So, we ate dinner quick and discussed the material as she put it together. Another sister who had been out in service that day came over (since it was too far for her to travel back home). And then at a few minutes to 6:00, we walked to catch the bus for the meeting.
It was a relatively quite meeting - though we had a lot of visitors in attendance.
Thursday: After work, my roommate and I went to the Migracion office so she could get some paperwork started for her Visa extension. After a relatively short wait (where we were also able to witness to a few others) we left there to take the paperwork to the brother and sister who are handling her application. After that, we met up with the service group in the territory. There was a large group out that morning - about 15 in total! After an hour and a half though, we had to return to drop off some additional paperwork. Once again, back to meet the group in the territory. We stopped at a park to eat our lunch and then worked more in the territory for another hour or so. When two of the sisters were leaving to go do a return visit at the mall, we decided it best to go with them and do some informal witnessing at the mall. After that, I stopped at the store on the way home to pick up a full length mirror (since the small one in the bathroom is not enough for the two of us, not to mention that my roommate can only see half of her head because its up so high - ha ha ha).
Then it was back to studying for my teaching certification for the rest of the night.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
11-23-13 & 11-24-13 Prep Work and S.A.D.!!
Saturday: This morning I cleaned up around the house, did laundry for my friend who was moving today, then went grocery shopping and made food for myself for the week and for a Bethel family of 4 for the assembly the next day. That evening I had to work several hours in order to make up for the shifts I would be absent Sunday morning.
I finished work at 11:30pm, but couldn't sleep.
Sunday: I woke up exhausted this a.m. Nothing a cup of coffee and a shower can't fix. I was so excited for the S.A.D. We gathered up our things and headed to the Kingdom Hall where we met up with the others who were taking the bus to the Assembly Hall in Calderon. There were 3 buses in total. We met some new people who just moved to Quito and would soon be attending our congregation, as well as others who were serving in various parts of the country. Our bus driver, who didn't know how to get to the assembly hall, was following one of the other buses. Unfortunately, we caught a light and then got lost. After a few minutes, and a minor detour, we were back on track. We arrived in plenty of time to associate with our brothers and sisters in the English field in Ecuador.
After the program and final cleaning, we piled back on the bus and headed back home. My roommate and I went home to change quickly and drop off the extra bags of food. We then went to the food court at the mall for dinner. One of our friends from Puerto Lopez met up with us and we all went to my friends' new apartment (still just down the street from my place!) for coffee/ tea.
I finished work at 11:30pm, but couldn't sleep.
Sunday: I woke up exhausted this a.m. Nothing a cup of coffee and a shower can't fix. I was so excited for the S.A.D. We gathered up our things and headed to the Kingdom Hall where we met up with the others who were taking the bus to the Assembly Hall in Calderon. There were 3 buses in total. We met some new people who just moved to Quito and would soon be attending our congregation, as well as others who were serving in various parts of the country. Our bus driver, who didn't know how to get to the assembly hall, was following one of the other buses. Unfortunately, we caught a light and then got lost. After a few minutes, and a minor detour, we were back on track. We arrived in plenty of time to associate with our brothers and sisters in the English field in Ecuador.
Friends from Quito English (and a photobomb by our friend from Puerto Lopez!)
My roomie and some friends who are the caretakers at the Assembly Hall in Rio Bamba
Quito English's newest additions :)
I learned that one of the English groups had recently been dissolved and so now there are 4 congregations (Guayaquil, Cuenca, Andrade Marin, and Quito) and 1 group (Manta) in the country. Even still, we had 415 in attendance for the morning session and 376 in the afternoon. There were quite a few Bible studies in attendance as well as some need-greaters who serve in Spanish congregations, but also enjoy attending the assembly in their native language. No baptismal candidates this time, but an excellent discourse nonetheless. The Bethel family I had prepared lunch for was not able to attend at the last minute and so I gave away what food I could.
We had a visiting Bethel speaker in attendance who gave 1.5 talks (our final talk was split between our Circuit Overseer and the Bethel speaker). Two of our congregation's elders gave talks as well; one with the Watchtower Summary and the other with the part about youths. There were three experiences in that part given by members of our congregation and they did an excellent job!! The final talk of the program also contained an experience by one of our local brothers and brought many to tears.
Our COBE
Interviews - Quito English brothers
Interview - Our Sister in Quito English
Final talk - Our C.O. and one of our brothers from Quito English
Two of our visiting brothers from Puerto Lopez and two friends of theirs
After the program and final cleaning, we piled back on the bus and headed back home. My roommate and I went home to change quickly and drop off the extra bags of food. We then went to the food court at the mall for dinner. One of our friends from Puerto Lopez met up with us and we all went to my friends' new apartment (still just down the street from my place!) for coffee/ tea.
11-20-13 - 11-22-13 Sushi, Sadness & Scattergories
Wednesday: After work this morning, our friends came over for breakfast and then my roommate and I cleaned and organized the house the rest of the afternoon.
We didn't have our meeting tonight due to the upcoming S.A.D., so a group of us decided to go out to Noe (Spanish for Noah) for sushi.
Thursday: This morning I worked, but my last class was cancelled. I noticed my roommate was up, but didn't see her in the house. The front door was open, so I looked outside - she wasn't in the laundry room either. I grabbed my coffee and headed up the spiral stairs to the roof. There she was, curled up in a ball. I knew what had happened. So I sat down beside her and put my arm around her. Her dear friend back in Florida had passed away. What a sad day indeed. But how thankful we are for the resurrection hope and the confidence of seeing our friends again!
We decided to stay in that day - talking, crying, laughing and watching movies. I notified some of the friends in the local congregation and a few of them stopped by with flowers, candy and to offer their condolences. Later that night, two of our other girl friends joined us for pizza and another movie.
Friday: This morning we stayed, but decided to be a little more productive. We spent the day catching up on errands, housework, paperwork and computer work.
That night, my friend had planned a karaoke party at our house, but we ended up playing Bible Scattergories and Bible Jeopardy instead. It was a lot of fun and the kind of spiritual refreshment we needed.
We didn't have our meeting tonight due to the upcoming S.A.D., so a group of us decided to go out to Noe (Spanish for Noah) for sushi.
Thursday: This morning I worked, but my last class was cancelled. I noticed my roommate was up, but didn't see her in the house. The front door was open, so I looked outside - she wasn't in the laundry room either. I grabbed my coffee and headed up the spiral stairs to the roof. There she was, curled up in a ball. I knew what had happened. So I sat down beside her and put my arm around her. Her dear friend back in Florida had passed away. What a sad day indeed. But how thankful we are for the resurrection hope and the confidence of seeing our friends again!
We decided to stay in that day - talking, crying, laughing and watching movies. I notified some of the friends in the local congregation and a few of them stopped by with flowers, candy and to offer their condolences. Later that night, two of our other girl friends joined us for pizza and another movie.
Friday: This morning we stayed, but decided to be a little more productive. We spent the day catching up on errands, housework, paperwork and computer work.
That night, my friend had planned a karaoke party at our house, but we ended up playing Bible Scattergories and Bible Jeopardy instead. It was a lot of fun and the kind of spiritual refreshment we needed.
11-18-13 & 11-19-13 Formal and Informal Service
Monday: This morning I worked for a couple hours and then went out in service. Since there was no official group arrangement, a few of the friends decided to meet up at my house. We worked the territory immediately around our house and met quite a few English speakers. Around 11:30, we headed back to the house for a bathroom break and suddenly it began to pour down rain. Thankful we had just come in, we sat for a minute and decided to go to lunch at the Crepes & Waffles just down the road inside the shopping mall. After lunch, a few of the others continued to do calls, while our visiting brothers accompanied me to the supermarket. While there, we met a man who had moved to Quito with his wife after their children had grown in order to simplify their life and to focus on being a Christian. He explained that he made many mistakes over the years and was trying to make things right and be a good person now. The conversation went on for about 35 - 40 minutes. We invited him to the meeting, gave him the new tract and then resumed shopping.
A few minutes later, however, we ran into a perplexed woman holding a bottle and she asked "Is this conditioner?" I looked at the bottle and confirmed that, indeed, it was conditioner. We began conversing, and it turns out she was down here visiting a friend. We talked for about 20 minutes and she gave me her email address and asked me to send her some information, including the location and times for the meetings.
Finally, about 2.5 hours after being in the grocery store, we headed home. I made dinner and then we played another game of cards before our new friends went home for the night.
Tuesday: This morning I worked for several hours, and made a call to check the location of the service group. I quickly got ready, did the dishes from the night before and then headed out. Thinking that we were working a similar location to the previous week, I began walking north on Amazonas street, looking for the cross street where the group was working. Since it didn't sound familiar to me, and wasn't on my map, I sent off a message to the group to confirm. Wrong.
So I began heading south looking for the same cross street. I had walked about 25 minutes before contacting the group again. They provided more information as to the location and I realized that I had walked too far and had passed it already. So once again, I began walking north. Still not finding the cross-street, I sat down on a stone wall and said a prayer. I decided to walk down the street at the location given, even though the name did not match. After walking halfway around the block, I came upon the street they were working. But there was no sign of them. I walked around the entire block, twice. Still they were nowhere to be found. Finally, I received a call from the group and they met up with me. By this time, it was almost noon.
Some of the group decided to head home, and the rest broke for lunch. After a quick bite, we were back in the territory. On the way home, my partner and I decided to stop at the grocery store.
Once home, I began cooking and then cleaning up. Our visiting friends came by later on and we went out for sushi - Yum!! Just what I needed on a day like this :) After dinner, we played a game of cards and then they departed.
A few minutes later, however, we ran into a perplexed woman holding a bottle and she asked "Is this conditioner?" I looked at the bottle and confirmed that, indeed, it was conditioner. We began conversing, and it turns out she was down here visiting a friend. We talked for about 20 minutes and she gave me her email address and asked me to send her some information, including the location and times for the meetings.
Finally, about 2.5 hours after being in the grocery store, we headed home. I made dinner and then we played another game of cards before our new friends went home for the night.
Tuesday: This morning I worked for several hours, and made a call to check the location of the service group. I quickly got ready, did the dishes from the night before and then headed out. Thinking that we were working a similar location to the previous week, I began walking north on Amazonas street, looking for the cross street where the group was working. Since it didn't sound familiar to me, and wasn't on my map, I sent off a message to the group to confirm. Wrong.
So I began heading south looking for the same cross street. I had walked about 25 minutes before contacting the group again. They provided more information as to the location and I realized that I had walked too far and had passed it already. So once again, I began walking north. Still not finding the cross-street, I sat down on a stone wall and said a prayer. I decided to walk down the street at the location given, even though the name did not match. After walking halfway around the block, I came upon the street they were working. But there was no sign of them. I walked around the entire block, twice. Still they were nowhere to be found. Finally, I received a call from the group and they met up with me. By this time, it was almost noon.
Some of the group decided to head home, and the rest broke for lunch. After a quick bite, we were back in the territory. On the way home, my partner and I decided to stop at the grocery store.
Once home, I began cooking and then cleaning up. Our visiting friends came by later on and we went out for sushi - Yum!! Just what I needed on a day like this :) After dinner, we played a game of cards and then they departed.
11-16-13 & 11-17-13 Weekend: Service, Sports and Fun with Friends
Saturday: In the morning, we had a nice group meet at the hall for service. We worked an area nearby the hall and found several English speakers to converse with. That afternoon, a group of friends went to the park to play "ultimate frisbee" at Carolina Park. Initially, I only intended on supporting from the sidelines - you know, watching the game and studying my Watchtower. But the teams ended up uneven, so I joined the action. What fun!! It was an awesome game! Monti joined us and was there to cheer us on.
At one point, we had to take a bathroom break, and while half of our group was gone, a young kid walked by our pile of bags and began walking away with one of our brother's messenger bag. He had only taken a few steps with the bag when our other brothers noticed and began chasing him. Realizing he'd been caught, he immediately removed the bag from his shoulder and continued on. Our brothers, not certain if he had taken anything else, proceeded to give him a pat down like at the security checkpoint in the airport.
We continued playing ultimate frisbee and then "Circle Ball" a game we invented that afternoon until after dark. Then, a few of the friends came back to my house for dinner and another game of cards.
Sunday: This morning was our meeting and one of the visiting brothers gave our talk. Excellent reminders for all! After the meeting a small group of us went to the Magic Bean for lunch.
Monti, our Mascot
(Most of) Our Group
The silly pic :)
At one point, we had to take a bathroom break, and while half of our group was gone, a young kid walked by our pile of bags and began walking away with one of our brother's messenger bag. He had only taken a few steps with the bag when our other brothers noticed and began chasing him. Realizing he'd been caught, he immediately removed the bag from his shoulder and continued on. Our brothers, not certain if he had taken anything else, proceeded to give him a pat down like at the security checkpoint in the airport.
We continued playing ultimate frisbee and then "Circle Ball" a game we invented that afternoon until after dark. Then, a few of the friends came back to my house for dinner and another game of cards.
Sunday: This morning was our meeting and one of the visiting brothers gave our talk. Excellent reminders for all! After the meeting a small group of us went to the Magic Bean for lunch.
11-11-13 - 11-15-13 Highlights from the week
Monday: This morning I worked for a couple of hours and then it was back out in the ministry - we had a good long day today and found a couple of interesting sights along the way.
This guy didn't take the tract
This sign is indicative of a bad habit some Ecuadorian men have
Tuesday: Again, I worked a few hours, and then I spent another long day out in the ministry, then came home and installed my new soap dispenser in the bathroom that night.
Thursday: Well, the day started off okay. After work, I went to meet the group out in service. Unfortunately, while on the bus to the service group my money purse and phone were stolen out of my bag. This put a little damper on the morning, but we had a short coffee break, our brother said a prayer and we continued on with the tract campaign. We had some good experiences that morning. Later that night, I made dinner (and cheesecake of course!) for a couple of the friends and we played games. One of the brother's in my hall was kind enough to lend me a spare phone he had until I can replace my other one.
Friday: I went for a run in the morning, then out in service until around 3:00, then went home to take care of some things. We met some new friends that evening who were visiting from Puerto Lopez. I made dinner at the house (chicken parm, with salad and veggies, and more cheesecake) and we all hung out there playing cards and listening to music.
Monday, November 25, 2013
11-09-13 & 11-10-13 Weekend Service & Fun
Saturday: I met with the congregation at the hall this morning and we had quite a large group out for service. It was such a beautiful day and we had a great morning!!
Sunday: This morning was meeting and then more cleaning of the house. This evening, a small group of us went out for dinner and a movie at the local theatre. It was so nice to catch up and hang out with my Quito friends again!!
Sunday: This morning was meeting and then more cleaning of the house. This evening, a small group of us went out for dinner and a movie at the local theatre. It was so nice to catch up and hang out with my Quito friends again!!
11-02-13 - 11-08-13 Friends, Fun and Adventures
I don't have any photos of the first couple days, solely because I didn't have my phone/ camera. But here are the highlights:
Saturday: We had breakfast at the house and then took the bus to Otovalo, where there is a large handi-craft market. The bus ride is approximately 2.5 hours, and since we didn't get a very early start, that was mostly what we did the entire day. We came back home that night and crashed.
Sunday: One of the visiting brothers was kind enough to give our Public Discourse at the meeting this morning and all of the Quito English congregation appreciated the delivery of the material. Afterwards, approximately 25 of us went out to Mall El Jardin for lunch. Finally, after lunch I was able to retrieve my phone :) A few of the friends came over to my house that night to watch a movie.
Monday: A group of us met up at my house in the morning to travel to Mindo for the cloudforest/ waterfall hike and to do some ziplining.
We took a truck to Los Bancos approximately 30 minutes in the opposite direction in order to catch the bus at the beginning of the line. We waited almost an hour for the next and final bus departing that night. And as it drove right by us, we all began to chuckle at the situation. We debated on spending the night in Mindo, but then Carlos, the kid who had driven us from Mindo to Los Bancos, offered to drive us all the way back to Quito. We gratefully accepted his offer and half of our group piled in the cab of the pickup truck and the other half piled in the truck bed.
We stopped for dinner on the way home and finally made it home, albeit exhausted, cold and tired.
Tuesday: Today one of my friends and I went in service in the morning. Then later that afternoon, we all traveled to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). We went to the official museum site "Intinan Museum" (instead of the monument site, which is actually located on the adjacent lot next to the museum). Unfortunately, we arrived about 10 minutes after they closed. We snuck around to the exit, where the man informed us that we were too late. I told him that we had traveled all the way from Quito and meant to ask if we could spend just 15 minutes and look around. Instead I asked for 50 minutes and he chuckled and said no! Realizing my mistake, we pleaded with him for just a few minutes. He agreed to charge us a discounted admission and then proceeded to give us a private tour, which lasted 45 minutes in the end!
Wednesday: Today we went in the ministry in the morning. Afterwards we went to lunch at a popular spot called the Magic Bean and then to the Mercado de Artesnal market in the Mariscal area.
Thursday: Though we intended to go to Papallacta today, our plans didn't seem to work out. Instead we went back to the local market and my friends picked up some more souvenirs to take home.
That night, I made dinner and invited some of the friends from the hall to join us. We had beef tenderloin with sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers, asparagus, mashed potatoes, salad and garlic bread.
Friday: Sadly, today was the last day of my friends' visit. We had a nice breakfast together and then they packed up their bags and and headed off to the airport in the early afternoon.
On the bus
We made it!
Hold on! This cart seems rickety...
Safely on the other side
Where is this waterfall anyway?
Surely this is not it...
Finally we arrived!! The water was freezing!!
Suited up and ready to go ziplining!
We took a truck to Los Bancos approximately 30 minutes in the opposite direction in order to catch the bus at the beginning of the line. We waited almost an hour for the next and final bus departing that night. And as it drove right by us, we all began to chuckle at the situation. We debated on spending the night in Mindo, but then Carlos, the kid who had driven us from Mindo to Los Bancos, offered to drive us all the way back to Quito. We gratefully accepted his offer and half of our group piled in the cab of the pickup truck and the other half piled in the truck bed.
We stopped for dinner on the way home and finally made it home, albeit exhausted, cold and tired.
Tuesday: Today one of my friends and I went in service in the morning. Then later that afternoon, we all traveled to Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). We went to the official museum site "Intinan Museum" (instead of the monument site, which is actually located on the adjacent lot next to the museum). Unfortunately, we arrived about 10 minutes after they closed. We snuck around to the exit, where the man informed us that we were too late. I told him that we had traveled all the way from Quito and meant to ask if we could spend just 15 minutes and look around. Instead I asked for 50 minutes and he chuckled and said no! Realizing my mistake, we pleaded with him for just a few minutes. He agreed to charge us a discounted admission and then proceeded to give us a private tour, which lasted 45 minutes in the end!
View from the bus
At the entrance to Intinan Museum (the true Middle of the World)
Walking the Line
You gotta love the "calculated with GPS"
Our private tour guide
Trying to balance an egg on end
Shrunken heads exhibit
Our Service Group
Before long, it was time to head back to the house to change and get ready for the meeting that evening. After the meeting a few of us went out for a late dinner at a local establishment.
That night, I made dinner and invited some of the friends from the hall to join us. We had beef tenderloin with sauteed mushrooms, onions and peppers, asparagus, mashed potatoes, salad and garlic bread.
Friday: Sadly, today was the last day of my friends' visit. We had a nice breakfast together and then they packed up their bags and and headed off to the airport in the early afternoon.
Time for one last photo
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