Wednesday: Prison Day. I conducted the study this morning, as the sister who normally does was unavailable. It was nice and the Bible student is very eager - not even waiting before jumping ahead to the next paragraphs. Its nice to see that kind of enthusiasm!
After that study, my friend and I went off to do a few more studies. We had a bite for lunch and then went to the mall to do some return visits (yes, we really do have several RVs at the mall). We also found some new calls and had some pleasant experiences. As we had the meeting later, we decided to call it a day around 4:00pm. I went home, ate dinner, finished studying, showered and headed off to the meeting.
I didn't hang around too long after the meeting as I was so tired - its been a busy week!
Thursday: This morning, I wasn't feeling so great so I stayed in, doing some work around the house. I also went to the grocery store and the hardware store to pick up a few items. In the afternoon I was feeling better, so I managed to get in an upper body workout and a few loads of laundry. Next, I went to my final chiropractor appointment - the doctor was running behind and I had to practically run home to get there in time for my Spanish class. More practice, less English. Its getting better, and thank goodness my friend/ teacher is so patient with me!!
After class, I prepared some food for the evening, followed up on a few proposals and then went to sleep.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
06-24-13 & 06-25-13 Sharing Good News & Pretty Views
Monday: Today I had my Spanish class in the morning and then my friend and I went preaching in the afternoon. Another sister met up with us around lunchtime and we did a few calls together. At 3:30 though, I had to go to my chiropractor appointment. Around 5:00 I headed to the store to pick up a few items, took a taxi home, then turned around and went back out to the grocery store this time, to pick up food and water for the week. It was 9:00 by the time I got home!
Tuesday: This morning our group met in La Floresta (the area where the Kingdom Hall is). It was only myself and another couple and the missionary brother who serves in our hall. The territory we were working (San Carlos) was quite far so we were grateful that the missionary brother has a vehicle and drove us. Riding in a car is a treat here. Though we didn't find many people that morning, we had a pleasant morning. It was a clear day and we had an unobstructed view of Cotopaxi Mountain (a glacier and volcano), which is just shy of 20,000 ft.
I met up with my friend at the mall for a quick lunch and then we did calls and informal witnessing that afternoon until 6:00pm. We had good success and ended the day tired but very encouraged. I came home, fixed some dinner and did a bit of computer work and went to bed.
Tuesday: This morning our group met in La Floresta (the area where the Kingdom Hall is). It was only myself and another couple and the missionary brother who serves in our hall. The territory we were working (San Carlos) was quite far so we were grateful that the missionary brother has a vehicle and drove us. Riding in a car is a treat here. Though we didn't find many people that morning, we had a pleasant morning. It was a clear day and we had an unobstructed view of Cotopaxi Mountain (a glacier and volcano), which is just shy of 20,000 ft.
I met up with my friend at the mall for a quick lunch and then we did calls and informal witnessing that afternoon until 6:00pm. We had good success and ended the day tired but very encouraged. I came home, fixed some dinner and did a bit of computer work and went to bed.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
06-21-13 - 06-23-13 Engagement Party, Encouragement and A Girls' Afternoon
Friday: This morning I went out in service with my friend and her fleshly sister, who is actually in the Chinese congregation here. She had wonderful experiences to share and noted to me that they had one person baptized at their assembly a few weeks ago!
We stayed out until around 12:30, had a quick bite for lunch, then I met up with my other friend for a study - a very pleasant and sincere Jewish woman. Its so refreshing and encouraging how diverse our ministry is here. Its one of the things I love most about Quito.
After the study, my friend and I went shopping for a few remaining items for an engagement party the following day. I got home around 8:00, had dinner and said good-bye to my guests who were departing that night.
Saturday: Today I felt tired. Not like I needed a nap - more like I needed a break. It had been a rough week in the sense that if one more person whistled, honked, hollered, or blew kisses at me out the car window I was going to break down - it was taking its toll. And at times, it's even scary. In one round-trip, (I took a taxi out and back) both taxi drivers persistently asked me for my number; which I confess I resorted to lying because "no" apparently wasn't clear enough. Even then, both gave me their company numbers and personal numbers. The one pulled over and stopped the cab prior to my destination in order to do so - I was ready to jump out and make a run for it! The temptation to dye my hair dark grows stronger with each passing week...
That afternoon was the engagement party - an Indian-themed event (as in the country India). Everything was decorated so lovely and many came dressed appropriately. The food was wonderful as well. We all sat around and chatted, then played a game. Even though it was early, I left after the game, as I was getting quite tired.
Here is a comical side thought: I have tan lines on my feet..
Sunday: This morning was our meeting; and as usual, we had many visitors. There are always new friendly faces to meet. Today, I met two sisters; one from Massachusetts and the other from Tennessee. I also had a very encouraging talk with one of my elders who could tell I was not feeling myself. He offered kind words of encouragement and I felt much better afterwards :)
That afternoon, a group of us girls went down to Centro Historico to take our visiting sisters around town.
We stopped for a late lunch/ early dinner and headed back just as it was getting dark. Afterwards, I went home to do laundry and clean up a bit around the house.
My service partners
The area we were in was called Orquideas (Orchids - my favorite!!)
We stayed out until around 12:30, had a quick bite for lunch, then I met up with my other friend for a study - a very pleasant and sincere Jewish woman. Its so refreshing and encouraging how diverse our ministry is here. Its one of the things I love most about Quito.
After the study, my friend and I went shopping for a few remaining items for an engagement party the following day. I got home around 8:00, had dinner and said good-bye to my guests who were departing that night.
Saturday: Today I felt tired. Not like I needed a nap - more like I needed a break. It had been a rough week in the sense that if one more person whistled, honked, hollered, or blew kisses at me out the car window I was going to break down - it was taking its toll. And at times, it's even scary. In one round-trip, (I took a taxi out and back) both taxi drivers persistently asked me for my number; which I confess I resorted to lying because "no" apparently wasn't clear enough. Even then, both gave me their company numbers and personal numbers. The one pulled over and stopped the cab prior to my destination in order to do so - I was ready to jump out and make a run for it! The temptation to dye my hair dark grows stronger with each passing week...
That afternoon was the engagement party - an Indian-themed event (as in the country India). Everything was decorated so lovely and many came dressed appropriately. The food was wonderful as well. We all sat around and chatted, then played a game. Even though it was early, I left after the game, as I was getting quite tired.
Here is a comical side thought: I have tan lines on my feet..
Sunday: This morning was our meeting; and as usual, we had many visitors. There are always new friendly faces to meet. Today, I met two sisters; one from Massachusetts and the other from Tennessee. I also had a very encouraging talk with one of my elders who could tell I was not feeling myself. He offered kind words of encouragement and I felt much better afterwards :)
That afternoon, a group of us girls went down to Centro Historico to take our visiting sisters around town.
Apparently, this architectural style is representative of the old residences - a center courtyard surrounded by rooms/ living quarters.
A girls' afternoon
We stopped for a late lunch/ early dinner and headed back just as it was getting dark. Afterwards, I went home to do laundry and clean up a bit around the house.
Friday, June 21, 2013
06-19-13 & 06-20-13 Pampering, Presentation & Prepping
Wednesday: This morning my guests from Cuenca arrived. So, I made them breakfast and then the sister and I met up with another friend for manicures/ pedicures. A manicure costs $5 and a pedicure costs $8. Not bad, eh? My feet thanked me :) They've gotten a lot of abuse over the last three months.
Afterwards, the sister and I went to the grocery store to pick up food for their stay. When we arrived home, I quickly put away the groceries and headed to my chiropractic appointment. I arrived just on time, and didn't have to wait long before being seen. First, one of the assistant's performed a full muscle strength/ flexibility/ range of motion assessment, then I went to a second waiting room. When it was my turn again, I was escorted into a different room where a different assistant massaged some cream on my neck and shoulders. Then, the doctor came in and administered a technique called "dry needling", which he told me is similar to, but not, acupuncture. Afterwards, a final 'once-over' check and I was on my way.
I rushed back home, arriving just a few minutes before 6:00. I quickly changed for the meeting and 20 minutes later was in a taxi with my friend who lives down the street and headed to the Hall. I had the demonstrations tonight in the Service Meeting part about showing respect. Its funny how difficult it was to come up with something "rude" to say for the bad example.
After the meeting, my friend and I decided to go get something to eat. We invited another sister and her son to join us and they suggested a place called The Magic Bean, a place famous for their breakfast, but known for good food overall as well. While we were on our way there, it occurred to me that I had not eaten all day long! I had steak, with potatoes, veggies and salad. It was delicious!! The sister was kind enough to take us both home (nice that my other friend and I live so close to one another).
Thursday: This morning I got up and started cooking. I made breakfast for my friends who were staying with me - scrambled eggs with peppers, onions and spinach, bacon, a huge fruit salad and coffee, of course. I ate fruit salad. (I've been trying to be really good with my foods lately!) I also prepared chicken fajitas, guacamole, more fruit salads for the week and also regular salads. They left to meet up with a friend of theirs in the south area, also in the sign language congregation, to do a couple calls. I stayed home to clean up, do some work on the computer and then have my Spanish lesson, which went well.
After Spanish class, my friend and I went to a few stores, looking for items for an Indian-themed engagement party planned for Saturday. Though we did not find what we were looking for, we did have a good time. When I arrived home, I started preparing dinner; salmon, asparagus, baked eggplant and salad. When my friends arrived home we all ate together and then had fruit salad and coffee for dessert. It had been a long day for all of us!
Afterwards, the sister and I went to the grocery store to pick up food for their stay. When we arrived home, I quickly put away the groceries and headed to my chiropractic appointment. I arrived just on time, and didn't have to wait long before being seen. First, one of the assistant's performed a full muscle strength/ flexibility/ range of motion assessment, then I went to a second waiting room. When it was my turn again, I was escorted into a different room where a different assistant massaged some cream on my neck and shoulders. Then, the doctor came in and administered a technique called "dry needling", which he told me is similar to, but not, acupuncture. Afterwards, a final 'once-over' check and I was on my way.
I rushed back home, arriving just a few minutes before 6:00. I quickly changed for the meeting and 20 minutes later was in a taxi with my friend who lives down the street and headed to the Hall. I had the demonstrations tonight in the Service Meeting part about showing respect. Its funny how difficult it was to come up with something "rude" to say for the bad example.
After the meeting, my friend and I decided to go get something to eat. We invited another sister and her son to join us and they suggested a place called The Magic Bean, a place famous for their breakfast, but known for good food overall as well. While we were on our way there, it occurred to me that I had not eaten all day long! I had steak, with potatoes, veggies and salad. It was delicious!! The sister was kind enough to take us both home (nice that my other friend and I live so close to one another).
Thursday: This morning I got up and started cooking. I made breakfast for my friends who were staying with me - scrambled eggs with peppers, onions and spinach, bacon, a huge fruit salad and coffee, of course. I ate fruit salad. (I've been trying to be really good with my foods lately!) I also prepared chicken fajitas, guacamole, more fruit salads for the week and also regular salads. They left to meet up with a friend of theirs in the south area, also in the sign language congregation, to do a couple calls. I stayed home to clean up, do some work on the computer and then have my Spanish lesson, which went well.
After Spanish class, my friend and I went to a few stores, looking for items for an Indian-themed engagement party planned for Saturday. Though we did not find what we were looking for, we did have a good time. When I arrived home, I started preparing dinner; salmon, asparagus, baked eggplant and salad. When my friends arrived home we all ate together and then had fruit salad and coffee for dessert. It had been a long day for all of us!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
06-17-13 & 06-18-13 Playing Catch-up
Monday: Today I stayed home to catch up on emails/ correspondence, practiced my Spanish (online), applied for more online jobs/ projects. Then I had my Spanish lesson (conjugating the verb "to be", other past tense verb conjugation, sentence structure, and practice dialogues.)
I spoke with one of my friends from Cuenca (the same couple who visited me a few weeks ago) and they will be coming back to Quito and staying with me for a few days - yea! They will be arriving on Wednesday morning so I am looking forward to that.
After my Spanish lesson, I applied for more online jobs, responded to a few more emails (I think I'm finally caught up!) and made myself a late dinner. My neck is out of whack again (the third time since my fall) so I am thinking that a chiropractic visit is in order. I hope I can squeeze one in this week!
Tuesday: Today I planned on going out in the ministry but my neck was still so stiff and sore. So I got the number of a good chiropractor near my house and made an appointment for tomorrow. I practiced my Spanish for a while and applied for more jobs online. Then I did laundry and cleaned the house in anticipation of my house guests. In the afternoon, I had my Spanish lesson, more verb conjugation - focusing on the verb "to be" - who knew there were so many different ways to say one thing?
I finished up more laundry and mopped the floor and then went to bed.
I spoke with one of my friends from Cuenca (the same couple who visited me a few weeks ago) and they will be coming back to Quito and staying with me for a few days - yea! They will be arriving on Wednesday morning so I am looking forward to that.
After my Spanish lesson, I applied for more online jobs, responded to a few more emails (I think I'm finally caught up!) and made myself a late dinner. My neck is out of whack again (the third time since my fall) so I am thinking that a chiropractic visit is in order. I hope I can squeeze one in this week!
Tuesday: Today I planned on going out in the ministry but my neck was still so stiff and sore. So I got the number of a good chiropractor near my house and made an appointment for tomorrow. I practiced my Spanish for a while and applied for more jobs online. Then I did laundry and cleaned the house in anticipation of my house guests. In the afternoon, I had my Spanish lesson, more verb conjugation - focusing on the verb "to be" - who knew there were so many different ways to say one thing?
I finished up more laundry and mopped the floor and then went to bed.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
6-14-13 - 06-16-13 Movie, Bridal Shower & Concert
Friday: Today I did some last minute laundry before my house guest arrived. She had some business to take care of in Quito and would contact me when her paperwork was finished. We finally met around 2:00 and became fast friends!
That night, we met up with some friends from the Hall to watch the new Superman movie. Afterwards, we grabbed some dinner and then a few of us went back to my house and listened to music and chatted.
Saturday: This morning our service group met up at Carolina Park again.
We have a lot of success in finding English speakers in the park - and who doesn't love to preach walking around the park on a beautiful sunny day?
After service I rushed home to change clothes, pick up the cheesecake and punch I had made for a bridal shower that afternoon and then hopped in a cab to the sister who was hosting the event. I got there early to help out with some last minute items.
At 3:00 the guest of honor arrived, the first one there! Fashionably late takes on a whole new meaning here. We had a awesome time, laughing and sharing stories and plenty of "girl talk".
At 5:30, I had to leave the bridal shower in order to get home in time to get changed and ready for the piano concert that evening. My new friend and I decided it was a good excuse to get all dressed up. I even painted my fingernails and let her style my hair. Then it was off to the concert to meet our other friend who was joining us.
The concert was so amazing. The pianist was a Russian artist, Valentina Lisista, who gave a phenomenal performance, playing classical pieces by Rachmaninoff, Bach, Chopin, among others.
Afterwards, we went to dinner at a restaurant that has an incredible view of the city.
Sunday: This morning was meeting and then I had to say goodbye to my new friend :( Though I promised to come visit her in Cuenca in July.
This afternoon I had coffee with a friend of mine, and then came home to relax and take care of some things. Its been a long and busy weekend - but oh so much fun!
That night, we met up with some friends from the Hall to watch the new Superman movie. Afterwards, we grabbed some dinner and then a few of us went back to my house and listened to music and chatted.
Saturday: This morning our service group met up at Carolina Park again.
After service I rushed home to change clothes, pick up the cheesecake and punch I had made for a bridal shower that afternoon and then hopped in a cab to the sister who was hosting the event. I got there early to help out with some last minute items.
At 3:00 the guest of honor arrived, the first one there! Fashionably late takes on a whole new meaning here. We had a awesome time, laughing and sharing stories and plenty of "girl talk".
Serious
Getting Silly :)
And just down right crazy...
And one with me in it...
The concert was so amazing. The pianist was a Russian artist, Valentina Lisista, who gave a phenomenal performance, playing classical pieces by Rachmaninoff, Bach, Chopin, among others.
Afterwards, we went to dinner at a restaurant that has an incredible view of the city.
Sunday: This morning was meeting and then I had to say goodbye to my new friend :( Though I promised to come visit her in Cuenca in July.
This afternoon I had coffee with a friend of mine, and then came home to relax and take care of some things. Its been a long and busy weekend - but oh so much fun!
06-12-13 & 06-13-13 Service, Meeting & Cleaning
Wednesday: I started my day at the prison this morning for a bible study and then off to another study after that. I got home around 1:30 for lunch... you guessed it, baked red snapper, and some fruit. I finished studying for the meeting and then left to meet two sisters for a bible study at 3:30. We were supposed to go to another study at 5:00, but unfortunately, it was cancelled. So we at dinner at the nearby mall and then traveled to the meeting together.
Our meetings are so awesome. Because we are a small congregation, it really feels like getting together with your family. Well, maybe more like a family reunion, with all your crazy relatives... you gotta love it though.
When I got home, I tidied up a few things in preparation for tomorrow's cleaning frenzy. Its been such a busy week, and I haven't cleaned since Saturday! After two or three days, I start to go crazy...
Thursday: Today I stayed home in the morning and scrubbed the house. Then I had my Spanish lesson at 11:00am. We had lunch and then went out preaching at 1:00.
We met up with two other sisters a little later and headed north to the US Embassy area for a few more calls While there, we ran into some friends from the congregation who were traveling down the same road. Its amazing to me how often we run into people we know, in a city so large.
Before heading home, I went to purchase tickets for a piano concert this weekend. Once home, I finished tidying up for my visitor the next day.
Our meetings are so awesome. Because we are a small congregation, it really feels like getting together with your family. Well, maybe more like a family reunion, with all your crazy relatives... you gotta love it though.
When I got home, I tidied up a few things in preparation for tomorrow's cleaning frenzy. Its been such a busy week, and I haven't cleaned since Saturday! After two or three days, I start to go crazy...
Thursday: Today I stayed home in the morning and scrubbed the house. Then I had my Spanish lesson at 11:00am. We had lunch and then went out preaching at 1:00.
We met up with two other sisters a little later and headed north to the US Embassy area for a few more calls While there, we ran into some friends from the congregation who were traveling down the same road. Its amazing to me how often we run into people we know, in a city so large.
Before heading home, I went to purchase tickets for a piano concert this weekend. Once home, I finished tidying up for my visitor the next day.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
06-10-13 & 06-11-13 Preaching & Eating (Is that all I do here?)
Monday: I spent a long day in the ministry doing census work - It was very productive and we had many nice conversations during the day. We also saw some awesome plants and trees:
I had lunch at my service partner's that afternoon, then went to do a call that afternoon. Thereafter I rushed back to the house for my Spanish lesson, which I had to cut short due to dinner plans at my friends' - wow was it delicious!! We had steak, brown rice, baked potato skins, sauteed red cabbage, a tomato and onion salad, and apple crisp a la mode. I ate til I could not eat anymore! We enjoyed pleasant conversation with the family and also with the missionary couple and his wife who had given our talk the day before. We were encouraged by their experiences, and made some notes of techniques to try in our territory as well.
Tuesday: This morning we worked a territory in the north, but didn't have quite as many great experiences as the day before. In the afternoon, a sister and I went to a couple of the markets together. Tuesday is apparently "fresh fish" day at one market and discount produce at another. So, off we went. We got a little turned around on the way there, but found it eventually. Its a different set of standards than what you find in the States. The fish is just sitting out, not necessarily under any sort of refrigeration or on ice. They will clean it and de-scale it for you and then they will hand it to you in a plastic grocery bag. Just fish in the bag. I hope I don't die from this. But, hey, I figure, its all part of the experience. When in Ecuador, do as the Ecuadorians. Look at these little guys:
I was suddenly wishing I had paid more attention all those times my uncle filleted the fish after a long day out on the water... so, I decided to cook them whole instead.
I picked some fresh herbs from my mini garden - thyme, basil and rosemary. I also sliced up some lemons and oranges and added garlic and salt...
Now, here's hoping I don't get salmonella. Stay tuned...
I spent the rest of the evening studying for tomorrow's meeting. Then off to bed in preparation for a long day on Wednesday.
I forget the name of this one, but it was huge!
This is a big elderberry tree!
I had lunch at my service partner's that afternoon, then went to do a call that afternoon. Thereafter I rushed back to the house for my Spanish lesson, which I had to cut short due to dinner plans at my friends' - wow was it delicious!! We had steak, brown rice, baked potato skins, sauteed red cabbage, a tomato and onion salad, and apple crisp a la mode. I ate til I could not eat anymore! We enjoyed pleasant conversation with the family and also with the missionary couple and his wife who had given our talk the day before. We were encouraged by their experiences, and made some notes of techniques to try in our territory as well.
Tuesday: This morning we worked a territory in the north, but didn't have quite as many great experiences as the day before. In the afternoon, a sister and I went to a couple of the markets together. Tuesday is apparently "fresh fish" day at one market and discount produce at another. So, off we went. We got a little turned around on the way there, but found it eventually. Its a different set of standards than what you find in the States. The fish is just sitting out, not necessarily under any sort of refrigeration or on ice. They will clean it and de-scale it for you and then they will hand it to you in a plastic grocery bag. Just fish in the bag. I hope I don't die from this. But, hey, I figure, its all part of the experience. When in Ecuador, do as the Ecuadorians. Look at these little guys:
Ready to go in the oven...
All done!
Nothing but the bones left :)
Now, here's hoping I don't get salmonella. Stay tuned...
I spent the rest of the evening studying for tomorrow's meeting. Then off to bed in preparation for a long day on Wednesday.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
06-07-13 - 06-09-13 Preaching in the Park and Goodbye Dinners
Friday: Today I spent the whole day preaching; finishing my last study at 8:30pm - It was a long, but good day. As I sat down that evening to eat something, I had a lot of things to pray about, including finding work. So, as I ate dinner, I applied for more jobs online. No sooner had I submitted my proposal for one job, I got a response back saying it was accepted! Thank you Jehovah! I am supposed to start the project in one to two weeks!
Saturday: This morning our group met for service at the Kingdom Hall and headed out to the territory, which happened to the Carolina Park.
It was a beautiful day to be preaching in the park! We spoke to many friendly people, and stopped now and then to enjoy our surroundings.
Can you spot the hummingbird in the photos below?
Of course, the view is not always so pleasant...
We preached until 5:00 that day, then, we went home to get ready for a night out with friends! We had planned to go to a Lebanese restaurant, but unfortunately, they were closed. So we went to a Japanese/ Thai restaurant instead - it was awesome!
Saturday: This morning our group met for service at the Kingdom Hall and headed out to the territory, which happened to the Carolina Park.
It was a beautiful day to be preaching in the park! We spoke to many friendly people, and stopped now and then to enjoy our surroundings.
Can you spot the hummingbird in the photos below?
Of course, the view is not always so pleasant...
We preached until 5:00 that day, then, we went home to get ready for a night out with friends! We had planned to go to a Lebanese restaurant, but unfortunately, they were closed. So we went to a Japanese/ Thai restaurant instead - it was awesome!
The Gang
So hard to say good-bye :(
My cappuccino had the character of the name of the restaurant swirled in the top!
Time for a kiss goodnight!
Sunday: Got up this morning, tidied up the house a little, then headed off to the meeting. Our talk this morning was given by a missionary brother serving in a town north of Quito. It was excellent! The only problem that day was that there was no water at the Kingdom Hall. None at all. In fact, the water in that whole neighborhood had been shut off. But that didn't stop people from using the bathroom.
So that afternoon, I flushed poop. Correction, we flushed poop. I was hanging out at my friend's house who lives close by the Kingdom Hall. She suggested that since the next meeting that week wasn't until Tuesday, we should go take buckets of water from her house to go flush the toilets. So, we filled a 5-gallon bucket and 3 gallon carton of water and trucked back to the hall to go flush the toilets, then returned to her house.
Our other friend called and asked us about getting together since she was getting ready to leave in a couple days. So my friend and I went to pick up a cake and then went to my house. A few others joined and we all had a nice time.
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