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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)