06-15-14 - 06-21-14 Lots of Food + Lots of Friends = Lack of Sleep :)

Sunday:  No rest for the weary (or is it the wicked)?  I sometime wish I didn't have that internal alarm clock.  This morning I even went back to sleep but by 6:30am, I had to get out of bed.  So I finished the dishes from the night before, had some coffee, showered and got ready for the meeting.  We left early, hoping to pick up my friend's Bible study for the meeting, but she was not able to come :(  Our missionary brother gave an excellent discourse this morning and the Watchtower lesson today was so encouraging that I couldn't stop talking about it!

A group of us went to lunch after the meeting (so long that it almost went into dinner!)  I had high hopes of getting many things accomplished after returning home, but alas - I did nothing!  My roommate and I got into a long conversation and before we knew it hours had passed.  Then a friend of mine called and a group of us went out for sushi.

By the end of the night, my cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling so much :)  Not a bad problem to have I suppose! We closed down the restaurant that night - they were putting up all the chairs around us... hey, we can take a hint.  So, naturally, you would think my new roomie and I would have just crashed when we got home, right?  Wrong.  Yet again we got to chatting and finally called it a night when we were both falling asleep on the couches.

Monday:  I admit I was a bit tired this morning, but nothing a cup of coffee can't fix :)  Thank goodness I brought a suitcase full of K-cups this time!  Work was busy and I felt very productive today.  After work, I did a load of laundry, washed the dishes, put a few things away, tidied up my room and then spent hours catching up on my RBC work.  After that, I prepared a demo for the meeting this week and emailed it off for approval.  It was getting late, and I was winding down, but I updated and posted last week's blog entry.  Now that's a good day!  I tried to get it all in before midnight, but missed by about ten minutes.  Oh well, sleep is overrated...

Tuesday:  After work this morning, a group of us sisters met up in the valley and spent a nice long day in the ministry.  At the end of the day, we stopped for strawberries and cream (fresh whipped cream prepared per order)  - YUM!

After service, it was a few more hours of RBC work and then off to sleep.

Wednesday:  Today was a work day and then it was straight to the meeting.  I had to be there early to practice my demonstration.

After the meeting, a few friends and I went out to Chili's for dinner.  We had the worst service ever, but still shared many laughs and watched the World Cup highlights.  Yet another late night, lol.

Thursday:  After work, I went out in service until around 2, dropped off lunch for a friend and went home to check on my roommate who had been feeling sick since the night before.  I worked on cleaning my house and then we headed back out to meet the group for evening telephone witnessing.  We had such a big group - 10 in all!!

Thursday night phone witnessing/ letter writing has really caught on.  The quest is to take the last call of the night, which has consistently been the best call each week.  Our group has become so big that we now have two separate groups each week :)

Friday:  Work was very busy today and the time seemed to fly by.  I ended up working an extra hour, just to catch up before the weekend.  After work, I met up with my friend for her study, and then we went on to a friend's house to watch the futbol (soccer) game - my first ever!  I was so excited.  Traffic in the city was horrible and we had to wait for 4 buses before we could finally squeeze on one.  I hate the Ecovia on days like this.  We made, albeit a little late.

And guess who won?? ECUADOR!  After the game, we all ate and then played a popular card game here called Cuarenta (Forty).  Such a crazy game with somewhat ridiculous rules, but insanely fun and somewhat addictive.  By the time we arrived home, it was already late.  But my friend and I continued to stay up and talk until 1:30am.

Saturday:  Surprisingly, I woke up naturally, and on time this morning.  My friend went home to get ready for service and my roommate and I got ready and headed to the Hall.  It was a nice group this morning - and I had two really great experiences:

First, I went into a small tienda/ deli and the man spoke excellent English.  After my partner handed him the "Who Controls the World?" tract, I asked him if his whole family spoke English as well.  He said that his daughter (now standing beside him) and his wife (currently working in the back of the store) did also.  My partner was ready with the "Happy Family Life" tract and I pointed out the address of the Hall and the meeting times.  I also explained the Bible study arrangement, told him it was something for the entire family and asked if he would be interested in something like that.  He agreed and gave me all of his contact information... stay tuned for progress.

Second, we had left the territory and were heading for lunch (and to watch the soccer game, I can't lie).  While on the bus, I noticed a young woman standing next to me.  When she ceased speaking to the woman with her, I asked her if she spoke English.  As she turned toward me, I saw a huge bruise underneath her right eye.  I offered her the "Suffering" tract, gave her my contact information and asked for hers.  She agreed and I told her I would contact her in a couple days.

After lunch (and a great win by Argentina!), we resumed service in the shopping mall and found many English speakers.  I find the new tracts perfect for this purpose; small, convenient and people hardly ever refuse.  Around 3pm, we decided to call it a day and my roommate and I stopped at the grocery store and then walked home.  I continued cleaning (one day I'll finish getting all this plaster dust off of everything...) and made a decent amount of progress.

At 5pm, I quickly changed and we left to pick up some friends and travel together to the south to have dinner at other friend's house.  It was a night of crazy revelations and downright silliness.  After a delicious dinner prepared by our gracious hosts, we played a game which involved writing down a fact/ experience about yourself, then when everyone had done so, all the experiences went into the bowl.  They were mixed around, and each person drew an anonymous experience from the bowl.  It was read aloud and everyone tried to guess/ identify the author.  What a riot!  Sometimes you just don't want to know...

It was around 11:00pm by the time we arrived home and it was straight to sleep after that.   What a week!

06-08-14 - 06-14-14 Back in the Saddle Again

Sunday:  At this morning's meeting, one of our local brothers gave the talk on the resurrection.  There were so many Bible studies present at the meeting I lost count, but it was more than 10!  Afterwards, we all went to the new Chili's restaurant that recently opened for hospitality.  We had quite a large group!

Monday:  Back to work!  It was somewhat nice to be working all day today.  I had many emails and items to catch up on since I left Naples!  They day went by very quickly.  After work, I did a little more cleaning, ran up the street to the tienda to grab a few items for my new guest, then I hopped on a bus to the airport.  I was able to witness to a woman I met at the airport.  She too, was from Florida, but had lived in Ecuador for 9 years.  We exchanged information before her daughter arrived and then 10 minutes later, my friend came through the customs doors.  Yea!!!  I had arranged for a brother, who drives a taxi to take us home.  The hour drive went by quickly as my friend and I chatted and caught up.  Even though it was late when we arrived home, we still ended up talking for another hour before finally going to sleep.

Tuesday:  I worked for a couple of hours in the morning, then my friend and I met up with another sister for a Bible study.  We then had lunch at the mall and decided to come home so my friend could rest a little.  The altitude has a way of draining your energy. I did a little RBC work and then went back out at 5 to meet another friend for a Bible study.

Wednesday:  Today was a work day - but a good day nonetheless.  After work it was a quick snack and then off to the meeting...  I must say (and I do all the time) that I love our Quito English meetings!! The sound went out completely during one of the songs - but that didn't deter anyone.  I doubt you could have heard the music over everyone anyway!  After the meeting my new roomie and I went out to TGI Friday's with another friend for a late dinner

Thursday:  After work this morning, we spent a great day in the ministry.  While on a Bible study, I received a call from a brother inquiring if the telephone witnessing group could meet at my house that night around 6:00pm.  As soon as we finished the study around 4:00pm, I rushed to the grocery store to pick up a few things for the group and then home to tidy up and prepare.  We snacked on fajitas and guacamole while making calls.  We had three very successful calls that night and more than a few laughs!  After service it was strawberries and whipped cream with coffee.  Who said I can't do simple??

Friday:  Half day of work today.  I had to do a bit of juggling with my service schedule due to the group last night, so I decided to get a few things done today and my roomie and I took an extended trip to the grocery store so I could stock up for tomorrow's dinner.  It was such a beautiful day out and I couldn't help but snap this shot of the mountain:

After stuffing everything I could in the refrigerator, and leaving everything non-perishable all over the counters, I changed and went to meet my friend for a Bible study, which was near my house.  It was so upbuilding!  The young girl, despite being sick, made the effort to study.  We shared with her some of the videos on the website (in each of the three languages she spoke) and she seemed impressed.  She expressed interest in going to the meeting and I volunteered to pick her up.  After the study, it was one last stop at the grocery store (I hate when I forget an item!) and then home to start cooking.

I started with the ice cream, which begins as custard.  I made a double batch of vanilla bean and a double batch of chocolate - yum!  Next, gin slushies!!  Then I made the sauce for the stuffed shells (well, cannelloni noodles were all I could find at the store).  I cleaned up then my roommate and I studied our Watchtower and talked for a while.  It was nearly 1:00am before we went to sleep!

Saturday:  This morning I got up at 5:45 and chilled/ churned another batch of ice cream, then cleaned up more and got ready for service.  I went out until around 11:00am, then home to continue cooking and preparing for tonight's dinner.  I made the stuffing and then prepared the shells/ cannelloni.  Then I chilled/ churned the third batch of ice cream.  Next, I made a carrot cake and cream cheese frosting.  After that, it was caprese kabobs.  Then the pepperoni and cheese rolls.  Throw together cheese and cracker trays, a few bowls of olives... almost ready.  Vacuum and steam clean the floor (I absolutely love my steamer!!) Jump in the shower - I'm actually on schedule!  Quickly get dressed, don my new apron and start the salad (greens, dried cranberries, feta, tomatoes, avocados and pecans).  I was almost ready when the first of the guests arrived (precisely on time).  It was a great night of conversation, games and laughter.  Sorry, I forgot to take pictures!!

My roommate was kind enough to help me put a dent in the dishes that night and so again, we didn't get to sleep until around 1:00am.

06-01-14 - 06-07-14 Bienvenidos a Ecuador!

Sunday:  After a brutal (delayed) overnight flight, I finally arrived at 11:45am.  Surprisingly, the line to get through customs was short and sweet.  I made my way to the baggage claim and went to get a luggage cart.  Not surprising, I inserted a $5.00 bill for the $2.00 cart and it did not dispense my change.  Fortunately, the attendant returned my money to me a few minutes later.  I quickly loaded my bags and passed through the final security checkpoint.  What a breeze!! Some friends of mine from Quito English had kindly offered to pick me up and they arrived promptly at the arranged time.  It was an hour ride home, but we passed the time quickly by exchanging stories and catching up.  Upon arriving home, I unpacked a few bags and then met up with one of my friends at the new Chile's that just opened up by my house.  After dinner we continued chatting over coffee, then watched a movie at her house.  It's good to be back!!

Monday:  I awoke to discover that my closet was infested with mold.  Drawers, shoes, clothes - you name it, there was mold on it.  I took everything out of the closet and the drawers and began washing it.  I bleached the entire closet and drawers inside and out.  I also scrubbed down the bathroom and organized a few items.  Around 6:00 before it gets dark, I walked down to the grocery store to stock up on food and supplies.  After putting everything away, I continued tidying up and finally went to bed at 11:00pm

Tuesday:  Mold clean-up continues.  Today I completed 6 more loads of laundry and tackled the kitchen; taking all the dishes out, washing them, cleaning the cabinets and finally putting everything back in its place (yes, of course, stacked neat, labels facing forward - you know me).  I also put my new label maker to use and started labeling all my baking supplies and other miscellaneous items. My mother would be so proud!  By evening, my energy was waning and so I took some time to send off a few important emails, update my pictures (on Google + for those of you who follow), folded the final load of laundry and called it a night.

Wednesday:  Today I spent most of the day cleaning and then studying for the meeting.  Walking back into that Kingdom Hall (albeit there were some noticeable changes - like plastic chairs in lieu of benches) felt so good.  The warm welcome the friends gave me was almost overwhelming.  I kept it together though until the song.  I had forgotten how beautiful it was to hear those 55-65 voices belt out the words!  Truthfully, I got a little choked up.  The meeting was in true Quito English fashion, and partway through, a sister sitting behind me leaned forward and whispered "aren't you glad to be back?"  And I smiled and nodded - it was good to be home.

Thursday:  Today I went in service all day until 7:00 at night.  What a great day it was!  I was able to accompany a few sisters on their Bible studies as well as do some informal witnessing.  When I arrived home, it was another load of laundry and another load of dishes and then off to sleep.

Friday:  Today I mixed up one of the streets where I was to meet the service group.  But my mistake let me by a group doing cart witnessing, and the young brother was one I worked with during last year's drama.  He was there with his mom and dad and another sister from their hall.  So I chatted with them for a few minutes and then went on my way, soon realizing my mix up with the streets.  In the end, I walked one hour to the service group and finally arrived at 9:30, rather embarrassed.  I chalked it up to getting "back in the groove".  But when it came time to give my presentation, I rattled it off without even thinking about it.  I was somewhat surprised, but happy that I hadn't forgotten everything.  I met a nice woman from Germany who happily accepted the magazines and then went off with my friends to a couple of studies in the afternoon.  I quit service a little early because I wanted to continue my house clean up before meeting my friend for coffee at 6:00pm.  We chatted for quite a while and on my walk home, I couldn't help but notice there were quite a few stars visible in the sky - a bit of a rare sight in Quito.  One more load of laundry, a quick chat with my mom and it was time to sleep...

Saturday:  This morning a large group of us met at the Kingdom Hall for service.  We stopped for lunch around noon and then went our separate ways.

 Normal (well, sort of)

Crazy (as usual)

I went home and cleaned up some more.  Then I headed to the grocery store to pick up a few items and met up with my friend at the bus station.  We headed about 45 minutes north to our coordinator's house for a Bible study.  Then we had some snacks and enjoyed upbuilding association afterwards.

12-12-13 & 12-13-13 Sowing the Seeds - Long Days in the Field

Thursday:  This morning I got up around 4:45am as my first class was scheduled at 5:15am.  My student didn't show up, so I spent the time updating my blog instead.  After my classes this morning, I met up with the group at 9:00am for a long day in the ministry.  We had some great experiences throughout the day and finished up after dark.


Friday:  This morning I again started work at 5:15am.  At 8:30am, I rushed out the door to meet the group. While riding the bus on the way to the service group, I started a conversation with a man who was from Haiti.  At first, he did not seem very friendly and almost suspicious of me.  But I was able to share 3 different scriptures with him, leave him with a tract as well as a meeting invitation before we reached our stop. His final words as we were jumping off the bus were "I do want to learn more about the Bible".

It was a small group out this morning, but we had a great time nonetheless.  As we were doing our census, we reached a set of buzzers, one of which was a Chinese school.  Just then, one of our brothers, who speaks Chinese, met up with our group, so I said, "here, I saved this one for you".  He was able to start a study right on the spot with two of the people inside!!  Meanwhile, my friend and I continued in the territory and I also met a man who accepted a Bible study and expressed interest in attending the meeting on Sunday!  After completing that block, we decided to take a break for lunch around 12:45.

After lunch, I went with my friend on her study, then we went to do a few calls of hers nearby.  At 2:45, I left to meet up with another sister for a study at 3:00.  After that study, I stopped in to check on a few calls and to get a new chip for my phone.  The man I spoke with in the phone store had lived in Ft. Myers for 9 years and had moved back to Ecuador about 2 years ago.  He was able to cut the existing chip I had to make it fit into my new phone, but my phone would no longer function at this point.  He explained I would have to go to a location a few blocks away in order to get my phone unlocked.

At this point, however, my friend showed up and we had to leave for my study.  We arrived promptly at 6:00pm, It was so nice to finally be able to meet up with them again!! We left around 7:45pm and decided to go for sushi :)

My friend and I were able to get caught up for the first time since I got back.  It was so much fun!