December 16th, 2012

How have I been?

Health-wise, feeling good. I have exercised every day the past week. I have done swimming, running, and soccer with Ziv and friends. I know that being active helps my mood and keeps stress on a minimal level. Plus, the activities I am doing, don't cost a thing. And, I consider them oportunities to also socialize with others. Today, all the teens of the area will play Basketball at 4pm. I prefer Soccer, but will sacrifice myself today. :)

Emotionally, I am also fine. I haven't cried this week, or felt like I am about to break-down. I have been busy in service, starting new studies, so my mind cannot focus much on me. It is still my daily therapy. I am confident that Jehovah really knows what is best for us. Preaching makes me feel satisfied, safe, and happy. If I show Jah I love him, I know he will continue caring for me. So sacrificing my time for him, is not really a sacrifice, because I recieve so many blessings in behalf.

Economically, we have been terrible this week. I know we aren't the only ones suffering in that sense, but it can be worrisome. My parents had no money this week, so I have been paying for everything. On Tuesday, I realized we were running out of food. For the next two days, my mom and I brainstormed, about how to make our food stretch. We had like 6 vegetables, no meat, no rice, no water. So we made spaghetti and some little corn patties. We did boil water, to use as drinking water. I also had in mind, to grocery shopping ASAP. Well, we were invited to dinner Thursday night, which was a blessing. Brothers have offered us rides to town, which has saved me money. Í have had to walk a lot more, and avoid using the bus. For the meeting last night, I wanted to avoid spending an additional dollar on transportation, so I asked my fam if we could just walk to the KH. My family agreed and it was actually enjoyable. On Friday though, I was able to buy food at the Market, that will last us about another week. I bought a lot of vegetables, more rice, water, and some chicken. 

Amidst all of this, I haven't feel anxiety at all. I only have 2 dollars left, but I am confident Jah will provide. My parents don't have a secure income, because both aren't working. Some transactions haven't come out as planned for them, so we've lost money. My mom is praying to find a job teaching English. I also have offered my tutoring skills. My dad might get a job, but that is all depending on certain factors. I also have some extra money in the bank, that can be used if necessary.

You know, I thank Jehovah so much for having trained my family to cope with these hardships. Being in Mexico helped us simplify to an incredible degree. We have learned to adjust to any discomfort. Our situation isn't really bad, if I compare it to a warzone or a concentration camp. Thinking about that helps. My brother also has had such a good attitude. He hasn't whinned, or cried, or anything of the sort, that could worsen the way my parents feel. Because we are so busy in the ministry, I know Jah is helping our hearts feel calm. In contrast to the way my mom, brother and I feel, my dad is having a harder time dealing with this. Instead of going out and preaching with us, he stays home. That is going to make him miserable. The adjustements we have had to make, will also make him suffer more, if he doesn't change his thinking. He disliked the boiled water we had to use a few days. I know, we all know, it isn't going to be the best taste in the world, but I avoid voicing that. My mom tries to encourage him to rely on Jehovah and see how he already has helped. I pray that my dad trusts more in Jah.

I am with my worldly family that lives in Libertad. They are so wealthy because they run several businesses. They invited us over for lunch today. (ANOTHER BLESSING) I am with my cousins, and we might get in the pool shortly. It is a little getaway for us.

Ok, so that is new. I am going to sell some of my clothes this week. I am so glad I am in a sewig course, because now I can make my own clothes!!

Tomorrow, we go to the villages. I have another 5 studies over there. So apart from the 7 I have here, and the 7 more I just started this week, I have 5 waiting for me every two weeks. Isn't that like a huge bonus from Jehovah??

Ok, love you all!

Hellooo!!

I wish I could write every day, and jot down the way I feel, or the new experiences I am living. I wish I could share all of the little moments and details I see around me. Every day I see or hear something and think, "I have to blog about this!" I would love to have my own laptop, but it isn´t a necessity yet; unless I were to start working online. Even then, I would need Internet at home. Disappointingly, where we live and the surrounding area has no access to it. I have wanted to email so many of you too. I want to send letters to several of you. I wish I could send each of you instant messages through my brain.

Friday night of last week, we had invited a Bethelite couple for dinner, since they were staying in Santa Elena the weekend. He gave two special talks on Saturday and several publishers made service arrangements with him and his wife. I thought this arrangement was something the Branch did with specific congregations, but several brothers and sisters had never heard of this special visit before. I knew that my parents would have to spend money for the dinner, but because they felt it a privilege and good association for the Bethelites to come, we were happy. Well, my family and I waited over an hour, almost two and they never showed. This left us feeling disappointed. The next morning they apologized and explained to us that the elders had not communicated the arrangements that had been made for them. I know it wasn´t their fault.

As the night continued, my mom called us to the kitchen to have dinner and at that precise moment the Rodriguez family called us and unexpectedly paid us a visit. I care so much for their family, because they became my first friends here. But since my family and I moved to Santa Elena, we hadn´t really gotten together. They brought some Chicken, salad, chifles and rice for both our families, so we then had dinner together. Though I have seen them sparingly within the past 3 months, I hadn´t been able to converse with them. I spent that night talking, sharing some drawings with them and playing around with my guitar. I wish we could do that again.

On Saturday morning I preached with three different sisters. The first was a Regular Pioneer and family friend. She is the mom of three girls I´ve known since I was a toddler. The second sister I worked with was  the Bethelite sister, who is Colombian. She is a newly-wed! 4 months ago she got married, and has been thoroughly enjoying her new assignment. I only had an hour to work with her, so I took her to one of my new studies. This young girl, Nicole, 7, is the daughter of one of my moms studies. Her family of 5 lives in very poor conditions, sharing one house, that actually has just one bedroom, and no bathroom. She has two younger brothers that were being very loud and often interrupted our study. Since Nicole doesn´t read I am using the brochure that teaches us to read and write. I have so much fun using the brochure, and I know she  likes it too. I am practicing one letter at a time and then reading a section of the Great Teacher book. On this particular study, two of her cousins came over and joined in. It was so cute to hear them commenting what they knew about God. They made Caterine and I laugh a lot.

During the study, Nicole´s mom took her two sons to take showers at the neighbors house. Caterine asked Nicole where her brothers were going for showers. Nicole gave us a lot of info. She said that her family didnt have water because they didn´t have money since her dad was from Loja (another province) and had just moved there and still didn´t have a good job. That is why he sells chickens and they are still living in the little shack, with no shower, so her mom goes to the neighbors. At that moment I felt tenderness towards her, and I just hope she continues learning more about Jehovah!

Saturday nights we usually have our Public Meeting and Watchtower Study, but this night we were having the two special talks too. The Kingdom Hall was filled with people, so I had to sit separate from my family. I took advantage of an available seat next to a woman that is studying and going to all the meetings. She has a 5 year old son that is a bit "travieso." I heard that when they had recently began attending meetings, he would make a lot of noise, and when the attendants would ask his mom to take him outside, or to the bathroom, he would just yell, or have a tantrum. About one month or more ago, I sat next to him, by coincidence. He copied everything I did during the whole meeting. He asked his mom for a Bible, then took notes, then raised his hand, then looked for the Bible scriptures, then drew, etc. He appeared calm to me. After the meeting, the mom thanked me so much, and explained to me about his past behavior. Since then, he´s been fine at every meeting, which actually makes me wonder if he was really that loud and crazy before.

So, this Saturday I sat next to his mom and she smiled at me. Jordan sat in front of his mom, next to his aunt, and when he realized I was behind him he asked if he could trade seats with his mom, which he did. He is such an intelligent boy. He follows along with the speaker. He even noticed that an additional talk was given, because he told me so. Then when we had to sing, he asked his mom for the songbook. During prayer he closed his eyes and reminded me it was a prayer time.

I feel very happy to witness how this little boy is learning to love Jehovah. His mom told me that about 2 weeks ago, she was very tired and didn´t want to go to the meeting. She took for granted that Jordan would want to go. Well, when he realized his mom wasn´t preparing his clothers, he got his suit ready, put it on and then began to pray in his room, begging Jehovah to help him. He was asking Jehovah to help his mom want to go to the meeting, and not let Satan attack him. She could not deny his begging, so they went. He has potential!!

On Monday my brother and I went to the three villages we usually go to every two weeks. They village had had a party over the weekend to some Virgin/Saint and were all cleaning their homes. I had to visit several people because I had not gone in over a month, yet didnt get to see all. I placed like 12 magazines, and did about 10 calls. I wish meetings were held nearby because I feel like that would help them progress. I do know that Saturdays at 3pm, another congregation has meetings about 30 minutes away, so I´ve told some about those meetings.

Wednesday I started to preach earlier with Ziv, our neighbor Joshua and another pioneer, Nelson. We walked to the Bus Terminal and I started a study with a man who doesn´t read. I already took him the Listen to God brochure and plan to pass him on. Since I recently started a sewing class, I had my class from 9 to 11 that morning and I let Ziv go with the two brothers to the Service meeting and then headed to my class.

Thursday was a very long service day for me. I did early service again, then territory, and joined a sister on a study until 12;30. I then went for lunch at a sisters restaurant and did some errands until about 2;30. I went out again at 3:15 until 6:15 during return visits and a new study. That was actually yesterday! After afternoon service, I headed home and tried to do a pedicure on myself, but that didnt really happen. I texted my co-worker about us opening the Smoothie Stand, and he said he was. I got ready and then was picked up with Ziv. The days I was usually working was Wednesdays (after sewing class), Fridays (all day), and Sundays (all day). ,Something I have noticed about my partner was his not being very organized, amongst other little things. I was starting to wonder if I should continue supporting him, and instead, just teach English. What I would make in one day, selling shakes, I could make in one hour with English. Yeah, so things were weighing on my mind that made me doubt working with him. We spoke about that last night, and I will no longer work there. I feel so relieved.

Another issue has been pressing on my mind. My dad only had 3 months to stay here unless he extended his Tourist Visa. Since last week, my parents have been working on that issue non-stop. They´ve traveled from Guayaquil to Santa Elena and back, twice this past week. I think my dad could´ve worked on this one month ago, instead of this last week, but thankfully they did extend it. Things seemed like they were going to change so drastically again, but he was allowed to stay longer. Otherwise, I would be blogging about how he´d be flying out tomorrow.

Now, apart from all I´ve shared, I had to recently deal with a sister telling me her two sons are interested in me. Or maybe not interested in me, but they like me. I have never been put in that situation, so I am having to be cautious about how I treat them. In conversation, I´ve shared my goals, which involve being single a few years more! I think they´ve gotten the hint. And just to clear this, in case it is on anyones mind, I am not interested in anyone. It would make me loose focus on my goals.

Im feeling good. I am. I have been thinking about going to Cali and visiting you all... I will plan to go next year. I would love to.

This weekend I will be in Guayaquil with family. That´s where I am now!!!! See how much I´ve been able to write? I know, Its been forever since I´ve written so much. That´s why I am taking advantage of my family´s generosity and their Internet service.


Big Hugs to you all. I would love it if you emailed me...Please!!


LOVE,


Izmir

Today is the most important day of Soccer this year. As I type, all I hear is honking, yelling, singing, trumpets, screaming, more singing, and more honking! Barcelona woon!!!

11-23

So, Its been several weeks since Ive written. When Ive wanted to, there is no computer available, and the times Ive come to a cyber, I dont have sufficient time to blog.

Here is a resumé of what Ive been up to...

SAD on the 11th of November.

Preaching in between and lots... Went to the villages on Monday and started a new study.

Working now! Schedule still unsure, but its fun. Making smoothies and other drinks at same place mom is working.

Learning how to sew with a Government Program. It will give me a certificate once I have completed the course. Since I had already gone to a course in Mexico, its refreshing what was already in my mind and hands. Just started this week!

Ziv had his 2 year Baptism Anniversay this week. He was so happy. That also meant that my first study, Anabelle, to ever get baptized also turned 2 years baptized.

A friend comes in January from Mexico!!!! So happy. He will stay one month and stay with us and oteçher friends.

Wednsday wasnt such a great day for me, but I still went to the meeting, and It made it all better. I got on the wrong bus, didnt eat lunch, hurt myself, was frustrated most of the day, blahblahblah..

Since on Wednsday I scratched my back, it is still sore and hurting.

Next weekend we have a Bethelite coming to give a special talk and join us in service. I have arrangements with his wife. I think we also have lunch with them on Friday.

Hawaiian party this Sunday in Ballenita with several from our Circuit.

My grampas surgery was succesful and he is now recuperating. I wouldve really wanted to be with him, and its the first time Im away from him after a surgery. It feels so weird. But, he´s called us already and hearing his voice is comforting.

I miss you all!!!


I know I am super brief, but gotta go again..

Love,

Izmir

11-8

We are in the process of moving right now. I am going to begin packing away food shortly. We have decided to move into the little apartment we own. My dad is at the construction site now adding windows, which I think was the last detail needed. We are pretty much done packing at home. Need to clean though. At 5pm Pedro Pablo will show up with his huge van to take our matresses and the fridge. Therefore, I have to go!

Everything else is good. We feel good about our decision. I also went to the beach after lunch today, and it was a great little getaway for me. Others also went, and it was a pleasant moment. 

I will take a picture of how our apartment looks and upload that. :)

Decision Making Time!

Well, what can I say? These past weeks, almost two months, have gone by rather quickly. On a Sunday, back in September, we had to move out from one house to another, hours after our last District Assembly day. Remember me mentioning that? How my family had to pack all our luggages in a 24 hour span, and move out? Yeah, so that was two months ago. Then the next day, Monday, while my family stayed in our new home, I took a trip to Cuenca and spent a week there. While I was gone, my father, who had never come to Ecuador before, arrived as a surprise. Since my dads arrival, we've had my grandparents and aunt leave to California and the four of us have stayed here. The place where we had to move into in September, and where we still are, belongs to another sister we've known for ages. I consider her my aunt; aunt Lucy. Well, the deal was only for two months and those two months are going to be over by Friday. That brings me to today, Tuesday, and 3 days till we have to move out again. Total moves since May: 4 and counting!

For the past two weeks, we've been spreading the word to every person, bird, dog, neighbor, brother, sister, thing, it and or, about our needing a place to move into. We havent found much! Some places are out of our budget. And to think of it, we really dont have a bugdet, because we cant afford a place right now, as cheap as it may seem. All of our funds are going to a lot where we are building apartments to have as income. So we've searched and asked and of course, prayed! We were being specific about it too, because we needed a home that wasnt far, nice, and hopefully free! You know, something we could maybe care for. If we didnt find a place by this week would have to move into one of the small one bedroom apartments my parents are finishing up. I was mentally preparing myself for that, because I thought it might happen sooner or later. Yesterday I began to pack again and put my clothes back into my three luggages. I know I have some days left, but still, I prefer having that ready before last minute.

Last night we had a lovely encouraging Sheperding Call with two of our elders. After the brothers shared uplifting scriptures about why they visit us and how Jehovah appreciates us and they left my parents stayed in the table talking with my brother and I. This is something usual we do at least once a week. We each shared how we felt about the visit and then addressed the situation we find ourselves in. They told us of how earlier that day while doing errands for the apartments, they went to see a sister. She has helped them by giving them tips about the construction since she herself owns several properties. Anywhoo, she took them to one of her houses to explain some details about some painting or something, or Im not sure, but regarding the finishing touches of her house. This was useful to my parents somehow, so thats why she took them there. Well, after finishing her explanation and touring the house, she told my parents that the house, which is unoccupied, was available for us to stay at. FOR FREE. That was extremely shocking to my parents, and also to me. Though it is not a surprise Jehovah moves hearts and makes things work out always. That was the news my parents were sharing with us and wanted our opinion about. We did a list of pros and cons about our two options together. We decided to go to the house and check it out.

I felt very unsure about the sisters house as an option. I still do and Im not quite sure why. I guess I feel like its to much moving. We'd only be there for about 3 months and then have to move into the little Villa we are also building on the same lot as the apartments. I dont really want to be moving so much. I know we would be more comfortable in the house, because it has 3 bedrooms, compared to just one. It also has a large patio and is free! If we were to rent out all the apartments we would have more income which would allow us to finish up our villa sooner. But, if we go to the apartments, we would be aware of any activity at the apartments and would only have to jump over to the villa once its completed. Plus, because its smaller, we wouldnt have to take so long cleaning. We still havent made a decision, but we only have until Thursday night to decide, so that by Friday we can move in. I am going to continue praying about it, and I would love it if you did too.

Today I am finished packing. I did seperate some clothes I will use till the end of the week and also my Assembly skirt. Oh yeah, forgot to mention we have our SAD on Sunday too. It will be at the Branch in Guayaquil and we will take a bus that was rented by the Hall for the congregation. Looking forward to it!!

(Sigh)

This weekend was festive here and packed. Heard it gets worse for New Years. The weather is getting warmer and I also heard that by December it is completely hot here and everyone goes to the beach. I love the beach! Since so many people come to the Peninsula this weekend, on Friday and Saturday a family asked me to help them out at their Restaurant. I went and got paid! I enjoy helping them and learning about their family business. Making empanadas of green plantain! Oh, well its the Moreira family I helped out. I also learn how to treat the clients and work under pressure. Sunday the 4 of us went to another sisters Restaurant and had lunch there. We then went to the beach with them. That evening Marco Antonio Solis was here for free and my brother and dad went to see him with some other brothers. I stayed home and watched 'The Notebook' with my mom.


That is the latest going on here.


YEP!!

CHAO!

Details on Whitney's case

Hello! 

Im not sure If you've heard of the murder of one of our sisters from Oregon, Whitney. Though I never met her, I did receive a forwarded email. I thought I would share it. The witness given has been incredible! 

October 27th, 2012          

We have a rather large family in our congregation, one of which is a very sweet, young sister named Whitney.   She married a brother in the congregation next to ours a year and a half ago and left our congregation for his.    I had gone over part of her baptism questions with her five years earlier, and we became good friends.    This year, Whitney turned 21 years old, her husband Clint, 29 years old.  Let me try to recount the events here since Tuesday, October 16th.

Tuesday, October 16th:   Whitney got up as usual to go her job at the local Starbucks coffee shop – she had the 7:00am  shift.   She said goodbye to her husband and left for work, a drive of only a couple of minutes from their apartment.  At 8:30am her boss called Clint wanting to know if Whitney was sick, as she had not come to work.   Clint immediately knew something was wrong.  He tried calling her several times on her cell phone.   There was no answer.  He called her parents, thinking that she may have stopped by to see them for something, but they had not seen her either.   After trying to call her several more times, Clint calls the police at 10:30am to report her missing.   They can’t do anything till a person is missing for 24 hours.   So Clint calls one of the elders.   He is at a local coffee shop.   After Clint tells the elder the situation, the elder asks him what bank they go to.   It happens to be the one right across the street from where he is.    He goes to the bank to see if there are any unusual activities on her account.   He knows personally one of the bank officers, so privacy rules are dropped and they look into her account.   Sure enough, someone has filled up with gas miles away, using Whitney’s credit card.   Clint and the elder rush to that gas station, and after explaining the situation, are allowed to view the security tape for that time frame.   There is her vehicle, with a man’s arm sticking out of the driver window, pulling away.   By now, all the circuit knows something is very wrong.    An elder with search and rescue experience now starts putting together teams of brothers and sisters for an organized search pattern of the area.  Within hours, there are hundreds of volunteers from our local congregations.  Some congregations even cancel their meetings to participate in the search.

Wednesday, October 17th.  The police can now begin their search and are brought up to date with what the Brothers have already discovered.   One of the teams now finds a jacket in a park some 12 miles away.   Clint identifies it as belonging to Whitney and gives it to the police.    Some children playing in a field find a cell phone.   They later recognize the picture on the cell phone as the same lady being shown on TV and turn it in to the police.  Police begin the first of twice a day TV updates with Clint and Whitney’s mother and father, appealing to the public for help to report and sightings.    It now becomes the lead story on all TV stations in the city.

Thursday, October 18th.   One of our elders (Scott, her uncle) is in the car group that decides to search the road that leads up to Larch Mountain, in the Cascade Mountains.    They stop at aisle marker 10 where they spot tire marks on the side of road, some broken glass and a bent up license plate lying in some tall grass.   It is Whitney’s license plate!    Scott knows the county sheriff, and immediately calls him.  The sheriff drops everything and speeds to the mountain.   The road and mountain is immediately closed off, the brothers told to go home.   The FBI and the local police begin the search of the mountain.  The TV news conferences meanwhile continue.

The family just can’t sit still, so they decide to organize the friends in the congregations to go up to the mountain and feed the authorities breakfast, lunch and dinner.    The authorities are amazed to see the parents there feeding all these people and comment how they have never seen a people so organized and so giving of themselves.  We are prepared to continue doing this for however long it takes.

Friday, October 19th.  An arrest is made.   It is neighbor of Clint and Whitney, living just several doors down from them.   Why, he even has gone to some meetings at their Kingdom Hall!  He confesses everything.     The authorities find where he hid Whitney on Larch Mountain.   He apparently lay in wait for her to come out of her apartment to her car at 7:00am.   He then forced her into the car, as he had a gun.   He has her drive to a remote location where he sexually assaults her and shoots her four times, killing her.   Everyone, from family to congregation to the overall community is devastated.

It is announced on TV that the Kingdom Hall is going to have an open house the next Friday (October 26th) from 12:00 to 5:00 pm for any who wished to meet the family and express their condolences.    This is announced as their lead story on all TV stations every night the entire week.     Newscasters actually learned to properly pronounce “Jehovah’s Witnesses” (instead of Jehovah’s or Jehovah Witness, etc.)  The Starbucks where Whitney worked has been turned into a memorial, as local people start leaving flowers in front of the coffee shop.  On tonight’s TV news, one week later, they commented that this is the largest flower display of emotion in Portland’s entire history.   People in the territory step out from their doors and are hugging the brothers and sisters in field service, and are asking why does God allow things like this to happen.    Twelve new Bible studies were started by a car group just this morning!

Wednesday, October 24th:   We gave the Service Meeting over to the family as they explained to us many of the goings on within the police department.   The Chief of Police has said that it is obvious that “God is with you people”, and the stories of how the evidence was so quickly found by the Brothers and Sisters and all came together so quickly, there is little doubt as to who was helping!  The family made a comment at the end of our meeting which really set the tone for everything that followed the days to come, “The devil made a BIG mistake when he attacked this family.   We are determined to turn this tragedy into a victory for Jehovah and give our community the biggest witness it has ever received”.

Thursday, October 25th.  Someone calls with a large wedding tent that they would like to donate and set up in the Kingdom Hall parking lot for the public memorial on Friday.    A floral shop calls and asks if they can donate flowers to the event.   They fly in on special order thousands of dollars worth of floral arrangements from Hawaii and fill the Kingdom Hall.     The Society got involved and had the circuit and district overseers come and serve Clint’s congregation this week – the district overseer also gave the private memorial talk on Saturday.  The friends were frantically working to prepare food for the Friday event, but we didn’t have a clue how much food we would need.   There was now enough food for 1,400 people.   But was that enough?   The brother in charge offered a prayer to Jehovah with the group, and as they said “Amen” the telephone rang.   It was the manager of Wal-Mart saying he wanted to donate 4,000 sandwiches.  Then the telephone rang again and again – from Albertsons and Safeway also wanting to make donations of food.

Friday, October 26th.  All the departments have been put together.   Outdoor parking attendants.  Indoor parking attendants.  Greeters.  Food service.  Sound.   Restroom monitors.   Cleaning crew.  Literature.  Press ( TV & newspaper).  The clouds were dark and low, 80% chance of heavy rain predicted.  A Brother said, “With all of Jehovah’s direction and support this week, he isn’t about to let it rain”.   Sure enough, it didn’t rain that day!  The family gathered to the front of the Kingdom to greet our guests.   At 12:00pm we were ready and opened the doors.   A line soon formed out the door, down the driveway and down the street.  At 5:00pm the line was still out to the street, so the local meetings had to be canceled for that evening.   Finally, the last person was welcomed in just after 7:00pm.     Starbucks employees came with three large boxes filled to the top with money they had collected to help the family with funeral expenses.  Strangers came with gifts of flowers, cards and money.   It was an indescribable, an incredible experience for all of us.  We were all ecstatic and exhausted!   Two cartons of Bibles and a carton of Teach books had been placed.    I was amazed how people who came that didn’t even know Whitney, but simply felt a need to be here and comfort the family.    But the family was doing just fine, as they would often say, “they were basking in the arms of Jehovah”.    They were hugging and giving comfort to our guests!   The brothers in charge of taking count gave up when they reached 2,400 people.  So many were coming in, they simply couldn’t be counted.   But we estimate that there were between 3,000 and 4,000 people that came.

Saturday, October 27th.   This brings us down to today.   We had a simple, private memorial service where only the family, Clint’s congregation and my congregation was invited.   So were the police department and any Starbucks employees.    All others were literally turned away, and shown the tent out in the parking lot if they wished to stay.     The district overseer gave a very good half hour talk.   Sitting arm in arm with the family was the chief of police and a number of other officers, and the mayor came too.   I think we about hugged the life out of them.    But we have clearly won them over and think the world of Jehovah’s Witnesses now.   The chief of police said that the next time someone goes missing in Portland, he is going to call on Jehovah’s Witnesses.  For this simple, private service, we had an attendance of 840.    Not bad.   The service was concluded with a very tearful singing of song #111, “ He Will Call”.

C.O. mtg

This is my mom and I with Adelaida Armijos. She is the C.O.W. and has been in the Circuit work with her husband for 16 years. She is Ecuadorian and this was her first time in the Coast. I enjoyed service with her. 

We had been encouraged at our Tuesday meeting to each publisher bring one invited guest. We really tried to! We are 133 publishers and our attendance on Saturday was 246 or so. I was shocked. The majority of out young brothers had to stand up.

This shows a small percentage of the brothers and studies who had to stand up to give their seats for others. In the second room we had more brothers standing, in the entrance and outside standing by the windows. They really sacrificed themselves! My brother took this picture.

Some of the girls from the hall. The three in the middle, including myself are pioneers. The other two are finishin High School.

My Number 3 Part!

On Wednsday I had my first participation in the Theocratic Ministry School. I had to give the number 3 part in the second school with Karen Tomala. I used the Reasoning book to answer if true worshipper find themselves dispersed in various religions of the world. Its been over a year since I had a part in Spanish and about 7 years since I had one year in Ecuador. And as an interesting fact I had my first part ever here in Ecuador my last trip here!!

Enjoy it!!

Ziv's Study

Two weeks ago my brother Ziv, 12, and I went to his study with this small boy who is 8 years old. My brother has been visiting him for several weeks and had noticed he gets easily distracted. When the new DVD for children came out 3 weeks ago, my brother immediately planned on sharing the video with him. Since the boy also has a younger 5 year old sister she joined us in watching the video.

We began watching the DVD with Juanito and Kely in the bedroom they share with their parents.  Sitting on the beds, we started lesson 1. After having watched each lesson we spoke about what Caleb had done and what we could learn. It was so easy for them to get the point. I myself had not watched the DVD yet, so I thought it was very simple and easy to understand. Something though happened while we were watching lesson 2.

Their cousin, who is also a boy of about 8, had been peeking from behind the door looking at the DVD too. He hadnt said a word, so I hadnt noticed he had been standing there. I really dont know how long he had been there, but once we saw him we invited him to join us. He immediately came into the room and sat next to us. We started lesson 2 again and would pause it so Ziv could ask questions about it. He first asked if they liked Magic or Wizards. Both boys said no, but their little sister said yes, she liked Magic. When Juanito heard his sister say that, he shook his head and hands while saying, 'Ooooooh.' (So funny) We continued watching the DVD until the end.

Ziv then asked them if they had any THING that had magic or involved wizards in their house. Juan said no, he did not have any. Ziv had previouslly said that Magic could involve spells, and curses, like what Wizards use. We asked them again if they could think of shows, or movies, that had magic in them and Juanito again shook his head. His cousin though, did answer after brainstorming a little. I found his answer to be great. It shocked me and Ziv. The boy said, 'Harry Potter. Harry Potter has magic because he does spells.' PERFECT! I was so happy when he said that. I realized at that moment how much good the DVD and the new lessons for children will do. Ziv commended him for reasoning and thinking.

The week after we returned to teach them the Kingdom Song in the DVD. Ziv explained what each verse meant to Juanito and then would sing the verse. Once we had explained all three, we sang the whole Song. He learned the melody so quickly! I was impressed.

This is something small I wanted to share from the several occasions my brother and I go out preaching together. We have been working together more often now. Its helping him become a better service partner and allowing me to learn from my little brother. I can see the methods he uses, or the questions he asks. I hope he also learns from me. :)

Starting tomorrow we have our first official C.O. visit! We all have made service arrangements with both the C.O. and the wife. Thursday we will have them over for lunch. Will share pictures!

We've been good!!

Monkey on the LOOSE!

THIS IS IN CUENCA TWO WEEKS AGO AT THE ZOO WE WENT TO. WE SAW SEVERAL MONKEYS AND ONE OF THEM CAUGHT SIGHT OF US AND CHOSE TO COME GREET US!

Me Singing

Since I arrived to Ecuador I have been singing at various gatherings and parties. I sang last week at a 'guitarrada' we organized. Several kids brought their guitars and others their vocal chords to sing along. I happen to love the songs I sanf that evening a lot. They will forever be a part of me. The first one I sang was ''Sone" from Zoe with my brother Ziv and the second song was 'B.I.L.L.I.E. H.O.L.I.D.A.Y.' from Warpaint. I have been trying to learn how to play that song for over 5 months and for this little gathering, I was not able to master the song. Anyways, I asked several of those present if they could try to learn a song I wanted to sing, and one went for it! Asly is his name and he did change the strumming a little, but it was still great. He lived in Spain for 7 years and returned 3 years ago. He also recently moved from Guayaquil to Santa Elena about 1 montha ago. So, I mixed the lyrics, but I still think we did a good job. Plus, it was for fun!

Vids

These are some videos from recent spiritual activities. The two that follow are from the DA about one month ago. The electricity went out during a talk! The first time it happened lasted about 15 minutes, but then it happened again for another 5. The generator they used was so loud, it was hard to hear the speaker. Everyone did remain seated, though some used this mini break to use the restroom or greet those sitting nearby. After the morning session, the lunch break was cut short to 30 minutes due to a time crunch. Not only did the electricity take time away but we had to be out of the Coliseum by 3:30pm because the Mayor did not cancel an event scheduled for 5pm, even though we had a contract to use the Coliseum the whole weekend. Not fair! We got to see the brotherhood in action that evening because after the event many had to go back to set-up again and clean for the next day.

The 3rd video is my grandfather with 2 friends I've made here. One of the young brothers (with glasses) is serving in a needy congregation that has about 70 kids. Ive mentioned him before, Daniel. The other one, was my neighbor and is also in other pictures. He's finishing High School.

 

This is a video of the group of kids half our District has. Our C.O. was moving the next day to another Province to start his new assignment. This was like a gift from all the kids for him. I loved it! You will see Ziv right in the middle of it all. This was also for the C.O. visit at the Anconcito congregation about 1 month before. All the kids from that Hall had prepared to sing him a song. They were practicing here.

ENJOY THE VIDS!!

Mini Announcement

Hello!

My aunt and grandparents flew to California on Sunday and are back in Pomona. My grandfather needs an operation urgently, so they had to go back with my aunt. I think they will be there for about 2 months.

Seeing them leave made me want to go back with them.. It is one of the small drawbacks from moving elsewhere. The wishing you were still in your old home or comfort zone. Missing friends. I know that it will happen wherever we move to, so its very good to keep yourself busy. It can consume you and make you feel very sad and not see things positively. Its necessary for parents to provide the needed association and stay busy with spiritual activities. That has helped me whenever I feel this way. Being active in the ministry and remembering to stay focused.

I am reviewing my goals also because now I feel its time to start doing something more. As some may now, I have always loved languages. I was supporting the ASL group in California last year, but had to stop. Since ESL, or Ecuadorian Sign Language is here too, and needs help, I might start going too. Im going to pray about it, because now might be my oppportunity to learn!

I sent some jewelry I made from Tagua and Acai beads with my aunt. She'll be selling those earrings and rings for me. That extra money will help me out! Price range: 5-7$

Quick Fact: I live across the Kingdom Hall.

So, thats all for now.

Hope you're all good! Im trying not to get a cold...

Surprise!!!!

Today I arrived from my incredible, cool stay in the Cuenca area in the Andes. I thoroughly enjoyed it since I had no expectations of what I would do or see. I actually dont want to share details about this trip yet, though I have included two photos. I need to tell you something big!!!!

DRUMROLL!!

(Once Again Drumroll..)

MY FATHER HAS ARRIVED AND IS HERE NOW!! YES! ITS TRUE..HE IS HERE IN MY MIDST. IT WAS A SURPRISE THOUGH I THOUGHT THAT THIS WEEKEND WOULD BE THE BEST FOR HIM TO ARRIVE. 

So we are now complete! Together after  like 4 months of waiting! Im glad he´s here now. I will take photos and share. 

At meeting in Delegsol, Azuay. 

PREACHING! In Cecel, Azuay.

DA

Had my District Convention last weekend and it was great. I had already heard some sections of the Friday and Sunday session, but got it all complete at last! Great releases, hoping to watch the DVD from Sunday soon. I added photos from the Friday prior to my Assembly too.

THIS IS WHO PORTRAYED MY DAD FOR THE DEMONSTRATION I HAD IN THE ENGLISH DA. HE MOVED HERE FROM OREGON WITH HIS WIFE (WHO WAS AT PSS) IN FEBRUARY. THEY ARE BOTH PIONEERING AND ITS THEIR FIRST TIME ABROAD. HE IS AN ELDER AND HELPS WITH THE UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH GROUP. WE LOOK SO RELATED, RIGHT?!?

THE FIRST COUPLE TO EVER GET BAPTIZED FROM A VILLAGE NEAR THE ONES I GO TO! VILLAGE NAME IS SAN MARCOS.THEY ARE THE FAMILY IN THE CENTER AND HAVE TWO KIDS. AFTER THREE YEARS OF STUDYING AND SEVERAL PUBLISHERS HELPING THEM PROGRESS THEY ARE NOW OUR NEW BROTHER AND SISTER! THIS PHOT ALSO INCLUDES THE COUPLE TO THE RIGHT THAT STUDIED WITH THEM, AND THE OTHERS WHO WATCHED THEM GROW!

THIS IS JULIO, ONE OF MY MOM AND AUNTS FRIENDS FROM THEIR TEENAGE YEARS.

GIRLS FORM MY HALL. THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE IN BLACK AND THE ONE IN RED GOT BAPTIZED.

MY FRIEND DANIEL BEING INTERVIEWED ABOUT PIONEERING. HE MOVED TO HELP ANOTHER CONGREGATION NAME ANCONCITO ABOUT  6 MONTHS AGO BECAUSE OF THE NEED FOR BROTHERS. ONLY ONE ELDER AND 2 MS! THE BROTHER WHO INTERVIEWED HIM IS BROTHER ADLEMAN WHO ALSO GAVE THE TALK FOR WHEN WE HAD THE DEMO. I WORKED WITH HIS SON FOR THE CLEANING.

AWW! US LADIES WITH CYNTIA FROM SALINAS.

ZIV IN THE BATHROOM WITH ERICK A FRIEND FROM SALINAS. IT WAS MY BROTHERS FIRST TIME!  HE HELPED THE WEEKEND AND HAD A VERY GOOD ATTITUDE.

THIS WAS THE FIRST WEEKEND OF THE DA WHERE MY GRAMPA HAD A DEMO WITH MY FREINDS DANIEL AND JOSIAS. WE WENT TO SEE HIM, SO WE TOOK THIS PICTURE AFTERWARDS! LOVELY!!!! I LOVE IT.

THIS IS WITH THE GROUP OF TEENS FROM THE MUEY CONGREGATION. THEY ALL GO TO THE ENGLISH GROUP MEETINGS. THE ONE IN ORANGE ALSO HAD A DEMO ON SUNDAY. I USED TO GO WITH THEM TO THE BEACH AFTER THE ENGLISH GROUP MEETINGS, BUT NOW ITS GOTTEN TOO COLD.

I need to include several videos of the Assembly and other small things that have happened this week. 
I am in the Andes this week with a family from Salinas, the Moreira{s. I have taken tons of photos from the moutains, the food, the animals, service, the ZOO!!! Got to share! On Saturday I head back to the coast. 


SALUDOS TO ALL!!

Video of a Service Experience

This is a video of me last week on Thursday preaching informally at the park to a group of kids. I had seen a group of kids, 11 to be exact, looking for some iguanas on some trees. I had seen one and pointed it out to them. Then they began to tell me where more were. They found another 12!! I dont know how they knew, but they asked me if I spoke English and where I was from. Since I began to speak to them and answer their questions I asked them some questions. I asked them if they knew Gods name and took a poll. One girl said Jehovah and 2 followed. Another 3 or 4 said Jesus, and the rest either didnt know or did, but gave no answer.

I read to them 4 scriptures. 2 about Jehovah and 2 about Jesus.

Psalms 100:3, Psalms 83:18, John 3:16 and 17:3.

 I asked them questions about the verses and they reasoned very well.

This video is towards the end of my little discussion with them. 

Enjoy!!

September 3rd

Hello!!!!

 I have quite to share. I will start off with sharing details about these photos, since they resume in a way, what I have been up to.

Monika Gebura, who came to visit me from London, recently sent me pictures of her stay here and these are several of those photos. 

This is at the ENGLISH UNOFFICIAL GROUP meeting in July. The majority who attend are brothers and sisters who wish to practice their Spanish. We have canceled the meetings until mid September because of our recent Assemblies this month. My aunt is the sister on the left with the gray skirt! She is talking with a Canadian sister who moved here years ago and another local sister trying to learn English.

This is me after that meeting. I had rehearsals that day with Ziv for our presentation at the Convention. That is actually the car of the brother whom we practiced with.

Another lovely privilege for my brother!!! He read the WT article that day for the first time ever! We were so happy and he actually read very good.

The Cemetary at the top of the hill in a town near Valdivia. See how different they are from the ones in Cali?

A woman selling small flour balls for 25 cents a baggie.

The Valdivia KH with only one congregation and a not very large one. The KH is getting remodeled in October and has a large territory. A sister who moved from Germany and is in this months magazine is serving here, named Jacques.

Monika and my mom preaching to a group of cows. We felt intimidated once we realized we were surrounded by them. This is in Loma Alta, a village near Valdivia.

This is in the backyard of the brothers home we stayed at. My lovely tia walkign into the kitchen from the back door.

I love this photo of Monika and I! I was preaching to the IceCream man in Suspiro and learned we was illiterate. I took advantage of the new brochure and shared with him a bit of the first page. Hope it helps him!

Instead of washing his car on his lawn, hes washing his horse!!!

This young girl is heading to the river to wash!!!

Me!!

Some more photos of preaching in Villages near Valdivia.

8 months preganant and still washing.

Later that week we went to Montanita and just drove by. This is the IT place for YOUNG tourists.. It has amazing art.

With my uncle David the day before he left!

This is about 3 weeks ago. At my aunts house with cousins.

My family and some friends. They are the COELLO-CHANG!

This is in Anconcito the day my uncle gave the public talk. The congregation is divided in two groups because of how large the group of publishers is. The need in this area is brothers! There are a lot of kids here and they were preparing a Kingdom song to present to the C.O. for the C.O. visit.

This is at the English District Convention in the end of July in Guayaquil. The three sisters to the left are all from the US and were staying here for Summer. The couple to the right is the Subsitute C.O. and his wife who serve in the coast in the Spanish field. This Assembly was filled with missionaries, need greaters and tons of foreigners who speak great Spanish. It reminded me a lot of Mexico and my Assemblies there. It felt wonderful.

This is with Daniel,

Korean Letter

This is the long awaited letter from one of my friends in Korea. His name is Hyuk Kang or Daniel Kang. He is 23 or 24 now. I met him with his brother last year in October at the Bossert Hotel with my family. He is one of the first persons I met my first night there. I really came to appreciate their stand for Jehovah and this letter just reaffirms it. Hope it makes you think about what they have to sacrifice for Jehovah and what we are willing to sacrifice. Excuse some of his English mistakes.

Here it is!

Hello! Izmir!

Im so sorry this reply too late. It has been too busy to adapt to the new Korean life. I had been in Canada only 4 years, but living in Korea was weird when I came back. I think my life in Canada and memories I had were so nice. Plus! The memories we had in the Bossert were soooo gooood!!!

Hows everything going? And How are you and your family? Id love to say hello to everyone. My little brother is in prison now. He received one and half an year sentence. (16 months) He is in Suwon Detention Center, took 20 mintues from my house. He has been there about 20 days. I think he is doing good. And the staff work there treat brothers well. Now my brother use double room alone. He said he can touch the walls when he strech his arms.                          Can you imagine how small it is?

(In the letter he drew a small drawing of what it is.)


I have final trial on Friday, 13th July. So you might receive this letter after I get into Jail.^-^

I hope you pray for about 800 brothers in prison in Korea. It will be a greatest help to them. And they can endure all the difficulties. Thank you for your mail again and you can mail my brother to: .......................
I thank you again. Take care of your health! I hope Jehovahs blessing on you everyday! Bye!


So that is the letter I received from Hyuk and it made me cry so much. I shared it with my aunt and uncle thereafter and the London sisters. It also made Monika cry. After I read this letter I read his younger brothers one and was so touched. They are both in prison now and I have sent them letters in response with my uncle. I also told some of my friends here to write to them and 3 did.

Please tell me, what do you think about the letter?