Mas Fotos

This is the photo of several of the young ones in the Santa Elena Corales congregations. This was on Friday after the special Pioneer Meeting. It began at 2;30 and ended at 5;45.

This is a couple I just met. He is from Iowa, but an excellent spanish speaker and she is from Guayaquil and a great English speaker. He gave a talk at the special Pio Mtg and she had a part for the TMS.

Sunday with two pioneer sisters. They are also last named Velazquez, but with a S.

The Fire Dpt has to hose down the inside of the Coliseum, so this is their water source. I still am in awe of this.

Pictures

This was last Friday at the Malecon or Boarwalk in Salinas. Order from left to right: Jomario, Jonatan Molina, Andrea Molina, Joyce Mora, Angie Mora, ME!

This was at a party last Sunday. I liked this picture.

Last Monday in Guangala. I joined Jacqueline to the right on her studies that morning. Later in the afternoon I joined her niece in some other studies in Manatiales de Guangala.

At the beach in Salinas looking for crabs on Thursday with Josias (Jacquelines son) and Ziv. We were learning how to catch them.

This was also last Sunday at the English Unofficial Group meeting. There were brothers and sisters who came from all over the circuit and many other locals who arent English speakers. I enjoyed meeting so many other sisters who had also moved here out of the need. It was motivating.

CA 1

Today I had my first day of my Circuit Assembly in the Santa Elena Coliseum. It was great information and all the speakers kept my attention. I enjoyed the 4 discourse Symposium on the different ways we could stain Jehovahs name. I also liked the last talk. I felt very awkward through out the day, since it was first Assembly here after 5/6 years. I saw some faces I knew, others I didnt remember and still some who were new. I enjoyed meeting need greaters since they seemed to be the most encouraging. The Quichua C.O. also showed up during the lunch break and he always makes me feel positive. Some of the youths reaction made me feel strange, but Ive been told to be patient and friendly. I know that this is barely my 2nd week here, so there is much more to come.

You would never imagine how different it is here with regards to cleaning. I will have to make a blog about that separately. Something Ill quickly share is the fact that the Fire Dpt send Firefighters to power wash the inside of the Coliseum.We had to rags to clean the bathrooms. It was crazy, but we did it! I took pictures of that too..

Yesterday was my Pioneer Meeting and I am so glad I went. I really need to pray about what we were told and think about how I will apply it in my life now. I met brothers from all over the coast. Afterwards a group of 5 went to get pizza and ice cream.

One of my lady neighbors across the street just finished straightening my hair for tomorrow. I will now head to bed and rest for another day of activity and learning tomorrow!

Night! :)

Weekend of Activity!

Hello!!!


Wow!! Finally I have some time to sit down and write, write, write. If I were to write in detail every activity I have done this week, my post today would be the longest Ive written.

Let me go back to Friday of last week. On Friday I went out in service with the Ensenada congregation. Tim Arthur conducted the sevice meeting in Spanish. He has only been learning Spanish for 3 months and he still slaughters it, but the effort is what I think counts. Ok fine, he doesnt slaugther it, but his American accent is very strong. Its only been three  months! I spoke with a woman and two men, one spoke English. In the afternoon I dont remember what I did. I had invited some of the youth to join me on a walk to the Malecon or Boardwalk. The invitation was for 7:30 and they showed until 9:15. Everyone has been tellling me that there  is  problem with  time in Ecuador and punctuality. I told them that Mexico had the same problem. Well, we walked to the beach and took pictures. I enjoyed being with them again after so long.
It started to drizzle and we were still out there, but it passed. Ill upload pictures of that.

Saturday morning I wanted to sleep in since I went to bed pretty late. I woke up around 8am anyways and had to be out of the door by 8:30am. I joined my aunt to the Quichua service meeting in another town called Santa Rosa. Our neighbor accross the street named Suka belongs to that congregation and she led there way. We use buses here all the time so we took a bus to that area. It took us about 10 minutes on the bus and cost us each 25 cents. When we met up with the group we only found a sister with her two kids, ages 13 and 9. We prayed and headed off to the stores where we knew they definitely spoke Quichua. I tried to talk with one older woman, but only in Spanish. She igorned me and Im not sure if its because I was a JW or because she didnt understand me. Suka told her why we were there in Quichua and then she told us she wasnt interested. After walking several streets we headed to the towns market. They sell food and candy at the markets here. Once we finished preaching we went to the sisters home and had a snack. Her family has been learning this indigenous language for 6 months. I admire that.

Saturday afternoon, oh I remember what I did Friday afternoon...We went to the beach!! It was my frist time getting in and it felt so refreshing. We saw a dance routine being filmed on the beach for a future show that airs July. I really wanted to join the group, but they all had the steps memorized and I didnt. When it airs, Ill add a clip of the video to the blog. I also joined a sister on a study at 4pm and finished around 6pm. I was invited to go to Guayaquil with her family, but had to apologize and reject the offer since Id have to stay there until Sunday. Sunday I had my first English meeting.

Back to Saturday...

I again did something after service. Oh yes, I studied the Watchtower in the hammock downstairs. I feel asleep too. After studying I came back upstairs and went through my luggage to select clothing for the meetings. My aunt was going to go to a meeting in Ancon, another town about 20 minutes away. In a  bus it would take like 50. Well, my whole family decided to go, but since we left on the bus rather late we knew wouldnt make it on time to the meeting in Ancon. We got off about 20 minutes before in Santa Elena. We went to the meeting there instead and seconds before song began. After the meeting, I saw more friends I hadnt seen at my first meeting there. We went to have dinner with Lucy Paredes and her family. Ive known her since my birth, so shes like an aunt and her kids like cousins. I liked the dinner and took a picture of the soda that Ecuadorians drink here.

Sunday morning I had wanted to go to the ESL mtg since a friend was giving a talk there. Ecuadorian Sign Language  is ESL.  Instead of going to that meeting I joined my mom and my aunt to the largest Market in the area. That one is found in La Libertad and is huge. Its filled with stands selling vegatables, fruit, citrus, meat, rice, more food, cheese, drinks, etc. There is a lot to choose from and as newbies, we had to ask everywhere for prices. We got good deals, I think. I also saw many woman wearing their indigeous attire from the Andes. It was a cultural experience. If I was someone who directed The Amazing Race then Id take them there. After being at that market I went to a cabinas, or telephone booths since Ive been wanting to call friends. It was too much. I wil have to Skype...BTW my Skype name is: iamizmir. Call me!

We took a bus to the Mall and wanted to do some final shopping there, but it didnt happen. We got on another bus that took us home. Actually, my mom and I stayed on the bus and went to another store and bought snacks. We then took a taxi home around 1:15pm. The English group had their meeting at 2pm, so my mother and I rushed into the showers and changed quickly. We caught another busy around 1:50 and made it to the KH abou 2 minutes before it began. We had invited several friends through out the week to join us, and they did go. I met the C.O.'s wife and other couples serving in different towns of Coastal Region of Ecuador. Other single sisters from the States also went. The meeting had a very melancholy feeling for me, since I hadnt gone to an English meeting since Mexico. It just brought back so many memories and the song sang at the end also brought tears to my eyes. The night before, at the Spanish meeting I was on the verge of crying. That song 134 just hits me! :)

Well, the group of those we had invited to the meeting went to our home afterwards. We ate the snacks we had bought earlier and I also shared photos with them and my postcards. It was a pleasant afternoon. I stil sometimes feel akward thought when Im talking in Spanish with my friends. It was good though. Around 6pm I changed into a shirt and jeans since we had been invited to a dinner/party. We left 15 minutes before 7 and all took the bus to Santa Elena. I spoke with my friend David on the way. Lucy's son, aka my 'cousin'. He is studying in Guayaquil, so he only comes weekends.

At around 7:45pm we arrived at the party house. Only two other persons where there. By 9 the dancing started and I had fun. Again thought about who I wouldve normally seen at a party in Mexico, but forgot about that once I started having fun. I was pressured into singing  two songs, one in English and in Spanish. Another sister sang us two songs in Portoguese. It was so beautiful, I took a video.
Oh, and something else I did, was teach my friends 'El Sonidito'. THEY LOVED IT AND LEARNED IT!! I have another video I will have to share. We played the song twice. It was hilarious.

Well, we got home late but I felt happy.

Monday I joined a group of 4 to the pueblitos. Jacqueline and Fernando Rodgriguez (my neighbors) and two other pioneer sisters. It was very hot and rural where we went. Dust everywhere. Pigs in every corner and crickets in every wall. I joined 5 studies and felt very satisfied at the end of the day. It tok us about 1.40 minutes to get there, and anothe 1.40 to return. It was a very long day, but I felt happy too. Jacqueline invited to dinner once we returned and I got home and started to organize. I organized the luggages I have in my room. Then another of Lucy's sons came over and he stayed for like an hour with his wife and toddler son. HES SO CUTE!!!!!
Anyways, I took a shower and then my brother invited Jacqueline's teen son to watch a movie with us. We provided the movie and he provided the DVD player. We watched Nacho Libre. Oh, that movie is a classic!

Today I preached again. Felt strange after hearging some sad news, but regained my positive outlook by the time I got home again. Went to a meeting with the Rdgz tonight and met our C.O. and our  D.O.

Its late here, and I want to write more but Im being told to go to bed now. This weekend we have our CA and on Friday the Pioneer Meeting.

Hope you're all well and plan to visit sometime!!

Much Love!!!

I have so much to share!! This weekend has been a very busy one and yesterday was a long day of service in some small towns. I havent had access to Internet since Thursday, so I havent been able to keep you up to date. I hope that today after service I will write about all Ive done.

PHOTOS!! Last week to this week

THIS WAS LAST WEDNSDAY. CASTILLO CHAPULTEPEC, MEXICO CITY

This was on Sunday!!! With Alison and Steven Poveda. I met them when I was 10!!! They are now 13 and 19.

Ziv being Stevens twin. On their way home from a Cyber.

Me relaxing after washing clothes (by hand!) in a hammock!

My 1.70$ groceries!!!! I FELT LIKE A BOSS!

En route from Mexico City to Peru. THe map showed us where we were in proximity to our destination.

AH!!! SO CLOSE!!!

Peru Liscense PLate...

CIEL!!! Ciel is now  San Luis in Peru. In Ecuador its Dasani.

Prices in Peruvian SOles and Dollars

5/17

Hello!!

On week ago we were flying out of Mexico City to Peru!! Life is going by quicky!

Today I will go out with the Ensenada Congregation. They meet about a block away. Everyone walks here, so we will too.

In the afternoon I will share what I have done today and also about my activities yeterday.

Ecuador Facts

It’s been about a week since I’ve written a somewhat thorough composition of what I’ve done recently. I can assure you that I am surprised of what I’ve caught the attention of. Not only are they in large quantity and annoying, but their traces are also very itchy. Can you guess what it might be? Mosquitoes - they seem to like me. Wasps also seem to be attracted to me since they attempt to tangle themselves in my hair whenever I’m out walking, or preaching, or giving a presentation to a householder!!  Well, that part of being here is something I ignore, but the mosquito bites have become quite red and are so unbearable! A sister yesterday told me to put menthol on any recent bite, since it will lessen the swelling and prevent itch. I was not at all modest in my application, I almost lathered myself in menthol.

For Mothers Day the surrounding towns of Salinas all celebrated. One service meeting was cancelled for Sunday since many of the families celebrate it at large and can be hungover. That Sunday morning from around 5 am until the late evening we would hear serenades going to different houses and playing live music to the moms. Trucks would carry a band in the back and have the speakers sounding wherever they drove to. Some families would go outside and dance to the music being played. It was something unusual and funny for me to see.

There are green parrots everywhere. They fly around this big tree in front of our house and sing extremey loudly. Imagin being sound asleep in a hamack and then hearing a startling shriek wake you. Its as if they are talking to eachother. They are very loud, but in other occasions, they are pleasant to hear and see.
I also got a pedicure done. I have to include this in my blog because it taught me to appreciate being pampered. Hahaha...
So normally a pedi can cost around 17 dollars in the US. About 10 to 12 dollars in Mexico. Well, yesterday I got a pedicure for 3 BUCKAROOS!!!!!! I was so happy! If I had wanted a manicure it wouldve been another 2 dollars, totalling 5! All the ladies in my family are thrilled.

I also bought some fruits and veggies today. 5 bananas, 4 carrots, 2 pounds of potatoes and a weird fruit called uhm I forgot. Anyways, I got al of that for 1.70$ HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!

Yeah, I also was at an Internet Cafe, which here is called a Cyber Net, and I used the computer for about 15 minutes. That cost me 10 centss! Life can be cheap here, but I have to remind myself that Im not rich and not to splurge.

Tonight I wanted to go to the meeting in Santa Elena since my gramps are going. I am stil unsure.

Last night we attended the Ensenada congregation. This spanish cong is hosting the English non official group. It only has meetings every 15 days. About 30 publishers support the Sunday meeting. I am looking forward to this Sunday!! I met a couple from Oregon who recently moved here 3 months ago.

I have to go since we all need to use the Internet. HOPE YOURE DOING GREAT AND COME VISIT ME!!

Just a quick hello!!

I will not be able to blog everyday, but Ill try to do so as often as I can. It turns out that the spanish congegations will soon have their Ciruict Assemblies this month. Im so glad Im not missing it.

Email me and tell me about how youre doing!!

Ecuador

This weekend has been filled with reliving old memories, seeing friends/family and tastign food my mouth hadnt flavored in years. Ive had the long awaited for hamburger, and choclo torta. Im feeling fine and havent felt emotionally overwhelemd yet. I am living in Salinas instead of Santa Elena. I will be here for at least two months. Its been great here. The weather is so warm and yummy! I fel hot and sticky.

Ive gone to two meeting already and seen friends.  SO MANY!

I need to upload my pictures ASAP!!

I will do so soon. I have to go but I will have to finish this blog soon.

WE MADE IT!!

HI FRIENDS!!

WE ARE ALIVE! WE MADE IT IN PERU YESTERDAY AND ARE NOW IN THE ECUADORIAN COAST ABOUT TO ENJOY A MEAL WITH MY GRAMPS AND AUNT. I SAW SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS ALREADY AND AM HAPPY. I AM STICKY TOO!!

WE ARE FINE, NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY OCCURED.

I WILL WRITE MORE HOPEFULLY TOMORROW!!

5/10

Today in a few hours we will fly out to Peru from Mexico City. The flight will last about 5 hours. Tonight we will arrive and stay until tomorrow morning. I almost have my backpack ready. Its crazy! I cant believe Im actually leaving the country and also the continent of North America!!

I spoke with some friends yesterday from Rosarito and that was great. I still want to call a few more before I leave.

Next you hear from me, Ill be in South America!!

Bethel n Weekend Pictures

I havent been able to share about what we did in the afternoon yet, but I thought of at least sharing pictures of Bethel.

Some of the pictures are really mixed up, but later Ill arrange them.



This is me outside Bldg 1 with a cafeteria, sewing room, library, salon and shoe dpt. We went outside and sat for about a minute or so.



Bethel

So yesterday was Bethel! It was a reminder of how marvelous Jehovah's Organization is. It is all so organized, clean and such a happy ambient. I liked it thoroughly. Some of the departments reminded me of my trip last October to the US Bethel. My family and 5 others arrived to the branch around 11am, so we had a short tour. We actually didnt see much in that short time. We went to one building with the cafeteria and the sewing room. We also went to the Writing Task dpt. I met two of those involved in the writing and researching for articles. One was a sister names Barbra Neeiman. She was a Gilead Grad from the 43rd class and was assigned to Colombia. Shes been in the Mexico Bethel though for many years now. We also met a brother who was going by the hallway who turned out to be the Zone Visit speaker. I cant remember his name. It starts with a B. We also saw Anthony Morris go by and he greeted us with a friendly smile. Barbra continued her explanation of what she does and showed us her office and library. By then, the bell rang and we knew it was time for lunch. Since the Zone Visit is happening this Saturday, this whole week is packed for lunch. We left for tacos at a nearby Mall. We got back to the Branch around 2pm. We only had like 3 hours left of touring!!! We met some brothers from the LSM in Chihuahua and DF. By then our new tour guide arrived and we began to head to the Printery.

I am about to leave to see some Pyramids so Ill explain more once I return.

Yesterday 5/6

Yesterday was busy!! Today was busy too.

We went out in service with the Oceania Ingles Congregation for about 2 hours until the meeting time at noon. I really like the way a Bethelite named Dave Castillo conducted the Watchtower Study. It was very motivating, encouraging and uplifting. I have enjoyed meeting so many brothers and sisters who are so spiritually minded and all strong. Ziv has enjoyed talking with them and they've noticed it too. They want him to stay here instead of moving to Ecuador! Maybe in a few years. After meeting we came home and were starving. Our meal routine hasnt been very well and constant. I went to a market though with Jeremy and Edsel, both pioneers who have now moved to DF. Later in the day a group of us divided into two cars and drove to a Mall Center. It was about 12 of us and we had CARLS JR. Out of all places in the CITY OF MEXICO, we go to an American Burger place. It was actually the last place I ate at in California. Yeah, but anyways once we all finished eating we decided to go walk in an area called La Condesa. It was a very uncomfortable ride to and from the different places we went to. It was tight, if you know what I mean..
Well, I got some very expensive frozen yogurt I wasnt happy I purchased, but content with its flavor. We were walking almost aimlessly with no real direction. A few days ago I had asked my pal Edsel about any concerts or events going on. Several were happening but dealt with May 5th and the celebration going with it. I did see one Brit Indie group among the dates Id be here, but it was out of my price range. The Kooks. Well, we continued walking and as I had my yogurt in hand, I freaked when I saw a girl with a 'THE KOOKS' shirt. I then realized we were in the area where the concert was going to happen. I then saw three more girls with their shirts and I went up to them and asked them if they had come or were on their way to the concert. They said it had just finished and we were walking towards the venue. Again I saw someone else and asked the price for the shirts-100 pesos. Not much at all, but I am nearly broke and still have 3 days left! Well, back to the walking and seeing all these teens, I saw a small group of other people waiting outside a garage door. It was more like a Warehouse exit. I asked a girl with a poster what they were doing. She told me it was the Stage Exit and they were hoping to see the band exit through there. I was so excited!!! I yelled, jumped and then my joy was temporarily put on pause, when an older security woman guard told us that they had exited from another way. We walked away a few steps and I sang my mom some songs from them, so she'd know who they were. SHE COULDNT REMEMBER. Well, as I stood there singing, I heard screams from my behind. I turned and I saw people opening the gate. I ran when I saw the van coming out. IT WAS THEM IN THE VAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!! It was so exilhirating and made adrenaline rush everywhere! I tried to take a video and then look for my sharpie and run up to the window all in like 10 seconds. I then ran around the van and went to the front. The singer was smiling the whole time. I bought a sticker and also took more pictures. I lost the video. I  was very glad I saw them so close.

Well, that was the Adventure of yesterday. Edsel took a video so Ill upload that somewhere.

Ok, so that was great. Ill write about Bethel and today on another blog.

On a random note Ziv turned 12 the 6th.

Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala

We just came back home about 2 hours ago from Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala. We were in Apizaco yesterday, which is another state in Tlaxcala. Today though we did some sightseeing in the Capital and walked even more. We went to see some stairs that represent something. Im sorry, I should know, but I cant remember. We also got 5 peso IceCream that was homemade. It was really good and thirst quenching. We walked in the Central Tlaxcala Park and saw a band playing Danzon. Many elderly couples were dancing to it. It was such a nice thing to see. We had our sandwiches and also other snacks. I bought Membrillo, a Trompo and some bracelets. I am tired and now want to watch a movie. Ill just include pictures...I dont want to type much. :)

Enjoy them!


These are from yesterday.

This is on our way to Apizaco. I took a nap the whole way, so my Mom took this picture.

This is at the Candy Store. I bought lots. I was so  glad with the prices. 

At my cousins school. Her name is Nasya Saori and she is 3. We all joined her on the swings.

This is at Pollos Guerrero. Look at all the flavors you can choose from!!!

This is with my aunts Bible Teacher and her family. AKA the Lopez family. They are from Chicago and their kids are 10 and 8.

Nasya really likes my brother. She follows him EVERYWHERE.

At the Train/Railroad Museum. 

THESE ARE PICTURES OF TODAY...

This is on another Bus that took us to Tlaxacala

These are the stairs we had to climb. There is water cascading from the top.

We finally arrived to the top!! These youngsters were the first to arrive.

My mom and aunt on their slow escalade to the top. They made it finally- a whole generation later! :P

Once we began to walk around town we walked by a series of streets filled with stores offering Mariachi Bands. It was really cool. 

At the park later during the Danzon music playing. The dancing was so cute!! I imagined my grandparents dancing amongst them. 

We walked by this vendor who sold a large variety of nuts. 6 pesos a cup. That is equivalent to 50 US cents.

These are Trompos made in Tlaxcala. I bought one! But not from among these. 

We went to a museum where you learned about Tlaxcalas history, culture and agriculture. We found her in the second floor making soemthing. I still dont know the name of what it was.

Anyways, she cut it and put it around my waist. She was selling it for 100 pesos, but I didnt have enough money. It took her one week to finish it. She also told us she lives in a small town 3 or 4 hours away from Tlaxcala.

Some mannequins we saw at the Museum. These are used for festivals through out the state of Tlaxcala.

One our way back we saw a volcano. You can see it in the background.