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?