End of 2013

Listening to Little Secrets by Passion Pit on this Saturday afternoon and feeling gleeful. I just finished a phone conversation with my both grandparents and also my aunt and uncle in Pomona. They were finishing up their lunch in Costco and I was wishing I could be with them to have some yummy frozen yogurt. I feel pretty good right now, and I am glad that the room I now have has a magnificent tree outside of my window for me to view each day. I would like to share some of the major events that happened these past two weeks. 

 Two weekends ago, on a cold, humid morning, my mother and I finished cleaning the trailer that we lived in for almost 5 months. Better believe it! My dad and brother had already left the previous day with our luggage and some pieces of furniture my dad had gotten during the past months, and came down to Mexico. In case you didn't know, my family and I decided to move to Mexico again and we found a place that fit our requirements in Playas de Tijuana. We will be here an undetermined amount of time, until we either save to return to Ecuador or start another adventure. So, here we were that day getting ready to start a new episode in our 2013 chapter. My mom and I both had a few errands to finish before crossing to Mexico and we went to Home Depot, Walmart and Food 4 Less. I decided to treat my mom to a lunch and took her to Olive Garden. She hadn't been there in years and we both had the Soup and Salad, which was delish!

 That was two Saturdays ago and I think that having lived in that trailer was another learning experience and a perfect situation where I could further learn how to display to a larger degree the fruitage of the spirit. Honestly, I prayed every day for patience and would repeat 1 Timothy 6:8, "Having sustenance and clothing we shall be content with these things" frequently. I remember when  I went to PSS I heard my CO Malet-Veale mention that another CO he knew of would pray to be satisfied with very little and I feel as if this scripture backs it up. I also am so grateful to the family that shared so much with us. They have always been so generous and I already miss them. 

 I was pleasantly surprised when I came to the house which I hadn't seen since my parents picked it. I have my own room and that in itself made my year. I really am glad to have my own space, privacy and a window where I can see outside. I don't have much, but I don't really need more. I even feel like this house is a little too big. I wrote that wrong. This house is larger than what we need. More cleaning, and too much empty space. 

The following day I woke up at my grandparents place, since we still didn't have any beds and I was taken to the meeting by my dad. I sat alone and waited until my two other friends arrived and then switched seats during the song to join them. I commented at the meeting and enjoyed the article discussed on creation. That day my two friends and I headed to the states after the meeting and had a nice lunch together. Brenda and Hector have lived here in Playas for over 5 years and I met them not too long after they first moved here. We've maintained our friendship since then and this was the first time we went to a concert together. I must say I had a very fun and exciting time. I danced, sang, yelled, sang, danced, jumped, all in a three foot diameter. I had a good time with them. I just had to write about it, because I thought it was an awesome night. I also bought myself and AM shirt. 

That week I stayed home the majority of days and unpacked. I still don't have sufficient hangers for my meeting clothes, but I will get some Monday. I put all my art material in a simple, white glass furniture thing. My memory isn't working, sorry. I took out my sewing machine and also put it underneath the desk I was given. I have the sewing machine out right now though because I've been sewing the past few days. We met one of our neighbor families that week and went to their meeting on Thursday night. It is a very small congregation compared to the rest in Playas and is made up of many elderly ones, some families with younger teens and 8 pioneers. That evening after the meeting we were invited to the house of our neighbors, the Hirales family, made up of the dad, Cesar, mom, Adriana, and son, Alex. All pioneers and actively supporting the congregation and various spiritual activities. After conversing with them and listening to them share with us different good things, my mom felt inclined to support their congregation. Although we are living as neighbors to one Kingdom Hall, we seem to be leaning to this congregation which meets in another hall. 

The first weekend we were here we had our family come and spent it with us. I always love seeing them and especially being all together as we are the only JW's in the family. It feels great being together. I wish I had a car and job to go visit them. Anyways, they came and we went to Rosarito both Friday evening and Saturday all day. We went to the beach, had some ice-cream and spent some time conversing. Simple, nice moments. On Sunday early morning, they left and my mom, brother and I went to the District Convention in Rosarito at the new Baja California Center. I didn't expect to see anyone I knew, but it turned out to be the Convention our old friends from Pacifico were assigned to. I also finally was able to understand the drama completely, since when I went back in May, I was cleaning bathrooms. Such a timely drama.  I want to meet Esther. Hadassah. 

This past week we were able to support the new congregation in the ministry. I will start learning the brothers and sisters names. It hasn't been as cold as the first week and now I know that I should go to bed with socks on and a sweater on too. We also met the other witness family living across the street. We got Internet also.

On Wednesday morning I found out the English congregation was having their CO visit and since ours would have been in January but we no longer are in Cali, and the Spanish congregation here had theirs already, we decided to go to the Thursday meeting. On Thursday it rained, but being inside the KH felt very warm and I felt very good about being surrounded by fellow witnesses. The CO said something about the group of us in attendance. He said that it took a lot of faith for some of us to move from our comfort area, or home, to another country after reading an article mentioning a need in Mexico. It also took others faith to switch from the Spanish and learn a different language and leave family in the home congregation. I also have a new favorite scripture. 

Psalms 73:26, "My body and my heart may fail, But God is the Rock of my heart and my portion forever."

Well, yesterday my mom, brother and I went out with the English and spent a very wonderful time with the Cota family. I especially enjoyed being in the company of Isabella. Or Bella. Or Bells. She is 7 1/2 according to her, although she is turning 8 in one month. :) She liked talking with me about a wide variety of topics. From animals, to colors, to food, to foam, to trees, to knock rocks, to school, to friends, to the Bible, and Jehovah. All morning long, I learned a lot from her and she let me share about myself too. I must say, I was so happy when she was partner at the door and a young woman came out. She spoke English and listened to my intro on question 6 of the Truth tract. When I guided her to the Proverbs, Bella took out her NWT Revised Edition and found the scripture and read with us. I loved that!!! Future mini pioneer in the making. Oh, and then, I asked her if she had a presentation and she said, "Let's practice." I felt like she could have done that presentation on the stage during meeting. She did awesome and she also memorized the scripture. To finish off sharing my sweet experience yesterday with her and her family I will ask you the same question she asked me. I thought it was very tender and so sincere. So, it made me think, since I hadn't been asked that before from someone so young. Think about it. 

What do you like about Jehovah?

- Bella

I'll share more later on. 

PS: Since this is towards the end of the month, I forgot to add that I will be going to Arizona next weekend to support a congregation in Gadsden that is trying to form the first English congregation in San Luis. I was invited by the Jones family in Lakeside and we will spend the weekend handing out invitations to a public talk the following weekend. It seems as if a larger group of witnesses is going also, but I'm not sure who or from where. I will take pictures and blog about that experience also. 

CIrcuit Assembly Collage

One mini Collage from the Circuit Assembly... My cellphone died before taking a family picture, but here I am with my "sister" and with my brother Ziv. This was on Sunday at the Escondido Assembly Hall.

Fall Winds

It is November!

I'm glad the weather is changing. I'm looking forward to using sweaters and boots. I don't think the congregation I am currently in has telephone witnessing, but I will ask, since I think it would be a great option for the rainy days to come.

The weekend that just passed was important since we had the Circuit Assembly in the newly remodeled Escondido Assembly Hall. It was the first time my family went, although my mother had gone when she was a child, several years ago. It has been remodeled into a very modern building and looks beautiful. I noticed it is also smaller in comparison to the Norco and Mira Loma Assembly Halls. The theme of the Circuit Assembly this service year is "God's Word is Beneficial for Teaching". I appreciated the powerful and straightforward talks that brother Melendez, the District Overseer, presented. The symposiums were also encouraging and gave us tips on how to teach and how to imitate Jehovah's qualities. My mom and I both helped with the ATM machines during 45 minutes each day. But, on Sunday, I was able to help out again after the session was over. It was a first for both of us, and at first seemed daunting, but we realized it was actually a pretty simple task. Ziv and my dad were assigned in the Parking Department, which Jeremy Cash was supervising. I think it was something special to see all of my family helping out in one way or another.

I felt different during this Assembly. Last year, during the Circuit Assembly in Ecuador, I felt similarly. I tried to assimilate why I was feeling strange, and I came to a conclusion. Both assemblies were the first times I attended a Circuit Assembly for that particular circuit. Since I still haven't been able to know a large number of brothers or sisters in the circuit, I don't have many to talk to. I also have come to realize that not all youth think like I do, and take an initiative in getting to know me. The time this happened in Ecuador I felt worse but this past weekend was easier. I made an effort to talk to those sitting around me. I also spoke during lunch time to an older sister named Esmeralda who has been in Escondido for years and years. She didn't mention how many years, but she did say she began when there were only 45 publishers. Talking with her about her service experience and the journey she's had all these years made me feel great. She told me that she was able to conduct several studies while being illiterate and that now she can read and write somewhat. She encouraged me to give Jehovah my youth and also quoted Ecclesiastes 12:1. Since I have had to make some changes in my service to Jehovah temporarily, I thought that talking with her was very refreshing and encouraging. Just what I needed. On Sunday, I also spoke to other families who are in the San Diego area. One family I spoke with was from Quito and they were beyond friendly, inviting us to their house, to their meetings, to their house in Quito and to service. I also spoke to another family, the Marquez' from the Alturas congregation. The brother had come to give a talk in our congregation several weeks ago and when they saw us they also invited us to their home. This is something my family and I love. We find it to be a great exchange of encouragement to talk to others about our time in Ecuador and Mexico. I miss sharing that with others.

Now, a week ago my mom, brother and I went to visit my grandparents and aunt and uncle in Pomona. I hadn't seen them in over 2 months, and being the only other JW's in our family, they are very loved. But, the reason why we went this last week was also because my grandfather was hospitalized. He had severe pneumonia and was receiving medication, plus getting breathing exercises. About three days later my grandmother felt terribly sick and was in bed for one day. She felt severe cramping and sharp pains in her abdomen. She went to the doctor the next morning and it was all due to her intestines. She has two different disorders that are now in their chronic stages. It is a very painful sickness and if she doesn't get better using natural remedies, she will need surgery. I feel so sad about that. My dads mom is also ill, and this past week she received news that her heart is sick. She also needs to undergo an operation, but is feeling very negative about it all. I feel worse for her because she doesn't know about Jehovah so she is more desperate and less hopeful.

My family was also able to finally get a car. Now my dad can drive to work without having to borrow a vehicle. We were able to ride to the Assembly with it! I am really glad that we have friends who have shared so much with us. They have been very generous and patient. With this goal achieved, having a car, we can now move on to another family goal. We have to go to Mexico and live there, so my dad can just cross the border to work, and we can start saving. I also wouldn't mind having my own room and being able to get around on my own. If we are in Playas or in Rosarito, I can use the bus, ride a bike or taxi to get out in service. I would also like to work and that can be a possibility there, online or I can cross the border with my dad.

I am doing very well with my TESOL course. I am almost done with my first certification program. Im excited to finish and be able to work online. I still have two more courses to go through. TESOL for Business and Advanced TESOL. I pray to Jehovah to help me be patient with my life, my family and my goals. Things take time.

Well, I need to go out in service. I miss my routine and active schedule. I miss service!!!

Have a good month!

Annual Meeting

Its been several months since I've written on my blog and that is due to the many activities and new responsibilities I've recently acquired.

 Since my mother and brother arrived in July we've had much to do. We moved into a small trailer, which is where I am presently writing this from, and had to adjust to that little change. I think having been in a small apartment in Ecuador helped us be okay with being in such a small space now. But, it hasn't been difficult really, only very stuffy and tight.
 I had to learn to fill out job applications for several weeks and that took a lot of time. I had to write down all of my assets, research how to do a resume, follow my moms suggestions, and actually fill out the paperwork. I also had to go to interviews, which were a first for me! But, I felt confident and comfortable with what I had to say. Or so I thought, I did get nervous!
 My family and I live about 9 miles inland from town, in an Indian Reservation, and having no car, which became a difficulty. I was used to riding the bus everywhere or walking in Santa Elena, but now, I have none of that available where I am! So, we had to hitch rides with our neighbors, and sometimes they'd lend us a vehicle. So far this month we've had a borrowed car, but we urgently need our own.
 Anyways, some important issues finally have settled after these weeks of starting up again.
 My brother is back in school as an 8th grader, and my dad is working. So am I, as a Noon Duty for the School District. But, my mom is having to be our chauffeur and drive us from here to there and such. It takes a lot of time and energy from each of us to cooperate and help each other out. By the time the day is over, we are all ready to fall asleep by 9:30!
 Oh, and I also starting my online college courses which take up all my mornings, but I'm so happy I started that. I hope to finish my whole course by March.

Well, thats a brief review of whats new.

Saturday the whole country was invited to attend the Annual Meeting in their respectively assigned locations. We had ours in our Kingdom Hall and I felt so privileged to attend. I loved the personality each member of the GB showed. I truly loved that. I learned a lot about different Bible translations and even our own. I also was thrilled beyond tears to see the new revised Bible presented. I didn't want to believe it. I was so overwhelmed. In my mind I thought we would have to wait to receive our own copy of the Bible, but no!!! Jehovah works wonders. My God! I just was overjoyed, still am, and have decided to start reading the Bible from the beginning again. Check out our website! Its all available to download, just like our new app too!!!

Well, I am glad I wrote some more.

I have some news that a great friend of mine is now an MS in Ecuador and that several others have started Regular Pioneering. I also received an answer to my RBC application, and I've been accepted!

Hope you all have started your year awesomely!!

June

Im in California now, living with a loveling, kind and generous family, the Cashes. I will be here to study and work a bit.
I've been here for over a month now and am getting into the usual living of US.
I miss Ecuador for many reasons. I made many wonderful memories which I wish I could keep living.
I came about two weeks before my dad also joined me in California for work. My mother and brother continue in Ecuador.
I am in a small spanish congregation with a large territory. I've liked the publishers and pioneers. I feel very good.
But, I have received some sad news the past week.
One of my relatives has left the truth and this saddened me beyond words. I pray for the individual to re-analyze the situation. I also think the new DVD would be perfect.
I then found out a friend and old service partner was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I couldn't believe it and the news didn't really become a reality to me. She was amongst the first sisters to include me in the ministry my first week in Ecuador and to encourage me a lot. I appreciate her.
Well, then, the great grandmother of my best friend, has also been very sick. She had a second stroke last week and hasnt recuperated. Instead, yesterday, they have taken her into hospice. This is very sad for me since I loved her. I helped clean the room where she will be staying her last days. Brad and I made it look worthy for her.
Today, while in service, I recieved news that my dear friend with cancer has died. This was just so sad to hear.
I am really frustrated to see so many people suffer around me and I am so glad to have Jehovah as my friend. My hope, my assurance for a better future with no more pain and anguish.
I am feeling sad obviouslly, but am really thankful to Jehovah for giving me a strong spiritual family and his care.
We have to expect these things to happen, but it will soon be over.
Keep on enduring friends!!!

From March to Now..

Hello People!!

I have a lot to share.
In March we had a very special visit, known as the Zone visit. It was held in Guayaquil at the Banco del Pichincha Stadium. 7 other locations where also listening to the program. Everyone from the coast was invited to the Branch and that is where my family went. I loved the experience. I had never gone before, but I knew it was a very important event. We had 4 different talks, and the last one was given by Baltasar Perla. He is a Governing Body member assistant and has served in the World Headquarters for over 40 years. I really think he is the brother that narrarates in Spanish our videos. He had such a deep voice, and it was just excellent for the talk he gave. He mentione Moses and Abraham as examples to follow.

March continued with a lot of activity.. I just dont remember what else...Oh no, yes I do.
We also spent a weekend in Salinas with a family, and joined them in the ministry and went to their meeting. I also enjoyed going to the beach twice.

The Memorial campaign was so fun. We have a large territory and every day we go to a different section of it. We did finish it in about 2 weeks, because we worked all day long, almost daily. Since my hall is made up of 144 publishers, we had to divide the schedule. 4 groups met at 6pm, and the other 3 groups at 7:30pm and the total attendance was 452. My mom had a talk the same week of the Memorial and she gave it with me. The last week of March was Semana Santa and the coast was just packed with tourists. The majority come from Guayaquil and spent their weekend at the beach. We had several families visiting the hall and we made plans to work with them in the ministry. We also went to the beach with them in Salinas.

The past week we had our C.O. visit. It seems hard to assimilate the fact that they were here 6 months ago. It was their second visit and they were very glad to see still us around. All week long we supported the meetings fro frield service. I took the sister to a study on Friday and afterwards we had lunch with them in our small humble living room. On Tuesday the talk was all about not putting excuses to serve Jah. Many brothers and sisters have difficult situations, yet live with them, endure and continue. We can too!! Thursday was another talk and that told us we are EMBASSADORS... Well, the whole week was reminding us about it.

Something you may, or may not know, about this years C.O. visit is that the talk on Saturday is actually a video. Its a short film, you may say, about the translating work in several countries. Ecuador is featured in the film and the Andes area is shown. Specifically, Cuenca. I dont know the brothers that are interviewed, but I know of them.

So, yes. The film was beautiful, I think it is just what my family and I needed, to keep going. It was a lovely reminder of how much Jah appreciated need greaters, and those that serve elsewhere.

I have been working giving English classes to kids. They are starting school in May, so I will help them before the go back to school. I feel good working and it is 6 hours a week. Perfect for my pioneering, and good economically for me too. I think that in Summer I will take an Online Tesol course, so once I get the certificate, I will be able to work online too.

Summer is almost here, and that means we will have been living in Ecuador for 1 year!!! Its quite amazing. I am so happy we have been here so long!! Imagine, living in another country for almost one year. I am more independent in several ways. I know how get around on bus, I walk everywhere. I also cook more. Its been quite a fun year!! Now, I hope I can reach more goals. I have this little job that helps me, so maybe I can start visiting other halls in the area that need help..

That is a quite review of what is new. I have some plans for next month. In June we have a couple getting married here..My grandpa has the wedding talk.

Hope you all are good. SOrry for the longest delay in writing...

ChaoChao!!

2/17

It has been 9 months since my family and I moved to Ecuador. Time sometimes seems to fly by, and other times seems to slow down. Recently, it has been flying by on fast forward. It seems like every other month I have to reorganize myself. The weather got hotter last month, and the days are longer, so I can easily feel worn out. Since our primary means of transportation is walking, this weather doesnt help! Doing simple things, like grocery shopping, or going to field service, or going to a cyber, can take much longer. That has been the recent dilemma Ive been going through. Balancing my time with the activities I do and finding time for myself and rest!! I have so many calls and studies, that I dont have enough time to be at home, cook, wash, clean, rest, sew, study, relax, etc, etc, etc!!!

Yesterday I woke up wanting an easy breakfast since my dear friend Monika was coming over to join me for service. I had an egg with bread, and then a lovely accident with the sugar, which caused my morning to last an additional hour. It was cloudy but humid, and walking to my return visits and studies was not so difficult. I was really glad Monika joined me because she will only be here another month 1/2. I started out with a return visit across the main road where I live. I was looking for this lady that was very interested in learning more about her Bible, but found her kids instead. They told me she was going to shower and then go to work. I took that as an opportunity to start a study with them, using the Listen to God brochure. I did the first two pages and then made arrangements to return and talk with their mom. From there we walked on the main road called Via Ancon, another 15 minutes until we arrived at my first study of the morning. She is a girl of 7 and doesnt read. Ive been using the brochure made for teaching how to READ and WRITE. It had proved effective!! She knows about 10 consonants and can now read easy sentences. I´ll share a picture of me with Nicole soon.

We walked some more to my other little girl study, Kely. She is 5 and we read the Bible Stories book with her, though I first use the Learn to Read and Write brochure. We read story number 10 about Noah and the Flood. She is so bright, she understood everything! I also used the Listen to God brochure for more illustrations on Noah and the one thing she noticed were the Nephilim. Then she saw how the demons were flying back to heaven and she said, they were bad and left their kids to die. I said, Yep! I had a few more calls to do, but only visited two more and made arrangements to go back on Tuesday to study with them.

By then, it was 12, and I still had to go buy some food at the market and another plate, since one had broken. (We have precisely 4 bowls and 4 plates, so if one breaks, that means we´ve got to get another one!) Monika chose to join me and we took a bus into town. I am still learning how to shop at the market, becayse I dont always remember the prices of veggies and fruits. I bought some chicken though, and then some tomatoes, onions, bell-peppers, salt and cilantro. Basics!! From there we headed to another store named TIA, similar to a Calimax, or Superior, but 4 times smaller. I bought the plate there and some spaghetti. The were charging me like 2 dollars more, so I made them fix that problem and towards the end of it all, they just discounted the plate. Ok, so by then, another hour had gone by and I was still preaching informally, but was itching to go home. Monika took her bus back to Salinas, and I waited for mine to show up.

Once I got home, I had to help cook!! Lunch takes my mom and I an average of 1 1/2 hours to 2 to prepare and serve. I helped chop up some of what I had bought and cleaned the fridge. What I bought will only last us until today I calculate and then my mom will have to go shopping again. Okay, so lunch was done by like 2:30`pm and then I still had to clean the kitchen. Another 30 minutes, to leave it perfectO! Our meeting is at 6pm so I thought I would have time to make some Mangoneadas, and I did!! I also made my dad a drink since he was outside working on this super neat Caña table.

I was done by like 4:30pm and had to get ready! Since that morning I had made arrangements to take my study Nicole and her mom to the meeting, I had to go pick them up! My dad didnt want to go to meeting, so we left and stopped by my studies. They werent able to go because they had just finished killing some chickens they had been ordered. Its really gross to see that, but its their job! Anyhow, we walked from there to the KH, which took like 10 minutes. En route, I saw like another 4 witness families also walking to the KH. It felt very satisfying to be a part of this Organization.

Okay, so after meeting we were invited to Ice Cream and I felt like that was a way Jah said, ´Good Job, for going to meeting! Here, you deserve an Ice Cream!´  Yeah, so I got home after that, again cleaned the kitchen and left it spotless! Our young neighbor came over and talked with us until I finsihed.

That was what happened yesterday! What else is new?!?!

TODAY, was the National Voting Day. I had to go vote for the first time in my life, since that is the law in this country. It was quite an experience, though I didnt really have to sign anything because I want empadronada, whatever that means. We were filmed by this camera crew and then had pictures taken of us, because we were the first women in our group to show and vote. Hahaha, how funny. Well, all witnesses had to vote today, but check all options to then make the vote become anulled.

I also gave my first English lesson to an 11 year old. She needed help with an exam for her new School. I taught her for 2 hours and got 10 bucks. NOT BAD AT ALL here, since you get 5 to 10$ a day here.
I was so nervous, so so sos so, nervous! But, it all went well. I am spreading the word to anyone interested! SO, if you know of anyone in EC wanting to learn English, let me know!

Thats practically all thats new. I know more is going on, but for now, thats a resumen of whats up here.

I am making plans for this Summer to take an Online Course- TESOL. I am excited about it!!

Well, anyone can email me! Or write me! Ive got a  Facebook account for the first time in my history. I also am 18 now! SO, that just automatically adds a lot more responsibility on my shoulders!!


TTFN!!

Mua!

Micaiah Leaves

Since last Wednesday Micaiah spent the last of his days in Ecuador travelling solo around Guayaquil and Cuenca. He was able to meet up with his friends in both places, so that was great for him. They did several things we hadn´t been able to do the 3 weeks prior. While in Cuenca, he was able to meet several young need-greaters from abroad and also go to an Assembly on Sunday. Monday the plan was for him to travel back to Guayaquil and meet us at the Branch.

Yesterday morning, my grandfather, mom, brother and I took a ride with an aunt/cousin of mine to Guayaquil. I had been able to arrange for a morning tour and for lunch with this cool Bethel couple. We had already been travelling for an hour when Micaiah called and told us he had hit his head that night. Therefore, he still hadn´t left Cuenca, and still had another 4 hours to travel. We had to pospone the tour and cancel lunch and go to my aunts home and wait. The waiting part was no problem cuz I still had lots to write and do before Micaiah left. We did get to tour the Branch at 3:30pm and go into a Resident building.

Last night, after doing last minute shopping and having some DELICIOUS artesanal Ice-Cream, we went back to my aunts home. Then my mom and I headed to my aunt/cousin Gabbys house to spend the night there, while Ziv and Micaiah stayed at my aunts. I wasnt extremely happy about that, because it WAS HIS LAST NIGHT HERE, but whatever.. This morning, after coming for Micaiah at my aunts house, we drove to the Airport immediately after. It was all over pretty quickly.

I think we´ve become real good friends, something I wouldn´t have thought possible, being so far away.

Im feeling okay. I think later on this week, I will be thinking more about it. But, for now, I am fine. ;)

Haha.. Ok.. Here are some pictures from his trip.. ENJOY!

Micaiah here

It has been two weeks, since a brother who lives in Mexico, has come to visit my family and travel around Ecuador. We had meet about 1 year 1/2 ago, at our first ever Baja English District Convention. He is from Calgary in Canada, but has been in Maneadero for the past 2 years. We werent really friends while in Mexico, though we knew of eachother and would talk at the Assemblies. One day I got an email from him, asking if he could come visit, and we, of course, consented!

The first day he arrived we traveled to the Andes, in a province named Azuay. This is my third time going, but I enjoy being there soo much. The architecture and weather is so different than where I live now. My dad had never gone before, so it was a nice trip for both my dad and Micaiah. We spent 5 days in Cuenca and around in smaller villages. We went out preaching twice, and went to two different meetings. It was great meeting other brothers from that region. The family we stayed with was also so humble, but they gave us their best.

Last week, we have just spent it around here, in Santa Elena. We have gone to the beach almost daily, and I love it! Micaiah is addicted to the water, and has gotten a got burn from the sun. We have gone to different beaches, and have gone to visit other friends too. On Sunday I had a party including all the teens I have met form the Circiut. I think like 50 showed! I have pictures that I have to share soon.

This week, I sent him to Valdivia, up the Ruta del Sol, with another American family. They have a teen son, that is a RP and surfs, so Micaiah was really excited about going. Tomorrow we might go to the meeting over there, and spend the night to return on Friday.

Amidst all of this, my grandparents called us to tell us they are coming. SO they arrived last night, and today my parents have gone to pick them up in Guayaquil.

Do you remember Monika? My Polish friend, that lived in London and came back in July to visit me? Well, she has returned and will stay 3 months, but this time in Salinas. I feel really satisfied about that. I feel like having her come to visit us during Summer, has helped her decide to return. I think my family and I influenced her in a positive way.

Having Cai here has reminded me of Mexico so much more. I didnt realize he spoke so much Spanish. I dont even have to translate, that is how good he speaks. He has learned so many mexican expressionisms and constantly uses them, that It makes me feel less Mexican than I am. Haha.. The way we live now, is so different than how I grew up and even to life in Mexico. I hope Cai can learn something from my family. His good, positive, ¨I have never tried this before, but lets do it¨, attitude is also helpful. I know we cant offer him a lot, or much comfort, but he has been a great visitor. And very helpful.

I just finished up my sewing class, and have less than a month before I finish. I am so happy about learning how to sew.

Thanks to those who sent me lovely letters. They made my day and started the year off great. You will soon hear from me.

As for me, I have been feeling good, though I sometimes wish I could go back to Mexico. And thinking of how Cai is going to do that in two weeks, is crazy..so I just remind myself to stay content.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
 Please Jehovah, help me be content with very little.

I learned that during PSS and was told a C.O. said this. Its something that has helped me since, and I remember often.

Much Love to all!

Heyy

ALL IS PRETTY GOOD. MY FRIEND IS HERE.. AND HE STILL HAS LIKE 3 WEEKS LEFT. WE{VE HAD FUN, STAYED BUSY. GOING TO THE BEACH AND SERVICE.

I WILL ADD PHOTOS SOON!