Got packed - had to get another suitcase! Lisa had some extras so she gave us one. So now, four bags to check, about 40 pounds each, and two carry-ons, plus my briefcase. Jenny has her purse but it fits in her carry-on. Said our good-byes to the missionaries, staff and boys around 2:30 then Pastor Ken took us to the Terminal Terrestre (bus station). The fare: $8.00 per person. We left there for Guayaquil close to 4 PM. They had some air conditioning problems but got them resolved so the trip went well; no restroom break at about half-way though as I had been told by Expats on the Yahoo group. Upon arrival at the GYE Terminal Terrestre, we caught a cab to the airport ($4.00), waited until AA counters opened, checked in, then waited for Immigration to open; processed without a problem then to the gat for our flight. Last year, my name was called for a more thorough luggage inspection (that's when Jenny's tablet disappeared) but looks like I'm not going through that hassle this time.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
THURSDAY, 17 November 2016
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
WEDNESDAY 16 November 2016
Ran off some church brochures while Jenny washed our final load of clothes here. Raul and Chelita came to tell us good-bye and brought us a beautiful parting gift - not exactly sure what the correct name for it is but it is a miniature carving in wood of the front of a house. Raul does them himself; he took it on as a hobby after he retired and he is very good. Would love to decorate our home with more but we don't have room in our luggage for them because they are very fragile and needs to be well padded for protection. So, I hope we did a good job doing that.
Went to El Centro to jewelry shop; this time, I actually spent money on myself and bought two rings - one silver with cubic zirconia stones; the other silver with a cat's eye stone. One was about $55, the other about $35, I think. Sure can't buy anything like that in the States.
Lisa asked us to find a couple of things for her - key chains and beaded necklaces. We found the key chains but no necklaces for what she wanted to pay. We actually shopped in the San Francisco Plaza, then to El Arenal, then back to SFP but no luck.
We got back about 30 minutes before Church started so visited with a few friends who got here early. Pastor Mario, from the Shekina Church that Pastor Ken started last year gave a salvation message then baptized a recent convert - Silvia Paredes' son. We fellow shipped and said our good-byes to our friends. Jose and Ruth gave each of us nice parting gifts - a desk plaque that has a typical Ecuadorian house and "Ecuador" on it for me, a stringed necklace for Jenny.
During Church, Pastor Ken recognized us for our work for the past six weeks.
Ran off some church brochures while Jenny washed our final load of clothes here. Raul and Chelita came to tell us good-bye and brought us a beautiful parting gift - not exactly sure what the correct name for it is but it is a miniature carving in wood of the front of a house. Raul does them himself; he took it on as a hobby after he retired and he is very good. Would love to decorate our home with more but we don't have room in our luggage for them because they are very fragile and needs to be well padded for protection. So, I hope we did a good job doing that.
Went to El Centro to jewelry shop; this time, I actually spent money on myself and bought two rings - one silver with cubic zirconia stones; the other silver with a cat's eye stone. One was about $55, the other about $35, I think. Sure can't buy anything like that in the States.
Lisa asked us to find a couple of things for her - key chains and beaded necklaces. We found the key chains but no necklaces for what she wanted to pay. We actually shopped in the San Francisco Plaza, then to El Arenal, then back to SFP but no luck.
We got back about 30 minutes before Church started so visited with a few friends who got here early. Pastor Mario, from the Shekina Church that Pastor Ken started last year gave a salvation message then baptized a recent convert - Silvia Paredes' son. We fellow shipped and said our good-byes to our friends. Jose and Ruth gave each of us nice parting gifts - a desk plaque that has a typical Ecuadorian house and "Ecuador" on it for me, a stringed necklace for Jenny.
During Church, Pastor Ken recognized us for our work for the past six weeks.
TUESDAY, 15 November 2016
Worked all morning and early afternoon printing up Church brochures and packed a couple of our two big suitcases.
About 4 PM, we went to Karina's home for what was supposed to be coffee and a snack but it turned into dinner and a long visit until about 8:30 or so. It was great to spend time with Karina, Amy, and Karina's mom (she has been in Guayaquil since we've been here so we haven't seen her).
Worked all morning and early afternoon printing up Church brochures and packed a couple of our two big suitcases.
About 4 PM, we went to Karina's home for what was supposed to be coffee and a snack but it turned into dinner and a long visit until about 8:30 or so. It was great to spend time with Karina, Amy, and Karina's mom (she has been in Guayaquil since we've been here so we haven't seen her).
Monday, November 14, 2016
MONDAY, 14 November 2016
Jenny washed clothes, I printed out about 150 Church brochures. Around 2:30, we went to Cecilia Duran's apartment for a late lunch of typical Ecuadorian food. Found out she is the daughter of Ricardo Duran, who has the street near us named after him. We did not meet her husband because he (an attorney) had a doctor's appointment then hung out with other attorneys.
Got back to the apartment around 6:30, had supper (chili that Inez had prepared - it was delicious!), played several rounds of Mexican train dominoes with Inez - Desiree and Antonio joined us for a couple of games, then to the apartment; watched a couple of episodes of Supernatural; Jenny went to bed, I got caught up on this blog, now I'm going to bed.
SUNDAY, 13 November 2016
Up and at 'em - I got up at 5:10, Jenny at 5:30, finished packing and luggage set outside the door for the crew to take to the airport on Baltra Island. Ate a light breakfast, although there was the normal full course buffet - still recovering from a little stomach too full episode last night. We departed the boat at 7:00 in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. We then got on a bus and drove across the island, stopping on the way at a tortoise (tortuga) farm near Chato where the huge tortoises are. For the most part, they roam free on these large farms (I think our guide said there we six of them). The farms are owned by individuals but the tortoises do not belong to them; they belong to the government conservation department. Those farmers have agreed to "keep" the tortoises and meet government standards of care by allowing them free roam; they do not feed them, nor can they use any kinds of pesticides that could harm the animals. The farmers do this to protect the species and, in the case of the farm we visited, open the farm to tourists and charge fees.
After spending about 45 minutes there, we boarded the bus to the North side of the island where we left the bus and boarded a ferry for the short trip across the bay to Baltra Island and the airport. We left late but made up a little time to Guayaquil airport, met our driver, then off to Cuenca. The Cajas mountains were covered with clouds and we even had rain.
We made it back just in time for Church! Some people we saw for the last time because some don't go on Wednesday nights, which will be our last service. Pastor Ken announced during the service that he is curtailing the Sunday night services for the future because he and Lisa are so busy with the Dayspring Home. He also wants to begin a new church so will, once started, have them meet on Sunday nights. They need much prayer!
FRIDAY, 11
November 2016
Started the morning with rough seas after the boat got
underway for our next port of call, Suarez Point on the island of
Española.
I was up for a beautiful sunrise. After breakfast, a beautiful morning for a
walk along rocks at Suarez Point to see sea lions and their babies, marine
iguanas, masked (AKA nasca) boobies, albatrose, a blowhole, and other species
of birds. We literally had to watch where we were walking because the iguanas
lay on the path, on the rocks, basking in the sun to get their body
temperatures up before going into the cooler waters to eat algae off the rocks,
put there during the night as the tide rose.
It was very, very rocky; luckily Jenny and I carried walking sticks –
they definitely helped us maintain our balance.
That excursion over, back to the boat for some ice cream,
a little rest, then lunch. While eating,
the boat relocated to Gardner Bay, still Española Islands.
There was a deep water snorkeling excursion but it was
cloudy and the air temperature was cold so we decided to skip that one. Jenny slept in the cabin; I went to the upper
deck and napped a little there.
After the deep water snorkeling “excursioners” got back,
the next one was to the white sandy beaches, where we could either swim or walk
along the beach – we chose the latter.
The sand is a beautiful white with sea lions, all huddled in one
area. It was easy to identify the alpha
male because he, when we got there, was in the water but came out soon after to
interact with all the females and babies.
An interesting display of hierarchy.
After an hour or so, back to the boat for a
bar-b-que!
THURSDAY, 10
November 2016.
When we woke up, we were still in the bay at San
Cristobal. Soon after, we began our journey to Curro Burro (check pic on
camera!) where we toured the bay by dingy.
I learned a valuable lesson today – actually two! Even though I didn’t think I would need my glasses,
I did because I could not see the screen on the camera; therefore, I missed a
picture of a blue footed boobie while going around the bay. Second lesson: always take my cap! Even though it was very cloudy when we left
the Coral II, the sun came out later. I
don’t think my head burned but we’ll see. We then went ashore and walked the
beach. We saw many sea lions, some
yellow warbler birds, a couple of lava gulls.
As explained by our guides, the animals here have no fear of humans
because they have never been hunted or abused by “us”. They pretty much ignored
us.
After walking the beach, we returned to the bay where we
had exited the water; there I snorkeled for the first time in my life. It took some practice (at first, I got lots
of ocean water in my mouth!), but after I got the hang of it, it was fun but
tiring. Jenny stayed on the beach and
waded.
After lunch, we had time to rest then to Punta Pitt
island where we hiked up the volcanic mountain to see red & blue footed
boobies as well as the other kind (I’ll look up the name later); it is not a
color. Although blue footed boobies are
the most common to see in the Islands, the red is more populated but because
they live in hard to access areas, they are not seen as much. It was definitely a difficult hike, as
originally told to us by the guides but we made it. The near death (greatly exaggerating for
effect here!) was when we got back into the dingy; a huge swell came up, caught
the dingy and turned it sideways. All
aboard at the time got much wetter than we had intended; lucky neither of my
cameras got wet. All survived though and
we made it back to the boat. After
everyone was on board, we headed to our next destination, although we won’t
have an activity until tomorrow. Rest
and relaxation time until dinner.
Quiet evening after dinner, some time spent on the upper
deck after Jenny went to bed, then bed for me.
WEDNESDAY, 9
November 2016.
This is being written aboard the good ship (actually
boat) Coral II and it’s been a long day!
We got up at 5:30 and got ready to meet our transportation at the church
@ 7:00 for the trip to Guayaquil where we got on an Avianca plane to San
Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands.
The driver picked up four more people whom I thought would be gringos
but they were Ecuadorians. Cesar is the
leader of the group; his brother works for Southland Touring. Cesar’s mother,
Esperanza,
is with him, then
another mother(Cecilia)/son (Javier)couple.
We arrived in San Cristobal around 3:15, was met by our
guide, Allejandro, who is actually a conservationist for the Islands. After lunch, we got on a bus and went to the
other side of the island to the Galapagos tortoise breeding and protection
area. Allejandro told us a lot of the
history of the tortoises – their near extinction and what the government conservationists and
scientists from all over the world are doing to preserve the 11 species.
After a very quick walk through part of the city, we
boarded our dingies and went back to the boat, for supper, some rest &
relaxation on the upper deck, where we talked awhile with Cesar.
As stated at the beginning, it’s been a long day so I’m
going to bed; it will be another long day tomorrow – up at 6:00 am! Will report more tomorrow night. I may have
mentioned earlier that the boat holds 20 passengers + crew so she’s a rocking
in the waters of the bay!
Monday, November 7, 2016
MONDAY, 7 November 2016
Stayed around the apartment all day, mostly making copies of the church ministries flyer; with the slow printer, it takes a lot of time. I probably got about 150 copies run which, because there are two flyers to a page, equals about 300 total flyers.
Inez prepared supper for the boys, the Weavers, and us so after all was cleaned up, she, Jenny and I played Mexican Train dominoes until time for her to go home and we to our apartment. Watched an episode of Supernatural; Jenny is now in bed and I'm headed that way soon.
Stayed around the apartment all day, mostly making copies of the church ministries flyer; with the slow printer, it takes a lot of time. I probably got about 150 copies run which, because there are two flyers to a page, equals about 300 total flyers.
Inez prepared supper for the boys, the Weavers, and us so after all was cleaned up, she, Jenny and I played Mexican Train dominoes until time for her to go home and we to our apartment. Watched an episode of Supernatural; Jenny is now in bed and I'm headed that way soon.
SUNDAY, 6 November 2016
A good day! Got a little shower before church but quit in time for the services. Services were good; attendance was down a little because I suppose people didn't want to get out with the possibility of rain.
After church, we went to Jeff and Cathy's for lunch - a genuine tasting spaghetti dinner! It was delicious. After lunch, we played Mexican Train dominoes until time to head back to the apartment for a few minutes then ready for church.
A good day! Got a little shower before church but quit in time for the services. Services were good; attendance was down a little because I suppose people didn't want to get out with the possibility of rain.
After church, we went to Jeff and Cathy's for lunch - a genuine tasting spaghetti dinner! It was delicious. After lunch, we played Mexican Train dominoes until time to head back to the apartment for a few minutes then ready for church.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
SATURDAY, 5 November 2016
A day full of activities, as well as an issue involving one of the boys.
First, the issue involving a boy. In an earlier post, I talked about a 16 year old who was in the hospital with psychotic issues - well, he seemed to be doing okay but after the incident yesterday, he apparently ran away! As I write this late Saturday night, Kevin is no place to be found. Pastor Ken called the police, a special division that deals with run-aways so they are looking for him but nothing yet. Don't know if they notified anyone in the courts.
We had expected to have lunch with José and Ruth but did not hear from them so thought something had happened and they forgot to contact us. So, we went to El Centro to walk around and window shop. While there, José called and wanted to know if we available for lunch; we agreed so he and Ruth picked us up and went with them to one of their favorite authentic Ecuadorian restaurants. We had grilled pork, chicken, soup, two different styles of their corn, one mixed with scrambled eggs, the other cooked in pork fat. While eating, we discussed our plans of things to do before we leave Ecuador so our desire to go to Chordeleg came up; we felt we may not make it up there because we actually, because of the trip to the Galapagos Island, have only a few days left in Cuenca. Well, José offered to take us there! I tried to mildly protest but he insisted it would be a good time of fellowship. So, we agreed. But, before we left for Chordeleg, we had to stop for some ice cream! :).
Once in Chordeleg, we parked a couple of blocks away from the square and walked, window shopping as we went. When we got to the square, we went into our "family" jewelry store - lo and behold, there were Juan and Diane Moreno! They had some relatives visiting so they took them there to get the best deals on silver jewelry. We had not expected to see them because they are very busy during the remaining time they have left here (they leave the 18th of November) so it was a very pleasant surprise to see them and talk with them while their relatives were shopping.
Chordeleg is the place to get silver jewelry! (Of course, we knew that already) We had priced some jewelry in Cuenca that would have cost over $100; we got it there for about half! So, I think we're through shopping for jewelry, except for a piece I had to pick up at the fiesta grounds in Cuenca.
José and Jenny needed another ice cream fix before we left Chordeleg then back to Cuenca. On the way, we stopped by the house that José is having built; he is retiring in a year and a half and wants to live a little ways out of the city. It's a very nice place with a terrific view!
A very good day spent with friends!
A day full of activities, as well as an issue involving one of the boys.
First, the issue involving a boy. In an earlier post, I talked about a 16 year old who was in the hospital with psychotic issues - well, he seemed to be doing okay but after the incident yesterday, he apparently ran away! As I write this late Saturday night, Kevin is no place to be found. Pastor Ken called the police, a special division that deals with run-aways so they are looking for him but nothing yet. Don't know if they notified anyone in the courts.
We had expected to have lunch with José and Ruth but did not hear from them so thought something had happened and they forgot to contact us. So, we went to El Centro to walk around and window shop. While there, José called and wanted to know if we available for lunch; we agreed so he and Ruth picked us up and went with them to one of their favorite authentic Ecuadorian restaurants. We had grilled pork, chicken, soup, two different styles of their corn, one mixed with scrambled eggs, the other cooked in pork fat. While eating, we discussed our plans of things to do before we leave Ecuador so our desire to go to Chordeleg came up; we felt we may not make it up there because we actually, because of the trip to the Galapagos Island, have only a few days left in Cuenca. Well, José offered to take us there! I tried to mildly protest but he insisted it would be a good time of fellowship. So, we agreed. But, before we left for Chordeleg, we had to stop for some ice cream! :).
Once in Chordeleg, we parked a couple of blocks away from the square and walked, window shopping as we went. When we got to the square, we went into our "family" jewelry store - lo and behold, there were Juan and Diane Moreno! They had some relatives visiting so they took them there to get the best deals on silver jewelry. We had not expected to see them because they are very busy during the remaining time they have left here (they leave the 18th of November) so it was a very pleasant surprise to see them and talk with them while their relatives were shopping.
Chordeleg is the place to get silver jewelry! (Of course, we knew that already) We had priced some jewelry in Cuenca that would have cost over $100; we got it there for about half! So, I think we're through shopping for jewelry, except for a piece I had to pick up at the fiesta grounds in Cuenca.
José and Jenny needed another ice cream fix before we left Chordeleg then back to Cuenca. On the way, we stopped by the house that José is having built; he is retiring in a year and a half and wants to live a little ways out of the city. It's a very nice place with a terrific view!
A very good day spent with friends!
Saturday, November 5, 2016
FRIDAY, 4 November 2016
An active day. The boys are out of school for Cuenca week so they were gone all day, except for Kevin who misbehaved and chose not to go with the rest.
We took a bus to El Centro and went to Mercedes's shop to say hello. I told her I was looking for short sleeved shirts for the cruise; she had some! I bought three very nice ones for a total of $28; they even have pockets so I can enjoy wearing them when we get back to the States. I told her we were also looking for Ecuador futbol atletic shirts, which she does not have, so she showed me a store a couple doors down from hers that has them. We went there and, lo and behold, there was a lady from Church! She recognized us immediately and we recognized her; think her name is Bianca but I'll confirm on Sunday. Jenny also bought an alpaca poncho @ the plaza. We walked to Gran Columbia to look at some more jewelry but all of them were closed - I guess they took time off for Cuenca Week. I hope they'll be open tomorrow because we need to get a couple of things that our other jewelry source doesn't have. If not open tomorrow, we'll go later. While waiting for the bus to take us from El Centro, we "met" another person from the Church who lives only a few blocks from church. He paid our bus fare! He spoke sufficient English that we carried on a viable conversation, with his English and my Spanish, until we got back to Ricardo Duran near the church. We actually missed our stop but got off with him at the next one and walked back to near ours then to the church. His name is Rórulo Flores, he's almost 41 and married. Interesting thing though; he likes our church because it's friendly and people greet him; his wife, however, goes to another church because she doesn't like that! That surprises me because of the overall friendliness of the Ecuadorian people.
After a brief stay at the apartment to leave our purchases, we got back on the bus and back to the special Cuenca week area that I talked about yesterday, or day before. Jenny got some more jewelry; one piece, which will be part of her Christmas present, was a little long so the owner is going to shorten it and I'll pick it up tomorrow. She also bought an alpaca throw to put on our bed here and at home; it is hand made and very lightweight. The lady gave Jenny an alpaca scarf as a gift! She also got a multi-colored lamb's wool sweater.
Enough shopping! We came back to the apartment, I had supper (Jenny had already snacked on other foods so didn't want any), we watched a couple of episodes of Supernatural, then Jenny went to bed. Just a note here: I usually always stay up awhile after she goes to bed to check Facebook and my email accounts, and read some news accounts.
An active day. The boys are out of school for Cuenca week so they were gone all day, except for Kevin who misbehaved and chose not to go with the rest.
We took a bus to El Centro and went to Mercedes's shop to say hello. I told her I was looking for short sleeved shirts for the cruise; she had some! I bought three very nice ones for a total of $28; they even have pockets so I can enjoy wearing them when we get back to the States. I told her we were also looking for Ecuador futbol atletic shirts, which she does not have, so she showed me a store a couple doors down from hers that has them. We went there and, lo and behold, there was a lady from Church! She recognized us immediately and we recognized her; think her name is Bianca but I'll confirm on Sunday. Jenny also bought an alpaca poncho @ the plaza. We walked to Gran Columbia to look at some more jewelry but all of them were closed - I guess they took time off for Cuenca Week. I hope they'll be open tomorrow because we need to get a couple of things that our other jewelry source doesn't have. If not open tomorrow, we'll go later. While waiting for the bus to take us from El Centro, we "met" another person from the Church who lives only a few blocks from church. He paid our bus fare! He spoke sufficient English that we carried on a viable conversation, with his English and my Spanish, until we got back to Ricardo Duran near the church. We actually missed our stop but got off with him at the next one and walked back to near ours then to the church. His name is Rórulo Flores, he's almost 41 and married. Interesting thing though; he likes our church because it's friendly and people greet him; his wife, however, goes to another church because she doesn't like that! That surprises me because of the overall friendliness of the Ecuadorian people.
After a brief stay at the apartment to leave our purchases, we got back on the bus and back to the special Cuenca week area that I talked about yesterday, or day before. Jenny got some more jewelry; one piece, which will be part of her Christmas present, was a little long so the owner is going to shorten it and I'll pick it up tomorrow. She also bought an alpaca throw to put on our bed here and at home; it is hand made and very lightweight. The lady gave Jenny an alpaca scarf as a gift! She also got a multi-colored lamb's wool sweater.
Enough shopping! We came back to the apartment, I had supper (Jenny had already snacked on other foods so didn't want any), we watched a couple of episodes of Supernatural, then Jenny went to bed. Just a note here: I usually always stay up awhile after she goes to bed to check Facebook and my email accounts, and read some news accounts.
Friday, November 4, 2016
THURSDAY, 3 November2016
Tried to meet up with Jeff and Cathy for a walk up the Turi stairs but wires got crossed on phone numbers and email addresses. Talked with Inez about getting together for games later today but she has an Ecuadorian friend visiting so they'll spend the day together.
Chelita and Raul came by to drop off a blouse (or two?) that she had tightened up the neck on so I visited a little with Raul; he is feeling much better after his shot and medication on Sunday but he was anxious to get back home, out of the Cuenca bus/auto fumes.
Pastor Ken, Lisa, Desire, and Dana (full-time helper w/the boys), took all of the boys to lunch at a restaurant owned by one of our church members; it wasn't Silvia's so I don't know who it is. It was very quiet around the property so we finished the laundry and I printed, cut, and folded about 200 informational brochures/tracts.
We headed to San Francisco Plaza (SFP) to look for some short sleeve shirts I can wear on the Galapagos cruise but didn't make it. On the way (riding a bus), we saw a special area set up with awnings for Cuenca week so we decided to check things out. There was a live music stage, lots of food booths, carnival rides for children, clothing booths, and one silver jewelry booth - of course, Jenny found that one right away! :-) So, she bought several pieces of jewelry (or sets), two for friends and a couple for herself. I may have mentioned in a previous blog that we looked at some turquoise on Gran Columbia that was about $80 for just a set of earrings; she bought earrings and a necklace for $43.00! We also got a silver cross w/necklace for Rita, our neighbor for thirty something dollars, matching earrings/pendant (she has a chain at home that will work), and a pair of silver earrings with a local stone. We got everything for a total of $150.00 - not his starting asking price! Since I had only expected to go to SFP, I did not take a lot of money so we had to go back to the apartment, get more cash, and return to settle up with the guy; he has a jewelry store in Quito. Not sure if we could have gotten a better deal on the silver in Chordeleg but we had already checked with friends there; they told us the merchants there did not sell turquoise. We felt we got really good deals so that's what matters; besides, not sure if we'll make it to Chordeleg since we actually only have a few days left in Cuenca because of the "break" to go to Galapagos.
It was getting nigh onto the hours of darkness when we finished that experience so we decided it was too late to go to SFP - we'll probably do that tomorrow, so we went back to the apartment. Pastor Ken was taking all of the boys to Pizza Hut for supper; we were not invited (not enough room in the van, I'm sure), so we walked to the nearest pizza place on Las Americas and 2 de Agosto and had our own. It wasn't the best, (probably the "worst") we've had here but it was okay and filling - got a medium tropical (ham and pineapple) for $6.00. It was already dark by the time we finished but we walked back to the apartment without any reservations for our safety; 2 de Agosto is very well lit and Inez had already told us she walks that way after church to her apartment all the time.
We watched a Netflix movie, and episode of Supernatural, then to bed. Jenny is much better, although still coughing some.
Tried to meet up with Jeff and Cathy for a walk up the Turi stairs but wires got crossed on phone numbers and email addresses. Talked with Inez about getting together for games later today but she has an Ecuadorian friend visiting so they'll spend the day together.
Chelita and Raul came by to drop off a blouse (or two?) that she had tightened up the neck on so I visited a little with Raul; he is feeling much better after his shot and medication on Sunday but he was anxious to get back home, out of the Cuenca bus/auto fumes.
Pastor Ken, Lisa, Desire, and Dana (full-time helper w/the boys), took all of the boys to lunch at a restaurant owned by one of our church members; it wasn't Silvia's so I don't know who it is. It was very quiet around the property so we finished the laundry and I printed, cut, and folded about 200 informational brochures/tracts.
We headed to San Francisco Plaza (SFP) to look for some short sleeve shirts I can wear on the Galapagos cruise but didn't make it. On the way (riding a bus), we saw a special area set up with awnings for Cuenca week so we decided to check things out. There was a live music stage, lots of food booths, carnival rides for children, clothing booths, and one silver jewelry booth - of course, Jenny found that one right away! :-) So, she bought several pieces of jewelry (or sets), two for friends and a couple for herself. I may have mentioned in a previous blog that we looked at some turquoise on Gran Columbia that was about $80 for just a set of earrings; she bought earrings and a necklace for $43.00! We also got a silver cross w/necklace for Rita, our neighbor for thirty something dollars, matching earrings/pendant (she has a chain at home that will work), and a pair of silver earrings with a local stone. We got everything for a total of $150.00 - not his starting asking price! Since I had only expected to go to SFP, I did not take a lot of money so we had to go back to the apartment, get more cash, and return to settle up with the guy; he has a jewelry store in Quito. Not sure if we could have gotten a better deal on the silver in Chordeleg but we had already checked with friends there; they told us the merchants there did not sell turquoise. We felt we got really good deals so that's what matters; besides, not sure if we'll make it to Chordeleg since we actually only have a few days left in Cuenca because of the "break" to go to Galapagos.
It was getting nigh onto the hours of darkness when we finished that experience so we decided it was too late to go to SFP - we'll probably do that tomorrow, so we went back to the apartment. Pastor Ken was taking all of the boys to Pizza Hut for supper; we were not invited (not enough room in the van, I'm sure), so we walked to the nearest pizza place on Las Americas and 2 de Agosto and had our own. It wasn't the best, (probably the "worst") we've had here but it was okay and filling - got a medium tropical (ham and pineapple) for $6.00. It was already dark by the time we finished but we walked back to the apartment without any reservations for our safety; 2 de Agosto is very well lit and Inez had already told us she walks that way after church to her apartment all the time.
We watched a Netflix movie, and episode of Supernatural, then to bed. Jenny is much better, although still coughing some.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
WEDNESDAY, 2 November 2016
Normal morning but a different and fun afternoon. We had lunch with Mónica Brito, her husband Danny Tello and their three children: Juan David, Daniel, and Camila then went to the Parque de Paraiso - Paradise Park. We enjoyed walking around the park and especially seeing the children enjoy themselves running around, climbing on rocks/boulders, and swinging. Most families do not have yards big enough, or at all, to accommodate swings so they usually have to go to parks, of which there are many in Cuenca, of all different sizes. Paraiso Park is the largest in Cuenca. The three rivers that run through Cuenca converge here and there are lots of trees, flowers, vines, a wooden bridge and places for children to play! Camila was exhausted and fell asleep almost immediately after getting in the car to go back to the apartment - she's a little over two years old. We actually went to her 1st birthday party when here last year.
This week is a celebration of Cuenca's independence from many years ago so the schools and government offices are closed, which means the boys are home as well - more monitoring and stress for the Weavers!
Normal morning but a different and fun afternoon. We had lunch with Mónica Brito, her husband Danny Tello and their three children: Juan David, Daniel, and Camila then went to the Parque de Paraiso - Paradise Park. We enjoyed walking around the park and especially seeing the children enjoy themselves running around, climbing on rocks/boulders, and swinging. Most families do not have yards big enough, or at all, to accommodate swings so they usually have to go to parks, of which there are many in Cuenca, of all different sizes. Paraiso Park is the largest in Cuenca. The three rivers that run through Cuenca converge here and there are lots of trees, flowers, vines, a wooden bridge and places for children to play! Camila was exhausted and fell asleep almost immediately after getting in the car to go back to the apartment - she's a little over two years old. We actually went to her 1st birthday party when here last year.
This week is a celebration of Cuenca's independence from many years ago so the schools and government offices are closed, which means the boys are home as well - more monitoring and stress for the Weavers!
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
TUESDAY, 1 November 2016
Really nothing memorable to write about between my last post; pretty much the same. Jenny is still sick - I say a cold but she says allergies so who am I to argue??? She is taking a Claritin equivalent that helps; she is also doing a breathing treatment involving hot water, Eucalyptus oil, and a towel to clear her nose and sinus. It seems to help but after awhile she has drainage again, which causes her to cough a lot. I wanted her to get some antibiotics (no prescription needed) or even a shot but she refuses.
Today, we made reservations for a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. We decided against the Island off the coast of Puerto Lopez because of the difficulties to get there and a Facebook friend told us we would not see nearly as many species of wildlife there. So, we're all set to leave on Wednesday and return on Sunday. Hate missing church, our last Sunday service here, but this is something Jenny really had her heart set on. Although still more expensive than an island hopping or one island tour, we were able to get a last minute, half-price deal. It will also be less hectic and stress because we will "live" on the 20 passenger boat from Wednesday evening until Sunday morning and visit six or seven islands, see at least 12 different species of wildlife, have all meals provided on the boat, and be much more relaxed.
We will not have internet access during those five days, once we leave Cuenca so I will have to take some paper to write down our experiences to post and publish after we get back. Although I'll write them on the same day, I'll post them as individual days.
Things are okay with the group home. Pastor Ken and Lisa stay stressed; today was no exception! Boys who have had very little discipline in their lives are difficult to teach the basics; some just have bad attitudes and don't want to learn. It seems there's some headway in the right direction then one or more does something stupid. One issue today was homework; they do it daily after school but they don't turn their work in at school! So, the school blames the home staff because they either are being told the boys (by the boys) are not doing their homework or the teachers are not asking. We just pray that the boys will absorb some of the love the Weavers and staff show them, including the discipline part. Remember, discipline is not bad; we all need it in our lives to function and succeed.
Buenos Noches!
Really nothing memorable to write about between my last post; pretty much the same. Jenny is still sick - I say a cold but she says allergies so who am I to argue??? She is taking a Claritin equivalent that helps; she is also doing a breathing treatment involving hot water, Eucalyptus oil, and a towel to clear her nose and sinus. It seems to help but after awhile she has drainage again, which causes her to cough a lot. I wanted her to get some antibiotics (no prescription needed) or even a shot but she refuses.
Today, we made reservations for a cruise around the Galapagos Islands. We decided against the Island off the coast of Puerto Lopez because of the difficulties to get there and a Facebook friend told us we would not see nearly as many species of wildlife there. So, we're all set to leave on Wednesday and return on Sunday. Hate missing church, our last Sunday service here, but this is something Jenny really had her heart set on. Although still more expensive than an island hopping or one island tour, we were able to get a last minute, half-price deal. It will also be less hectic and stress because we will "live" on the 20 passenger boat from Wednesday evening until Sunday morning and visit six or seven islands, see at least 12 different species of wildlife, have all meals provided on the boat, and be much more relaxed.
We will not have internet access during those five days, once we leave Cuenca so I will have to take some paper to write down our experiences to post and publish after we get back. Although I'll write them on the same day, I'll post them as individual days.
Things are okay with the group home. Pastor Ken and Lisa stay stressed; today was no exception! Boys who have had very little discipline in their lives are difficult to teach the basics; some just have bad attitudes and don't want to learn. It seems there's some headway in the right direction then one or more does something stupid. One issue today was homework; they do it daily after school but they don't turn their work in at school! So, the school blames the home staff because they either are being told the boys (by the boys) are not doing their homework or the teachers are not asking. We just pray that the boys will absorb some of the love the Weavers and staff show them, including the discipline part. Remember, discipline is not bad; we all need it in our lives to function and succeed.
Buenos Noches!
Friday, October 28, 2016
FRIDAY, 28 October, 2016
Jenny is feeling much better this morning so, perhaps if she continues to take the allergy medicine, she'll get well soon.
She felt well enough for us to go with Gerard to the Agave Mexican Restaurant, outside of Cuenca for lunch; we went there on day last year as well. It was a nice scenic drive; on the way back we drove by the big prison. Got "caught" in a really good rain shower while in the mountains but it ended as we reached lower elevations. It was, as always, an enjoyable time with Gerard..
For supper, we met some Church friends, Roland, Carolyn, and Inez, and went to the Chiplote Subs & Shots Restaurant in El Centro; very good food and prices were reasonable. After eating, we went to Roland & Carolyn's home for dessert and a few rounds of Mexican Train; all in all, a fun time.
Disappointed when we got back to the apartment and checked my emails; the guy (Brian Gary) notified me the trip to Puerto Lopez and "poor mans' Galapogos" has been cancelled because he only received interest from about 15 people when he needs 30 or more to make the trip profitable. So, unless a door opens, we won't be making that trip. :( :( :(
With that, it's bedtime, actually even past mine since we stayed out later than usual - it was worth it!
Jenny is feeling much better this morning so, perhaps if she continues to take the allergy medicine, she'll get well soon.
She felt well enough for us to go with Gerard to the Agave Mexican Restaurant, outside of Cuenca for lunch; we went there on day last year as well. It was a nice scenic drive; on the way back we drove by the big prison. Got "caught" in a really good rain shower while in the mountains but it ended as we reached lower elevations. It was, as always, an enjoyable time with Gerard..
For supper, we met some Church friends, Roland, Carolyn, and Inez, and went to the Chiplote Subs & Shots Restaurant in El Centro; very good food and prices were reasonable. After eating, we went to Roland & Carolyn's home for dessert and a few rounds of Mexican Train; all in all, a fun time.
Disappointed when we got back to the apartment and checked my emails; the guy (Brian Gary) notified me the trip to Puerto Lopez and "poor mans' Galapogos" has been cancelled because he only received interest from about 15 people when he needs 30 or more to make the trip profitable. So, unless a door opens, we won't be making that trip. :( :( :(
With that, it's bedtime, actually even past mine since we stayed out later than usual - it was worth it!
THURSDAY, 27 October 2016
Jenny is still sick so she stayed in the apartment all day and missed the Thursday noon game time with Denise, Inez, Jeff, and Cathy. Today, we played Mexican Train, a first for some, a refresher for others. I think Inez won every game! We also played a couple rounds of Chicken Foot, new for everyone except Denise but it had been a long time since she had played.
In the PM, we (Pastor Ken, Lisa, Gary, Katy, Jenny and I) went to Chuliabamba (sp?) for dinner - quite the spread! It was good to see Raul when he wasn't suffering from pollution allergies! We didn't stay long because Pastor and Lisa had to get back to put the kids to bed. Normally, they would not have been able to get away even for a short time but Gayle, Inez, and a Cuancano woman volunteered to "herd" the boys so they could get away for just a little while. Jenny felt somewhat better so enjoyed herself. She was still very tired (side effects of the allergy medicine, I think) so she went straight to bed when we got home.
Although I don't mention it every day, I usually spend my mornings printing tracts/information brochures for the church and English classes. Pastor's printer is pretty slow so it takes awhile; after printing them I cut and fold them.
Jenny is still sick so she stayed in the apartment all day and missed the Thursday noon game time with Denise, Inez, Jeff, and Cathy. Today, we played Mexican Train, a first for some, a refresher for others. I think Inez won every game! We also played a couple rounds of Chicken Foot, new for everyone except Denise but it had been a long time since she had played.
In the PM, we (Pastor Ken, Lisa, Gary, Katy, Jenny and I) went to Chuliabamba (sp?) for dinner - quite the spread! It was good to see Raul when he wasn't suffering from pollution allergies! We didn't stay long because Pastor and Lisa had to get back to put the kids to bed. Normally, they would not have been able to get away even for a short time but Gayle, Inez, and a Cuancano woman volunteered to "herd" the boys so they could get away for just a little while. Jenny felt somewhat better so enjoyed herself. She was still very tired (side effects of the allergy medicine, I think) so she went straight to bed when we got home.
Although I don't mention it every day, I usually spend my mornings printing tracts/information brochures for the church and English classes. Pastor's printer is pretty slow so it takes awhile; after printing them I cut and fold them.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
WEDNESDAY, 26 October 2016
Jenny has been sick all day, with either a cold or allergies, so she stayed in bed or the apartment all day. One of the Ecuadorian ladies who helps with the boys home gave her a pill that's supposed to help and some menthol salve (like Vicks) for the congestion. If she isn't better by tomorrow morning, I'll go to the pharmacia and get something else. I did get her some freshly squeezed orange juice at a nearby tienda - actually watched the lady squeeze it out of the oranges, and stopped by Supermaxi on the way back from the Gourmand Cafe (see below) and got her a larger bottle of natural orange juice.
Although Jenny was sick, my day was not idol. I went to the Gourmand Cafe to get some bulk coffee beans for the church. Silvia wasn't there so I dealt with a Cuencano lady who spoke no English; we made it okay though. However, she started talking about something totally unrelated to the coffee transaction and, even though I told her I didn't understand, she persisted in the conversation. I called Pastor Ken to talk with her; he told me she was saying something about rugs so he really didn't understand. So, I called Gerard; after he talked to her he told me she wanted to know if Ken had bought some rugs and how much he paid for them. Gerard translated to her that I knew nothing about that so would pass the message on to Pastor Ken when I got back - she was satisfied. When I told Pastor Ken what she had said, he said she had him confused with someone else because he knew nothing about any rugs. I sent a PM to Silvia about the conversation so I'm sure she will get it all straightened out.
Had a decent turn out for the Bible Study - Karina, her daughter Amy, and her two sons were there! After church, we ate pinto beans and rice! Talked to Danilo about upgrading my laptop to install a backlight for the keyboard; he said it could not be done. So, he's going to bring me, on Sunday, a small light to attach to the frame so I can see the keyboard at night. It's an option I could have gotten when I bought the laptop over a year ago but didn't see a need for it then; hindsight is 20/20!
So, the end of the day has come and I'm going to bed - no Netflix tonight.
Jenny has been sick all day, with either a cold or allergies, so she stayed in bed or the apartment all day. One of the Ecuadorian ladies who helps with the boys home gave her a pill that's supposed to help and some menthol salve (like Vicks) for the congestion. If she isn't better by tomorrow morning, I'll go to the pharmacia and get something else. I did get her some freshly squeezed orange juice at a nearby tienda - actually watched the lady squeeze it out of the oranges, and stopped by Supermaxi on the way back from the Gourmand Cafe (see below) and got her a larger bottle of natural orange juice.
Although Jenny was sick, my day was not idol. I went to the Gourmand Cafe to get some bulk coffee beans for the church. Silvia wasn't there so I dealt with a Cuencano lady who spoke no English; we made it okay though. However, she started talking about something totally unrelated to the coffee transaction and, even though I told her I didn't understand, she persisted in the conversation. I called Pastor Ken to talk with her; he told me she was saying something about rugs so he really didn't understand. So, I called Gerard; after he talked to her he told me she wanted to know if Ken had bought some rugs and how much he paid for them. Gerard translated to her that I knew nothing about that so would pass the message on to Pastor Ken when I got back - she was satisfied. When I told Pastor Ken what she had said, he said she had him confused with someone else because he knew nothing about any rugs. I sent a PM to Silvia about the conversation so I'm sure she will get it all straightened out.
Had a decent turn out for the Bible Study - Karina, her daughter Amy, and her two sons were there! After church, we ate pinto beans and rice! Talked to Danilo about upgrading my laptop to install a backlight for the keyboard; he said it could not be done. So, he's going to bring me, on Sunday, a small light to attach to the frame so I can see the keyboard at night. It's an option I could have gotten when I bought the laptop over a year ago but didn't see a need for it then; hindsight is 20/20!
So, the end of the day has come and I'm going to bed - no Netflix tonight.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
TUESDAY, 25 October 2016
A relatively calm day around the church and boys group home. We walked to Coral, got a few things, and back to the apartment. Kevin (the new kid) was around all day because whomever is responsible to do so has not found him a school to attend yet.
Cathy and Jeff came a little before lunch - Cathy prepared lunch for the boys. We visited some with them; they left for awhile then came back and were here for dinner of tacos (good!). After they left, we hung out in the church area and I played with Marisio, a kid of about 7-8 years old who is full of energy! I wrestled with him until his bedtime.
I called Rita Story, our neighbor, to see how things are going at home and to get an idea of what we can take back to her as a gift. Although she's lived next to me for as long as I've lived there, I've never really gotten to know her so wanted to find out what she would like!
Found out from Desiree that Antonio, her new fiance, is actually illegally in Ecuador; he is Peruvian. That definitely complicates their relationship because Desiree's mom wants them to get married in the States, which cannot happen because he can't apply for a Visa when he's here illegally! Oh well!
A relatively calm day around the church and boys group home. We walked to Coral, got a few things, and back to the apartment. Kevin (the new kid) was around all day because whomever is responsible to do so has not found him a school to attend yet.
Cathy and Jeff came a little before lunch - Cathy prepared lunch for the boys. We visited some with them; they left for awhile then came back and were here for dinner of tacos (good!). After they left, we hung out in the church area and I played with Marisio, a kid of about 7-8 years old who is full of energy! I wrestled with him until his bedtime.
I called Rita Story, our neighbor, to see how things are going at home and to get an idea of what we can take back to her as a gift. Although she's lived next to me for as long as I've lived there, I've never really gotten to know her so wanted to find out what she would like!
Found out from Desiree that Antonio, her new fiance, is actually illegally in Ecuador; he is Peruvian. That definitely complicates their relationship because Desiree's mom wants them to get married in the States, which cannot happen because he can't apply for a Visa when he's here illegally! Oh well!
MONDAY, 24 October 2016
Had sent an email to Brian at Gringo Network EC about an upcoming trip to "Poor Man's Galapogos", an island off the coast of Puerto Lopez on the west coast. Received an email reply stating more information is forthcoming and that there would be a meeting on this coming Sunday. So, there's hope for Jenny that we'll be able to see, up close and personal, some of the animals of Ecuador, all of which are also on the Galapogos Islands, just not as many.
The guy who works for Pastor came and repaired the Church roof; guess we'll know if he got every leak repaired the next time it rains really hard - we may not be here for that one.
Inez cooked for the boys so afterwards she stayed awhile and we played Mexican Train dominoes. Watched an episode of Supernatural, Jenny went to bed, I caught up on Facebook and emails, then to bed.
Oh, the 14 year old diagnosed psychotic kid came; we had very little interaction with him so nothing to say. Some government officials did bring a bed for him to sleep in; he's in a small room right next to us.
Found out that the guy who was baptized Sunday morning proposed to Desiree, Ken and Lisa's granddaughter.
Had sent an email to Brian at Gringo Network EC about an upcoming trip to "Poor Man's Galapogos", an island off the coast of Puerto Lopez on the west coast. Received an email reply stating more information is forthcoming and that there would be a meeting on this coming Sunday. So, there's hope for Jenny that we'll be able to see, up close and personal, some of the animals of Ecuador, all of which are also on the Galapogos Islands, just not as many.
The guy who works for Pastor came and repaired the Church roof; guess we'll know if he got every leak repaired the next time it rains really hard - we may not be here for that one.
Inez cooked for the boys so afterwards she stayed awhile and we played Mexican Train dominoes. Watched an episode of Supernatural, Jenny went to bed, I caught up on Facebook and emails, then to bed.
Oh, the 14 year old diagnosed psychotic kid came; we had very little interaction with him so nothing to say. Some government officials did bring a bed for him to sleep in; he's in a small room right next to us.
Found out that the guy who was baptized Sunday morning proposed to Desiree, Ken and Lisa's granddaughter.
SUNDAY, 23 October 2016
Nothing unusual for yesterday; pretty much hung around the Church area but walked to Supermaxi, got a few things, and back so Jenny could get her steps for yesterday.
Today, a good crowd for the morning services; Raul and Chelita were there - Raul was feeling better but left soon after the morning services because his allergies started acting up. They did invite us to their home for this coming Thursday, the 27th, along with Pastor Ken and Lisa. I asked Lisa about it this afternoon; Pastor said there's no way both can get away but Lisa said she would go but it would be a quick evening.
A decent turn-out for the evening services. It poured rain, harder than I'd ever seen, even during our previous visits! As a result, we discovered the roof over the "new" sanctuary had a few leaks. Karina nor her boys were at either service.
After some fellowship, everyone went home, we visited a little with Ken and Lisa, then to our apartment.
Buenos Noches!
Nothing unusual for yesterday; pretty much hung around the Church area but walked to Supermaxi, got a few things, and back so Jenny could get her steps for yesterday.
Today, a good crowd for the morning services; Raul and Chelita were there - Raul was feeling better but left soon after the morning services because his allergies started acting up. They did invite us to their home for this coming Thursday, the 27th, along with Pastor Ken and Lisa. I asked Lisa about it this afternoon; Pastor said there's no way both can get away but Lisa said she would go but it would be a quick evening.
A decent turn-out for the evening services. It poured rain, harder than I'd ever seen, even during our previous visits! As a result, we discovered the roof over the "new" sanctuary had a few leaks. Karina nor her boys were at either service.
After some fellowship, everyone went home, we visited a little with Ken and Lisa, then to our apartment.
Buenos Noches!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
FRIDAY, 21 October 2016
Had lunch with William Patricio, his wife (Elizabeth), and children (Emily & Esteban) in their beautiful home. Because of her school schedule, their other daughter, Belen, came home after we had eaten. We took Emily to her swim class, went to a Nice Cream/Tutto Freddo ice cream place for ice cream; picked Emily up, then they brought us back to the apartment. This is their anniversary weekend so William and Elizabeth are going to Ambato for a brief weekend getaway.
It is getting difficult to maintain internet connectivity; not sure where the problem is. I have to regularly reset my stuff but it doesn't last long. I asked Pastor Ken to reset his router to determine if the problem could be there but not sure right now if he did. If the problem isn't there, it must be with the provider, which is fairly common here because their "multi-user" and high speed technology is not nearly as good as that in the U.S. We watched a couple of episodes of Supernatural but signal kept dropping and had to download packets of data several times. Oh well, that's just Ecuador! :-)
Had lunch with William Patricio, his wife (Elizabeth), and children (Emily & Esteban) in their beautiful home. Because of her school schedule, their other daughter, Belen, came home after we had eaten. We took Emily to her swim class, went to a Nice Cream/Tutto Freddo ice cream place for ice cream; picked Emily up, then they brought us back to the apartment. This is their anniversary weekend so William and Elizabeth are going to Ambato for a brief weekend getaway.
It is getting difficult to maintain internet connectivity; not sure where the problem is. I have to regularly reset my stuff but it doesn't last long. I asked Pastor Ken to reset his router to determine if the problem could be there but not sure right now if he did. If the problem isn't there, it must be with the provider, which is fairly common here because their "multi-user" and high speed technology is not nearly as good as that in the U.S. We watched a couple of episodes of Supernatural but signal kept dropping and had to download packets of data several times. Oh well, that's just Ecuador! :-)
Friday, October 21, 2016
THURSDAY, 20 October 2016
In true government fashion, the problem discussed yesterday has possibly reached a conclusion; one not acceptable for the group home but one the government has decided will work. They psychotic boy will join the home next week; to resolve the space problem, they will remove one of the other boys and place him in another home! Consider all of the implications: a boy who has "settled in" with 13 other boys in a home with caring leaders will now be displaced, which cannot have a positive affect on his psyche; a 16 year old with anger issues and tendencies toward psychotic behavior will be placed with 13 other boys who, aside from minor theft and one with minor anger issues, have been together in a caring environment. I also heard today that this kid has molested other children, possibly some in this group! This kid is known by all of the boys (they spent time together in a Catholic orphanage/home before coming here) and none of them like him, including his brother! So, the tensions will increase tremendously for Ken, Lisa, Desiree, and the staff, not to mention the negative impact on an otherwise cohesive group of boys. Oh, to keep the boys' psychotic tendencies in check, he is heavily medicated and the meds will have to be administered to him here. Obviously, a very bad situation with possible catastrophic affects if he becomes violent. Nothing, as far as I know, can be done about his molestation of other boys.
At 12:30 met up with a couple from the church, Cathy and Jeff; we went over to Denise's house to play cards - a game called Hand and Foot. It was fun but too complicated for me!
Gayle. a lady in our church and a volunteer to help in the group home, cooked dinner of scalloped potatoes with ham and bacon mixed in. It was very good; Lisa it was the best meal she had had in a long time!
In true government fashion, the problem discussed yesterday has possibly reached a conclusion; one not acceptable for the group home but one the government has decided will work. They psychotic boy will join the home next week; to resolve the space problem, they will remove one of the other boys and place him in another home! Consider all of the implications: a boy who has "settled in" with 13 other boys in a home with caring leaders will now be displaced, which cannot have a positive affect on his psyche; a 16 year old with anger issues and tendencies toward psychotic behavior will be placed with 13 other boys who, aside from minor theft and one with minor anger issues, have been together in a caring environment. I also heard today that this kid has molested other children, possibly some in this group! This kid is known by all of the boys (they spent time together in a Catholic orphanage/home before coming here) and none of them like him, including his brother! So, the tensions will increase tremendously for Ken, Lisa, Desiree, and the staff, not to mention the negative impact on an otherwise cohesive group of boys. Oh, to keep the boys' psychotic tendencies in check, he is heavily medicated and the meds will have to be administered to him here. Obviously, a very bad situation with possible catastrophic affects if he becomes violent. Nothing, as far as I know, can be done about his molestation of other boys.
At 12:30 met up with a couple from the church, Cathy and Jeff; we went over to Denise's house to play cards - a game called Hand and Foot. It was fun but too complicated for me!
Gayle. a lady in our church and a volunteer to help in the group home, cooked dinner of scalloped potatoes with ham and bacon mixed in. It was very good; Lisa it was the best meal she had had in a long time!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
WEDNESDAY, 20 October 2016
Discovered, in a little detail, how the Ecuadorian authorities in a socialist government operates. When Pastor Ken and Lisa expanded their ministry into a group home for boys, he deliberately did not take any funds from the government, expecting that they could operate autonomously within the rules and regulations of the government. To set the stage, the government had determined that the capacity for this facility is 12 boys, although the boys group home had 14. This was okay with the childrens' services though because Ken had 14 beds. Yesterday, a local judge ordered that the home would accept one more boy, who is the older brother of one already here. However, this 16 year old is in the hospital psych ward, diagnosed with psychotic tendencies and violent outbreaks as a result of a violent temper. Pastor has been "fighting" this for a few weeks; one judge had already determined the home was not equipped to properly care for or accommodate this child. After that ruling, the child services department contacted another judge who ruled that he would be sent to this home. Understand things are much different here than in the U.S.; it was not an appeal because the judges are both local and "at the same level". I suspect some collusion and exchange of money to the second judge! The boy was scheduled to arrive today but Pastor Ken, through his government social worker, whose salary he is required to pay, told the court he had no extra bed for this boy because they only had 14 bed and was already operating at over capacity. Well,, the boy did not show up so things are still up in the air.
With that on our mind and the Church back home praying for a successful resolution, the day is over.
Discovered, in a little detail, how the Ecuadorian authorities in a socialist government operates. When Pastor Ken and Lisa expanded their ministry into a group home for boys, he deliberately did not take any funds from the government, expecting that they could operate autonomously within the rules and regulations of the government. To set the stage, the government had determined that the capacity for this facility is 12 boys, although the boys group home had 14. This was okay with the childrens' services though because Ken had 14 beds. Yesterday, a local judge ordered that the home would accept one more boy, who is the older brother of one already here. However, this 16 year old is in the hospital psych ward, diagnosed with psychotic tendencies and violent outbreaks as a result of a violent temper. Pastor has been "fighting" this for a few weeks; one judge had already determined the home was not equipped to properly care for or accommodate this child. After that ruling, the child services department contacted another judge who ruled that he would be sent to this home. Understand things are much different here than in the U.S.; it was not an appeal because the judges are both local and "at the same level". I suspect some collusion and exchange of money to the second judge! The boy was scheduled to arrive today but Pastor Ken, through his government social worker, whose salary he is required to pay, told the court he had no extra bed for this boy because they only had 14 bed and was already operating at over capacity. Well,, the boy did not show up so things are still up in the air.
With that on our mind and the Church back home praying for a successful resolution, the day is over.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
MONDAY, 18 October 2016
Met up with Gerard Tretton for a late breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe then visited his property in Loma Linda. No house construction has begun but the property line stone fence is up, the land has been somewhat cleared (much more than when we went up there last year). There is still a tremendous view of Cuenca from his place.
Went to Coral Central for a few things then hung out around the church with the boys. More of them seem to be interacting with me, which is a good thing.
Met up with Gerard Tretton for a late breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe then visited his property in Loma Linda. No house construction has begun but the property line stone fence is up, the land has been somewhat cleared (much more than when we went up there last year). There is still a tremendous view of Cuenca from his place.
Went to Coral Central for a few things then hung out around the church with the boys. More of them seem to be interacting with me, which is a good thing.
SUNDAY, 16 October 2016,
Although not as many as we had for the special day last Sunday, we had a good attendance today. Some "bugs" had been worked out since last Sunday; exhaust fans at the ceiling, fans on the floor, a screen to display the songs and a fake ceiling (partially, rest will be done later) for better acoustics and will reduce the heat. I am pleased at the mixture of Cuencanos and Gringos who attend the services, a few of the Gringos were here last year but most are new since then.
Had a great Skype chat with Monica and Angela; Hunter, Jay, Brianna, and Derrell appeared occasionally. Jenny and I took a short nap before evening services. Wondering how the Old Fashioned Day services went back home; special guest was Bruce Frye. We had a low attendance for the evening services, or so it seemed to me based on last year as best I can remember. Instead of speaking from the pulpit, Pastor Ken had us put our chairs in a circle and, although he presented a message on Saints (who and where "they" are), he opened it up for a little bit of responses and discussion.
Then, to our apartment, watched another episode of Supernatural then to bed.
Had a great Skype chat with Monica and Angela; Hunter, Jay, Brianna, and Derrell appeared occasionally. Jenny and I took a short nap before evening services. Wondering how the Old Fashioned Day services went back home; special guest was Bruce Frye. We had a low attendance for the evening services, or so it seemed to me based on last year as best I can remember. Instead of speaking from the pulpit, Pastor Ken had us put our chairs in a circle and, although he presented a message on Saints (who and where "they" are), he opened it up for a little bit of responses and discussion.
Then, to our apartment, watched another episode of Supernatural then to bed.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
SATURDAY, 15 October, 2016
Really nothing to write about the past couple of days. I do what I can to interact with some of the boys but most just don't seem too interested in getting out of their "comfort zone", whatever that may be. Because of the age differences, they seem to group together. Of course, because of my shortcomings in speaking Spanish, I can't really keep up with them, although Google Translate and I try.
Today, we caught a bus and went to El Centro; we wanted to see if Mercedes was still there; we wrote about her last year. She has her own little tienda (shop) on one of the side streets of the San Francisco Plaza. She was there and remembered us, although she had forgotten our names - that's okay because I probably would have forgotten hers had I not had it written in my little notebook. Hugs all around and she brought us up-to-date about what's going on with the merchants in the plaza - the city of Cuenca is, at some date, going to relocate them but no decision has been made as to when and where to. Jenny bought some souvenir make-up bags for each of her friends in the ladies group back home. At another merchant in the plaza, I bought an "Ecuador" futbol (soccer) shirt; I'll wear it this afternoon to impress the boys! We got some of the delicious ice cream then caught the bus back to the church.
I am eating more fruit here, especially strawberries - they are fresh and sweet.
Really nothing to write about the past couple of days. I do what I can to interact with some of the boys but most just don't seem too interested in getting out of their "comfort zone", whatever that may be. Because of the age differences, they seem to group together. Of course, because of my shortcomings in speaking Spanish, I can't really keep up with them, although Google Translate and I try.
Today, we caught a bus and went to El Centro; we wanted to see if Mercedes was still there; we wrote about her last year. She has her own little tienda (shop) on one of the side streets of the San Francisco Plaza. She was there and remembered us, although she had forgotten our names - that's okay because I probably would have forgotten hers had I not had it written in my little notebook. Hugs all around and she brought us up-to-date about what's going on with the merchants in the plaza - the city of Cuenca is, at some date, going to relocate them but no decision has been made as to when and where to. Jenny bought some souvenir make-up bags for each of her friends in the ladies group back home. At another merchant in the plaza, I bought an "Ecuador" futbol (soccer) shirt; I'll wear it this afternoon to impress the boys! We got some of the delicious ice cream then caught the bus back to the church.
I am eating more fruit here, especially strawberries - they are fresh and sweet.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
WEDNESDAY, 12 October 2016
Today is my daughter Angela's birthday!
We went for a late breakfast with Raul and Chelita to the Sunshine Café in El Centro. It is a popular gringo hangout; the place was practically full of them. Frank, a Cuban who worked at the Domesan restaurant, where we ate at several times last year, is working there now. Don't know if I mentioined it in previous posts but the Domesan is no more; it has been replaced by an Indian (India) restaurant. Raul's sinuses are still causing problems so after a little shopping at one of the Corals, they brought us back to the church then went home. Apparently the climate of Cuenca bothers him; they live in a small town a few miles outside of Cuenca where the air is better; not as much pollution from cars and buses.
A good evening at Bible Study; the women went to their own classes this week (they do that every other week). The speaker in the men's study was William; I understood very little but I'm sure it was good since he puts a lot of work into it. Afterwards, a time of fellowship then to our room, watched part of an episode of Supernatural then to bed.
Today is my daughter Angela's birthday!
We went for a late breakfast with Raul and Chelita to the Sunshine Café in El Centro. It is a popular gringo hangout; the place was practically full of them. Frank, a Cuban who worked at the Domesan restaurant, where we ate at several times last year, is working there now. Don't know if I mentioined it in previous posts but the Domesan is no more; it has been replaced by an Indian (India) restaurant. Raul's sinuses are still causing problems so after a little shopping at one of the Corals, they brought us back to the church then went home. Apparently the climate of Cuenca bothers him; they live in a small town a few miles outside of Cuenca where the air is better; not as much pollution from cars and buses.
A good evening at Bible Study; the women went to their own classes this week (they do that every other week). The speaker in the men's study was William; I understood very little but I'm sure it was good since he puts a lot of work into it. Afterwards, a time of fellowship then to our room, watched part of an episode of Supernatural then to bed.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
TUESDAY, 11 October 2016
Pretty much uneventful around the church. However, we did have a wonderful lunch at Gourmand Café, owned and operated by a lady from our Church - Sylvia Paredes. Her primary specialty is baking so I would say that's why it is a café instead of a restaurant.
We spent the evening visiting with Ken, Lisa, and the boys. Kathy and Jeff ?? were here for awhile. Kathy volunteers to cook evening meals for the boys; I'm not sure if she does it every week. The group home for the boys would not make it if it were not for all of the volunteers who come on a regular basis to help watch the boys, cook, etc. Three or four girls who are studying psychology in college come to help as part of their psychology courses, but usually they are overseeing the boys during playtime.
Es un gran diá!
Pretty much uneventful around the church. However, we did have a wonderful lunch at Gourmand Café, owned and operated by a lady from our Church - Sylvia Paredes. Her primary specialty is baking so I would say that's why it is a café instead of a restaurant.
We spent the evening visiting with Ken, Lisa, and the boys. Kathy and Jeff ?? were here for awhile. Kathy volunteers to cook evening meals for the boys; I'm not sure if she does it every week. The group home for the boys would not make it if it were not for all of the volunteers who come on a regular basis to help watch the boys, cook, etc. Three or four girls who are studying psychology in college come to help as part of their psychology courses, but usually they are overseeing the boys during playtime.
Es un gran diá!
Monday, October 10, 2016
MONDAY, 10 OCTOBER, 2016
Not an especially different day; we did walk to the SuperMaxi on Don Bosco that had been built since we left last year, about 2.5km/31 minutes. Bought a few things then went back to our apartment, rested a little. I found a weed trimmer in Pastor Ken's storage room so I trimmed around all the walkways and flower beds.
Supper with the Weavers and boys, then to our apartment to wind down, watch Netflix, then to bed. By the way, one of the reasons I'm keeping this blog is so we will remember our activites! I just noticed the time stamp on each post, it's two hours slow because it's showing Pacific Daylight Time when it should actually be Eastern Standard time because Ecuador does not do daylight savings. So, I manually changed it to the correct time; we'll see how that works out. :-)
Not an especially different day; we did walk to the SuperMaxi on Don Bosco that had been built since we left last year, about 2.5km/31 minutes. Bought a few things then went back to our apartment, rested a little. I found a weed trimmer in Pastor Ken's storage room so I trimmed around all the walkways and flower beds.
Supper with the Weavers and boys, then to our apartment to wind down, watch Netflix, then to bed. By the way, one of the reasons I'm keeping this blog is so we will remember our activites! I just noticed the time stamp on each post, it's two hours slow because it's showing Pacific Daylight Time when it should actually be Eastern Standard time because Ecuador does not do daylight savings. So, I manually changed it to the correct time; we'll see how that works out. :-)
Today is Monday, 10 October so I'm behind, since we've been here since last Tuesday, the 4th. We were actually in Guayaquil on the 4th because we arrived at about 9:30. By the time we got through Emigration and Customs and to our room in the Continental Hotel, it was almost midnight. Getting through Customs wasn't as easy as when we came last year; we actually had to get in the line that was "checked" by them. The "check" involved sending our luggage through an x-ray machine.
We aren't quite as involved as we were last year, although I did trim the edges of the grassy areas today. We thought we would be able to help more than we are with the group home but it seems they have sufficient volunteers and paid full-time staff (psychiatrist, social worker, and housekeeper) to meet their needs. About all I've been able to figure out I can do is just interact with some of the boys during their free time in the afternoon and evening, but that isn't really much because, like boys their ages in the States, most are absorbed in being on the computers (two we brought with us), internet, and Sony PlayStation 4 (that we brought with us as well).
So, this will not be a day-by-day operation, unless there's something to share or just remember. Since this is a catch-up, I will break down days as reflected below.
TUESDAY, 4 October 2016
Mike and Judy Hall picked us up and took us to the airport to catch our flight to Guayaquil Ecuador; it's easier to fly into there and get alternate transportation than getting connecting flights through either Quito or Guayaquil - either would involve an all night stay, either in the airport or a hotel. Of course we did stop at Cracker Barrel in Madison before we went to the airport.
We checked our luggage in, went to the waiting area near the TSA checkpoint, visited with Mike and Judy for awhile then, with about less than an hour to board, we made our way through the checkpoint - our first inconvenience of the trip. I am carrying two new laptops and a Sony Playstation 4 for the group home in Cuenca in my carry-on bag; I also packed all of Jenny's vitamins in her carry-on bag. When I went through the first TSA check point to verify ID and Passport, the guy told me it was no longer necessary to remove the electronics so I didn't. As the two carry-ons went through the x-ray scanner, the operator told me they would need to be opened and checked by another agent because she could not identify the contents. So, after another agent got the bags and proceeded to remove items to visually determine contents, particularly the electronic devices and pill bottles. The scanner could not "see through" the electronics or the pill bottles to determine contents in the bottles or other contents in the carry-on's, thus the manual check. I had forgotten I had a D-ring attached to one of the strap rings with a knife attached so they confiscated that - it was just one of those things I left attached when traveling in the car so I would have it if needed. There was no problem, I just explained I had forgotten it was there.
The rest of the trip went well; American Airlines actually gave each passenger a small bag of mini-pretzels on legs between Huntsville & Charlotte as well as Charlotte to Miami. We had a small meal on the Miami-Guayaquil leg.
Raul Fernandez and Chelita Burbano (husband & wife) met us at the airport and took us to our hotel, the Continental. As previously mentioned, it was midnight so after we got checked in and into our rooms, it was bedtime!
WEDNESDAY, 5 October 2016
After a needed night's rest, we met Raul and Chelita in the dining area of the hotel for our full breakfast, which was included with our reservations. Raul was suffering from severe allergies but wanted to hang out in Guayaquil for awhile so we walked to the Iguana Park, the very large open market, then walked along the Malecon for a bit. Although I think he had planned to stay in Guayaquil longer, his allergies were so painful, we agreed that we should get to Cuenca where the air is not so bad and he could rest better. Although suffering, he drove a little while then Chelita took over so he could rest. However, when we got closer to the Cajas mountain range and park, he drove again. We stopped to get a bite to eat so I offered to drive so he could relax and rest, sleep if needed. To my surprise, Raul agreed so I drove the rest of the way across the mountains! It was no big deal. However, when we got into the Cuenca city limits, Raul began driving, at my previous request, because I felt I was not ready for that experience!
We arrived at Iglesia Bautista de la Gente a little after 5 pm; visited with Pastor Ken and Lisa; Raul and Chelita left for their home and we settled into our cozy, comfortable apartment on the Church grounds but separate from the main building. It has two overstuffed chairs, a queen sized bed, closets, a round table and two chairs, just right for two. There's also a kitchenette area, with a refrigerator, coffee pot, and microwave oven; a restroom with a sink and shower. We have no stove so to cook, we can use either the stove in the Church fellowship area or the one in the main kitchen. So, I think we will do just fine.
Since it is Wednesday, we attended the services; hooked up with friends we knew from last year and met some new ones who are coming since after we left. Afterwards, it was a nice time of fellowship; after all of that, we went to our room and crashed - we were both exhausted. Raul is still not well so he and Chelita were not there; Karina Padilla made it during the fellowship time; she thought she wouldn't be there at all to welcome us back but her daughter, Amy, got home earlier than expected so she came over.
SATURDAY, 8 October 2016
Not anything special to write about for Thursday and Friday; we got acclimated to the new area and shopped for a few groceries.
Today was a big day because we had lots of work to do to get the new "outside" sanctuary completed before the services tomorrow. God is so blessing this ministry with new people all the time; so many that they have outgrown the indoors facility on Sundays. So, Pastor Ken and others converted the driveway area between the church and exterior property wall into a covered sanctuary; it is very nice. However, there was a lot to clean, a tarp to hang on one end of the area and, did I mention cleaning! Several men and a couple of women came over to help and we actually got everything done, including chairs in place.
We are having dinner with the group home boys and interacting with them in the evenings after homework, dinner, and showers. These boys come from broken homes, some were living on the streets, some are orphans. Previously, they were in a Catholic orphanage where they weren't really taught much of anything, so things are not quite "calm" yet but Pastor Ken, Lisa, and Desire are doing great at changing their attitudes and disciplines.
Gary Rovetto came over; he and I prepared 152 hamburgers for tomorrow's celebration of the new sanctuary; we cooked 120 of them.
SUNDAY, 9 October 2016
A big day at Church! We had close to 100 people; I'm sure that's a record! Everyone seemed to like the new sanctuary, although there are still some minor things to work out, one being it was too bright for the projector to show the songs. That problem was foreseen though because we were given the songs on paper. Pastor Ken preached a great salvation message.
As soon as the last "Amen" was said, the mad rush to eat began. It's a good thing we cooked burgers last night! We also cooked about 160 hot dogs. There were other food items but I don't know what they were because by the time Gary and I had all of the burgers warmed, the other 32 cooked, and the hot dogs cooked, the other food was gone. There were a few hot dog buns left, only because some took their "dog" without buns. All in all, it was a great turn-out and fellowship.
There were no evening services so we hung out around the Church and visited with Pastor Ken and Lisa, and a few of the church members, as well as some of the boys.
Since there are no TV's on the premises, we are using our laptops to access the internet; so far we've watched a couple of episodes of "Supernatural" on Netflix. By then, Jenny is ready for bed so I check my FB and e-mails and try to find some news to read. I had a difficult time finding a source for the college football results from yesterday, but finally located them and found out Alabama won - Roll Tide!
We aren't quite as involved as we were last year, although I did trim the edges of the grassy areas today. We thought we would be able to help more than we are with the group home but it seems they have sufficient volunteers and paid full-time staff (psychiatrist, social worker, and housekeeper) to meet their needs. About all I've been able to figure out I can do is just interact with some of the boys during their free time in the afternoon and evening, but that isn't really much because, like boys their ages in the States, most are absorbed in being on the computers (two we brought with us), internet, and Sony PlayStation 4 (that we brought with us as well).
So, this will not be a day-by-day operation, unless there's something to share or just remember. Since this is a catch-up, I will break down days as reflected below.
TUESDAY, 4 October 2016
Mike and Judy Hall picked us up and took us to the airport to catch our flight to Guayaquil Ecuador; it's easier to fly into there and get alternate transportation than getting connecting flights through either Quito or Guayaquil - either would involve an all night stay, either in the airport or a hotel. Of course we did stop at Cracker Barrel in Madison before we went to the airport.
We checked our luggage in, went to the waiting area near the TSA checkpoint, visited with Mike and Judy for awhile then, with about less than an hour to board, we made our way through the checkpoint - our first inconvenience of the trip. I am carrying two new laptops and a Sony Playstation 4 for the group home in Cuenca in my carry-on bag; I also packed all of Jenny's vitamins in her carry-on bag. When I went through the first TSA check point to verify ID and Passport, the guy told me it was no longer necessary to remove the electronics so I didn't. As the two carry-ons went through the x-ray scanner, the operator told me they would need to be opened and checked by another agent because she could not identify the contents. So, after another agent got the bags and proceeded to remove items to visually determine contents, particularly the electronic devices and pill bottles. The scanner could not "see through" the electronics or the pill bottles to determine contents in the bottles or other contents in the carry-on's, thus the manual check. I had forgotten I had a D-ring attached to one of the strap rings with a knife attached so they confiscated that - it was just one of those things I left attached when traveling in the car so I would have it if needed. There was no problem, I just explained I had forgotten it was there.
The rest of the trip went well; American Airlines actually gave each passenger a small bag of mini-pretzels on legs between Huntsville & Charlotte as well as Charlotte to Miami. We had a small meal on the Miami-Guayaquil leg.
Raul Fernandez and Chelita Burbano (husband & wife) met us at the airport and took us to our hotel, the Continental. As previously mentioned, it was midnight so after we got checked in and into our rooms, it was bedtime!
WEDNESDAY, 5 October 2016
After a needed night's rest, we met Raul and Chelita in the dining area of the hotel for our full breakfast, which was included with our reservations. Raul was suffering from severe allergies but wanted to hang out in Guayaquil for awhile so we walked to the Iguana Park, the very large open market, then walked along the Malecon for a bit. Although I think he had planned to stay in Guayaquil longer, his allergies were so painful, we agreed that we should get to Cuenca where the air is not so bad and he could rest better. Although suffering, he drove a little while then Chelita took over so he could rest. However, when we got closer to the Cajas mountain range and park, he drove again. We stopped to get a bite to eat so I offered to drive so he could relax and rest, sleep if needed. To my surprise, Raul agreed so I drove the rest of the way across the mountains! It was no big deal. However, when we got into the Cuenca city limits, Raul began driving, at my previous request, because I felt I was not ready for that experience!
We arrived at Iglesia Bautista de la Gente a little after 5 pm; visited with Pastor Ken and Lisa; Raul and Chelita left for their home and we settled into our cozy, comfortable apartment on the Church grounds but separate from the main building. It has two overstuffed chairs, a queen sized bed, closets, a round table and two chairs, just right for two. There's also a kitchenette area, with a refrigerator, coffee pot, and microwave oven; a restroom with a sink and shower. We have no stove so to cook, we can use either the stove in the Church fellowship area or the one in the main kitchen. So, I think we will do just fine.
Since it is Wednesday, we attended the services; hooked up with friends we knew from last year and met some new ones who are coming since after we left. Afterwards, it was a nice time of fellowship; after all of that, we went to our room and crashed - we were both exhausted. Raul is still not well so he and Chelita were not there; Karina Padilla made it during the fellowship time; she thought she wouldn't be there at all to welcome us back but her daughter, Amy, got home earlier than expected so she came over.
SATURDAY, 8 October 2016
Not anything special to write about for Thursday and Friday; we got acclimated to the new area and shopped for a few groceries.
Today was a big day because we had lots of work to do to get the new "outside" sanctuary completed before the services tomorrow. God is so blessing this ministry with new people all the time; so many that they have outgrown the indoors facility on Sundays. So, Pastor Ken and others converted the driveway area between the church and exterior property wall into a covered sanctuary; it is very nice. However, there was a lot to clean, a tarp to hang on one end of the area and, did I mention cleaning! Several men and a couple of women came over to help and we actually got everything done, including chairs in place.
We are having dinner with the group home boys and interacting with them in the evenings after homework, dinner, and showers. These boys come from broken homes, some were living on the streets, some are orphans. Previously, they were in a Catholic orphanage where they weren't really taught much of anything, so things are not quite "calm" yet but Pastor Ken, Lisa, and Desire are doing great at changing their attitudes and disciplines.
Gary Rovetto came over; he and I prepared 152 hamburgers for tomorrow's celebration of the new sanctuary; we cooked 120 of them.
SUNDAY, 9 October 2016
A big day at Church! We had close to 100 people; I'm sure that's a record! Everyone seemed to like the new sanctuary, although there are still some minor things to work out, one being it was too bright for the projector to show the songs. That problem was foreseen though because we were given the songs on paper. Pastor Ken preached a great salvation message.
As soon as the last "Amen" was said, the mad rush to eat began. It's a good thing we cooked burgers last night! We also cooked about 160 hot dogs. There were other food items but I don't know what they were because by the time Gary and I had all of the burgers warmed, the other 32 cooked, and the hot dogs cooked, the other food was gone. There were a few hot dog buns left, only because some took their "dog" without buns. All in all, it was a great turn-out and fellowship.
There were no evening services so we hung out around the Church and visited with Pastor Ken and Lisa, and a few of the church members, as well as some of the boys.
Since there are no TV's on the premises, we are using our laptops to access the internet; so far we've watched a couple of episodes of "Supernatural" on Netflix. By then, Jenny is ready for bed so I check my FB and e-mails and try to find some news to read. I had a difficult time finding a source for the college football results from yesterday, but finally located them and found out Alabama won - Roll Tide!
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Thursday, August 25, 2016. Thought I would get this new blog established so I wouldn't have to worry with it when we leave. Airline tickets are purchased, overnight accommodations in Guayaquil are made, accommodations in Cuenca are made so now we wait until a few days before departure on October 4th to get packed and ready!
Our friends, Raul Fernandez and Chelita Burbano will be meeting us at the airport when we arrive on the 4th around 9:30 or so! Wow, such dear people! We will spend the night in a local hotel, the Hotel Continental. We will do some "tourist" stuff the next day; e.g., visit the Iguana Park (we didn't do it last year); Chelita and Jenny also plan on some shopping before we leave. At some point, I don't know when, we will go to Cuenca.
Lisa Weaver has confirmed our "reservations" in the church's guest house, a private two-room and bath located on the church property. When we first made plans, she wasn't sure there would be room on the property but now there will be because the lady who was staying there moved.
Our friends, Raul Fernandez and Chelita Burbano will be meeting us at the airport when we arrive on the 4th around 9:30 or so! Wow, such dear people! We will spend the night in a local hotel, the Hotel Continental. We will do some "tourist" stuff the next day; e.g., visit the Iguana Park (we didn't do it last year); Chelita and Jenny also plan on some shopping before we leave. At some point, I don't know when, we will go to Cuenca.
Lisa Weaver has confirmed our "reservations" in the church's guest house, a private two-room and bath located on the church property. When we first made plans, she wasn't sure there would be room on the property but now there will be because the lady who was staying there moved.
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