I am so tired of loneliness!!!!!!

Musings from Quito

We arrived in Quito April 22, and Rocky had training from Monday – Thursday and He was about meeting out…. Over the weekend we just hung out so Rocky could rest up. Dorothy was ready to get because she had been holding down the fort while Rocky, Fletcher and Ruby were doing all kinds of important stuff. Saturday we met Al and Anna for lunch because they were leaving for state side and we would not be seeing them again. Sunday we went to church at the Spanish Baptist church that is in the neighborhood. Really enjoy singing hymns even in Spanish because they are so familiar. Went home to a lovely lunch that Ruby and I had prepared. Monday we waited and wondered about the house deal and what was happening with it. Monday afternoon we moved over to apt 1007. It is always so fun to hang out at Ruby’s and Fletcher’s but you after 3 days guest begin to smell…lol Tuesday rocky had dr. appointment for a checkup and had lab work. He will go back to Dr. and get results on Monday 14th. Havn’t eaten to much fast food because not on our diet but ok. I made French fried radishes last night and not to bad!! Rocky left for Suriname Saturday 5th at 4:00 am and I have been hanging out with the bird… When we were up here in Jan. I had had a checkup with the dr. and she had wanted me to have an ultra sound on my breast but we were heading back to Zomora and told her I would get it when we came back to Quito and she had said that was ok. So on Monday I went over to the place they do all of these different test. Awesome place, so clean and state of the art machines and everyone is so kind…. I made an appointment for 3:00 and was told to bring my mammogram results with me and as how the dr gave me all of the test results when I was here in Jan… I had them. Went back at 2:30 for appointment..It cost 40.00 and was given my results with the pictures in 30 min. after the test. The test in Spanish is called Ecografia de Mamas The breast are called “The Mamas” Anyway it all looks just find and will see Dr. at 3:00 today for results. About to go and have coffee with Cindy and Ruby at one of the Malls……

More Photos

Flowers from the yard.

Me ready for Loja and Super Maxi!!

Rock in the road from a landslide.. Would not want to tangle with that one.

Popcorn

I think I could just about live on popcorn.... the crunching so satisfies my cravings! I am really enjoying making it in the microwave with a brown paper sack... I like it with just quick sprinkle of salt. But just now put some in to pop and when it came out, I opened the bag and sprinkled a package of splenda and a few generous sprinkles of cinnamon and shook the bag really good..... YUMMMMMY! Sorry do not have a photo... Eat it to fast. haha

Childrens Class

Tonia and Ruben were both baptized on Saturday.

This couple lives at Naichap and they just lost a new born son. They have never been to bible study before but have come the last two time. Pray for their hearts to be soft to the calling of Jesus!!

Misc. photos

Kiddos hanging out on a Saturday morning and munching on some kind of fruit/something from the jungle...

The church building in Naichap

The trail back to the church. It is always so dark and muddy! Friday night there was a big old snake that they had to kill!!! Thank goodness I did not walk back there that night....It will be rubber boots from now on!!!!!

Hermana Dorti and Miss Rubi!!!

Baptism Service

What a glorious way to spend Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday!!! We had a baptism service for 5 new believers. There were two young people from Naichap and what a blessing for Rocky and I to get to stand in the gap with these precious folks as their families had to work and could not be there for them. Ruben and Tonia. There was three from Manchanatza and one of the ladies is very sick with a type of arthritis all over her body and it is effecting her internal organs. Was not to long ago that she was on her death bed. She has become a christian and wanted to be baptized. It was awesome when she came up out of the water her arms were reaching for heaven and OH the Light and Joy on her face!!!

Proverbs 31 woman ,One Virtue at a Time

I started reading an E-Book today: it is free when you subscribe to the blog. http://homeschoolgiveaways.com/2012/03/free-proverbs-31-woman-virtue-time/ A noble wife is rare and extraordinary – just like a ruby. A noble wife is a treasure to her husband – just like a ruby. Do you want to be extraordinary and a treasure to your husband? Then we need to learn to possess a NOBLE character. So let me tell you what a wife of noble character does not look like: 1. She does not rival her husband. 2. She does not mope around and complain about her housework. 3. She does not overspend and put her family into debt. 4. She is not bored, discontent, greedy or selfish. 5. She does not gossip and slander others. 6. She does not spend her days doing leisurely shopping, texting, emailing, web browsing, watching late night movies, and sleeping in. 7. She does not criticize, mock, or disrespect her husband. 8. She does not have children and a husband who embarrass her. 9. She does not let her outer beauty take precedence over her inner beauty. 10. She does not take God’s word lightly. A wife of noble character, who can find? She is rare! And when she is found – her value is priceless! She is a treasure to her husband. I want to be that ruby! In order to become like the Proverbs 31 woman, we must humble ourselves and see our flaws. We must be willing to change some things – our attitudes, our thought patterns, our work ethic, our words, and what we spend our time on. But by God’s grace, you can become a woman of noble character! So for today, begin by evaluating yourself against the list above. Which character quality are you weak in? Pray and ask God for the strength to change! OOCH! I HAVE WORK TO DO ON THIS VIRTUE. Lord help me to become a noble wife to Rocky.

Our sweet language helper

Carlos our precious language helper/FRIEND came over for super and fellowship this week and he brought us a big bag of freshly picked oranges and they are so full of flavor and juice. We will miss Carlos. Carlos is a very humble christian. He teaches at the high school here in Zomora.

Flowers

Roses and Gardenias do so well in this climate and the house smells so good with Gardenias. Thanks Rocky for taking care of the yard and flower garden!

Semana Santa

In Latin America this week is Holy week and the people lift up the cross in hopes of earning God's favor. They do not see the resurrection, power, and His grace!

Diet

Rocky and I have been on southbeach phase 1 since March 19 and we are doing well. South beach is a lot of work in the states with walmart but in Zomora it is a whole lot of work but we have done well. Rocky has lost 10 lbs,,,,,I have lost 3 1/2,,,,,,I had already lost 9 lbs by just eating less. The thing now is that I am flabby!!!!!

Short time

We just have a short time left here with the group at Naichap. Rocky and I are ready for a break so we are looking forward to being back in Texas July27.....It will be sad to say good bye to the group and those special kiddos!!!!

mosquitos

One day last week our gate was buzzed and Rocky went to see who it was. it was a man wearing a silver hard hat and asking about mosquitos. he came on in the yard and ask if we had any aquatic plants and looked around. Rocky has some bamboo that he used for building and the man looked in it to see if there was water and said all looked good and left.

leaders

Hermano Felipe from Manchanatza has taught on 1Timothy3 about overseers and deacons and so last week the group at Naichap anointed and prayed over 4 of the believers, the youngest is Elmer at 18 years old is the secretary for the group. Carlos, Friorela, and Monica are anointed as deacons for the group. It was a very moving service and I am so blessed to be a part of this humble group!!!!

Unity

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ~ Philippians 2:3-4, NIV



My prayer today is "Father teach me and lead me to value others above myself." Do not let my actions come from selfish ambition but out of love.

Learning

I have been learning about how we bring glory to God by the way we act and react in difficult times.

We were created to bring glory to God but so much of the time I am thinking when or how or if I do this or that I will bring God glory. In essence just being God's child and walking in the spirit is to bring glory to God.

That brings me back to being and not doing! Just what i am thinking about today.

Reading

today I have been reading an e-book by the author of the The time warp wife.
"Messy-Faces" It has been very entertaining. Children are so fun!!!!

I have had the blessed privilege of the two little boys from next door to come over and visit for an hour or so and it has been so fun. Miguel is the same age as Braden and he is taking english classes at school and so he likes to practice and I like to practice my Spanish. Brother is 4 years old and full of life! He always calls me by name and I love to here him say it. Darati. Yesterday when they came over we played Uno and that was fun.

The first day

Today we began southbeach again! Rocky keeps saying it will be suffering!! lol it is not so bad! For breakfast we had flax seed pancakes topped with cream cheese that has splenda and maple flavoring, homemade breakfast sausage, an egg, and tomato juice.YUMMMMY Mid morning we had a boiled egg, hummus with cucumber. not bad!
Lunch Salad, gazpacho, broccoli, ground beef patty, with sugar free jello. Now we are having a cup of decaf coffee with a little flavoring (Rocky-Vanilla)(me- cinnamon)and a little milk.
And we still have a snack and supper and desert still to go today!

About 11:00am Rocky came down to the kitchen and I ask him if he was hungry and he said no he was good. I had a big pan of broccoli sitting on the stove to roast for lunch and I said lunch is going to really good and Rocky looked at the broccoli and had a disbelieving look on his face. to funny.

Today

I am thinking...Where will I be next year at this time?

I am thankful...For so many things! God is so good to me,,,,I have so many things that make life so much easier.

In the kitchen... Dirty breakfast dishes and marinating chicken that will be fajitas for lunch. Need to get tortillas made now.

I am wearing...Jeans and My favorite "Deep in the heart of Texas" T-shirt.

I am creating...An embroidery piece about loving deeply.

I am going... To Naichap today for bible study.

I am wondering...If we will get approval for the house in Qualaquiza and will move there.

I am reading...Exodus 14 today. Parting of the Red Sea!!! The Israelites were so human...14:12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!

I am hoping...For a clear answer as to whether we are going to the states to stay in July or returning to Ecuador in October.

I am looking forward to...April 11-13, Rocky and I have to go to Quito and on the way we are planning to stay in Banos for 3 nights and just chill!

I am hearing...The birds and the rooster and Rocky practicing Spanish upstairs.

Around the house..Clutter( It is me you know)

I am pondering...If I will stay true to a study on

One of my favorite things...Little children!!!!! I am exciting because tonight I will get lots of hugs and hand holding!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week:Keeping the house going!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

River Baptism service!

Dust Bunnies

I remember my mom talking about cleaning the dust bunnies out of the house. I think that maybe since there is so much carpet in the states that maybe we do not have as many these days. I do not know, but in Latin America especially under my bed they are not only bunnies but full grown Jack Rabbits!!!! Today was the day to clean some of them out. So instead of standing on my head with broom to evict the rascals, I use my blow dryer and get on the back side of the bed and let them have it!!!!When finish I walk around the bed and WOW! It was a dust bunnie farm today.
Later I was thinking about them being mostly under the bed, and I was wondering if maybe they get scared and hide under the bed. Just a thought.

Blessings

Today Rocky and I left early to go over to Qualaquiza where we are planning to move and be much closer to our people group. We have found a house there to rent but it needs some North American amenities, ( window screens, kitchen cabinets, and security bars on doors and windows. To get this work approved we have to get 2 bids for each thing. Gualaquiza is a very small Ecuadoran town so we were thinking it would be really difficult to get 2 of each of the bids. We went over early and got to key from the neighbor and had another look inside.
We went into town to find someone to get the first bid and we encountered a young man at the first cabinet shop named David and he speaks great English. David has been in New York for 3 years and had been back just a short time and is waiting on a visa so he can return to the states. He helped us and translated for us several times today and we were able to get all of the bids we need(we hope). When we said good bye to David this evening we told him what an amazing blessing he was to us and he said that many people had helped him when he was a stranger in the states.
Pray that we have a chance to share the gospel with David and his family. He has a wife and little girl that he leaves behind.

"BE or DO"

God doesn't call me to "do"
He calls me to"be"
I heard it said once that stress happens when our agenda is in conflict with His agenda.

Today let my focus be on the "BE"

Rocky just got back from up the river visiting Shuar village of Shakai and there is a husband and wife that have chosen to follow Jesus. Praises to God! This couple have 10 children. There was a flood in !998 and this couple had 5 children that drown in the flood. As Joyce reminded me that God has now restored 2 fold with 10 kiddos!!!

My prayer for these new believers at the moment comes from Ephesians 1:17-20, that the glorious Father may give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may know him better. That the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened in order that they may know the hope to which he has called them, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for those who believe. God's Word says that as believers, we have the same power within us that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in His heavenly kingdom. That's kind of a big deal. May we recognize and live in the power He grants us and may they do the same.

Green Chillies

Ok these little babies stayed in the frig yesterday, but today they just had to bless our table.

Coming out of the frig.
Going into the oven.
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Ladies Retreat

We are having a ladies retreat Feb.28-March 2 at Banos. We the ladies in Ecuador are actually going to do the leading. No one from outside is coming to pamper us!!!
We are going to be studying from the book "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow.
We each had to pick a chapter to do a hour long teaching on! YIKES! Anyway I have chosen "A Faulty Focus" If anyone has any ideas or suggestions I will take it all. But first I guess I better get busy and read the whole book.

Shampoo

I just took the plunge and used baking soda to shampoo my hair and followed with a vinegar rinse. NOT BAD! So now hair and scalp is cleansed more natural, face with oatmeal and milk. Makes me think of that song by Aretha Franklin " You make me feel like a natural woman"
This week I also made homemade fabric softener from hair conditioner,vinegar,and water. I have all of these little bottles of conditioner that comes with my hair color but I never use so it is being used now.

My Man

Last night My Man taught about baptism with the bible study group all in Spanish. He was awesome!! The group kept saying amen so I would think this was a good thing!

From the Kitchen

The last few days I have really been motivated to cleaning out old stuff and organizing the cabinets and frig. Do not know what brought this on except it was very needed.
Today I made Oatmeal Flax seed cranberry cookies. I just love these and they are very healthy.
I roasted fresh green chilies and pealed them and they are waiting for something delish to happen to them tomorrow! ????

For lunch was Crock pot sesame chicken, oven roasted broccoli, whole grain rice, and salad. I aslo had a glass of sweet tea.

Facial cleanser

Back several months ago my sweet daughter shared with me about making her own cleanser for her face. Oatmeal and powdered goats milk in the blender. I used plain old powdered cows milk and I love how it makes my face feel smooth and soft and clean! Thanks Joy for sharing.

Bible study Group

After we got back from Quito the bible study group called and said it was two of the little ones birthdays and would hermana Dorti bring pastels(cakes). So I made a couple of yellow with chocolate frosting. Jonaton whom turned 4 went to sleep before we had cake and the other Geferson whom turned 7 had an awful case of chicken pops.Here are a few photos.

One very Important Thing

THE TWO HOUSE ALIKE HAVE BATHTUBS!!!!!!AWWWWWW a soaking tub bath!!!

This and That

Rocky and I went to bible study on Friday past and stayed the night in Qualaquiza and looked for a house to rent. Qualaquiza is only about 20 min from bible study where as we are 2 hours plus late night jungle driving to and from bible study two times a week. Rocky and I are just tired of the driving. It is also dangerous at night.
We got out early on Saturday morning and began to drive around and look. Ended up by these houses. They are new and we have looked at them before but it just did not seem to work out. They are for sale but it has been a year and they are still vacant. It will take quite a bit of work to get them ready for us and we could not look inside because the keys were not available.

This is the front of one of the houses.

This is a view from the side of both.

This is the front of the other house. They are connected by the back wall of both. I think perfect one for us and one for the young couple that is coming in July to serve down here.
We could not get in to see the inside again so we went ahead and did some more driving and we found this house for sale but could rent it and it is move in ready window screens, telephone and the kitchen is perfect!!! But it is wayyyyy big. Six bedrooms.

I wish I would have taken pictures of the inside but I did not.

Anyway we just gave the name and # of the owner of the two house to our LC and ask him to handle it because of language and we will see what happens.

Church

We went to church here in Zomora this morning and on our way home Rocky described the experience as: I feel like I was at the bull rides. The noise level is amazingly loud and the way it is we can not understand any of the word in the songs( and there is power point) hahahaha.
OK, we were spoiled in Quito with the Baptist church services!! They were awesome even in Spanish!!!

Back from walk

Had a good walk this afternoon. Walked for about an hour. The Dr. in Quito told me to walk a hour each day. Started off with sad face because I really do not like to walk alone!
Walked a different route today and came to the fish ponds up the road away and I had paused to look through the fence at the talapias and a young man was in there taking care of the fish and I ask him was the talapias and he said yes and that there were some that was 5 pounds and would I like to see them. I declined since I was alone, but maybe some other time.
Walked on into town and encountered cute kiddos to say hi to and when I got to the river side park our neighbor Byron and the boys, Miguel and Sabastian was there riding their bikes. Sabastian was learning with his training wheels. Visited with them for a short time.
Walked on and encountered a young man about 25 years old in a wheel chair and he was just sitting on the sidewalk so of course I stopped to talk with him. He was riding a motorcycle 5 years ago and was hit by a car and now he is in a wheel chair. He had a wonderful attitude. Visited with him for a short time and he was wanting me to teach him English. He has a little 5 year old son. Who knows maybe we will meet again. He wanted to know if I worked for the mines and I told him I was a Baptist missionary. I also ask him if he attended church in Zomora and he said no and that is when he told me about his accident. Pray that this young man would come to know Jesus as his savior.
That is all, just needed to talk and process! Thanks for listening!

Teammates

YIPPPEEE! We have a couple coming to serve in this area. If we do a turn around (Still praying for direction from God in this area)We will have teammates to work with!!!! Awesome GOD!
It is a young couple and they have a 2 year old and a 6 month old. They are on state side now and will come to Ecuador July 7 so we would have about 1 week with them before we would begin our 3 month stateside. The man is very fluent in the language so that would be a huge blessing. He grew up in Latin America as a missionary kid. Great couple!
WAITING TO SEE WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR US ALL!

Bible Study

We went to bible study last night for the first time in five weeks and it was so good to be with the group again! They called day before yesterday and said it was two of the kiddos birthdays and would hermana Dorothy bring a cake? So I made two yellow cakes with chocolate frosting. It was Jonatons birthday yesterday and he was 4 years old. He also slept through eating of the cake( poor thing) it was also Gefersons birthday and he was 7 on the 10th. Geferson and Jessica both had the chicken pops bad last night.(Poor Kiddos) We anointed and prayed for them. They were the only ones in the community sick so possible on Tuesday there may be lots more!!!
Loved all of the hugs from the kiddos.
While we were sitting out on the porch eating the meal that was prepared for us there was this BIG truck that came in off the road moving very fast and stopped right by the porch. Friorela the lady of the house really jumped this young man about being careful with all of the children!!! And after just a short time here came another big truck the same way! Out poured a lot of people. We think they were operating without proper papers because they were saying something about the military. At one point a military truck turned into the community and backed up and left. Really weird!!! YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT BIBLE STUDY!!!!hahaha
We are tired this morning from our late night!!!
Going to look again for a house at Qualaquiza. It is about 20 min from ministry as now we are 2 1/2 hours from ministry. To much dangerous night driving!

Quito

We are back home in Zomora after 5 weeks up in Quito. Rocky and I get our visas and drivers lic. but did not get our censos( this is our Ecuador ID) The place that makes these have been out of the material to make them. But since we got our drivers lic. we were able to come back to Zomora and continue with the work. We are glad to be home. On our travels back home I kept thinking about how green and fresh everything looked.In Quito a huge city it is a lot of cement and dirty so the green is beautiful. We stopped off at Naichap as we were passing on our way home. And it was awesome to see the little children and to see the excitement in their eyes as they were hugging and and saying hermana!!
I got in to the dr. in Quito and had all the usual female test done and I am normal. I also went to the dentist for a cleaning and exam and he said I need other work done.
We will be back in Quito at the end of Feb. so Rocky can attend a training and I will get to attend the ladies retreat. I had not thought I would get to attend but since Rocky has to be up there I get to go!!! YIPPE!
Rocky is going to get a physical while he is up in Quito so he will get that out of the way.
Positive things about being in Quito for 5 weeks: We were so blessed to spend quality time with other missionaries just hanging out, eating and playing games. We had not gotten to know these other missionaries because of the long distance between us. This time together was an amazing opportunity!!! Thank you Lord!!!
Also there was FAST FOOD!!!! YIPPEEE! We were also able to walk to wonderful grocery stores to shop!!! All in all it was a good experience for me!!!

Happenings

We are still hanging out in Quito awaiting our paperwork. Meanwhile we went to the dentist,which I felt like I needed for a while. We both got our teeth cleaned and ex-rays. I have quite a bit of bone loss so I met with a periodontist today and I need some detailed work done in 3 visits. Hope to get this done while we are in Quito this time.

Fletcher and Ruby return tomorrow so today I got their bathroom cleaned and moved all of my stuff out and into the extra bath. Will get their sheets washed and put back on so their room will be ready for them tomorrow.Rocky and I are so very blessed to get to stay here while we are in Quito. Looking forward to some time with Ruby and Fletcher for the next few days.

I have been trying to make some cookies that I used to buy at Walmart and today I got real close. whoo hoo

Church

This morning we attended the local Baptist church ( Iglesia Bautista)
Vida Nueva en Jesuschristo ( New life in Jesus Christ)
The message was really good. It came from Psalm 133. About unity. We actually sang Psalm 133 and it was powerful.
1 !!Mirad cuán bueno y cuán delicioso es
Habitar los hermanos juntos en armonía!

2 Es como el buen óleo sobre la cabeza,
El cual desciende sobre la barba,
La barba de Aarón,
Y baja hasta el borde de sus vestiduras;

3 Como el rocío de Hermón,
Que desciende sobre los montes de Sion;
Porque allí envía Jehová bendición,
Y vida eterna.

1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

There was a sweet sweet spirit in that place.
ONE REALLY WONDERFUL THING WAS THAT I COULD UNDERSTAND MOST OF THE MESSAGE!
THANK YOU FATHER FOR UNDERSTANDING!!!

Tourist

Yesterday Rocky and I were joined by another missionary couple here in Quito. We walked to Parque Carolina and took the double-decked open top tour bus around Quito. We had a wonderful time and the weather was really good.
The tourist:

Today Outside my Window

I am thinking...Of how much I need God!

I am thankful...for other English speaking women in Quito.

In the kitchen... Leftovers for lunch.

I am wearing...My favorite pj's.

I am creating...nothing at the moment, but planning on purchasing materials for some embroider.

I am going...to the airport at 2:30 to pick up Jim and his wife as they fly in from Cuenca and spend the evening enjoying them before taking them to the airport early morning to leave for Washington State.

I am wondering...If I will do good on the written exam for my drivers lic.

I am reading... I started "The Help" last night and I am reading through the bible in a year with a FB group.

I am hoping...In Christ and Christ alone!

I am looking forward to...Excited about what the Lord will do in and through me this new year.

I am hearing... the washing machine. Thank you Lottie Moon offering for a washing machine and dryer!!!!!!

Around the house...A few Christmas decorations that Ruby had out when we arrived.

I am pondering...Genesis 4 today.

One of my favorite things...holding the hand of a small child.I do not think that this will ever change!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Enjoying Jim and his wife, and dentist appointment tomorrow.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Rocky fishing at 13000 ft. He said there is no air up that high. He and Perry walked for two hours to get there. They caught one fish and cooked it up there.

Year-End Retreat

Our Missionary family here in Ecuador has a tradition for new years. Year-End retreat.It is very beneficial for missionaries after all of the emotions of being far away from family during the Christmas season. It is usually at the beach and we had a great time there last year but it is a long way to travel. As there were very few families left here in Ecuador this year we opted to have it at the LC's home in Quito.
This was the schedule;
Food, fellowship, food, games, food, fellowship, food, movies, food, fellowship, food, devotions, food, fellowship, and more food. We had a great time.
We all watched "Courageous" and there was not a dry eye in the room. We also think that the movie should come with a rating. " May not be appropriate if you have children, because will rip your heart out!"
Our precious Brother and Sisters!