God's Child

Green Chillies

2012-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

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.
">Out of the oven!

Ready for the table!

Ladies Retreat

2012-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-08T09:46:00.001-08:00

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

2012-02-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-07T07:32:00.001-08:00

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

This and That

2012-02-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-08T13:14:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-08T12:59:00.000-08:00
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

2012-01-05T07:05:00.000-08:00
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

2012-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:00
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!

2011-12-15T03:50:00.000-08:00
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...

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

I am thankful...for God's grace!

In the kitchen... Making sugar cookies for neighbors today.I found a really good recipe for cutout cookies.

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

I am creating...nothing at the moment.

I am going...to walk up the hill to a little store to buy butter for sugar cookies.

I am wondering...what time Rocky will be home from up the river today.

I am reading...several free devotions on my kindle. My favorite is"The Journey: a season of reflections.I started it the day after Thanksgiving and will go through Christmas.

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

I am looking forward to...Our time in Quito with other North Americans.

I am hearing...Roosters crowing, buses on highway.

Around the house...A vase of beautiful roses from Rocky's garden.

I am pondering...On Christmas's past.

One of my favorite things...holding the hand of a small child.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Making cookies, packing and bible study on Friday.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is Estaban, wife and one of his 5 children. They are from Shakai up the river and in the last couple of weeks they have came knocking on our gate and visit for a short time and then leave.
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Mark 10:29-31

2011-12-12T17:26:00.000-08:00
29. Jesus told him:

You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or land for me and for the good news 30will be rewarded. In this world they will be given a hundred times as many houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and pieces of land, though they will also be mistreated. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life. 31But many who are now first will be last, and many who are now last will be first.

I think of this verse and know that God has given me 100 fold grandchildren at Naichap. Just wish we were closer and could spend more time just hanging out with all of those sweet kiddos.

Prohibited

2011-12-12T16:54:00.000-08:00
We have been stopped almost every time we have been out on the road the last month. The police are checking documents. There will be a whole bunch of them working a spot. This morning we went to town and and when we were coming home we were stopped near the market and the police ask for our documents and then ask us to get out of the car and they searched the car. Rocky keeps a machete under his seat to clear the road of fallen trees or whatever. Well the police told Rocky that it is prohibited to have it. But they did let us go and gave Rocky his machete back.

Rocky does look pretty scary!!!

Cookies

2011-12-12T16:38:00.000-08:00
Today I made 2 batches of sugar cookies and one recipe of chocolate chip cookies. Baked one recipe of sugar cookies and the other is in the refrigerator for tomorrow. I baked the chocolate chip cookies and froze a big container of them for our trip at the end of the week.Enjoyed myself , but would have been awesome to have had some grand children knee deep in flour and dough with me.

Christmas Chai Tea

2011-12-10T11:15:00.000-08:00
I microwave one large coffee mug of water till boiling. I like a Christmas mug Add 2 tea bags( black tea) and let steep. Add 1 Tablespoon of powered milk and you have to really stir this, 1 1/2 tablespoons of coffee creamer ( I use the powder) 2 packets splenda, a short shake of cinnamon, a short shake of nutmeg and stir well. Top with cool whip or what ever is available in your area and a quick shake of nutmeg for a pretty top!

Ok! Sit back and put your feet up and enjoy some Christmas music and ponder on Christmas's past!!!!

Tight Spot

2011-11-30T17:39:00.000-08:00
This week there was a little bit of concern!

First our car has been acting up and we had it worked on and had a u-joint replaced. It was good for a couple of days and then began to make more noise. At about the same time Rocky found he could not get any money from the ATM and he kept going into town to try different cards. By then the car was really making bad shakes and noise. Rocky told me we that we were in a tight spot. no car and no money. He got the car some better yesterday and when we left to travel to bible study yesterday he said ok car be good. We took off and when we were traveling through Yanzatza I looked up and saw a brand new bank. I said Hey there is a new bank. We turned around and went back to the ATM and WA LA! Rocky was so happy because he was able to get some cash....Not all he wanted but it sure helped us out. We will stop there again on Friday and get some more. We are hoping the car hangs in till we get to Quito. We will leave for Quito on the 17th and take 2 days to get there. Plan to have car serviced there.Get our visas and renew our drivers lic.   Rocky really gets aggravated with ATMS at times but then yesterday he was so happy with the new one!

2011-11-20T09:57:00.000-08:00
Thankful for Divine encounters. Since I parked down the hill after I put the basket in the car I walked back up the hill to shop for a couple of things and I passed a gringa lady but she did not look up or speak so I went on and purchased some plastic for my counter and was headed on to the fabric store and saw the lady sitting on the curb eating her breakfast so I went on over and said bueno dias and she spoke so I said hello do you speak english and she did and invited me to sit down with her.What a blessing. She lives in Villacumba and said she felt the need to just get away for a while and so she was visiting the national park here in Zomora and on to the coast tomorrow. We both shared our struggles with language, cultural and she was not sure that she would be returning to Villacumba. I gave her my email and hope to be in contact with each other.It was a huge blessing to just sit on the curb in Zomora and visit with another woman!!!! Thank you Lord!

Thankful for divine encounters

2011-11-20T09:43:00.000-08:00
I went to the market for fruits and veggies this morning. I went alone so I parked by the old grocery store and walked up the hill with empty basket to market. Shopped for all we needed and my basket was very heavy so I was glad to be going down hill to car. I had used all my change and I still needed to get mangoes and I had a 5.00 bill so I thought no problem because they had been open all morning so they have change. Well I picked out 6 small mangoes that were 6 for a dollar. Pulled out my 5.00 bill and it was very worn( that is the only kind we get here because the banks hoard the new bills) the lady saw it and said no way! I said that this was all I had and she said no. Ok I went next door and picked out 5 for a dollar and same thing happened but this lady kept saying just come back with change and even was going to let me have the mangoes before I got back but I said no. and then I turned around and they did not have mangoes but they had tomatoes and I wanted extra for salsa so I got 1 dollar worth and she took the 5.00 and gave me change. I did not buy from the earlier ladies so had to back tract and find more mangoes and I got 3 for a dollar.hahahaha Just they way things are done here.
American currency! Why would any country want to have the expense of producing their own currency when the good old USA will make it. When we get any change here we get tons of those gold dollar coins that was produced 2000 and any paper bills we receive are totally worn out. But I am glad we do not have to worry over converting money.

More Thankful Photos

2011-11-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

I think Rocky decided he might should just sit for a spell.

Trying on shirts

Sister was helping. Love those smiles!

Rocky ask Edwon if he was tired and bored and he No!

Lisbet modeling her new outfit.

Having fun with Christmas decor.

Shopping for shoes

Rocky found a hat from Arkansas in Qualaqiza!

Thankful for being able to communicate little by little

2011-11-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Lisbet

      Today rocky and I had the privilege to take Silvia and five of her children shopping for new clothes. thanks to the beautiful people of GABC Arkansas.

      First let me say what a fun time I had just shopping and hanging with those awesome little children.
Rocky and Nicolas with Lisbet watching, Silvia, Paula and Franlin in back.

Paula playing with hats

The boys waiting for girls to finish.

      Silvia's husband was killed last spring and she has 6 children to take care of out in the jungle. The group that was just here from Arkansas left money with us to use for Silvia and the children. What a blessing for Rocky and I to get to spend this time with this precious family.
      Silvia became a believer about 2 months after the death of her husband. I am so thankful for training in Lima about grief and also for enough language skills to be able to talk with Silvia and encourage her that all of the up and down times is just part of the normal grieving process. She was able to share and I could understand that there are times when she feels depressed and very sad.
Thank you Lord for caring about all the little things as well as the big things. I love you Jesus!!!!

Thankful

2011-11-09T04:12:00.000-08:00
I am thankful for the team from Arkansas coming to Ecuador to bless us with a prayer retreat. I am thankful for the upcoming 4 days of fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. I am thankful for 4 days of fellowship in my heart language. Thank you Father for touching my heart with your grace and love!!

Thankful for coffee in the mornings,
Thankful for children,
Thankful for our lovely home,
Thankful for washer and dryer,
Thankful for my kindle,
I will stop there but I could go on and on.

GRAND KIDS

2011-11-07T04:21:00.000-08:00
I am so thankful for grand kids!!!! There is nothing like them that I have ever experienced!!!! Oh how my my heart feels when I hear one of them say "grandma"!

HUGS

2011-11-05T06:25:00.000-07:00
I am thankful for the all the wonderful hugs from the little children in the village. January 19, will be 2 years in Zomora and the little children have just now become free with their greetings and hugs. thank you Lord for building trust.

I am thankful for the new Dicavi grocery store opening this morning in Zomora. Looking forward to attending the grand opening at 10:00 am.
More on this later!!!


Zomora

2011-11-04T05:27:00.000-07:00
I am thankful for Friday in Zomora. Today I get to prepare and eat lots of fresh veggies that are super cheap. I get to enjoy spring like weather. I am enjoying the birds singing out our window. The best part is I get to travel to Naichap tonight and be a part of sharing Gods love and His word with a group of beautiful children.

Month of Thanksgiving

2011-11-02T07:51:00.000-07:00
Day 2:::::
I am thankful for the blessing of my sweet husband!!!! This morning he came down stairs with the dirty bed sheets and put them in the washer for me!!! AHHHHH! The thing is he always makes up the bed each morning and I ask him last night to not make the bed because I needed to wash the sheets....OH HOW I LOVE CLEAN SHEETS AND CLEAN PJS.

November

2011-11-01T14:17:00.000-07:00
WOW! it is November and I want to take the time to be thankful each day.

Today I am thankful for my Jesus! What an awesome life in Him. I think back to what a wretched sinner I was before He saved me for His purpose. And now the amazing life with Jesus!!!!

Fun Times

2011-10-30T16:59:00.000-07:00
Our little neighbor's birthday was today and we were invited to his party. Sebastian was 4 years and he had an amazing party complete with clown and the kids loved it. They dance a lot, here in Latin America. Even the little 2 and 3 year olds bodies just rock with the beat. It was such a treat to get to spend time with all of the kiddos!!!! And we eat continuously for about 3 hours.... I am so full. Thank you Lord for little children.

        Rocky and I got gifts just like the kiddos also..FUN! There was a chocolate fountain with strawberries, jello, cookies,candy, chicken on a stick, brownies and ice cream, beef with rice and salad. coconut juice.

Lots of music.

Missionaries always have minutes on their phone!

2011-10-29T18:48:00.000-07:00
Here in the south of Ecuador, when the people we work with want to talk to us, they call us and hang up so that
we can call them back and that way they save their minutes. Last week Rocky and I both did not have minutes on our phone. Rocky bought the card but we just did not have activated. Marta called 3 times and hung up three times before she finally stayed on the line and talked to Rocky.

what's happening

2011-10-21T08:49:00.000-07:00
Today I am preparing to be gone for 6 days. I will fly to Quito tomorrow the 22th of Oct. and stay the night with Ruby and Fletcher( looking forward to my time with this special couple.) Leave on flight to Lima on Sunday 23rd with Kyleen and Cindy. Will be in Lima for 3 days of training and back to Quito on the 27th for another night with Ruby and Fletcher. Flight out of Quito at 8:40 am on 28th and Rocky will pick me up at Catamayo at 9:05 and we will return home to Zomora...a 2 hour drive. Looking forward to some time away.

Cake baked and leftovers frozen for Rocky! lol It has been funny because he has ask me how to make coffee, and how to wash clothes.....

Got to go and decide what clothes I am taking....Decisions!!!!

I wonder

2011-10-10T16:31:00.000-07:00
Today I walked into Zomora and up to the post office. I passed a little childrens clothes store and in the window was the cutest little T-shirt size 2 and on the front of the shirt it said " My Grandma is awesome" in English.
Today I have been wondering if my little 2 year old granddaughter even knows me! I have been out of the country all of her life.

The one day of great sunshine

2011-10-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

We awoke the second day in Banos with sunshine and were told get on out and see the volcanoes before the clouds.

So up and up we went, but in the car.
Tree tomatoes

Tree tomatoes

The Hike

2011-10-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

We stopped at this one waterfall that we could not see but was told it was a short 10 min hike down. 10 min. for a Ecuadoran is a 30 or more for me.

Down we go and dgoing down is the easy part for me.
beautiful walk with lots of pretties

Awesome GOD

DOWN!!!
I keep thinking I got to come back up!!

Down some more

And more, legs are feeling a bit weak!!

We are there! Not all the way but as far as we went!
about half way up and still smiling!!

At the top and not much of a smile, but I did it!!

More

2011-10-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Crates full of naranjillas

This was a woman with a heavy load
A carving in a restaurant

We get to live in an awesome place

Cool tree with lots of plants growing on it

Bird eating corn

The power behind one of those baskets to carry a group across a canyon

So many waterfalls

More Vacation

2011-10-08T06:25:00.000-07:00

Delish!

My steak!!!

Rocky's steak! The little bowl has gratin potatoes and the cheese was pretty strong.

We loved this restaurant.

This was coffee/sandwich shop.
One of many road side stands. I love the organization of the fruit.
The view from our room at the Casa Verde.

Breakfast the first morning in Banos.

A wild man ans his car!!

A pillow salesman

Vacation Part 2

2011-10-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

French resturant and that fire felt so good! The steak was awesome!

Our first night in Banos:
one of 6 tunnels between Shell and Banos

Banos

Where we stayed the first night in Banos

Another tunnel.

This was in a little park.

At the market
Ok my computer or blogger is crazy and is just posting where it wants so I will try again tomorrow.

Vacation September 2011(Banos)

2011-10-01T09:04:00.000-07:00
Rocky and I get 2 weeks vacation for the last year of our term. So when we need to get a break we will take a few days away. We just took a few days and went to Banos, Ecuador. It is the second top tourist destinationin Ecuador, second only to Galapago Island.
Stopped to take photos

You just never know, traveling with wheel barrow.

Bridge with 2 small but very effective speed bumps.

One of many communities with huge Catholic Church.
   It is a 9 hour trip around and around up and down on some pretty bad road, but the road is being paved and so we had about an hour of really bad stuff and the rest is paved for the most part. There are a lot of places where the road is falling off the side. YIKES! As we were traveling yesterday I kept thinking maybe our next road trip I would check into some drugs!!!!lol

More to come! Internet not to good!

Passion

2011-09-24T11:32:00.000-07:00
   I have begun walking again!!!! I really do not like to walk alone but it looks like that is the way if I am going to walk. Jesus is always with me!!! This morning armed with a pocket full of tracts I walked to town and down to the river park. A really beautiful park. I will try to get some pictures of it.On my walk I encountered 3 different young mothers with little ones in strollers. I that I should give them a tract. Each one took the tract and as I walked away from each one I prayed that their hearts would be open to one that gives life eternal as they read about His plan for their lives. Also gave a tract to an older man that was sitting in his truck in the shade.

It was a great walk, about 3 miles and it was HOT! But as I walked I listened to songs about having a passion for the Lost.

That is my prayer today" Give me a passion, God within me,ignite sweet devotion, light the fire within, smash the walls of indifference, give me passion for the Lost, at any cost!

For there is no other name under Heaven and no other name among men, but Jesus Christ the giver of life and the world is lost with out Him!!!

Melt Down

2011-09-19T18:00:00.000-07:00
Today I had a bit of a melt down, but kept it to myself. About 3:00 Rocky said lets go into town and get an ice cream and get out of the house. We park and walked to a place we had not tried but what they had did not look very good so we walked on to our usual place. Had ice cream and I ask Rocky if he wanted to walk on to the post office and he said sure so we went on up the hill and yes!! we had a letter from Bangs FBC. Thank you all for being faithful to send your love through prayer letters. OK, back to the melt! We walked back to the car and we had parked near the grocery store and I needed to get a loaf of bread so I went on in the store and Rocky stopped at the car. I got the bread and proceeded to check out. The lady rang me up and I got out my money purse and guess what I do not have but one dollar and a little change, one dollar short. So I get out my phone and call Rocky to bring me some money. He did! Then after we started home a melt down just hit me, There is this part of me that is not to dying very easily. This thing about not having any money unless Rocky gives it to me.......so today just revealed how much alive that old self is still kicking. Anyway I am a work in progress. He is faithful to finish the work began in me!!

Loja trip

2011-09-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Rocky and I took a trip over to Loja on Saturday. We have to go to Super Maxi ( Is that not a funny name for a grocery store) to get diet coke and cheddar cheese for me. Also we buy all of our meat there. I splurged and bought a box of

We really enjoyed the macaroni with fresh green beans, and oven baked chicken. I got the recipe for the chicken from Joy's blog.

    We went to the movie store while we were in Loja and I was armed with a list of of good movies that I had translated to spanish and I was really sure that they would have some of them. NO! Not even one. So it is back to more action movies. boohoo!!

   We were through and on our way out of town and decided we would get something to eat. We just do not eat out because all of the food is so laden with salt. We passed a place called "Gusys Pollo" and we decided to stop and try it. It was rotisserie roasted chicken over an open flame. We both ordered the 1/4 chicken for 4.00 each and .50 for a pepsi. We got a bowl of soup(with a chicken foot) but very tasty soup. Then we got a plate with rice,chicken and french fries. It was way to much food. Rocky and I should have shared. My chicken was the breast and wing and it was dry. But I brought it home and for super I made Rocky a salad with warm roasted chicken. Arrived home in time for a nice rain shower and nap.

Rocky's new friend and photos.

2011-09-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

                                         This is Amigo
                                           Flowers from our yard. The white ones are gardenias and they smell good.
                                   Rocky talking to LC about hot water thingy.
Victor from Ambato.
Little girl from Shakai

My Man


Today

2011-09-15T06:55:00.000-07:00
Ok, I do have a little bit planned for today and hopefully will not be like marbles in the bottom of a bucket.

LUNCH: Tuna patties (Like salmon, but with tuna) It will be my first time so we will see. Yesterday I went for my walk to Zomoa and back and passed the man that sells fresh shrimp down the street. He ask me if I wanted some but of course not was walking so I told him, maybe my husband would get some. Sure enough Rocky bought 2 pounds (with heads) It takes longer to clean then that way. Made stir fry for lunch. Yummy but a bit late. I had carrots, cabbage, onion, broccoli, cauliflower, and some white carrots and RICE. Lots of tiny slicing but good.

   I plan to start a new bible study today:http://www.kathyhoward.org/2011/09/unshakeable-faith-introduction/

I started reading Beth Moore's book" Voices of the Faithful" and I am being encouraged by the testimonies of those gone before me.

Shell Part 2

2011-09-02T12:03:00.000-07:00
We did not eat at Luna Runtun because it was a bit pricy but had good food at the "Cafe de Cielo" Their special were crepes of all kinds. Rocky and I both had crepes with beef and they were good,,,a little different. but for desert we split a banana, chocolate crepe with a wonderful cup of coffee. Did not take a photo, but took one of a cup of hot tea that Loren had.
We had a great view from the cafe.
                                   The anniversary couple.
                                       The view after dark.
On the return trip to Shell after dinner we were entertained by AJ the DJ. She played us beautiful Christmas songs by Connie Talbot( A 6 year old) and then the entire Bare family sang several fun times songs together. We were blessed. The link below is the very first love song that we heard earlier in the evening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfCHSiYU5vI
Rocky and I plan to return to Banos in the next month or so for a few days to sight see all that is available. There is hot springs from volcanoes for bathing. Just look up Banos,Ecuador and see what is there.

Shell

2011-09-02T11:39:00.000-07:00
   Rocky and I headed up to Shell Mera a week and half ago to help our supervisor Russ and Kyleen to finish up with painting and repairs and closet building onir house so they can get moved and settled. They have been on the move and unpacked for about 6 months so they are ready. We had a full week of fellowship with english speakers and we were refreshed.
   Russ and Kyleen celebrated their 30 anniversary while we were there. They have beautiful hearts and so they invited us to celebrate with them on a trip over to Banos. Their daughter and son-in-law from Quito had came down for the occasion also. Their daughter is expecting their first grandchild the first of October. Fun times. This overlooking the town of Banos.

On our 1 hour trip to Banos, their daughter Alaina played love songs that she had put together just for the occasion. One of the selection was " I like my lips'

It was so beautiful but cold and windy up on the mountain.

Pedro's Teeth

2011-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

        Awaiting his teeth and the little girls came in off of the sidewalk to watch.
Here is Pedro after he has the teeth in his mouth and they are all loose and he is happy but not to sure.

Poor little Pedro was totally unaware of what the man was about to do. He opened Pedro's mouth and stuck these big oh teeth in!
The lady in the red dress and hat came in off the sidewalk also.

Can you imagine going to a place like this to get false teeth made and fitted?????
We have not heard from Pedro to see if his teeth are working out or not.....More later on this I am sure.

Facebook

2011-08-08T17:47:00.000-07:00
Just a quick word on FB and Rocky. For years Rocky has said I do not have time to have a Facebook account but he would visit mine sometimes. Then he all of a sudden decided to get his own and he is always checking on what is going on now with his friends. Now he uplaods photos and hides post and reports spam. Rocky is pretty Facebook savvy now.

Pedro and Dentist

2011-08-08T17:40:00.000-07:00
Rocky and I arrived home from Qualaquiza on Saturday after lunch and shortly after Pedro was knocking on our gate. He said that he had a headache and needed to go to the hospital. We told him that they were not open till Monday today. But he really wanted to see the dentist about getting false teeth. But the dentist that pulled his teeth told us that they did not do that and that he would have to go to a private dentist. Our neighbors mom works at the hospital and had told us to take him to Gualalupe medical clinic in another community and that they would make them. So we went to there this morning and since he had no teeth left they would not make false teeth, but gave us the name of a man in that community that made plates. he used to work in Loja in an office. so we got his info and went to his place of business:(::::::(;;;;

                                   reception area, consultation area, examination area, fitting area!

                                          Patient Pedro, sitting in dental chair, me on the encourager bench,
   The man kept going from the room we were in through the door in top photo and he came out with this plastic thing like maybe a guard for sports or? He walked up to Pedro pulled his bottom lip out and stuck it in and looked all around and took off through the door to the back. When he came back he had a bunch of stuff like clay that he has just mixed up and was wiping his grimy hands on his pants leg. Walked up to Pedro and pulled out that bottom lip again crammed all of the stuff in his mouth and got around behind Pedro and got him in a head lock and was about lifting Pedro off the chair as he was making an impression. I do not think Pedro knew what was happening from the frightful look in his eyes. And so it went with the uppers! Praying that his teeth fit well and he is able to wear them. Pedro will returning to our house next Monday and we will go and get his teeth on Tuesday.
This was quite the experience. The mans fingernails were so nasty!!! I told Rocky all that was missing was for a chicken to walk through the room.

Prayer Group

2011-07-30T12:37:00.000-07:00
Last Friday we picked up the believers from Manchanatza and went to meet up with Carlos and the group from Naichap to go to another community to pray for a sick woman. It was an awesome experience. The lady has been sick for 2 months. She is a young wife with a couple of children. It was a long way into the jungle and it was a beautiful place. It was a long way off the hwy, and they had street lights. Not normal! So last night we met up with the other group again and went back to pray for the lady again. It was an awesome sight of all of us walking up the hill to the house.( All 20 of us) Pastor Felipe from Manchanatza delivered a wonderfully simple and truthful message of salvation! We all 20 stood around her bed in the dark except for a couple of small candles and prayed for Alicia.

When it was all over, Silvia a lady that is a new believer from Roldos ask if she could be baptized ,so now there is a service being planned. SUPER EXCITING! Rocky and I have been given the opportunity and resources to help Silvia out with food. Her husband was killed about a year ago in a tree cutting accident and she has professed her trust in Jesus since then. She has six children from 3, 5 ,9 ,10 ,12 and 22. Rocky is working on getting electric to her house now.

   We were in the grocery store in Qualaqiza this morning and I discovered a new off the shelf food. Wieners!!!! You can buy several foods that are only in the cold section in the states but on the shelf at room temperature here.........milk in a box or bag, yogurt, and now wieners!!!!

      We have been home from Qualaguiza about 1 1/2 hous and there is an insistent knock at the gate so Rocky goes out to see who it is and it is 79 year old Pedro. He is back from Shakai. Said he needs to go to the hospital to see Dr. and we say they are not open till Monday so he said can I go upstairs to rest.
WE JUST NEVER KNOW.

This and That

2011-07-27T06:28:00.000-07:00
All of the time that we have been in Zomora I would encounter a man from Germany at the market and we speak just a little. He would speak a little broken English. About 2 weeks ago we saw him and his wife(whom is Ecuadorian) at the market and Rocky got their contact info and we called to invite them over for a meal but got no response but they were out of town. Fanny called and so they came over yesterday at 10:00 am and we had coffee and banana bread and lots of conversation!!! Totally enjoyed our time with them. Visited until 1:30 with plans to get together other times. Fanny is a christian but not Manferd. Fanny is a teacher at the high school. I am excited about where this relationship will go. Praying for salvation for Manferd.

God's gentle reminders

2011-07-24T07:43:00.000-07:00
While reading through different Women of The Harvest online resources I came across this article. Joy had sent this to me a few years ago and it arrived just when I needed it the most. Sometimes I need to be reminded of simple truths and I felt this was a gentle reminder from God about letting go and that is something we as moms will always have to do even if it is not to a far away place.
Father I pray for Joy my sweet Godly daughter as she seeks to follow you with her whole heart and life. I ask for encouragement and blessings in her life today. I know that you are with her even to the ends of the earth. May she touch someone sitting in darkness with the love of Jesus today. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding in her life today. Amen

https://www.womenoftheharvest.com/legacy/2009hlwinter/2009hljan.asp

Month at a glance

2011-07-20T18:28:00.000-07:00
In just a few more days on July 27th will mark 2 years since we left home and became mobile! I am not to sure of how good of a missionary I have been. At certain times Corey would say that he was a bad missionary because he did or did not do this or that. And we would laugh and say maybe we are all bad missionaries.
    Corey is gone and he will be missed very much!!!! It sure can be lonely down here in Zomora. I sometimes think about how wonderful it would be to have a close friend that I could communicate with! Our supervisor said what could help us out down here and we said another unit that could speak Spanish good. And he said he would see about getting that for us and I was thinking YES! another woman to spend time with. But from what we have heard it will most probably be a single man if anyone.
     Rocky and I went on a picnic today and it was very enjoyable. The weather was good and the company was awesome!!! more later.

Friends/Family

2011-06-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Our friends in Cuenca that we stay with has this needle work in their guest bathroom and I always think of how true this is. I have a Blessing!!!!
We will miss Bob and Peggy very much.
These two young men will be missed also. They leave July 27th. We had a little party in Cuenca for them with delicious TexMex food.

Discouragement hits hard!

2011-06-18T12:51:00.000-07:00
Living in Ecuador has its up's and it's downs. Some days are just harder than others. Yesterday was one of the harder ones. When you combind bad attitude with living and working in a third world culturals the out come is usually not to pleasant. Because it seems like if it could go wrong that is when it chooses to do so. I say all of this to set the atmosphere. These kind of days shows just how much of SELF is hanging on!!
   As you recall we have a 79 year old Shuar staying with us till Sunday morning and that is when we are leaving for Cuenca and he is going to a relatives home here in Zomora. I am glad that we could be with him and help him to get past having 6 teeth pulled but the time is up and time for him to moving on! I think!!! We will see what God says!!!
Last night we traveled to bible study and Pedro told us he has a daughter in El Pangue and he wanted us to drop him at her house and he would visit until we returned from bible study. As we were leaving Rocky tried to convince Pedro to take his backpack with his clothes with him just in case something happened and he did not return with us. He would not take his stuff!!!!! Do not know why but anyway! We get to El Pangue and ask where does your daughter live and Pedro replies take me to the bus terminal and of cousre we raise our eyebrows but take him to the terminal and make plans to be back around 9:00 or 9:30 pm. And off we went on the rest of our nightly journey.
   We got to Manchanatza and only Marta and 4 children were waiting to go with us so we proceeded to load up and Rocky got a call from Carlos at Naichap and he is telling us that Elmer his 17 year old son is at police station in El Pangue and we are to go by and get him or whatever, The kiddo drives a pickup and a motorcycle without docoments(Totally illegal so we thought he had got caught) But he was not there and had not been there. So we proceed on to Naichap.We arrive at Naichap and it looks like almost everyone is gone so we just sit down to wait. Rocky's phone rings and it is Jenny from Roldos and she wants Rocky to come and pick up people from Roldos.That is where we believe Carlos is with his pick-up so we are confused as usual. But off he goes to Roldos and it is not a real short trip. it takes about 20-25 min. each way. About 15 min. before he gets back Carlos shows up in his pick-up and he is loaded with Silvia and all kinds of people but most just go on to their homes. There are lots of kiddos and they are wild!!!!! I felt lots of war fare there last night. Monica and I go ahead and get started with the kids and they are so very disruptive the entire time. When Monica finished the lesson I told her that I wanted to speak with the kids and I let them have it about this being God's time and we are going to respect His time and respect Monica as she pours out herselp to teach them and Monica reinforced all of that even better with her language skills ( She is a Shuar after all) compared to mine.
Rocky said it was a lot of confusion at the other study also.
    When we got ready to leave we thought that Elmer could take the ones back to Roldos, but no because their pick-up does not like to cross the little creek that you have to cross. Even though they were back there earlier in the evening and go there often. It would save us about 30 min on our trip home. But we went last night. And then on to Manchanatza.....Not!, we slid into an area where they had dug a big ditch for a water line and we were very stuck. We still had Marta and 4 children.She called Felip at Manchantza and he said for us just walk back to El Pangue and get a hotel room!!! That was BROTHERLY!! There was a young man in a car that stopped and tried to pull us out but could not. Marta called a taxi pick-up and ask him to come out. While we waited for him another car stopped wanted to push us but he would have ended up in the ditch also. At this point Marta and the kids said good bye and proceeded to walk the rest of the way to their home. Rocky and I sat alone stuck deep in the jungle. I felt abandoned! By people but not God. I made the decision to lock the doors on my side and actually thought about how much water we had left. lol Poor Rocky! he was pretty discouraged about then. I just kept asking God to send the help we needed and I knew that we were not lost from God's vision. He knew exactly where we were and what was going on with us. And then arrived Artulro the taxi pick-up and we got hooked up and out we came...Thank you Jesus. We got turned around and headed back to El Pangue and by them we were quite late to pick up Pedro but we found him wondering around on the street corner and he said we were late. He was pretty tired. He had not found any family in El Pangue. They were all at the coast. So he just hung out at the terminal for hours.
   So we are home today and Rocky has cleaned the car and got all of the mud off and it is ready for travel to Cuenca tomorrow. Also when we got home last night the little dog had gotten one of his paws hung up in the patio chair and was stuck for who knows how long and his little paw was swollen pretty bad but does not seem to be bothering her today.
We are home and Pedro is here with us. He went up the hill to see his family that he plans to stay with when we leave tomorrow but they are out of town and he said they should be home late this afternoon. Rocky said what if they are not home when we are ready to leave in the morning and I said we take him to the Bus terminal and send him somewhere!!!!
We get two weeks off before we head back out to the bible study and I think we need it badly!!!
Hope this not to long and wordy. A writer I am not.

You just never know

2011-06-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday evening just before dark Rocky and I had both had our showers and were in our PJs. We had all ready had supper and was settled in for a night of "LOST". When There was a knock at our gate. I was thinking it was our neighbor probably sharing some dish with us, but no it was Pedro from Shakai with his little backpack. Pedro had just arrived on the bus and wanted to stay aweek with us.Rocky told him that we would be leaving Sunday for Cuenca and he said ok I will go to my mother-in-laws.
We were not sure of what exactly he wanted in Zomora but gotta be flexible...He told us he wanted toapply for a new cedula( a form of ID, sorta like SS card in US) so we say ok and we go next door to Carolina's to find out where the office is located. WELL it turns out that he wants to see a dentist with his new medical card that he recieved the last time he was in town with us. Carolina calls up her Mom who works at the hospital and she says come on down now and he can see the dentist. Off we went and had to wait for a short time and got into the office and the dentist said he needs his teeth pulled and we could see the bottom teeth and they were so very loose and his gums were very infected so the dentist pulled the bottom teeth which consisted of six. He said to come back next week and he would pull the 4 on top...That is all the teeth he had. We told the dentist that it would be a couple of weeks before we could return with Pedro and he said ok but that he neede to just rest and have soft foods and that is what we have done. He is much better today. No spitting!!!!
   This morning we had oatmeal for breakfast and we took off to get his new Cedula. it was really quick and easy!!!! That is a first. We are back home and Rocky is out side cleaning up behind his new dog! I just sent Pedro outside with a cup of Apple tea with salt to rinse his mouth.
   Tonight is bible study in Naichap and Pedro told us that he has a daughter that lives in El Pangue and would like to stay and visit with her while we are at bible study and will pick him back up after on our way home. ( Who knows what this will entail before the night is over!)

I am looking forward to traveling to Cuenca for a couple of days and visit with special friends and co-workers in the kingdom. We will leave on Sunday morning and return on Tuesday, On Thursday we will begin our travels to Lima,Peru for our OGM meeting and will return on July1. Well that is all I can think of as of now.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-05-31T19:01:00.000-07:00
Outside My Window...

It is dark, about bed time.

I am thinking... how pleasant the weather is here as compared to Texas now. It is already really hot there.

I am thankful for... My kindle.

.

From the learning rooms... I am learning songs in spanish for VBS.

From the kitchen... Roasted garbanzo beans.

I am wearing... PJs

I am creating... Nothing now, but just finished a skirt.

I am going... to Naichap for seven days with team from Georgia.

I am reading... Exodus

On my mind... Preparations for the arrival of the team on Thursday morning.

Around the house... some really clean windows and screens. The Man got busy today.

One of my favorite foods Tex-Mex

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: get ready for a week in the jungle.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-05-18T05:47:00.000-07:00
Outside My Window...

the sun is shinning and the roosters crowing.

I am thinking...I need a new hair style.

I am thankful for...

friends!

From the kitchen...

not much fun here because of southbeach diet! have lost 8 pounds and my clothes fit better!

I am wearing...

PJ'S Watermelons on bottoms and red top.

I am creating...

I cut out a skirt yesterday but will be a few days before I get to sew it.

I am going...

to Cuenca to visit friends that will be retiring to the states soon! Will miss Bob and Peggy very much.

I am reading...Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

On my mind...

got to get moving and get ready to travel today.

Around the house...

Peace!

One of my favorite things..
Grandchildren!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Enjoy our friends in Cuenca. Hope to visit with Julia while we are there.

Bible study

2011-05-04T05:46:00.000-07:00
We just never know how many Shuar will be riding with us. Last night we had 15 people, a dog, and a baby chick.
Last night was first night for childrens class and it was awesome!!! No pictures but coming soon! 20 children and story of Jonah.

"Passport Through Darkness"

2011-04-27T16:44:00.000-07:00
I just finished reading this book and turned right around and I am reading it again!

http://www.amazon.com/Passport-through-Darkness-Danger-Chances/dp/143470212X

Two weeks at glance

2011-04-27T16:37:00.001-07:00
Wednesday, April 27, 2011This week at a glance

Rocky encountered an Ecuadorian up by the soccer field where he walks to most mornings. His name is Alondso and he is searching for truth. Rocky has been sharing a little with him and also gave him a couple of books. He speaks fairly good english. On about Thursday of last week when Rocky came back from his walk he had someone with him, It was Alonso! He came in had coffee and proceeded to give us a spanish lesson, he is a teacher but only works in his farm. I think he really misses teaching! We set up a time for 3:00 on Mondays for us to teach his kiddos english(They are 5 and 7) and he will teach us spanish.

On Monday this week we had a missionary nurse from Shell Mera hospital to come down for a couple of days to visit and she was wanted to get a feel for the spiritual atmosphere in this area. Florence arrived at 10:30 Monday morning and we visited and had lunch in Zomora. She needed to print a photo so we found a place and she got that done. Alonso and his family came at 3:00 and we had an hour with his children and then an hour with Alonso, Rocky and I. it was good but stessful for me with co. for dinner. But went pretty good and I was so glad when bed time came.

Florence, we really enjoyed getting to know this beautiful sister in Christ. She is from Australia and has been in Ecuador for 16 years. Here is the really cool part! She is 71 years old. Travels all over Ecuador jungle by bus with only a SMALL backpack for several days of travel. Back in the UK she has 3 children and 10 grandchildren. She is leaving the first of June for 8 months back home. I t was an awesome time to here her testimony and journey to now. When we were in Shell last October for the Nate Saint house dedication is when we met Florence and she took the time to take Rocky and I to the "Casa de Fe" The orphange in Shell and we got to meet and love on some of the babies. Hope to spend more time visiting with Florence when she returns from the UK.

On Tuesday we went to bible study and planned to stay the night in Qualaquiza because Florence had met a pastor and some of his family and we wanted to meet them because Rocky and I are seeking God's will for us as Corey returns to the states in July. We do a lot of late night driving and we are thinking that maybe we could move to Qualaquiza after Corey is gone. So it would be nice to have some contacts there. Also our supervisor from Shell came down and met us at bible study. So after BS we take believers back to Roldos and Russ took the other believers back to Manchanatza and we all met up in Qualaquiza at the holsta that we have booked for the mission team in June. Wanted to check it out. it is very good for Ecuador standards!!!

Morning of Wednesday we were to meet in the lobby for breakfast at 7:00 and then on to meet a certain man and his family that Florence stayed with 2 night on her way to our house. Rocky and I went to Lobby and found that Florence and Russ had already been out and about. Florence went to check on bus schedule back to Shell and Russ to find coffee. Florence had run into a lady she had met earlier and wanted us to come to her house for breakfast. So off we went and it took about an hour to get to the table and we enjoyed our visit with Kete and her daughter Rene.Very kind people!!!! We had coffee, bread, cheese, ripe plaintains, and juice. After we walked to an evangelical church and met the pastor and his wife. Beautiful couple.Very kind people. We were served sweet coffee and more breakfast.(Fried potatoes and fried balongna) Rocky said oh no I cant drink that I already have bad indegestion. so I downed my cup of coffee and traded with him so I could drink his also. Corey also had bad indegestion from antibioctics he is taking so they both declined the food but Russ, Florence and I eat the second breakfast. While we were there Carlos from Naichap kept calling Rocky about getting his car repaired. The one he bought without knowing how to drive.Anyway it has been over a week since I started this writing! Corey and Russ went to meet Carlos and Rocky , florence and I went back to Ketty's home to wait for Corey and Russ. When they got there Corey and Carlos left to go to the garage and find out details about repairs and cost. Meanwhile the rest of us headed out south of town to meet the family that Florence actually stayed with. There dad has a house for rent in July. This is in the jungle big time. But very pretty and the house was close. We had to wait for the man to get back from town. He had taken the dog to town to get a haircut, knowing we were coming out. Oh Well that is the way things are done here. Anyway we stayed there until 2:00 and had lunch. We had to leave then to get Florence to her bus and she barely made. She is really cool.

So then we all heade to Zomora and we were very tired!!! Got here and rested for a real quick time and Our supervisor got here and we visited and had a meeting! Russ is a wonderful encourager and rocky and I needed some encouragement. That was Wednesday night. Russ left to go home on Thursday morning.

We should have just rested but we went to Loja and purchased direct tv. Got home and Rocky worked on hooking up direct tv and I had to do all of the lettuce washing and drying from Super Maxi. Was already feeling puny that day. Friday we went to bible study and stayed the night in Qualaquiza with Ketty and her family so we did not get to bed until midnight. Was feeling really bad on Saturday morning. Went out to see the house in the jungle for rent and it would take a lot of work!!! No good house. Then we went to Naichap where Rocky and Corey were going to teach Carlos how to drive. When we got there they wanted to load up Elmer's motorcycle and takr it to Qualaquiza to have a flat repaired on it. Also Carlos had a family member with a house for rent and Rocky and I were thinking about how bad it probably was. So back to Qualaquiza they all went. I stayed on the porch where we have bible study. I saw a few kiddos upstairs and after a bit the all came down and we enjoyed each other. The guys were gone until 2 hours. Finally about 1 1/2 hours after I had been there Monica from next door looked out and spoke and then Friorela got up. She had been sleeping. She went into the kitchen and started cooking fried plantains and chonto and a tea. By then the guys were back. Rocky said the house for rent was a brand new one and it was good. We could rent the upstairs or the downstairs. Downstairs has 2 bedrooms kitchen dinning , living, 1 bathroom. Up stairs has no kitchen but he is putting one in. He had made this house as one house and it is big so he closed off the stairs and made it 2 houses. Upstairs I like better but it is much hotter he says and also there would be no place for a washer and dryer. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms and a big closet room and a room you could use for dinning. He wants 180.00 a month for downstairs. We told him we would let him know what we decided. We are hoping to get back over to Qualaquiza next week and do a little more looking.

Last night I had all of my stuff ready to teach the kiddos at Naichap but was feeling so bad until I said this Tuesday I would be ready.

Also the language tutor stood us up but I was not caring since I did not feel to good.

Grandma

2011-04-10T18:03:00.000-07:00
I heard that I am going to be grandma again. Our daughter and her family have begun the paperwork for adoption. Exciting times. I sure do love being grandma! Sometimes it is so painful to be so far away. God substains!!! Well I was going to put a photo here but not working tonight.

2011-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

This and That

2011-04-08T11:09:00.000-07:00
South Beach Diet!!!! I was in the kitchen alllllll day yesterday but got a lot organized for this diet. Cooked a pot of garbanzo beans, black beans, and some kind of off white bean. Made spice muffins with the last bean. VERY GOOD. Made roasted gaebanzo snacks. Black bean brownies. Good but my least favorite. Eating lots of grilled chicken breast and salads. it is good to have all of the fresh vegetables to cook. I miss my food processor and my steamer for this kind of cooking but I am getting by.
This morning I made a big pitcher of fresh V-8 juice. NOT BAD.

Reading "Heaven is for Real" on my kindle. Waiting for Joy to loan me the sequel to Her Mother's Hope. I really enjoyed it.Thank you Joy!!!

Heading out to Naichap this afternoon for bible study. It was good to get back and see all of the people.

Been reading 1 John and have felt loved on. Thank you Jesus!!!

Been way to long!!

2011-04-07T06:52:00.000-07:00
I have not been posting for way to long so this will be a new start for blogging!

Thanks to those loyal followers that have kept on checking back to see if I was blogging!!!Love you all

South Beach Diet------ we had these this morning. YUMMM!

2011-04-07T06:49:00.000-07:00
We had these, egg, homemade sausage,

and to top pancake, 2 Tbs cream cheese mixed with a splenda packet and a touch of maple flavoring!

Flaxseed Meal Pancake (From Prevention.com website)

2 eggs
3 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
1 Tblsp. psyllium husks
1/8 tsp. salt (I just use a dash, too salty otherwise)
2 packets splenda
1 tsp. baking powder
dash vanilla

Stir until combined, let sit a couple minutes to thicken, add a couple tsps of water if you think its too thick. Pour into oiled or pammed (I use ICBNB spray) skillet and brown on both sides. Makes 2 big or (3 med large) pancakes. Serve with sugar free maple syrup or fresh fruit in P2.

Prayer for today

2010-11-23T04:07:00.001-08:00
Holy Lord, I have sinned times without number, and been guilty of pride and unbelief, of failure to find Thy mind in Thy Word, of neglect to seek Thee in my daily life. My transgressions and short-comings present me with a list of accusations, but I bless Thee that they will not stand against me, for all have been laid on Christ. Go on to subdue my corruptions, and grant me grace to live above them. Let not the passions of the flesh nor lustings of the mind bring my spirit into subjection, but do Thou rule over me in liberty and power.

Another you never know!!!

2010-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00
A couple of weeks ago Pedro ask Rocky if he would pick up his brother and take him to a dr. because he was having a lot of pain in his neck. Rocky said sure.so he went picked him and all of the rest of the family up anf took them to Yantzata. Saw the dr. and got meds. and took them back to Manchanatza. When he got home had to wash puk off the side of car. Girls got carsick but was glad she was by the window and it went outside!!!

When have been picking up a pastor and his wife on our way through Zumbi on Tuesday when we go to bible study and sometimes there is another pastor that goes also. These folks are pretty wild Penecostal. A couple of weeks ago when we stopped all three got in and the extra had a couple bags of clothes and said they were for Naichap. ???? So when we got to the dropping off place the extra did not get out of the car??? Rocky ask him if he was going to Manchanatza and he said no I am going to Naichap.???? We said ok!???When we got to Manchanatza to pick up Pedro and Marta there was Pedro's brother and wife and Pedro said he still needed a dr. so rocky said ok, we will pick him and his wife up when we come back from bible study and take them home with us to Zomora for the night and take him to the hospital the next morning. Everything seemed well. Then they wanted us to pray before we left so Rocky ask the other(remember we still have Pastor Miguell in the car) him if he wanted to get out and pray with us. Well who would have thought that everything changed at that point...Pedro and Marta seemed excited that Miguell was there and they talked and talked and talked and then we prayed. so now Us and Pedro, Marta and Pastor Migell loaded up and took off for bible syudy in Naichap. We planned to pick up Pedros brother on the way back. We got to Naichap and we thought pastor Miguell was going to see someone there so Rocky tried to give him his 2 bags of clothes but Miguell said not now later and he attended bible study with us.???? But he was good... So at the end of bible study he got the clothes and gave them to Carlos.??? We just have to laugh a lot!!!!lol
   We get back to Manchantza na Pedro and Miguell are talking and talking and we have no idea what they are saying.Pedros brother is no where in sight. We took off for with Pastor Miguell and we watched along the road for Pedros brother but did not see him so we went on. Before we got to El pangui the phone rang and it was Pedro wanting to know where we were because his brother is waiting for us.???/ So we turn around head back down this 5 mile jungle road to pick up brother. I turn around and ask pastor if brother wants to go with us and he said yes. and then I ask where he wants to go that night and he said to Zumbi. I said ok. we get brother head back out the 5 mile jungle road and when we get to the drop off place other pastor and wife are not there so we think they have got on a bus because by now we are really late. We get to Zumbi and No one answers the door so we are not sure what at this point.It is midnight and we have this family with us because it was not just brother but wife and two small children also and othe pastor.????lol
We do finally get the other pastor's daughter to wake up and talk to us out the window and she does not know where her parents are and she is not about to open the door. after about 25 min. waiting the bus showes up with them and they had had a flat.???lol We all go in and sit and talk and read the scripture about handling snakes.???lol we get fed rice, yuca, and eggs and hot sweet drink..close to 1:00am now. They want us to stay the night and attend a healing service the next day lasting from 8:00-2:00.???really lol we say no and that we will see them tomorrow. Rocky ask brother if he wanted to stay there or go home with us and he said stay there so Rocky and I took off quickly. We still had another hour drive to get home. LATE NIGHT! The next morning when we awoke Rocky said do we go and I said "I do not think we need to be any part of that" we stayed home. Rocky called at 12:00 to see if brother was ready to go home but they said no we have 2 more hours. So at 2:00 rocky went and picked Brother and family up and also Pedro had come over on the bus that morning and they wanted to stop in Yanzatza to have an exray so Rocky called and said it would be a while before he got home. But the dr was out till 5:00 and they did not have an exray anyway so he took them home and he got back to Zomora about 5:00.
More later because here in a few hours we will be picking us Pastor and wife and on return trip we will have Brother because he wants to come to Zomora to dr.????!!!! LOL we will see what the night holds.

You never know

2010-10-28T12:04:00.000-07:00
Last week I began meeting with a 13 year old young lady so she can practice her english and I can practice my spanish. Arrived and said hellos and began to visit with Herly (pronounced Erly). Her home bordered on both sides by buinesses. Her Uncles internet store through one wall and her grandpas store through other wall and they all have doors that open to the street and back doors that exit into house. Herly and I had just got started when all kinds of commotion next door started with furniture flying and shouting. All the while I was watching her face and at first she was not sure what it was but all of a sudden she had fear on her face and she jumped up and flew out the front door to her uncles door but came back real quick and called 911. So now I am thinking that I do not know axactly what is taking place but I knew that I really did not want to be there (a gringa) when the police came. It got quite, then Angel and his mom entered through the back and I could tell that he was pretty shook up and did not have his glasses on. Herly said that they were fist fighting. I guess it was a customer??? Who knows. But I decided it was time for me to exit. I told Herly that it was not a good time and I would see her next week and she agreed. Rocky and I stopped by the next morning to check on Angel but he was not there but his mom told us he had a bad place on head and on side of mouth.

Makuma

2010-09-03T07:01:00.000-07:00
We left on Tuesday afternoon and went to bible study. We got everyone back to Manchantza with instructions that we would pick them up at 8:00 am. Corey, Rocky and I stayed in a hotel in El Pangui to cut down on miles. It was about 9:30 when we left Naichap headed to Macas. Outside of Gualaquisa we were on the worst road ever for 2 hours till we arrived in Limon and we stopped for lunch. We traveled on and went through Sucua. It was fun to see where Mike and Pat Townsend lived before Zomora. I saw quite a bit of english on signs.(supermarket) we arrived in Macas about 3:30pm and went to GCC home and she took us to a hotel that was owned by a lady at their church. We left our car at her house because she had a secure yard for it. She helped us line up a cab to take us to the end of the road Thursday morning. We arrived at the end at 9:30. It was a tough walk but I did make all the way to Makuma at 1:00 pm. YEA!!! Even though I was exhausted.
   I sometimes think that I am doing without here in Zomora!!! After Makuma I have it all!!!! I can go to the little store in Zomora and buy a loaf of whole grain bread most of the time. Norma Hedlund bakes all of their bread. One little store in Makuma with very bare items.Like tuna, toliet paper,crackers,eggs, I am telling you it is very little. Norma boils all of her water. They can't seem to get filters to work. I have bottled water. We have the most wonderful market on Sunday morning. They have no market in Makuma. We pay 2.50 for a tank of gas and they pay 20.00 to have a tank brought into them. I am so very blessed here in Zomora!!!!
The church in Makuma has a World War two siren that they use to let the community know that the service is about to start. We were fed great food at the church each day. We stayed in the HCJB Guest house and it was quite nice. We even had our own pets while we were there.
I was really glad that I did not encounter this little fellow.Rocky said he was about 8-9 inches long.YIKES!
We had fresh grapefruit straight from the tree.
The Northern Shuar were very warm and hospitalable and we are so blessed to have been there for this special time. We had sweet fellowship with the other missionaries at Makuma. Jim and Norma Hedlund are very much servants and they opened their home to us for meals and fellowship that was sweet.

Today

2010-08-08T17:36:00.000-07:00
I knew it would be an interesting and eventful day. Rocky and I went to the school where the church in Zomora was supposed to be meeting all day and there was no one there so we came home and messed around until 11:30 and the we went to Fernandos where we used to live. We were invited over for lunch and a trip up the mountain to see their farm. We got there and their middle daughter is about 10 or 11 and she beat rocky in chess. we were served soup and a big plate of rice and 3 meats with a potato salad dish. Glass of tree tomato juice, glass of coke, peach with crackers. Very full!!!
We then got in the car and went up the mountain!!!WOW what a view of Zomora. We harvested sugar cane and crushed it with a thing like a wringer washer. We did not take our camera. They strained the juice and squeezed some oranges into it and it was so good. I saw the first pineapple on the plant and that was cool. these mountains are straight up and we walked down and looked at a place where he has pond for tilapia and a pen for pigs, an area for fruit trees. And then back up and around and up higher. Rocky and I can breath pretty hard after a little hike. We decided that we needed a mountain to climb each day for exercises. We are trying to get in shape for a 3 plus hour hike in the jungle the last of this month. Rocky rides a bike and I just walk. I am having to get over my fear of all of these loose dogs.
Tomorrow Corey's furniture is supposed to be diliverd from Quito and we plan to kinda straighten his house up some so it will be nice for him. Well that is about it for now.

Sunday Morning

2010-08-08T07:03:00.000-07:00
Yea!!! The sun is shinning this morning. It has been raining for about a week. But I guess with a yearly rain fall of 22 feet, it has to rain all of the time. And for the trees and flowers to be so pretty. I am thankful that we get this wonderful opportunity to experience all of this beauty.

I listened to one of my favorite pastors this morning while cooking breakfast. Matt McGowen ,http://cottonwoodbaptistchurch.com/sermonmanager.php?sermonID=3595

We have two invites today and we have accepted both by accident so we are going to arrive at an all day thing with the church here in Zomora at 10:30 and make a fast get away at 11:30 and go to some friends home and partake of empanadas and who knows what else. Will do an update after. This is Latin America so fast get aways can be pretty hard to do.We wiil see! OK more later.

New Look

2010-08-07T18:21:00.000-07:00
Ok I finally got a new look. It just takes me so long to do these things. Hope you all enjoy the new look and hopefully I will be a more dedicated blogger. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
Another of Rocky's photos.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-07-18T18:04:00.000-07:00
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

"FOR TODAY

July 18,2010

Outside my window It is dark at 7:45 pm. No daylight savings time in Ecuador.

I am thinking it is nice to have Corey back home even if for a really short time.

I am thankful for my Godly husband.

From the kitchen nothing for a few days because Rocky and Corey will be gone.

I am wearing my PJ's.

I am creating some warm touches in our home. I hung up 2 pictures this week.

I am going to enjoy my time alone while Rocky and Corey are up the river.

I am reading "As We Forgive" catherine claire larson

I am hoping to get curtains made for our living room.

I am hearing night noises of the jungle.

Around the house is rocky packing light to go up river.

One of my favorite things to take a hot shower.

A few plans for the rest of the rest of the week to pray for Rocky and Corey as they travel and visit.

A picture for thought. A couple of children from San Jose today.



2010-07-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

No Waste

2010-07-17T12:38:00.000-07:00
You know how older folks seem to keep everything, especially the ones that lived through the depression years. Well I did not live throught the depression but I now live in Zomora, Ecuador and Just look at the things I do now.

Just look at this! Washing paper towels!


But they are Scott brand and cost much.

Really meat trays!!! Well I thought I might need them for paint or something.

Pickle jars and peanut butter jars! Have you ever tried to wash peanut butter out of a jar?

I almost totally forgot the best is washing zip loc bags and reusing.


Fudgesicles

2010-07-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

                        Homemade fudgesicles! YUM!!!!

           1 cup sugar                     1/4 cup cocoa
           1 1/2 Tbs. cornstarch      1/4 tsp. salt
           1 cup water                     1 egg
           2 cups milk                      1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix together sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add water and egg. Beat with a fork until it is well mixed. Add milk. Cook until it boils. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into popsicle molds or small paper cups and freeze.
Recipe from Pat Muse, retired missionary from Ecuador.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-06-18T06:22:00.000-07:00
The Simple Woman's Daybook
June 17,2010

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...Is a beautiful blue bird that is having trouble flying,

I am thinking...That I need to update my blog more often.

I am thankful for... Slow moving mornings.

From the learning rooms...Got some great tips from John on language learning.

From the kitchen...Just got through popping corn for our snack.

I am wearing...My PJS

I am creating...Continuely creating food.

I am going...to the jungle on Sunday for a week.

I am reading...Francine Rivers.

I am hoping...to get everything together for the jungle tomorrow.

I am hearing... The Zomora river

Around the house...480 bottles of water for our week in the jungle.

One of my favorite things...Giving or recieving hugs. My love language is touch.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Give myself a pedicure.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...The bird at back door.

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Hands

2010-05-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

WOW, when did that happen. My hands are no longer mine but they have become my mom's hands.

Long nights

2010-05-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Elmer is not in photo.So oldest missing.
Tuesday and Friday nights are long and eventful nights for us. This past Tuesday was a search on the way and last night started out normal. I was driving because Rocky just did not feel up to par. We got to the town where we usually turn off and head down the long jungle road but on a corner in town there was the family that was going to Naichap waving us down.We stopped. We got them all loaded up and I ask did we need to go on the Manchanaztza and they said no straight to Naichap. Praises we did not have to drive down that crazy road. On the other hand we were way early for bible study ,but no problem. You just have to be flexible. We had bible study with Jose leading and he speaks as if he is on speed so I did not get much out of lesson. Friorela served us soup and yucca. I am beginning to like yucca in small portions. They eat it like bread.Well when we headed home with the group it began to rain and did it ever rain. We had to really watch out for mudslides on the hwy. As we were getting near El Pangui the group was calling the one son that did not go with us so I ask if we need to pick up Romal and they said yes. we went to a place and picked up Romal and one of there huge chainsaws and other things and we had already gotten like what I would think might be a 50 pound sack of yucca at Naichap so we were quickly running out of room.But we all got loaded again with one extra. And we still did not have to go down the jungle road because they wanted to go to Zumbi so off we went and was it ever raining. While we were at El Pangui I got to hold baby Noah he is 11 months. And I got to hold him all the way to Zumbi and my lap and heart was so ministerd to.Thank you Lord. We went past one place where there was a tree on the road that had been washed down but we were able to get by. After we turned and started toward Zomora we encountered lots of flashing lights and people so we slowed down but could not see anything but a short ways on we began to see logs and stumps and all sorts of vegetation all over the road but we were able to drive around and through. By now we are beginning to wonder if we will be able to get home last night. As we turn a curve we can see stationary flashing lights so we are saying oh no but we get up to the place and we are waved on through but there is people all over the place but is to dark and we do not know what all happened except there was a pretty major mudslide for all of the trees and stuff on the road. WE are so thankful to God for brining us home safe.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-04-27T07:14:00.000-07:00
Thursday, April 26, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook~:

April 26,2010

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

"FOR TODAY

Outside my window it is raining.

I am thinking that I have giants that I am going to face just like David did!!!

I am thankful that our children and their families serve the Lord.

From the kitchen wanting to make cut out cookies but I do not have any cookie cutters.

I am wearing my PJ's.

I am creating curtains for Rocky's office.

I am going enjoy Corey so much when he gets to Zomora!!!!

I am reading "Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado.

I am hoping that Landon will come and visit a few days before he goes back to Peru.

I am hearing the rain and workers next door.

Around the house is a little clutter.

One of my favorite things is having a small childs hand in mine.

A few plans for the rest of the rest of the week trip to bible study today and Friday, also get ready for company for when Landon and his partner comes to visit in a few days.

A picture for thought. Rocky and 4 of our 5 grandchildren.

Fudge Pudding Cake

2010-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:00
This cake is awesome! So awesome that I just have to have some for breakfast when I make it.

1 cup flour                           1/2 cup milk
2 tsp. baking powder           1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp salt                           2 Tbs. melted butter
2/3 cup sugar                       1/2 cup nuts (optional)
2 Tbs. cocoa                        1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa                      1 1/2 cups boiling water
   Sift together 3 times flour, baking powder, salt, 2/3 cup sugar and 2 Tbs. of cocoa.( I sift only 1 time) Combine milk, vanilla, and melted butter; add to dry mixture and beat until smooth. Stir in nuts. Spread in a buttered six cup casserole dish. Mix 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle over batter.Pour the boiling water over entire cake. Bake 50 min. at 350 F. Scoop out and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Yes that is Baskin Robbins whipped topping and they are very proud of the imported items.


The Simple Woman's Daybook~:

2010-04-22T06:25:00.000-07:00
April 20,2010

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~

"FOR TODAY

Outside my window a beautiful day.

I am thinking that it was great to work along side other GCC people from New Zealand.

I am thankful for my husband.

From the kitchen sink full of dirty dishes and about to have cearal for breakfast.

I am wearing my PJ's.

I am creating well lets say I need to creat some curtains and arm covers for furniture.

I am going take it easy today.

I am reading Proverbs 31 with Beth and a woth book club book.

I am hoping to walk closer to Jesus today than I did yesterday.

I am hearing the washing machine.

Around the house is a little clutter.

One of my favorite things is having a small childs hand in mine.

A few plans for the rest of the week today language, Friday bible study, Sat. trip to Loja ,and Sun. go hiking in Podocarpus Park with a couple of national friends to see a giant waterfall.

Here is picture for thought.Flowers in Ecuador

Jeans

2010-04-19T16:57:00.000-07:00
     You know that pair of jeans that you always grab first because you just feel so good in them. They fit jusy right no bagging or no binding and you can wear them for hours or even days because they fit so good. And you never think about the fact that they could wearout until one day you put them on and you began to notice how they are becoming worn ALOT. Well I have a pair like that and I AM SO SAD FOR I love those jeans.

Coin Dollars

2010-04-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what has happened to the coin dollar that was made in 2000? Wonder know more they are in Ecuador. We get lots of them for change.

Little Hands

2010-04-19T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sweet hands!!!

Little soft sweet hands are the best. I love when walking along side of one of our grandchildren to hold that wonderfully sweet delicate hand in mine. THE BEST FEELING in the whole world!!!! Yesterday while we were out in the jungle and riding in the back of the truck there was this sweet little girl that had the most lovely hands and she held my hand all the way..WHAT A TREAT! When we headed back to town on the bus there was this little girl that was having to stand up because the bus was full and I ask her if she wanted sit in my seat with me and she jumped up there and went to sleep. Another treat to get hold that sweet child for miles. Thank you Lord.

A Difficult Time

2010-04-12T17:27:00.000-07:00
One of the most difficult times for me is when our children or grandchildren have a birthday. It is hard to be so far away. But I am so blessed to have internet and skype.

Cultural Shock

2010-04-12T17:17:00.000-07:00
I think that I must be there. I have been having these fleeting thoughts and I feel panic. The thoughts are wow I am really in a another country away from everyone and everything familar and this is where the panic feeling comes in. This is set in motion and not to stop for 2 1/2 years. And it is not that I doubt that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Just trying to be honest with myself and you all about what I am experiencing now. I am hoping that writing about these feelings will help me to process them.
Psalm 51:12    Restore unto me the joy of your salvation.

~The Simple Woman's Daybook~:

2010-04-06T12:33:00.000-07:00
~The Simple Woman's Daybook~
"FOR TODAY

Outside my window the Zomora river is rushing by.
I am thinking I am blessed to get to live ina beautiful place.
I am thankful for blessed hope in Jesus Christ.
From the kitchen Pancakes with fresh papaya.
I am wearing my favorite pair of jeans and they are so worn out.
I am creating a knitted scarf.
I am going deep in the jungle on Saturday.
I am reading supposed to be reading a book for woth book club and hope to get on it today and proverbs.
I am hoping to eat tacos today but they will have to be homemade.
I am hearing the river.
Around the house is very quite peaceful this  morning.
One of my favorite things starbucks coffee, but not where I live.
A few plans for the rest of the week prepare for guest over the weekend.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Zomora Jungle

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/"

Baptisms in the River on Easter morning.

2010-04-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

There was eight baptisms!!!Way Cool. Yes the water was very cold.

Processions

2010-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is a procession of the death of Jesus

There were many processions.

Almost every home had a table with a photo of the cross with or without Jesus.
and fresh floweres or palm.

Viernes Santo

2010-04-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Kiim KiimBridge to Kiim after 300 stepsBridge to Kiim, our car over thereMe taking abreak on the way up all those stepsROCKY
Today we went to the village Kiim. We got our language tutor to go with us to translate for us. I think Carlos was apprenhensive about going with us but I think he had a good time and we were so grateful to have him. It was a good time of fellowship and food. We were served a wonderful bowl of vegatable soup and then a cup of a hot and sweet drink made from guayaba with milk and it was ok, not my favorite. I was full but here come another large bowl of soup and it was made with dried salted fish and it was ok and I managed to eat most of it. Next we were ask if we wanted a plate of rice with shredded cabage and grilled fish and it looked really good but we were to full. At this time the family brought out their bibles but we never got around to reading because there was a young couple that was struggling with wide road or the narrow road. I would ask that Rene and Angelica be lifted up to our Father. We left there about 2:00 and headed back to Zomora. Good Friday,,,,really.

You just never know

2010-03-31T14:43:00.000-07:00
Yesterday Rocky was sick with something so when we started to leave for our long trip to bible study he ask if i would drive.....And since i have not drove in many months and have been at the hands of others drivers i was glad to drive the way i wanted to. Well do you notice how many times   "I" is in that one little statement....OK That was not where I was going... We got on the road and not very far from home there was a Military roadblock that had us stop. The young man in his uniform and bully club....mind you he was a very nice young man. came up to my window and started talking and I understood nothing. The usual Rocky handed him our paper work and he looked at it and spoke again and again I understood nothing....I kinda thought that he was saying something about Pelicula or movie. I was beginning to think that maybe they were collecting funds for something but no and after a couple of min. Rocky understood that he wanted us to get out of the car. So I ask should I park and he said no and Rocky said Just turn off the key and get out! So I did and Rocky did and they began to search our car after they patted down Rocky. I looked through the car windows and saw Rocky and he had a look on his face. They went all through our car and then said go. and we went.
After bible study in rained cats and dogs on us for a long ways. It was really raining hard when the Manchanatza people had to get in the boat and go home. Tough people those Shuar..But tender hearts...

Friendship

2010-03-29T18:25:00.000-07:00
I have really been struggling without any girl interaction. You see I have been used to lots of girl time at the beauty shop and here I have had very little. I started praying for a friend and God supplied. Thank you!!!! Our neighbor is a young mother of a 6 year and 2 year old boys. Today she was over for some paper work for us a phone line and I showed her a little craft that I was making for an Easter decoration (idea from Joy) and she was so excited because she had seen this in a store and it was very expensive so she came over this afternoon and we made several together and I practiced espanol and she practiced english. She has a degree from chef school and we talked about getting together to cook breads. Her name is Carolina so if you would lift her up in prayer. I do not know if she has a relationship with Jesus.
     Had a really good hour of spanish tutoring with Carlos before playing with Carolina. He had us write an esay of what we did yesterday and then we rewrote it with different words.Was good practice.
     My new drink of choice;;;;; Ice coffee because is to hot to drink hot coffee. I have to watch Rocky or he will drink my ice coffee.
     This Friday we are going to Kiim and have lunch with a family there. They invited us last week when we went there for a bible study.... They are gathering for a certain occasion and our translator called it "tocar you mommy" touch your mom..So we are going with an open mind. OH! Also I almost forgot but when we were leaving last week one of the young men there gave Rocky some beads that he is supposed to wear when he dances. I can't wait to see that. More on all of this later....
    Rocky has been trying to get us a telephone line in our house so we can get internet through the line because what we have now is very expensive. But today after more than a week they tell him that we need more passport numbers. Ours is to short. You just gotta chuckle about that!!!
Our Asia resturant.
   WE HAVE WINDOW SCREENS!!!!!!YEA!!! Really need them in the jungle.


One of many road side stands. I love the organization of the fruit.


French resturant and that fire felt so good! The steak was awesome!