Today Mark went up the the assembly hall so I was walking home by myself after an excellent morning in the field. That's when I get to thinking about stuff so here's my thoughts for this day: We love it here and cannot bear the thought of having to leave. However our son is getting married soon so we are having to return to NZ at the end of November. That gives us only 3 more months here and we are very sad about that. (Don't worry Ryan - we wouldn't miss your wedding for the world). However I have to say that it sure has been a privilege and we are so happy that we had the opportunity to come here. We have met all sorts of people from all around the world, we have partly learned another language and have been able to help out where the need is great. If anyone is contemplating making a similar change in your lives then JDI because the blessings far out way the sacrifices. Ecuador needs more help - so put this on your list of possibles. Where else can you walk along a beautiful river like this while out in service?
Here you can spend just 2 hours in service and return home with an empty bookbag and some really good calls to return to like my morning today. I placed everything in my bag and have to take a bible back to one lady. I think because this is a poor country , people are very aware things are not right. Because NZ is so far away from the rest of the world, we tend to be more insular and only worry about ourselves. Maybe things have changed somewhat with the economic downturn and more people are sitting up and taking notice of world events. I hope so for their sake.We know that time is getting very short for this system of things.
So for the next 3 months, Mark and I are going to have to really make the time count and learn as much as we can, just in case we don't get things organized so we can come back. He will tell me off for being pessimistic - being so sure a miricle will happen and we will be able to continue our work here. We shall just have to wait and see what happens - however as I say, it has been an awesome life changing experience and I am just happy to have had it!
Here you can spend just 2 hours in service and return home with an empty bookbag and some really good calls to return to like my morning today. I placed everything in my bag and have to take a bible back to one lady. I think because this is a poor country , people are very aware things are not right. Because NZ is so far away from the rest of the world, we tend to be more insular and only worry about ourselves. Maybe things have changed somewhat with the economic downturn and more people are sitting up and taking notice of world events. I hope so for their sake.We know that time is getting very short for this system of things.So for the next 3 months, Mark and I are going to have to really make the time count and learn as much as we can, just in case we don't get things organized so we can come back. He will tell me off for being pessimistic - being so sure a miricle will happen and we will be able to continue our work here. We shall just have to wait and see what happens - however as I say, it has been an awesome life changing experience and I am just happy to have had it!
7 comments:
Greetings from Ottawa, Canada.
Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading about your experiences in Ecuador. I found your blog through the Haines who were in my sister's cong. in N.S. and just moved to Cuenca. My husband and I have been planning a trip to serve where the need is great for almost 2 years now. We will be leaving in Feb and staying til the end of May. We had planned on going to the DR but now we are leaning towards Ecuador. My sister is coming with us. Your blog is very encouraging (and entertaining)and Ecuador will miss you. You never know, if you do get to return we may meet up.
Agape
Cheri & Greg Batty, Ottawa
Awe beth that made me tear up. Im very happy you have had the chance to have this experience. Ecuador needed you 2. I hope that you get to come back after your sons wedding. Kami and I want to come back at the end of january i really hope we can all see eachother again! Thanks for the thoughts.
Beth, I am so sad that you (possibly) won't be there when I come back. What will I do without you. However, I do promise to keep in touch - at least as much as I do now. =0 Hope all is well, I miss you guys so much.
I'm so glad you guys got to have this experience. Travel really does open your eyes, eh. Looking forward to seeing you at the end of the year. xxx
Beth,your thoughts for the day are so sad. We are just starting to get to know you, we really hope you can come back :)
We will enjoy getting to know you better over the next three months, AND when you come back ;)
Hello again! Just another little note to let you know that what you are doing will not be forgotten by Jehovah and thanks to your blog will not be forgotten to us, the readers. Your thoughts and expressoins of faith over all these months has been very encouraging. I sometimes feel like I know you and Mark. That is a testament to your excellent writing and being able to transmit your feelings into words. We have walked with you next to the rivers, we have worked 12 and 14 hour days, we have tasted the foods, enjoyed the parties and lived your field service experiences. For all of our sakes we hope and pray that you may return to Ecuador and continue receiving the blessings that Jehovah has bestowed upon you. In fact I am sure that Jehovah sees your desire, your willingness to work hard and serve and that he will smooth out the way. As his word says he will 'flatten out the hills' for you. (I might have misquoted but that's the idea.) Anyhow, for the next three months, at least, we will stay glued to our screens awaiting your updates and yearbook-like experiences. Que Jehova los siga bendiciendo, mis queridos hermanos.
Much love.
Isaac, Grace, Eden and Saren
Oh wow as much as it would be great to have you both back in new zealand.
I don't what is worst when you both left tauranga 2 years go it was very sad or that you are leaving ecuador!
It has been a most encourgaing, funny, loving and tearful time reading all your blogs BETH.
We feel we have come to know all your friends and ones in ecuador.
Look forward to seeing you both again at the end of the year.
Somehow we feel ecuador will always be part of your life and that you will return one day.James 4:13-15
arohanuixx
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