Busy few days

Well we are back in Cuenca with all our worldly goods - thank goodness there are these guys wandering around the bus terminals looking for work - throw them a couple of bucks and they do all the hard work.

Its been a hive of activity since we arrived. First off, and most important, Haircuts! Then Aaron had his first Public Talk in spanish so it was awesome to be able to hear that. Next day - we moved house! Chad and Michele found a house almost the same size as the old one for $100 less a month so we couldn't pass that deal up. I unpacked our suitcases, which is just fantastic because we have been living out of them for  nearly 5 months. Of course I will have to repack in a months time, but it feels good anyway to have drawers and a wardrobe for now.

I have also been to physio a couple of times but before he does any more treatment on me, he wants a second opinion from a specialist - I have that appointment today so I am hoping that he doesn't want to put a pin in my foot or something equally horrible. I had to have a new set of x-rays taken yesterday, 3rd time so far - but here in Cuenca the equipment is a bit more up to date (I'm not sure if I have ever seen anything so old as the one in Manta-it looked like it was out of WWII or something). Anyway at least all the places I have had to go to have been within a bus or taxi ride - I can't imagine having to go up to Manta everyday for physio, it would have been horrendous! Yay for Cuenca!


Update on the foot - Seems that it is now too late to do anything for my foot - it should have been operated on straight away apparently, but now that it in the healing stage, the doc thinks we should wait and see how it goes. If not, then it would have to be broken again and pinned - of course I am quite happy with this news although, if I had seen Xavier (the bone specialist, who happens to be a brother in a neighboring congregation - great aye) earlier, no doubt it would have healed faster. Anyway I am back with a walking stick for two weeks and to carry on with physio - so I will no doubt get yelled at again when crossing the street "Muevete Mumita"

Last meetings are always so hard...

One last beautiful sunset to send us on our way - 
Thank you Puerto Cayo!

Always manage to find myself a special little girl in every congregation - this is my Puerto Cayo granddaughter - Maritza 

Mark and his possie of fans

Abran - so adorable just had to share his photo with you

Another one bites the dust - last meeting that is. The older I get - the harder it is to say goodbye - I hate it!

Very sad story

Major Bus Accident in Ecuador Today Leaves at Least 27 Dead and 30 Injured

Published at 6:50 pm EST, February 19, 2012

Photo Credits: Deadly Ecuador Bus Trip

 At least 27 people died and 30 people died and 30 others were injured Sunday in a bus crash in the northern Ecuadorian province of Imbabura, Victor Bazantes, with the fire department in the city of Ibarra, told Efe.

Based on the statements of survivors, Bazantes said that apparently the bus in which they were riding had a problem with its brakes and crashed into a wall, then rolled down an incline.

The accident occurred on the Ibarra-San Lorenzo highway linking the provinces of Imbabura with Esmeraldas, the latter on the border with Colombia.

Three children died in the crash, which occurred near the community of Cuajara, near the city of Ibarra, the capital of the same-named Andean province.

The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities, but two people were transported by helicopter to Quito, Bazantes said.

A relative of some of the victims told the daily El Comercio that the people on the bus were Jehovah’s Witnesses who were traveling to a church service in the parish of Lita.

Me speaking now:We have been told that 7 of our brothers lost their lives (5 regular pioneers) and 11 are in hospital, 2 with serious injuries. We sure need to keep the families and the congregation they were from in our prayers - it will be a very hard time for them.

Carnaval time

It's that time of year again - crazy Carnaval (spelt the spanish way) - where if you go out side you are likely to be pelted with water balloons or drenched with a bucket of water. Here is Puerto Cayo - that's not such a bad thing because it is the hottest time of the year and believe me - it's hot! The streets are packed with people and cruising cars, so this sleepy little town has come to life again. We couldn't believe it when we checked out the beach yesterday - a shanty town has grown up overnight! Also of course they have to have fireworks at midnight so last night sounded like we were in a warzone (most of their fireworks are about noise - not pretty colours). So - one night down - 3 to go!

On a bright note - guess what I did the other day? I went preaching! Shocked you all didn't I? Yep for the first time in 7 weeks, I actually went out with the group. Of course it was a little easier because I was in the Bidencope's car and was able to rest up after each couple of doors - but it felt sooo good! It was nice  to know, I haven't forgotten all my spanish - phew!

It's just the way we do it here!

We have been told that it hasn't rained so bad for so long in 17 years here. The dry hills are now green and new life is everywhere. The problem is, of course, as we are not fine weather Christians - the preaching work still goes on - and it can get pretty hairy out there. (Well so I am told anyway - while everyone else is out there contending with what is shown in this video - I sit at home with my feet up - such a hard life!) 

Few Random Shots

Abi and David Bidencope - the lovely Aussie couple 
that have opened their
house to us, while we are still in Puerto Cayo

This is Courtney from NZ and Maxine from Aussie
They live in the next town over - cool chicas!

Pioneers from Puerto Cayo with the substitute CO's wife - Tess.
 Really nice couple that are leaving Ecuador in April too
 to go back to the States.
The difference is - they have been serving here for 15 years!

Mark and Jose (Puerto Cayo Coordinator) - so cute that he tried to
 play a duet with Mark (no, he doesn't play the piano!)

Looked like we were being invaded the other night when the navy came to town - there were four ships out in the bay and it looked kind of ominous!

Meanwhile I can see my right foot again - took the boot off today and had a little walk on the beach - felt good to be free!

Meanwhile Mark enjoys the preaching (and the mud)

Yuk!

Its been raining for days here in Puerto Cayo but the pioneers have just carried on regardless.

Zoe smiles her way up the hill

Jess decides its easier to carry her shoes rather than leave them in the mud

Poor little old lady

Haha! When we went to the supermarket the other day - the assistants rushed up to me and gave me this thing to drive around -  I had such a great time darting in and out of the aisles, and trying to run hapless gringos over! So Mum - I beat you to it (using a electric mobility scooter that is)!