Whale Watching Video

I had trouble getting this on yesterday - sorry about that!

Whale Watching & Poor Man's Galapogus Island

We had a great day with the girls - checking out the whales and blue footed boobies. It was a little much for me the walk though cause the climbing up and down showed just how unfit I am. I don't know why I did not get a photo of the step steps - you would have understood my exhaustion if you saw where we went. After a long day - when we made it back to land - I could hardly walk so we stopped for a bite to eat on the shorefront. However that made us late for the bus and while we were waiting for the next one - the taxi drivers started pestering us - telling us there where no more buses that night! The price to take us back started at $20 - then rose to $25. I was quite happy by this stage to pay for us all - but the girls waited it out. Finally though it seemed obvious that we would be waiting all night so we took a $24 fare. Just as we were organized to go - along came the bus!!! I didn't care though cause as you may remember -the Coast buses were yukky and the thought of the hour ride home on one didn't thrill me!
I am glad we did the trip - but if any of you come over - you are on your own if you want to do it - I am staying put in the hammock!

La Costa

This is a quick tour of the coast - it is very different from being in the mountains - in fact there is a bit of prejudice between the two places. Coast people say mountain people are dirty and mountain people say coast people are lazy! It seems to us that they are not lazy just so hot that they have to lie about in their hammocks to get through the hottest part of the day. Everyone knows each other and Maria and Bernice seem to be very safe there. Mark reckons it would be too much effort for anyone to break into the girls house anyway! One thing I did not like was the buses - they felt very claustrophobic - different from the buses here in Cuenca.
We had the best time with the two chicas and they are well loved by the congo.

District Convention Video and Photos

I have also thrown on a view photos for those of you that can't see the video. Truly was an awesome and encouraging experience. The convention had an international feel to it with 26 countries represented. We personally met people from England, Australia, USA, Venezuela, Peru, Columbia, Puerto Rico, Japan, Canada, Ecuador (Galapagos Islanders too) and of course other Kiwis!

Day Three - Boo Hoo

Well it came to close and what a sad moment that was. Met so many different people from different countries so it was just awesome. There are 26 countries represented with the missionary visa but no doubt there were more here just visiting. It was really great meeting a young guy from Canada originally who grew up with Aaron P - my neice Joanna´s husband (just for the ones reading this that aren´t family). Small world!

The drama was great and the American accents didn´t hit us in the ears like it usually does when at home in NZ. Talked to some of the actors before and after and - they speak like that anyway - hard case!

We have never had such an experience - it truely is an international assembly, with everyone here being in the same mindset and having the same or had the same problems we have faced. It is amazing how they are all so happy though and not many if any - don´t like it.

I don´t think I told you our experience on Thursday coming down here - we arrived nice and early to catch the plane only to be told the flight was cancelled - TWO weeks ago! Noone had bothered to call us and there was not another flight available until the night. We had to be at a rehearsal at 2.30 in the afternoon so it was a little problem! We hailed a taxi to take us to the bus station and the chappy told us about a bus that could get us here quicker. So we thought that would be a good idea - of course it was way over the other side of town and by the time we reached the place - the last van had left! So rather than go back to the regular bus station - we were now running low on time, we asked him if he wanted to take us to Guayaquil and a price was fixed - $110! That included the free crossing of himself that the driver did on our behalf no doubt everytime we passed a church or dodgy piece of road. It took us 3 hours to get here and that was good value I thought - I don´t think you would get a taxi driver to drive for 3 hours for that money in NZ. The scenery is breath taking and at some points you are higher than the clouds - it is awesome. Pictures will be posted at the earliest opportunity. They won´t in anyway do the scenery justice though - you will have to either take my word for it or come and see for yourself! It is time to hit the hay - absolutely wiped out of course - it has been an emotional few days. Enjoy your convention next weekend Circuit 6B and if anyone has the power - get the greetings of the 9 kiwis serving in Ecuador announced!

Day Two

We are wondering what is happening to us - is it old age or what? We keep welling up all through the sessions for some reason. There is something about even the clapping here - it is so heartfelt - when each session ends too - you can´t help but clap and it goes on for a few minutes! Also we realized that these speakers are either from the NY Bethel or missionaries or at the very least need greaters that have many years experience! It is so different and if any of you are wanting a different assembly experience - start planning now to come in August next year to catch the Need greater convention. Problem is you may find yourselves all wanting to serve here.

District Convention

Well the hotel´s computer is free so I just thought I would let you know we are doing fine and just loving the convention. I found Maria first thing this morning and promptly burst into tears at the sight of her. It was like hugging one of my kids! So very emotional. We were interviewed on the second talk - so we are kind of famous now - Hey and guess what - Helen & Junior Jones (she was in the magazine this year - I´ve talked about her before) well they were on the same part. Fancy that! At lunchtime a maori sister who has been here for 11 years from Matata grabbed me and said ¨hey cuz!¨and then another couple - from Nelson who have been here for 2 years came and introduced themselves and finally a young feller from Opotiki ( Knows you Colleen and Ted), he is married to an Ecuadorian, came up too. I have told them all to meet us in front of the stage tomorrow for a photo shoot. So that will be on the blog in due time (when we get back to Cuenca I expect).

We were stopped all day long by people saying how encouraged they are by our move - some folks have said it is making them think hard about their own situation. (These are the ones that are only visiting for the assembly-of course). So it has made Mark and I feel very worthwhile - even though our spanish is limited.

The convention speakers are very interesting to listen to (not saying ours are not but the accents are so fascinating) and they all seem to just put a little plug in about need greating and so that is encouraging. It is a great convention and I know you will love it - great for young people today!

It is pretty hot here and we have been utilizing the fan you brought Mark, Ann - so thanks for the forthought!

As I say I will post photos as soon as I have the chance. Chao amigos