Heilig's Ecuadorian Travels

Dont forget ..... Knock at every door!

2012-06-10T13:08:00.003-04:00

Why should we make sure to knock at every door, while we are in our ministry? Let me share with you and experience and maybe you will understand the title of this story.

Before moving to the Vilcabamaba and Malacatos area, we made a trip to investigate which of the areas / congregations we would be attending. We had written the branch and talked to the local Circuit overseer about the needs between the two areas, and he recommended Malacatos. So that is where we decided to attend. During the week we came to investigate, we attended the meetings of both congregations, as well, we went in our ministry or preaching work. While in Malacatos, the day we met with the group, there was only one other couple going in the work that day. A mother and her adult daughter, along with the daughters baby girl. As it turned out the territory was across the street and it covered several blocks.

We stared working in the territory, and at the first door the sisters told us that "no one is home so dont bother knocking". Hey who are we to say different, we're from the city, what do we know about country territory? .... So we go to the next door and the same story. And the next, you guessed it, the same story. Finally after the 4th door, I asked the sisters, how they know if the people were not at home. She explained that they are all at work, and with the lock on the gate, that meant they were not home..... Hey we are new here and only visiting, so I didn't get too smart with her, figuring she knows something I don't. But it did seemed to us, that people lock their doors even when they are home .... I don't know, for security reasons maybe? But who am I to say different? Well this went on for a few more doors, and then I told her I didn't feel comfortable not knocking, I mean after, all that is how we preach, right? Hey if they aren't home they aren't home, but we dont know that, if we dont knock. So we started preaching the old fashion way...... K N O C K I N G on doors. Lo and behold one of the doors where the sister told me "no one was at home" ..... "no one" comes walking out the door. I didn't believe my eyes, because this person wasn't at home!

So we start a conversation about the Ruler of the world, Who is it? Using the tract that poses that question. Of course the response was, as it is usually, ..... "God". The lady, named Rosa, didn't catch on right away to the scriptural evidence showing that it's Satan. But when she, did her eyes got as big a saucers. We told her we would be back after a few weeks when we moved to the area, to share more with her and she agreed. Move ahead 4 weeks ........

We go back, (RV) and go back (RV) and go back and go .... well you get the idea. Not at home, each time... well, finally the sister in the introduction was right. Each time we would go back, some of the friends would tell us that she probably wasn't interested. But were not giving up, it was a good call and we going to find her..... finally we find...........

Her sister Piadad .... 17 years old and on her way to some school function, but she said she had time to talk. So I did the same presentation ,telling her that we spoke to her sister about the same subject, and here sister really enjoyed learning the answer to the question "Who really is the ruler of the world". When asked the question she gave the 99.99999% of the time response? ...... "God"... Then she read on in the tract, about how the bible never mentions in one place that God or Jesus are the rulers of this world. Now she was hooked. "Who is it then"? she asked ..... so we considered the scriptural evidence from John 12:31, 14:30 and 16:11.... but she still couldn't answer. So we went to Rev 12:7-9, 12 and her eyes get really big and she says "it's the devil, Satan". When we asked her who's personality the world reflects she said "the devils of course". Then we asked her why did Jesus teach us to pray for "Gods kingdom to come"? She says right away, very excitedly "because Satan rules the world right now" ...... Now here is the really cool thing... she says "it's obvious from the bible that Satan is the ruler of the world... Why dont our priests teach us that"? .... Good question Piadad, maybe they dont know.... maybe they haven't studied much of the bible, maybe they only know their church teachings. We made arrangements to come back and explain more about Gods Kingdom and how it will do away with Satans rulership! ...... Roll ahead one week, we go back to make the RV on the second sister Piadad and we meet......

Her sister Maria, and I think well it worked last time so I try it again... Who is really the ruler of this world? ................................

"The Devil" they always say "demonio" to refer to Satan, she is part of the .0000000001% that get the answer right. So I ask her if she has been talking to her sisters.... "no" she says innocently. Well how do you know that? .... You have been talking to your sisters about the subject and they shared what they learned, right? "No". Well how do you know? .... "it's obvious dont you think" she says, "the world's a mess and it can't be under gods rulership"..... yes but did you know that the bible teaches us that Satan is the ruler of the world.... "no, that I didn't know.... Would you like to see what the bible says regarding Satan being the ruler of the world? "Yes" ...... so we show her all the scriptures we showed her sisters... Then, she asked us to wait for a minute and takes off. When she returns, she has a note pad and pencil and asks "where were those scriptures we read"? ... Then she says .......

What religion are you with? We are Jehovah's Witnesses, Maria ..... "You dont believe in the virgin do you"? Well we do believe that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was conceived, but dont believe that she was always a virgin. In fact did you know that the bible says that Jesus had brothers and sisters? She looks at us as if to say "what was that you said" so we said it again.... "where does it say that"? So we showed her, as she adds the scriptural text to her list of scriptures.... then she asks, "Why are there sooooo many religions"? Well Maria, that will have to wait until next time, as my wife has an appointment to answer some questions another woman has about the bible.... "oh ok" she says. I ask her if we can come back next week and she says sure.

So who will we find on the next visit? There is one more sister and a brother in the family, that live in the home, we dont know where fruit will be found, but we are hoping that at least one, if not all, will share the same interest in the truth..... Stay tuned, ..... we are going to see where this leads!

I wrote this the week before... since then we called back and found Maria... answered her question, and then she had more questions and told us her next step was to get a Bible of her own. And when we go back the week that is coming, we will try to show her from the bible why we dont eat the wafer that supposedly represent the body of Christ.... She has a MILLION questions....

The preaching work here, is nothing short of amazing... If you speak Spanish or another foreign language, and have the circumstances, think about moving to a foreign country.... One famous man (Jesus) said "the harvest is great but the workers are few, therefore beg the master of the harvest to send more workers into the harvest". So that we do every day, .... beg the master to send more workers.... please if you can, come here, or some other place, where the preaching work is incredible! And dont forget no matter where you are preaching ......

Knock at every door!

Wonderful teaching work in Catos, ...... uh Malacatos

2012-06-01T15:56:00.003-04:00

Hello to all our family and friends.... even those we haven't met yet!

We are enjoying our move from Cuenca to Malacatos. I like to tease the friends staying that I prefer to call the town, Catos not Malacatos. For those of you that dont speak Spanish, Mala means bad. So I like to tell the friends here, that I prefer to tell people that we live in Catos not Mala catos (or badcatos) They all laugh and shake their heads.

Service here is nothing less then superb. Good calls each day and several studies. It appears that the territory is coming into it's own right now. Lots of new ones coming to the meetings and making progress. Commenting regularly, sharing the truth with others and progressing toward being an unbaptized publishers.

One student (Jose) and his family, are studying with a couple from Holland that serve here. (They are as poor as poor can be, but feel rich due to the knowledge they have attained) While they make their annual trip back to Holland for 3 months, we have the priveledge to care for the study with all the family members. The wife has lived a very hard life and has been treated very unjustly by family members, even having been stolen from, by her mother. When she was growing up it took some years for her to realize that her mother had given her to her uncle and his wife to raise. When she finally was 8-10 years of age, she found out what her mother did, and then her mother told her that she was a child that was not wanted. Her mother has always treated her with disdain, as a result she of course suffers from very low self esteem. The love of the friends has helped her tremendously to improve in this area of her life.

Her husband Jose started learning the truth a year and a half ago, and has been attending meetings ever since. He was the first to latch onto the truth, it caused problems in the family, due to changing his beliefs in harmony with the bible. The wife Rachel wanted to separate, due to the changes he made in his life, leaving behind the false doctrines of the catholic church. But then she finally agreed to a study of her own and started to learn the truth... she has been attending meetings since the memorial, along with Jose and their 3 children. Jose has left behind a serious drinking problem, due to his coming to know Jehovah. He tells me every time I see him how thankful he is that Jehovah has a people that shared the truth with him. Additionally he always expresses his appreciation for the truth itself, the knowledge he has received... as Jesus said, It has "set him free".

Then there are the children, Nixon and Lady. They are about 11 and 10 years of age. They study the book "Learning from the Great Teacher". The book, as many of you know, teaches lessons about how to conduct ourselves properly. They eat up the information each week and then make notes in a notebook about how they can apply the counsel in there lives. Very cute kids.

Attached is a photo of the family... it's not the best photo ever taken but hopefully you get the idea.

Jose, Nixon, Madeline, Rachel and Lady ....
I think Madeline (the little one) is suffering the after effects of eating a large piece of sugar cane.

We look forward to seeing them progress toward baptism.

I have another very interesting experience but will give this one a few days and then share it with you. Sorry for that one, I don't have any photos..... yet!

Ministry update from Vilcabamba and Malacatos

2012-05-07T14:53:00.000-04:00

Well after 3 weeks we have some photos and videos of our current adventure, and thought you may find it of interest. Most of the territory here is out of town, and even in town, is what you might consider out of town (know what I mean? If not you'll have to come on down to understand) With all the photos and videos I have taken I just thought we should share some of our experiences of the ministry and with the friends we have come to know and have an appreciation for.

Carol and Monica preaching "through the dust". Literally!

The next day we were going to preach in the rural areas close to town ... but the main roads were closed due to a high school running competition... So off to the campos! We drove about 30 minutes and we finally got out and preached below is a video of the area.

And in this photo a coconut palm tree, perhaps you can see that it has tires growing on its side. Why would a palm tree have tires growing on its side?

I was working with Reneé that day... He has been in the truth for about 35 years... one of the originals here in Ecuador. Although we were in the ministry, he was in search of not only deserving ones that day, but also two platano plants (is that redundant? I think not!) and when he found them offered to pay the man something for them, but of course he would take nothing. The mans son dug them up and then he put/cut them into manageable size... (translated meaning small enough to fit in the cargo area of our car... mud and all..... oh well)

The generous plantation owner, Jorge (on the right) but you already knew that.... right?

Prepping them out for the trip home, watch out for the man with a machete in his hand.

Just before that escapade, we preached to a school teacher and her class and were able to use the white board to explain the truth.... That was fun .... I felt like the teacher.... Yeah! ... The little guy on the bottom left tried to get out of the photo ... he wasn't successful was he? ... Gotcha!

After finishing this area of about 20-30 homes.. (you would call them shacks) we headed back to town.... On the way we are driving and as we passed a group of workers, someone mentioned that sister Soila was in the group... so we went back and said hi... of course she was there with her workers clearing land and brush..... reaping bananas to sell in the market.
(And yes that is a machete on her side.... Those things are everywhere here. Can't walk around without one.... I going to get one, just so I look the part.)

Of course after we greet her, the COOB has to get out of the car and into the story. Yes the man on the left is Ed Holdner he has been here for on and off some 38 years, when he and his wife haven't been here in Ecuador they have been in Mexico and Europe serving. (And yes in case your wondering that is a 49er football team hat and also notice NO ties in the ministry...... SWEET!) When he and his wife arrived in Malacatos just over 2 years ago, there were in attendance about 22, now on Saturday evening there is just short of 100 at the meetings... Imagine that! And the publisher count has doubled .... most of that from the territory.

Well the question is, how do you finish a day like that in the ministry? First thing you do, is get back and EAT! Thats what you would do right ? Then perhaps take a little nap! Or a long one depending on your likes! Then when you get up to the afternoon rain, lightly falling ...... you look out and see ......

This turned into a double rainbow but I was out walking Gracie and didn't have my phone with me to catch it.... Sorry but, you'll just have to imagine it!

Our move from Cuenca

2012-04-21T17:27:00.002-04:00

Hello to all....

Since the last writing .... and when was that? ..... Too long ago! Well maybe not for you. We have moved, last week to be exact. We didn't just move across town but across country ... well maybe not quite that far, but 4 hours from where we were located in Cuenca..... South, about 4 hours from the Peruvian border. What in the world.....? You may be asking, are you doing moving further away from the USA then closer.

Well Carol, my little thoroughbred had developed a nasty pulmonary problem "living in the city" (can you hear Stevie Wonder on that one?) The doc said it was due to the dust and exhaust from the vehicles, mostly from the "big blue angels of death" or commonly known as "the buses". Then the doctor told her to stay off the streets...(how do you pioneer doing that?) and not to go out at night when the humidity levels increased. (and what time do we go to meetings?) Well you can see we needed to make a change. So we did. Contacted the branch about a few areas, and they gave us a response as to where the greater need was,so we took a few trips, and decided to move to the Malacatos congregation, south of Loja about 30 minutes.

Just in case the video isn't working for you here is a least a photo of the valley of Malacatos

The photos below are from Vilcabamba

The territory is about as nice as it gets. Almost perfect weather (is there such a thing?) Nights nice and cool for sleeping and days in the upper 70s to low 80's with very low humidity. And greeeeeeen, greeeeen, greeeeen (pictures attached).

Malacatos is about 15 minutes from another famous place called Vilcabamba (valley of longevity) this place is like Mecca for those who want to get away from the world.... good thing about that is, many of those who have that mentality, bring with them skills and services you would find in other parts of the world. Like what? You may be asking? .....

Like a french man and his Belgian wife who are purveyors of French breads and pastries. Baguettes fresh each day.... And we do enjoy them. Yes they are the real deal. The first time I met Román he was telling me that he made baguettes... I ask if they where good... he looked at me like are you kidding "I'M FRENCH" of course there good. Oooops .... sorry! .... Oh yeah .... those little rolls with the dark streak running through it ..... Chocolate croissants!

We found out yesterday that there is a guy that lives in the mountains that produces soft goat cheese ... Yes, like the kind you find in Trader Joe's or one of those type of places. Can't wait to get my lips on some of that stuff.

Last night we had excellent pizza.

Mexican food is available here from a man who's wife is from Mexico City, Mexico.

Im sure you have noticed that food is an important subject here.... Well it is where you are at too, right?

It's just that here in Ecuador, so far from a major metro area, the selections are more limited. Don't get me wrong, all the ingredients are here, but it's the putting them together that makes for good food. And with all the foreigners here in this area we have many things, that are hardly available in all of Ecuador. That is nice.

Ministry... well we hear it's really good and the last trip when we came here we had a really nice day in the service. So we are looking forward to getting out there and getting our own boatload of new studies...

It was sad leaving the Altiplano congregation in Cuenca, as there had been so much growth, not just with the amount of people but personal growth of the brothers in the congregation. Many new servants (6) and elders appointed (2), pioneers (4) and new ones that qualified to be unbaptized publishers (15), newly baptized (5) during the 18 months we served in the congregation..... very nice to be a part of. We love those dear friends, and they appreciatively gave us a very nice send off.

Ill try to send a few more details of the area where we are living in other blogs.... But that gives you something to know about us for the time being.

Our love to you all, and may Jehovah continue to bless your service to him.

More Drama .... Drama!

2011-12-01T14:06:00.003-05:00

In a blog from the last several months, I mentioned that I had the privilege to direct the Sunday drama about Joseph... We had a great time working together. I may have mentioned that the brothers from our old circuit in Reno sent the costumes on from the States, we made alterations to the costumes for the same characters here in Cuenca, and all went well. The Webbs formally know as TGC brought them from the States after have having one of their detox vacations. (That's what we have come to refer going back to the states as being.... ;-))))))

Group from the Reno Circuit

Last week I get an email from some brother in Chile.... some 1700 miles south of Santiago, Chile ..... Coihayque, Chile to be exact. Who do I know in Chile? Very few people... We did go to the international in 2009 in Santiago, but to have anyone we keep in constant contact with? No one! Well maybe there is one sister we keep in contact with from time to time... She helped us on our bus and at that time served in English... Aaaanyway ...... sorry for that mental deviation. I get this email from this brother explaining how he has the same drama and that he heard of the now famous costumes that have traveled the world ..... The information he had ... included the costumes being sent to Nicaragua and being used by 2 drama groups and then being sent onto Honduras for 1 drama group (that part never happened, Nicaragua and Honduras, .... but it sure sounds good, doesn't it?) Reno/ Sacramento and Cuenca so far .... His email came with a drama photo of the original cast ... so I took it to be the real deal. Juan Ponce is his name and he was sent information from SAL and KAREN who got the information from David Cabral (Sal and Karen who? I don't know, David Cabral I do know!) Back to the story..... I let Juan know, that yes, we are willing to send them ..... (Carol has been asking me what are we going to do with all these costumes that have been in our closet since August) Her question was answered in one email.... imagine that!

So the next day after exchanging a few more emails I get this email from the wife of the brother......

Hey Bill-

This is Stephanie Conable....the wife of Juan Ponce.

I saw your name in his inbox and thought to myself...Bill Heilig...i know that name!

Are you the Bill Heilig from Reno??

Are you married to Carol?

I may be completely wrong...but thought I would ask!

I met you all years ago on a cruise with the Priddle family.

Are you serving in Ecuador?

I got married in April of this year and my husband and I are living in the Patagonia, Chile.

Hope you guys are doing well!

Abrazos

Stephanie

Our Drama Group

How interesting.... someone we know from the States is the wife of the brother asking for the costumes. Jehovah willing, they will arrive in Patagonia in the next few weeks. Hopefully we will get a photo from that group as well...

Then we can have a vote on who are the best looking of all the groups..... JUST KIDDING!

As someone once said.... "It's a really small world, when your no part of the world!"

Ciao for now.

Banned from the Taxi Consortium

2011-11-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

"Dont be foolish" in english it doesn't sound so bad does it? Dont be foolish, dont be silly, dont be ridiculous. Weeeeelllll in Spanish evidently it takes on different meaning. "No sea tonto" for those of you that speak spanish, that may sound a bit harsher ...... That's how it translated from english to spanish.... Carl Webb says it sounds to the spanish speaker/hearer "dont be an idiot" ..... Now that doesn't sound so good does it.... Well these are the things you learn over time, about the nuances of a language and just recently I learned that nuance. The hard way!

3 weeks ago we are traveling to meeting for service. Along the way the taxi driver approaches a car in the middle of the road that is moving slow, really slow. Instead of coming close to the car with caution, its full steam ahead. And of course as we get close to the car, the person decides to make a left turn, yes in front of us! ... At this point the driver slams on the brakes and we go flying forward planting our faces into the back of the from seats..... I can tell you from several experiences its not fun. .... Usually, we keep our mouths shut when this kind of thing happens .... however this particular driver had committed this type of crime for the last time with us in his car (yes we had driven with him several times before). And to think we were sympathetic a few weeks earlier, when he tells us he was robbed for 300.00 in his pocket while driving... What's a driver doing with 300.00 in his pocket? (he is tonto!)

I think it was Carol who screamed when he hit the brakes hard.... (I dont know maybe it was me.) Then I told him, it might be a good idea not to assume that a car in the middle of the road is broken down especially when its moving, and one should proceed with caution, as they get close to the car.... well then he tells me she didn't have her emergency lights on, and there would be no reason to think anything was going to happen.... my answer to that was, a car moving slowly in the middle of the street, where one can drive 40 miles per hour, is a good reason to approach with caution ... that defensive driving would cause one to think, that something maybe wrong ..... with or without emergency lights flashing..... he didn't like that idea. He then told me he had driven in Chicago for 15 years as a taxista...... Aaaaand? ... As if that somehow qualified him to be a a bad driver ..... I mentioned in the US that persons are trained to drive defensively, and that you are trained to look not just at the car in front of you, but several ahead of you, so you can take measures ahead of time, so that when you approach a bad situation you dont have to slllllllllam on the brakes at the last minute, and plant your clients faces into the back of the front seats.

At this point he decides to show me how "foolish" I am, to suggest that he drive that way. (after all he is the expert, right) When he sees a car entering into traffic about 200 feet away he hits the brakes, "oh like this, I should slow down when I see something ahead" At first I dont get that he's mocking me, then he keeps doing hitting the brakes hard each time .... finally this time he hits the brakes so hard he almost plants our faces into the back of the seats.... thats when I said .... "NO SEA TONTO" or dont be foolish.

UUUUUps .... he goes off into a tirade about calling him foolish ..... Im thinking he was being foolish, and he didn't like it one bit. So now he really startes to mock me with the hitting the brakes, of course each time we fly forward, finally Carol tells him you can let us off here! But he wont, she has to tell him 4 times before he finally lets us off. Mind you I'm willing to pay him for the distance traveled. 2.00, so I hand him a 10.00, all I have, and he can't make change, so I tell him it's only a 10.00 not a hundred. He tells me he cant make change. Well "sorry but I can't turn a 10 into singes and pay you"..... as I step from the car I ask his name, so when I call in for the taxi service next time I can let them know, I don't want Luis for a taxista.... he must think Im going to call in and complain.... because that afternoon when I call the service for a taxi, the dispatcher lady asks me if we had a problem with a driver and I tell her the story.... She doesn't act surprised at what passed, but then tells me that his version is that we called all the drivers of the service "fools"..... now you have me mad, as we have a super relationship with 97% of the drivers in the consortium. I told her he's a liar and he's just trying to cover for his tontedad..... foolishness. I didn't say that, but did say that he was a lair! Then she apologized, but told me that she couldn't send a taxi because the manager of the consortium told the drivers not to give us service...... BANNED from the consortium? .... That's when we decided to take the plunge and get a car.... no more bad drivers, late drivers, nightmare rides. Kissed them all goodbye.

So a week later we are sharing the story with the Webbs one day and needless to say Carl is getting a good laugh out of all this.... and when I ask him if the word Tonto is worse then Necio he informes that it is ..... Im thinking it's softer and he tells me it's like saying someone is stupid or an idiot..... then he pauses and thinks for a moment and says..... "well that's what you meant wasn't it" ... so I think I did use the right word they just dont like to be called Tonto.

Going forward Ill use the word sparingly and probably under my breath. Lesson learned!

Just for your reference .... what the word NECIO means according to the dictionary....

YOU JUST CANT WIN HERE!

Unbelievable story

2011-11-06T20:25:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone..... sorry for the long delay in keeping in touch. It's just that there has been so much going on, and when we do have time, it's time to refresh the brain not drain it ... more. And the thing is, there is just not the same brain matter that there used to be, so it needs to be conserved for writing about the unusual that happens, when it happens. That being said this experience is worth writing about.

As you may know from the last blog in ..... June? No, it cant be that long ago can it. Anyway as you know we started the process for the residency in June and the friends that were helping us, were able to get the paperwork in, just under the gun.... divine intervention for sure.... more of that was to come.

Last week we decided to go to Quito to finish the process of getting the residency. The 1st time you get the approval for the residency, to obtain your "Cedula" it's a must, to go to Quito for the process to be completed. That was the final step, after getting some of the paperwork completed here in Cuenca and receiving the "Censo" ..... (yes it's a "tramite" like everything here). That being said we decided to get some pages added to our passport while there and look for a car. Yes we finally got a car after almost being in 2 accidents while in taxis, in 1 week, we had enough! So we got something big, that way if we are hit we should have a bit more protection then the other guy.... :-)

While in Quito we decided to go and try to see the vehicle we went there for, and of course it was out at the shop and would not be back for several days .... we checked day after day and finally when the car came back it was not in good condition, so we decided to look elsewhere. More on that later.

Next stop ... US Embassy for the Passport paperwork, as it turned out they couldn't attend to us that day, so we decided to call it a day and head for the main street to catch a taxi ..... one passed, then another and another and another, none of them with passengers.... finally one stopped. And as is our custom we struck up a conversation with the driver... finally he asked what was our purpose of being in Ecuador ... we explained the why, letting him know that we are Jehovah's Witnesses and there is a great need here, due to the tremendous growth taking place. He says "you are Jehovahs Witnesses"? Yes we are JW's.... "you two are JW's"? .... Si somos, "you and your wife are testigos de Jehová"? ..... yes, yes we are JW's ..... then he reaches down and grabs a Watchtower magazine.... at that point I think he is someone that has some contact with the Witnesses .... ok so I'm a bit dense. But finally after asking him about 2 times, he said he was a brother..... in fact an elder in the congregation he attends. Nice, as he turned out to be our taxista for the rest of our stay. After getting all the paperworks done (passport and cedula) we were ready to buy a car! 2 things done in two days we are on a roll baby!!!!!!

Friday we are off to Sangolqui to buy a car ..... Where's that?.... somewhere in Ecuador and somewhere near Quito .... well relatively .... when we arrive the car seems to be a cream puff .... turns out to be a vehicle that a military officer was the owner of, and he maintained it per the schedule from the manufacturer..... We let the owner of the used car lot know we are interested and struck a deal and let him know that we are planning on driving back to Cuenca "tomorrow".... of course we are in Ecuador, so that means we are probably not going home the next day.... in fact he says the process can't be competed until Tuesday ...... "Tuesday .... why so long"? No reason, just the way it is..... GREAT we think ... finally the taxista (hermano) says even if we go to all the places that need to be gone to, to get the process completed ..... "Oh if that's the case then probably we can get it done" the car lot owner says ..... 5 hours later.... we are the owners of a 07 Hyundai Terracan ..... Not available it the USA ..... needless to say we are so exhausted from 3 days of running around, we decide to head back to the hotel... and by 7PM are in bed and asleep, ready for the "6 hour" trip tomorrow (saturday)....

In the morning we get off like a heard of turtles .... google map shows the most direct route, but also the slowest as it turns out, because it takes you through the city and alllllllll the traffic. 1 1/2 hours later we are just leaving the city, onto the Pan American highway.... which has parts that are like freeways in the US, but then other parts that are two lanes and there is traffic ..... a few other desvias (wrong turns) and we land in Riobamba about 5 hours after we leave Quito ..... we should have been there 2 hours ago..... We stop to go the bathroom and eat and we are off again..... about 2 hours up the road Carol goes to look for her purse to get something, and she says to me that she left her purse behind ..... no problem I say we will call the hotel and they can send it to us.... no I left it in the bathroom, in Riobamba ..... oooooooh that's not good.... No point in turning back after driving for 2 hours, as here you know it not going to be there ..... it's gone and we will never see it again.... all her stuff, all the stuff we just finished getting completed is gone. She oviously is in tears and there is no consoling her... telling her that all is fine and we will just start the process all over again ..... that did not help .... finally we got home after 10 1/2 hours of travel, ...... as we hit 125 miles of THICK fog on a two way mountain highway, and not able to see more then 25 feet ahead at times, we could drive no more the 20 miles an hour. There where semi trucks and they of course would not pull to the side of the highway so you could pass safely... of course that didn't stop the crazy Ecuadorians. they passed like there was no fog .... as a result the was a head on and it looked like a fatality as we passed, and then down the road, there was a bus that decided to pass and it almost collided with another bus... the innocent bus driver was visibly mad when he passed us. Finally we got out of the fog and got home, safe and TIRED. Needless to say Carol did not have a good night as all she could think about was that she lost everything we had work so hard to get.

Next day I decided to try and see if anyone at the food court maybe had found it and turned it in... Yeah I know it was a pipe dream, but nothing ventured nothing gained, it was worth a shot..... So I started with the ice cream chain, that had a location at the food court .... I look up on the internet the phone number and find one for the owners ... NICE, immediate help!... When I call, a 3 year old answers the phone and of course I ask for her Dad and she tells me he's not there and that he's out of the house playing futbol ....... "how about your mom'? ..... and then she asks me who is calling and then proceeds to tell me all kinds of kid stuff.... anyway 3 minutes later mom gets on the phone and of course she tells me it's Sunday and her day off and that she can't help me until tomorrow, maybe ..... she had no compassion even for another woman who lost her purse .... go figure!

Next I get this crazy idea to check the JW web site for downloads and find a congregation in Riobamba, a sister answers the phone and of course Im sure she hears my gringito accent and warms right up to me... (sometimes it works in our favor).... finally I explain to her what has happened and she tells me she will go down to the food court and investigate and call me back in 20 minutes...... 20 minutes later she calls and lets me know she didnt find anyone who knows anything ... but she will return on Monday and take time off work, to go and talk to the administradora of the building, then will call me back at 9:30 am.

Monday 9:35 no call... so I call her, as we have to start what is called a "denucia" to start to recover all of Carols stuff, seeing that it wont be found (me of little faith).... I call the sister and her husband answers, he says she could not get off work, but he would be going to see if the purse was found, sometime during the morning..... AGAIN FAT CHANCE of finding it .... or so I thought.

We take off toward town, and on the way, one of our neighbors (Americano) we have talked many times, asks us a question about why JW's where thrown into concentration camps in Germany in WW II .... so we explain, and then he proceeds to ask one question after another and all the time we are thinking we need to file the denuncia .... but at the same time, we are thinking that is why we are here, to share the truth, and when someone asks about what the bible teaches, we have to speak.... whether we think it's a good time or not.... Well after an hour he says to us, that we probably need to get going to file the denuncia ... so off we go and about 30 minutes later we find the place to file... only thing is, this is just the first stop of the 'Process" to file the stupid thing..... About 15 minutes into the 1st step ... my cell rings and it's the sister.... "I have the purse hermano" ... "really"? ..... (what an idiot) "and everything is in it brother" .... everything? ...."everything"! Carol starts to cry and I follow her lead.... It's just that these things dont happen here ..... On our street, since moving to our apartment I have found remnants of 3 purses and scraps of ID and assorted stuff from what has been stolen.... 99.99999 % of the time here, when you loose it, you can kiss it gooooooood bye.

Interestingly Carol had been praying to Jehovah, and mentioned many times that she knew he could recover it, but was not obligated to do so, but if he would, somehow help us to recover it how grateful she would be.... Well, he answered her prayers..... we are so grateful, as the process to start everything over again is to start from the beginning as the new passport meant a new passport number and a whole new process to get everything from the Ecuadorian government.

Interesting thing .... had the americano not stopped to talk to us we would have by that time have filed the denuncia, and even the fact that we found the purse, would have had to start the whole process over... looks like Jehovah even put the person in our way, to delay our arrival to the office to file the denuncia. You think Jehovah is looking after us? WE DO!

Next process? Get the car registered in our name and title put into our name...... Don harding sent me a list of the steps to get this fiasco completed ..... 6-8 steps, at 4 different places. Well I can kiss this week goodbye. Thank goodness we dont have the other stuff to do.

Our love to you all.

Shock and Ugh to Shock and Aaaaaaah

2011-06-26T11:14:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone....

I have heard that some of you have been asking if we are ok. (thanks Webbs) Well we are, just super busy. During the end of Oct. to end of March we were in the states for about 75% of the time. Dad Heilig was suffering with his cancer, and we wanted to spend as much time as possible with him during his last months. Finally on Feb 23rd a little after midnight he passed away. He died faithful, and of course we so look forward to being with him and mom, in Jehovahs new world. Being out of the congregation so much, for so many months, when we finally got back to EC we wanted to just focus on our ministry and time with the friends. That has been very rewarding. Ill share a few things with you, regarding the different things that have been going on in our life, ministry and congregation.

Altiplano Congregation

As you know, if you have been reading this blog, in September 2010 the new congregation Altiplano was formed. We started with 74 publishers, 7 pioneers, 2 elders, and 5 ministerial servants. Since then, in less then a year, we have 4 elders (2 appointed in the last 6 months) 11 pioneers, 6 ministerial servants (2 newly appointed) and 98 publishers, and only 5 of the increase, have been brothers that have moved into the congregation. Growth to the maximum. Several inactive friends from the territory, who haven't been to meetings in years, have been reactivated, to go along with the many, that have started as new publishers. Additionally during that time period, we have had 5 baptized from the territory, and 2 more will be getting baptized at the next convention if all continues to go well with them. GROWTH GROWTH GROWTH! It amazing and exciting !!! All the brothers in the congregation have been caught up in the excitement from the growth, and many are reaching out for more responsibility, with a desire to progress spiritually. I can imagine, with Jehovah's blessing, in the next year we will have several more appointments of brothers to take the lead. Pioneers for those who want to make more of their ministry, and several students that will progress to baptism. These friends have become to us a family. We love them dearly, as we watch them grow and prosper spiritually.

Our Ministry

Outstanding ..... That's all I can say....

Just kidding.

Carols attitude is to try and start a bible study each day and many days she does... its the getting back to them and finding them home, that is the challenge. She has so many really good calls, her call book is full, and she has little time to get back to the calls she has, but when she does and they are home, she usually starts another study. She's a machine.

My ministry is good too, but at this point, in addition to working on my students, I am focusing on the internal ministry, working with the brothers and helping them see themselves as future servant and elders, as well as helping them make the progress necessary to qualify. Lets just leave it there.

Oh the Drama

No not the kind your thinking of, (In our life, not that we haven't had that too, more on that later) but the kind we have at the convention each year. Yes this year I have the privilege of directing the drama on Sunday, you know the one about ...... Oh, I better not ruin it for you, if you haven't been. But it's good, and we are working on it pretty much as a congregation with a few outside helpers from other congregations .... Lots of work and thyme, uh time involved, thus no blog. No Thyme!

Legal Status (Drama in our life)

It's so funny, when we talk to the locals and the brothers, and not just the ones in our congregation, about legal status, visas and getting them renewed. They just look at us like, what are you talking about. "Your Americans, you can do anything you want, go anywhere you want, whenever you want, and however you want". Nope, "not true", and of course they are shocked.

Well here is the rest of the story. On July 6th our legal status runs out, our visa expires. In the past, the branch would provide a letter that said basically, that we and others are working under the direction of the organization, and based on that, the government was willing to issue a visa that is designed for "missionaries". About 60 days before the expiration of the visa, we turn in all the paperwork, and the visa gets renewed. No big deal. It's kind of funny but for the entire time we have been in Ecuador, Carol always said "if our visa gets renewed", referring to the fact, that, we are living during the last of the last days, and the government could change it's point of view and not allow "missionaries" into the country. Well just about the time we were ready to turn in the "stuff" for the renewal of the visa, what the prophetess, said came true! We received a letter from the government saying that the visa was no longer available. But it wasn't the Ecuadorian government that didn't give the ok. It was our government. Evidently the Governing Body made a decision (they have their reasons) and advised all branches around the world that the organization, would not be providing help, for those that come to serve where the need is greater, to obtaining legal status... ie, visas. Needless to say, everyone has been scrambling, including us. (Shock and Ugh) Especially, as at that moment, we were getting down to the time wire, to get our legal status completed, so we would be able to stay and serve. Yikes! We had to get copy of our marriage certificate apostillized and sent from the USA to Ecuador. Additionally we had to make an investment in Ecuador, open a CD and keep the dough in the country. Once that was completed, we had to get the paperwork completed, and then, turned in to immigration. To do that, we hired a couple from Quito (witnesses/lawyers) to care for the process. Interesting thing happened, when they were ready to turn in all the goods to immigration. There was a notice on the door at the office saying the Ministry of Immigration was in a state of emergency and they were not accepting applications from extranjeros/foreigners at this time. Bummer, because that was the last day we had, to get the paperwork in, if not started then, (the process) we would have to go back to the US and start the process.... Not what we wanted to do. The sister called her husband and asked what she should do, "Pray for help". She did, and she was able to make contact with someone she knew, and was able to get the paperwork in, and the process with that ministry started. (Sigh of relief or Shock and Ahhhhh) Of course one thing we have learned here is, nothing is certain and we will see how things happen, going forward. We should know in the next 45-60 days if we can stay and serve. If not? ...... We will make a decision then.... what our next step will be.

Our love to all ..... and we thank you for writing and keeping in touch.

Dry Sunday

2011-02-18T19:13:00.002-05:00

The Spauldings, yes they are the couple on the left. The whole world already knows the couple on the right! They are always in ALL the photos. ;-)

This little story was inspired by a DESPEDIDA (good-bye ) for a very special couple from Australia. The Spauldings, Rodney and Karen have over the years served in various fields of full time service. Special pioneers, bethel, regular pioneers, and most recently here in Cuenca "where the need is greater". They are wonderful people and over the last few years we have had the opportunity to hear of their adventures over the years in various activities. Now I know they would say that they are nothing special. They definitely are "special" folks. Very down to earth and fun, with tons of experience in the Truth. They once served in a place that gets as hot as 50 degrees celsius... that's about 130 fahrenheit! ..... No matter how you slice it that's HOTTTTTTTTTTT ! How does one get some relief when you live in a small trailer, ("The Tin Can") with no air conditioning? They told us they would go to the local grocery store and go through the freezer section "looking " for chickens "to buy" never finding the right one, but always searching. (If we could only find it) Can you imagine the reaction of the people working at the strore, seeing these two rummaging through the freezer and always coming up empty handed? I laugh every time I think of that story.... they left us with so many ... we are going to miss them dearly. We weren't together all the time mind you, but when we were, things were memorable.

DRY SUNDAY

Soooooo, we go to the Eucalyptus Cafe (a local, foreigners hangout) on the evening of Sunday, for one of many good bye get togethers for the Spauldings.... It's about 6 PM, and the first order of business is to order drinks. A nice red, margarita, mojito or something like that. Well the waiter reminds us that's it dry Sunday .... and after 5 they "can't serve" alcohol...... then he proceeds to tell us "in normal" drink glasses. So here is the work around. See the video .... this was too much.

Want to catch fish? ... Move to where the fish are biting!

2011-02-13T22:03:00.002-05:00

Hello Family, friends and readers of this blog. This blog we write, not with any negative comments, about what the differences are here, or in your part of the world. But rather, with many of the positive differences between here, and many parts of the world, with regard to sharing the Good News of Gods Kingdom.

I can imagine after the Study last week and this week, regarding having a zeal for the preaching activity, all of us are thinking about our attitude toward the work, and the degree of participation we have in it. We received some excellent counsel, regarding the fact, that perhaps some, have lost the sence of URGENCY for the work that is so important. Also, how we can renew our zeal for the work that saves lives.

Carol and I have been so amazed at the amount of activity that there is here in Cuenca, and, I would imagine in all of Ecuador. We haven't received the new Yearbook but I would have to imagine the growth rate in this land, to be in the 6-8% range. That's phenominal! All I can judge from, is what we see here, in the congregations and circuits in and around Cuenca. (there are 3)

For Example

The Webbs (you know who I'm talking about don't you) have between 11-15 students that are regularly attending the meeting in CHICKEN-TAD. (No, of course that's not how it's spelled, but for the rest of us thats how it's pronounced) The congregation has territory in the city of Cuenca, and in the country side where you have seen the Webbs preaching up and down the hills (ok Carl, ..... Mountains) The congregation about 5 months ago, separated the group in the country (Checa) from the congregation in the city and started to hold meetings. At the time my source informed me that they had about 205 at the meetings regularly each week that with about 130 publishers in the combined group. 40 went to the country and 90 stayed in the city. The 40 in the country, have about 80 in attendance each week, and the other 90 that are in the city, have in attendance 160! After just 5 months, they have an increase of over 15% in attendance! And each meeting, my source tells me, that they have new faces in the hall attending the meetings, yes of course, those are new persons studying, and progressing ! Well now they are in the process of perhaps forming the group in the country into a congregation.

Other Example

In the part of the city (To-to-ra-co-cha .... yes it's part of Cuenca) where the congregation is, that we attend. In September a new congregation was formed .... "Altiplano". When we started we had 76 publishers, now we have 90. Some new ones, and some have moved from other parts of the city. When we started we had in attendance, on average 115, now regularly we have in excess of 130. In ther congregation most of the children, we don't have a lot of little one most of the children and teenage youth are publishers. So the number in attendance, are not from a lot of children who are not publishers, coming with parents. The other congregations that the Altiplano congregation was formed from, have seen similar growth. (It's called "the make room in the Kingdom Hall, and then proceed to fill it again, program") About 8% growth in 5 months ... that's just for Altiplano congregation .... I can't speak for the other 2 congregations in exact numbers, but I do know, they too are experiencing growth. All this, while we pass through the territory, about once a week. Yes, the territory, is being worked to life! It's phenominal !!!!

One brothers method

One brother from the congregation, this afternoon ,stopped by for a few minutes, while here we talked about what was happening in the territory (he has several studies that attend). He made the point, that by working the territory so often, we are able to breakdown prejudices. Often people in the territory say, "they don't have time this morning", and then tell us, they will take time, next time to talk. What he has been doing, is mentioning that, they told us last time, they would take time, next time, and this, is the next time. He has had the opportunity to share the truth and start a number of new studies, reasoning with them in this way. (I'm robbing the method)

Tired of fishing where few fish are biting? Come to where the fish are biting!

Imagine yourself fishing, and sitting, and sitting with few bites, let alone fish being caught. A little boring isn't it. Well imagine yourself sitting there, and seeing other fisherman along the shore, with poles bent, and fish being caught. What would you do? Well back in the day when I used to go fishing, I would invade the area, and start to try to catch fish, in that area. When it's hot, it's hot, and I wanted to catch fish.... Jesus said as his disciples, we would be "fishers of men". Friends, the fish are biting, or rather the people are responding, and being pulled into the boat, I mean the congregations. Now another question. Can you see yourself moving to where the fish are biting, and, being caught, and in large numbers, where the fishing is fun and phenomenal ? That place is Ecuador!

Why Ecuador?

Other then the fishing aah preaching? Think about the options you have for weather. In the mountians, if you don't get too much over 9000 feet in elevation, you can enjoy early summer late spring type weather, pretty much year round. Low humidity, nice rains every other day. Sometimes for 30 minutes, sometimes for a few hours. You seldom if ever, have that feeling of being sticky for the humidity. That would be our preference.... So it is, that we live in the mountains, the Andes to be exact.

You say you prefer a bit more heat and humidity? Well then, you have two options, you can enjoy the beaches along the coastline or the other option would be the orient... that is, the jungles of Ecuador, where you will find, waterfalls, rivers and exoctic birds and animals, that most of us only see, on National Geographic. There too the fishing, aaaah preaching work, is going very well. There are options between the area of spring like, and warm to hot climates as well and the fishing is good in those places as well.

Food

That's an important matter. At least it is to us. In Ecuador there is everything and then some. Everything you probably have in the developed world and then you have the exoctic food that are local to Ecuador or the tropical area. Food is not an issue here.

Restaurants

Tons of them. Various types of food and good quality. Clean and very reasonably priced. How reasonable? Well a gourmet meal, with wine and desert for 2 of you will go for $ 18-25.00 todo incluido! (everything included .... even taxes and tip)

Entertainment

Movies? ... Yup! Pretty much anything you can get in the developed world. Anywhere from $1.50 -4.50 for a movie, depending on the day of the week... Want popcorn, soda and a hotdog? .... add $3-4.00 for 2 persons

News? BBC, CNN, Fox News and of course Ecuadorian news and Latin world channels. TV programing that you have in some of those places as well.

Live music and concerts if that's your thing... Cuenca has it's own Symphony and it's good! $10.-15 for a ticket.

American sports too, if thats your fancy. Interesting thing here.... On Direct TV they have all the U.S. games, that you would pay extra for as a package. All the football (NFL), baseball (MLB), or basketball (NBA) programing they have, and people pay extra for back in the States. But the thing is, that here, no one really is interested in it, so they include it a part of the package you pay 40.00 a month for.

And of course if Soccer is your game, there is a ton of that on Direct TV, all inclusive in your package.

Outdoors? Cajas National Park is 30-40 minutes from here. (Cuenca) So if you like to fish for trout then you are in fishing paraíso. (paradise)

Golf?... I don't know, but I do know that you can do it in Quito or Guayaquil ....

How much? Sorry still don't know that one..... But if you have to play, it's available! And of course Direct TV televises all the PGA and other associations from Europe and So. America.

Sound Good? ..... It is.

Will there be challenges? Of course...

If you have followed this blog, you know we have had some pretty interesting stories/experiences. Ones you can laugh about, after the pain is over with .... Then all you have, is great stories to tell, over and over again, to all the new ones coming here.

Challenges

Well, if you don't speak the language ... Spanish is the national tongue here. Of course you will survive, it's just that you will enjoy it more, if you know spanish, when you hit the ground. Preaching in Spanish or one of the other foreign languages, is where it's at. Here again, if you decide to come to live and serve in Spanish (that's what the branch will suggest, Spanish) you will learn, but speaking from experience, it will be a challenge, one that will be fun and scary, kind of like a roller coaster ride, right? Oh yeah, need I mention, humbling?

Cultural differences

Sure.. there's a bunch of them, but with time you do seem to get somewhat accustomed to them. You just learn not to focus on them. When you have 5-10 bible students, and some of them coming to the meetings, that's easy to do. You tend to focus on the positive spiritual side of things.

What more can we say?

There is so much need, thus the expression "Moving to where the need is great". If you are serving as a servant or an elder ... there is a ton of work to do in the congregations. With so many being formed, when a congregation gets more then 2, they usually are assigned to another new congregation, so they can take the lead. One of the DO's in the country mentioned, that one of the greatest needs here, is for brothers that have experience. If you speak spanish, why not give consideration to your circumstances, make it a matter of prayer, and see if you can move to where the harvest is in full swing, and gaining steam. You can live on a fraction of what it costs in most developed countries, probably close to 20-25% of the costs in fact. If you have a fixed income, perhaps a Social Security or other pension check, you will live better here, then in most lands, on that check.

If you lead a simple, but comfortable life as a couple, you should be able to live on a $1000.00 a month in Cuenca. Rent will cost you anywhere from $150-350.00, depending on where you would want to live. All utilities, gas, electric, water, trash, TV, internet will run about 200.00. Food and entertainment $300.00-400.00. Transport (public) $20-80.00 depending on bus or taxis being used. If you have your own car, gas here is about 1.50 a gallon. Cars as you know from previous blog, are expensive here ... used or new they are over priced.

One other thing to consider. There will be set up costs. Furniture, appliances, dishes and cookware, bedding etc. If you pack and bring it, we spent about a 1200.00 to get some stuff here (our bedding, bathroom, and kitchen appliances, along with pots and pans) and then we spent another 5000.00 for the major stuff, like furniture and appliances (the large ones) to get setup. So that must be in your budget as well. There are places that are furnished, however you dont have the choice of furniture or bedding etc... but then you don't have the setup costs either... Some recent arrivals, the Souza family, are renting an apartment for 350.00 a month furnished.

Check out this site for additional information about Cuenca... and possible rentals as they are advertised on the site often. http://cuencahighlife.com/

Sound Interesting but want to check it out first?

That would be wise. Something that may interest you is, the assemblies we have here in English. The principle one is the District Convention usually at the end of July. Also starting this year there is a Special Assembly Day in March. These assemblies are lovingly put on by the Branch. A mini International Convention each year! Brothers from all parts of the world, who have come to serve here in Ecuador, are in your company. What a blessing! It's soooo encouraging and upbuilding.

After the convention, plan time to check out an area where you think you could live. Also, plan time to visit the branch, and talk to the brothers about your desire to serve in Ecuador. You can get a packet of information from the branch, that will help you obtain your Visa, from the government. Once here if you decide to stay for years, you can keep renewing your Visa, that the branch helps you get. If you want to get your residency, that's possible also.

Don't know the Language?

You'll learn, the society has articles about what to expect, in our magazines.

Also here in Cuenca, there are brothers who can provide the Accelerated Language class. The class can get you up and running, with the BASICS of the language, and get you preaching in Spanish, right away. There was in fact, just completed, the first class in Cuenca. Perhaps if you decide to come, and enough other brothers also, another class can be conducted. The class is really fun, and while taking the class you can get credit on your field service time to boot..... if your a pioneer.

If you would like more information, you can can write. The response may not be immediate, but I will try to get back to you. If you can't make the move, but know someone who could, or, may be interested? Please send them this blog site! Yes you can share it with others. There's no copywrite here.

As Jesus said "the harvest is great, but the workers are few, therefore beg the master of the harvest to send more workers". That's what we are doing ...... Can you come, and share in the great harvest here in Ecuador? If it's your desire, to serve in a greater way during the last days of this system. We encourage you to take steps that Jehovah can bless, in harmony with your desire to serve, where the need is great.

Customer service and the USA

2010-12-30T10:00:00.003-05:00

Customer service .... Usually something that all of us complain about ..... Especially when your trying to return something ..... If you are one of the readers of this blog that lives where the customer service is good then good for you.... No better said, great for you! .... Here in EC there really is no such thing as customer service .... Well they say there is but it really isn't, not in the sense we are accustomed to, that is, if your from the US, Canada or from Australia.

For example......

We are in the US for work and to visit my Dad and other family. The formally know GC asked us if we could return an item they bought, while in the US, sometime back .... Now in EC you have a unwritten 30 day guarantee .... After that if you have a problem it's your problem "not ours" or so they say ... I have figured out a few possible work arounds to that mentality but never actually put them into practice .... Perhaps one day we will try putting them into practice and find out if they really work..... Anyway, the return in the USA .... I go into BBB no not the better business bureau, Bed Bath & Beyoooooond, and the little lady at the "customer service department" asks how she can help,.... I share with her the problem with the item and she does'nt even look in the bag to see what's in there ..... There could have been a dead rat for all she knew .... No she didn't even look .... Just told me to go and get another one ..... Well there were different sizes so I didn't know which one to take back to EC to the Webbs .... At this point the manager gets involved and directs me to the exact item ... I ask what more I need to do and she says "nothing" .... Oh I'm sure there is something I need to do right? "nope" "well yes take your junk and go"! Nothing else? Nooooooo! She says ..... And looks at me like what is your problem mister ...... I'm thinking my problem is I live in Ecuador and this is just not normal, what your doing and I want, I need a little more resistance .... Nasty looks and general frustration when I try to return something..... What's the matter with you people? Oh I know what's the matter with you people, you've been taught to have a measure of customer service.... A really good measure of customer service!

Lesson learned

So the next time you have a problem and have to return something to a store, just remember that customer service does exist in many countries, and if you happen to live in one where it does exist, even if it's not perfect .... Be greatful as you could be trying to return something in EC and have them look at you like your a moron from another planet, and then have them tell you "we don't even sell that here" well not this week you don't ..... But last month when I bought it here you did.... And then have them tell you it's past the 1 month guarantee, Uuuuuuuuugh!

Oh one other thing... now you know, if you stay with the Webbs you have a nice mattress to sleep on ;-)...

Where has the time gone?

2010-12-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

I was looking at the site and noticed it's been 3 MONTHS since the last blog ...... and to think I had plans to increase the amount of blogs sent out when I sent out the last one! ...... What happened? ....... New congregation .... that's what..... BUSY BUSY BUSY..... Arranging everything and with 2 elders and 90 publishers it's ... well crazy..... but the congregation is awesome .... the friends are wonderful and appreciative of all the efforts on there behalf.... we also got a great group of MS's that are hard workers ..... One is a fireman full time, a dad of 2 lovely children, an husband of the sister on the far right and a regular pioneer (spends a minimum of 70 hours in the ministry ...... for those unfamiliar with the liiiiingoooo)

Just last night we qualified 2 new publishers to start in the ministry (1 of the 2...2nd from the left).... yes the 3 (formally 2) congregations are already starting to grow ... with lots and lots of new bible students regulary attending the meetings... Carol has 3 that are attending, 2 regularly and one of and on ...... AMAZING..... so for those that have the circumstances and the desire to go where the need is greater... come on down to Ecuador ..... we will leave the light on for you! You wont be disappointed ..... with the ministry that is ;-o !

As for some of the tom foolery that happens here we just have to share with you ..... We were with the Webbs yesterday and they share with us, their fun little episode ... seems they decided to purchase a bed not the mattress, just the part that makes the mattress look good... evidently they went in a few weeks back a made the deal-i-o with the furniture place... they specified the color and made sure the color was written on the paperwork and highlighted and underlined and bolded and...... well you get the idea .... it was clear what they were paying for.... well evidently it wasn't ! ... when the bed comes it's the wrong color and the finish was the Cuenca Ecuador high shine ... make that spit shine special! ... all we can all say about that is ....... YUCK!!!!!!! ...... UGLY!!!!!! ...... so when it came they asked what was going on as this was not what they ordered .... "well lets get it set up and deal with that later" or something like that was the response ..... Carl tried to talk to the sales person and then the owner but the owner wouldn't take the calls, until Carl informed the delivery guys that they wouldn't be receiving the rest of the DINERO..... bed set up and they don't get all the money .... Carl had to escort the fellow that was the driver, who had nothing to do with the deal, out of the apartment due to the guy "sticking his spoon in the situation" ... (translated for the english speakers and readers).... well once the setup guy realized he wouldn't be returning to the office with all the bucks .... guess who calls Carl? .... Yup the owner .... "what's going on"? .... he says to Carl .... (listen to your voice mails buddy? if so you would know.... oh but you do know ..... that's right ... THAT'S THE REASON YOU DIDN'T ANSWER THE CALLS IN THE FIRST PLACE! YOU WERE TRYING TO IGNORE THE SITUATION) ..... well when there is money involved they don't tend to ignore you ..... well the long and short of it is that they are going to have it refinished ..... well we had a good laugh at their expense ...... (never want to do that, ......It always comes back to haunt you) .....

But usually not the next day ..... so this morning we call for gas (propane) .... we have some friends coming and we don't want them to have to take cold showers and not to be able to cook their food (it's always better when it's cooked isn't it?) ... so we call for gas as mentioned ... "how long"? .... "30 minutes" ...... ok that sounded reasonable .... so an hour later I call and ask where they are and they mention that they had a problem that came up and that the truck would be here in 20 minutes .... fair enough ... 20 minutes it is .... 30 minutes later I call and ask where they are at "well our truck was there but you weren't" ... noooooo not so Mr. gas man ... I was here! ....... and then they tell me they will come again (again? no you never came the first time, so you can't come again .... just come the first time) and deliver the gas in the next few minutes ..... ok ok, calm down Bill, calm down .... you doooooo understand I was a bit upset as I had other stuff to do on my "day off" .... the one and only during the week .... for right now .... like I said earlier BUSY BUSY BUSY! .... SOOOOOO after several more phone call and promises to be there "enseguida" (right away, immediately, ASAP) and then being told that I gave them the wrong address .... yes all 3 times I gave them the wrong address.... I still don't know where I live .... I'm an idiot! .... finally the truck arrives and they do the gas tank trade out and I pay the driver and mention they must be really busy today.... then he tells me he's been at the shop, getting the truck fixed, something to do with the brakes ..... So I go back into the house after paying him and call the gas mans office and ask for the jefe .... (boss) and let him know that I was told that the truck would be here about 10 times between 10-12:30, and all along the truck was in the shop, and they had no way of fulfilling the promises to deliver the gas and I don't appreciate being lied to and blah blah blah ..... and then I realized ........... I was speaking to NO ONE.... I guess when I told him I didn't like being lied to like that he didn't take it too well .... Customer service .... whats that? ... we saw Carl and Esli at the grocery store same day, and told them our story, ..... we all just laughed ... even though we weren't laughing when it happened .... seems when we moved to the neighborhood/area where the Webbs live, we stole some of their golden-ness (if thats a word) and when they came by and visited yesterday they stole it back! It's good for some laughs! ..... and a lot less hair. .... (I have so little,.... hair that is, I have nothing to loose)

We have moved .....

2010-10-01T00:33:00.000-04:00

Yes we finally did it ..... we moved from the cold, mold ridden, noisey (screaming kids, who scream for no reason, other then to scream, car alarms that went off during the night for whatever reason, and PARTIES until 3-4 in the morning for no good reason) that was fun ........ Some months ago, when Carol had "the Hep", I started to look for another place.... one day when she felt a bit better, she came with to see an apartment, and in the process we (she) found a small 3 story building in the process of being built..... when we spoke to the husband of the owner, he invited us to take a look at the apartments and we mentioned we had a dog ("No problem") that seldom happens ..... we go to the top of the building, and what can I say....."It was love a first site" .... 3rd storey, view of the mountains, city and a large patio to enjoy the really nice (normally) weather! It was the Dream apartment ..... and as it turned out, it was a dream .... You can check out the view from, not quite the top of the 3rd storie, in this video...

The following week, the owner told us that her father had decided to take the place, as he was a recent widower, and preferred the smaller of the two apartments ..... Sounding like a bait and switch? ..... weeeell that's what it turned out to be..... after informing us that the 3rd story was not available .... "hooooowever the 2nd story (less view, no patio to enjoy the nice weather) is available and you can have that unit" .... well the neighborhood is nice and the area is 1000 times more tranquil, and only 15 minutes to the city center (walking) ... so we decided to take the place ..... "Next question?" "When will it be ready?" 2 months she affirmed .... this is where it starts to sound like the movie "The Money Pit" ..... remember the Schreck or Shmelck or Streck brothers? (whatever there name was) .... "2 weeks" then 2 weeks later "2 weeks" well that's what happened here ..... roll the tape forward 4 MONTHS and we moved.... We gave notice on our old place and were ready to move in September 1, the day before the move, the place has yet to be cleaned up from all the construction ..... so we go in and start cleaning ... of course the owners think we're crazy (we probably are) Crazy Americans! But we had no place to go and they would have cleaned it, and we would have Heilig cleaned it, then moved in .... so we decided to skip the second step and went right for the cleaning juggler .... grumbling along the way....

The apartment....

Then the actual move ....

A lady we met at a furniture store gave us a name of "a guy" who does deliveries for the store ... she explains that he usually get a few guys from the low pay district and then shows up, to move all your stuff and it all costs less the 75.00 .... I'm in, as I don't have to lift a finger and it all gets moved! ..... So I give "the guy" a call, and he lets me know he can get together a few days later, and doesn't know exactly where we live, but asks me to come out to the street at a certain hour, so he can see me and then he will load up the goods and we will be on our way.... How simple can that be ... RIGHT ..... weeeell evidently not that simple ...... I don't go out to the street at the appropriate time because no one and I mean no one is on time here... I told him to call me when he gets there ... which he didn't and finally when I call him he asks me why I wasn't there .... my question was "why didn't you call me if you were there, so that I would come out?" .... I have gone out to do that kind of thing before, and waited for 30-45 minutes ... so this time I thought I would make the most of my time, and keep preparing stuff, to get loaded up, and moved out ..... believe me it all made sense at the time.... well now he tells me he can't come for about an hour (that's translates 1:30 MINIMUM) When he shows up he's alone... so I ask him where are the other guys who are going to do the lifting, and he tells me, that I didn't tell him, that I wanted guys to do the lifting..... so guess who's going to do the lifting now ..... yeah ..... ME! This did not work out the way it was promised ..... "he shows up with a couple of guys to move all your stuff" ..... That's what I was told! (and yes it was in english, so I didn't get something fouled up due to the language).... Well we get all the junk here and of course some of it was banged up a bit .... but we got in and all is well .... It's a really nice apartment .... we're happy to be here .... new, no mold issues, sunny, lots of windows and a relatively quiet neighborhood ... quiet for latin America .... Right Carl?

Ooooooh by the way, speaking of Carl, we are in the neck of the woods of the couple formally known as TGC or The Golden Couple .... so we are hoping that things will be going, all our way as we should be benefiting from the "the good vibes" coming from their direction 5 blocks away.

One other thing.... Carl upon arriving in Cuenca from the States (yes United or so they say) proclaims that "it's cold" ...... Well Carl you actually missed the "cold" (big surprise there) while you were enjoying the summertime on your trip ..... we had what I would call a cold snap... we probably had about 5 days during the month of August, when we had Mr. Sunshine with us ... there was one day, when I had about 4 layers of clothing on .... One young brother told me, his grampa told him this is the coldest it had been in 50 years ..... yeah we were here .... and Webbs? ..... At the beach, in the warmth of Summer, in the USA.... Am I bitter? You bet I am! .... No not really... I'm glad they had a great time ..... No really I am!

Interesting times in Ecuador

2010-09-30T17:11:00.000-04:00

Hello all... here I sit writing a blog, on on what would normally be a full day in our field ministry in Cuenca ..... Why you ask? Well seems that the Policía Nacional went on strike today ..... that would not normally be a good thing, as the Policía normally are the ones who try to stop riots and problems such as these.... It seems from what is reported that the President supposedly "has tried to reduce some of the benefits" due to the police.... So their response is "lets see what happens when the police are not working" ..... Well you can imagine ... reports of 5 bank robberies in Quito were on the news wire, and most if not all the shops here in Cuenca are closed for the day... when we say closed that means they pull the steel door down that covers the window and entrances... the malls closed down and there is not much activity on the street... you hear an occasional siren in the distance... not sure if its from the problems or from the lack of traffic, so they stand out more .... but whatever it is, it's for sure, different..... These kinds of problems are common here from what the friends say.... one thing Carol read was that in the last 120 some years, the presidency has changed 100 times.... so we will see what happens this time....

They also shut down the airport in Quito as part of the strike ... and the American Embassy encouraged all Americans to stay indoors .... so here we are, indoors!

There is something missing ..... but not strangely missing ... Carl, Eslie where are you guys?...... Ooooooooh that's right your in the USA..... always missing the happenings while serving here in Ecuador... last month they were in the US for work, while we suuuuuuuuffered terribly through one of the strongest earthquakes in years here in Ecuador..... and now the police strike, with bank robberies, rioting and looting and general decay of society ...... and where are the formally known GC? .... NOT HERE! .......You guys are always avoiding all the fun stuff! Have fun on your trip to places beyond. (You know I couldn't miss that opportunity Carl)

To buy or not to buy ..... That is the question....??????

2010-09-16T21:12:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone ..... we hope that you all are doing well .... things right now are going well .... more on that later (another blog) ..... As we have mentioned in earlier blogs, here in Ecuador, things are on the cheep ..... rent, food, restaurants are very reasonable, and transportation is so cheep sometimes you ask yourself why do they even charge..... for example to ride the bus from one side of the city to the other, it costs .25 (yes that is cents) imagine going from Mt. Rose Hwy to Verdi (if you live in Reno) for 25 cents .... ridicules right? Wherever the rest of you live, imagine going about 15 miles for 25 cents) No that is not an endorsement for the quality of the ride, just the price..... Here we tend to use the taxis as they too are very inexpensive 2 maybe 3 dollars and you get from one side of the city to the other..... that as you can imagine, without a 1000 stops, like you have on the bus ... (I can hear that voice in my head saying, "if I told you once I have told you a million times don't exaggerate!")

In the past we have shared our experiences talking about the bible with the Taxi drivers and we have had tremendous success sharing the bible hope for the future.... Just yesterday we had 2 out of 3 conversations turn out excellent... in fact one of them (the taxi drivers that is) we took a ride again today and he invited us to his house on Saturday to start a bible study with him and his wife.... I'll keep you in the loop on that one, as to how it progresses .... so here is the question for your consideration .... should we get a car? (Give us your feed back) We have been talking about getting one for the "Freedom" ..... when we think of the benefits of having one they include the ability to "go where you want to go ... and do what you want to do" (I know there is an old song that has those lyrics) but then with the great experiences we have, we think about the opportunities to share the truth we will miss out on, if we get one.... (we wont use the taxis) no need, as we can be behind the wheel and drive like a crazy Ecuadorian!!!!!!

Other consideration, used cars here are very expensive.... I mean crazy expensive .... for example there is a website here called "Gringo Tree" the foreigners get all the low down on local events and can also post want ads or stuff for sale... a few weeks ago someone (hope it's not another brother) posted an add for a 1992 Suzuki Vitara for $9,400.00 ... (yes that's American greenbacks) 17 years old! .... the truth is you can buy a 2010 for $21,000 taxes included ... used cars here are ridiculously priced can't explain it, just the way it is. The Vitara is made here in EC and it a Chevy product but if you decide to go Asian, the import taxes are a killer, about 40% is added to the price you would pay in the US..... Crazy!

To buy or not to buy that is the question....?

Sample "Gringo Tree" ad.... You too can be a extranjero living in Cuenca follow the events here in Cuenca .... need a Pig?

WANTED: A spacious home for a sweet, affectionate and smart baby black pig. "Pig Floyd" was found along side the road and we wanted to save him from a short and/or unhappy life. He would do great out in the country with a caretaker who cherishes his company and who has no interest in eating him! We estimate he's about 2 months old, and due to our constant attention, he is very socialized, and actually seems to like dogs and wants to play with them! Please consider this lovely animal companion. Unfortunately we really do not have the room to keep him for much longer.

Please email primalgrace@yahoo.com

To unsubscribe to GringoTree: http://www.cuencahighlife.com/unsubscribe.aspx

Earthquake

2010-08-12T08:34:00.000-04:00

Good morning to all.... You maybe waking up to the news that there was an EARTHQUAKE .... yes EARTHQUAKE in Quito, Ecuador..... yes we felt it! It happened about 7 AM and it was a good shaker... I got out of my seat at my desk to get ready to get out of the building when it stopped... Carol was just waking up and was out the door of our bedroom in a good flash.... I can only imagine what it was like in Quito .....

Of course this should go without saying ... but you have got to know that TGC was not affected by this event... as they are in the USA right now.... from now on our travel plans will be mimicking theirs ... just kidding .... about the travel plans that is .... not the fact they are back in the States while we live through the natural disaster...

Of course the friends down here have insisted that they don't have natural disasters here in Ecuador ... maybe they will change their view after this episode..... LOL!

We are fine .....

TGC debut in Ecuador

2010-08-02T08:27:00.003-04:00

Hello to all ....

We hope this blog finds you all doing well..... we're also doing well, as we just finished the District Convention in Guayaquil .... each year the branch here in Ecuador provides the program in English for all the "need greaters" that are serving here, it's a very loving provision, as we are far from home and yet we have the convention in our mother tongue .... everyone who lives down here anxiously looks forward to it, as it gives us all the opportunity to see friends we haven't seen in a year or so .... Brent and Kassi have something similar in Nicaragua at the branch ... with the same kind of feel .... what is that feeling? Like your at an international convention .... nothing like it... and to think we get something like an international each year.... The reason I can say that, is because there are brothers serving from all over the world here in Ecuador... for example we had a brother and his wife from Finland on the bus we rode on today .... there are friends from Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, friends serving in Chile, were at the convention, as well as Peru ... and of course we had the missionaries that serve here from places like Sweden and Italy and other European countries.... Mini international ... we had 1,268 for the peak attendance today. ALL IN ENGLISH... ENGLISH, ENGLISH, ENGLISH!
PURO INGLES!

Getting back to the purpose of this blog, ... it was to give you an update on our favorite people .... TGC ..... remember them? Yes ...... The Golden Couple! .... Oh yes things are as golden as ever ..... for example, .... we stay at the same hotel, we are on the 4th floor, they are on the top floor over looking the .... well ..... semi beautiful area of Guayaquil ..... of course they get the TOP FLOOR! they are TGC!!! I almost forgot one thing regarding the room ..... During the various days we stayed at the Hotel Howard Johnson, each day we had to get our Room door lock card updated, because if you didn't it wouldn't work .... so sometimes you could jump in the elevator, to go to your room when someone who had already updated the card (you needed it also updated to use the elevator) unknown to you and then when you got to your room, your card wouldn't work, now the problem is you need to get back down the elevator... not as easy as going up from the lobby..... TGC never needed to reset their card .... YES I KNOW, it is unbelievable .... I don't make this stuff up, this stuff really happens.

Then on the bus trip down, they are part of a two bus group, that came from Cuenca .... while the other bus had problems, their bus had none ... after speaking to some of the friends in the group of the other bus, I assumed they too had problems (TGC that is.... I know, I know, what was I thinking?) they are The Golden Couple NOTHING goes wrong from them.... But then when I mentioned something about the problems they had with the buses Mr. TGC informed me they had no problems on their bus and he didn't know what I was referring to .... then he reminds me of a simple and important point, they are TGC .... no problems on their bus. Got it MR.TGC! And I wont forget it! ;-)

Then to take the cake .... On Saturday Mr. TGC sees me, an asks if he can borrow my lapel badge (he is part of TGC but he's not perfect) .... I ask, what, your going to be on the platform? Yep! ....... Here for 6 months and already on the program ..... Well, I wasn't sure, exactly what part or when so I wasn't totally prepared for the DEBUT but below you can catch a part of the demonstration they did ......

Oh and need I mention ..... they nailed it!

Summer up North and Winter in the Hemisphere South

2010-06-29T14:27:00.001-04:00

Our greetings to all ....

Soooooooo, in the past I have written about the nice weather here, while you all suffer in the North during the nasty winters, we have the constant beautiful weather 70-75 degrees (it's our summer) .... In the North you all have your winter sports and we do too ..... when it's winter down here, which it is right now ..... Ugh! .... We have constant 65 degree weather .... the friends here say "chai chai" no not the drink silly.... (Quichua for "cold") actually reeeeeeeally cold ..... of course they think 65 degrees is cold ..... Hey Spanky, let's get out the down parkas, I'm freezing! ...... CRAZY!

Anyway back to the winter sports .... kids here have their version of tobogganing, see attached and hope you enjoy the video!

Let me introduce you to .....

2010-05-24T17:25:00.000-04:00

Patricia Gonzales!

This little sister was in our congregation but just moved to another part of town, thus a different congregation .... Patricia has one sister in the truth who serves in sign language Spanish (Marlene) and her mom Imelda (no not Marcos, .... Gonzales.. although she likes shoes too, now that I think of it) who is in the truth as well.... Both the sisters are excellent examples .... Patricia in spite of her physical problems, is a regular pioneer. Even though she often has broken bones, she is in her ministry or has her bible students come to her house to have their study .... she is a trooper! Always with a positive attitude ..... she is a joy to work with in the ministry.

One day (the same day as the video) I asked her what she looked forward in the New World? What do you think she said? ........ I'm thinking she's going to say getting out of this stinking wheelchair and running around like a little kid .... That's what I would have said! (selfish me) She has been in her chair, or on crutches for most, if not all her walking life aaah rolling life! (Let me ruuuuuunnnnnnn) Nope, her response was she can't wait to be able to share the truth and teach those who will be resurrected! Now how cool is that! I have to say I was a bit ashamed at my original thought being a bit more selfish ..... Oh I'm sure she won't say when the day comes "I prefer to be in the chair, pushed around by all my friends" ...

She is a great example.

What you thought she was going to be speaking English? ...... Where do you think we are Reno USA? We're in ECUADOR no one speaks English here .... So what's she saying?..... Well she's saying how much fun we had in the ministry that morning and that Bro. Guillermo (me) is a really nice brother and blah blaah blaah ..... but I could say just about anything, and most of you wouldn't have a C L U U U U E would you!

What's up with the Heilig's

2010-05-23T19:56:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone...

We hope things are going well for you all. We have been busy and also dealing with heath issues.... Carol was diagnosed with Hepatitis about 4 weeks ago.... She has been sick on and off, since the beginning of March ..... after about 10 days she started feeling better, but every time she tried to get going she felt exhausted and would poop out, after just a little bit of activity... at times she had problems breathing and she thought we were going to have to go to the hospital at one time... then the breathing got better .... but still tired all the time ..... when she was young she had Hepatitis A and supposedly you can't get it again.... well at least not the No. American version .... but we're not in No. America anymore, Toto .... so it appears that it can be had again ..... (Perhaps you remember the Hardings, they had the immunization for the Hep before coming from Australia, but Gail got it anyway) ... Something appears to be different here ...... We finally had a blood test completed which revealed Carol has the Hep ... that being said she has been in rest mode for about the last month ..... while taking it easy, the computer has been her constant friend, her window to the world ..... problem was once she started feeling better from the Hep, she got a cold from me ..... And I even tried not kissing her, (that was hard to do) while I had it, (the cold that is) so as not to add to her woes (you can take that however you want) ..... She started feeling better from the cold and then, from spending a fair amount of time on the computer, she developed a problem with her wrist....clicking the mouse pad I would guess.... that has been excruciating, the pain that is... one of the nights this week she couldn't sleep from the pain, so, I couldn't sleep from the pain either .... I don't know if any of you have had any carpel tunnel type of problems, but that is some of the worst pain I have ever experienced and now she is dealing with it.

I on the other hand, have had problems with my stomach, pain and frequent trips to the bathroom (Incan revenge) then the cold, (La Gripe), oh I almost forgot while I was in the worst faze of the cold, during one of the nights I was snoring (hard to believe) evidently a LOT and was getting jabbed during the night, so WE didn't sleep that night, very well.... So I decided to sleep on the couch the following night, and slept like the proverbial BABY, but when I got up, my lower back was killing me.... kept thinking it would go away... it didn't, ... so the Chiropractor brother and I were companions this week, a few different times, now fortunately, I'm on the downhill side of all that, and waiting for the other shoe to fall .... just kidding!

Even the dog (Gracie) has had problems with something down here, allergies, itching skin, tick ....etc .... ... more exercise seems to have helped her condition, so we are keeping up on that regiment..... she doesn't mind a bit.

Soooooo it's been fun and games for the last several weeks... And for that, I have been blogging less ...... Some of you are I'm sure, are thankful for that! ;-)

Sorry no photos :-( ........

Well no photos when I did this blog, but today the photos I can attach, Videos which worked last night don't work today..... What in the world?

Running the Gauntlet ...... Daily

2010-04-14T18:19:00.001-04:00

Carol ... my dear wife and I are afoot daily.... some days for several miles ... like 5-7 ..... miles that is ...... yikes! We usually start the day with a taxi ride to the meeting for field service .... but after that, it's all uphill .... then downhill ..... then across the hills ......and then back and forth...... up and down .... I'm sure you kind of get the picture, but until you have done it for a week or two, it's hard to get a real flavor for what we are talking about....(right Hughes?) Let me give you an idea, after 2 months of doing this walking routine, I lost 4 inches from my BEEEELLY .... no gym, no diet ... just one foot after the other ..... (in fact we eat what we like, and as much as we like,..... not that were hogs or anything like that) Additionally, I weigh now, what I weighed, 20 years ago ....well more or less..... (Yeah I know what some of you are thinking ... "you were a porker back then too"!

Well to get back to the purpose of this blog or perhaps better said the "Theme" of this rambling . ..... Running the Gauntlet ..... Daily! ....... Here out, for the sake of simplicity ..... "RTG"

As has been mentioned on this blog in the past ..... "Safety" is a word in the Spanish language (seguridad)... but in most Latin American countries ... well, how can I say this with tact, and in a dignified way, so as not to offend? ...... I CAN'T ! ..... I DOES NOT EXIST... well,.... it doesn't, what can I say? (You'll see what I'm talking about, in the photos and videos in this blog) ...... Yes I was tactful, and truthful! ..... So there! ..... Everyday there are hundreds of things waiting for you to just slip up, just for a moment ... not paying attention and WHAMO! .... you get it ... in the head ... almost in the EYE... in the ankle .... shoulder .... you name it, your always exposed to DANGER ..... Then there is the not so dangerous, but none the less, "No Fun" stuff, like, dog waste that is usually on the sidewalks (sometimes human .... niiiiiice .... NO not really .... nice that is, .... yes it too, is on the sidewalk) that you have to constantly be on the watch for .... Brent and Kassi have the same problem in Nicaragua .... they refer to them as land mines. "Ten cuidado hay minas" (Caution there are mines) NO photos on that one... don't imagine any are needed, to make the point.

For example here at the apartment we have these stairs that go from the building .... directly into the driveway ..... people, when they drive down the driveway, on the way out of the complex, seem to think they are doing 0-60 MPH tests.... which is fine, except for the fact, that people are coming out of the building directly onto the speedway .... there are no handrails to catch yourself if you fall ..... as you fall, you fall, directly onto the speedway as the car completes the speed test. ..... Yes, you start the day, each day, ...... "RTG". Now this is an example of what never happens ..... Someone actually going slow down the track as "someone" descends from the building.... So this we can say is a bad example of a good example of what happens. Got that?

While ... "IN TOWN" OR .... "THE CITY" ......We saw several OSHA violations!!!!! ..... Carol says if OSHA were here everyone would be working for them, as there are so many OSHA violations, that they would need to have everyone employed caring for the problems ahhh violations ...... Of course then there would be no problems as there would be no businesses to have violations .... that's crazy talk there! We have a new family from Australia the Birketts .... Peter B and wife, own a scaffolding company, when he saw some of the tom foolery, that they call scaffolding he said something like that would result in HUGE fines back in the LDU. (Land Down Under) See video for the wonderful world of scaffolding here in Cuenca Ecuador.

Meet the Birketts

Speaking of the Birketts .... when they where moving into the house they rented .... they had the "installers" come in to "Install" the washer .... here they don't know what a ground wire is .... well not really, but they don't have outlets for them .... unless you want to install an outlet, with the spot for the ground on the plug ..... problem is, there is no ground wire to connect to the outlet, so you have gone in circles and gotten no further (sounds like Ecuador) ... spent time to change the outlet and then you can plug it in, .... but you still don't have a grounded plug... solution? ...... Cut off the ground part of the plug, then there is no need to change out the outlet.... Problem is says the "manual", that negates the warranty .... let alone the safety issues .... Sometimes "RTG" is actually living the gauntlet as is the case in this ramble. Fran Birkett "la esposa" the wife, said she was afraid to use it at first (the washer).... of course we calmed her fears, letting her know that, as of yet we had heard of no one, that had been shocked by an ungrounded plug. Don Harding said "get used to it" .... "there are no ground wires here" ..... "Safety First" (my words) here in Ecuador.

SIDEWALKS .... here, is where time helps you, avoid any real damage ... to your body that is.... In the "States" yes the USA most sidewalks are in excellent shape .... I can say that, in comparison to here, there are very few, if any, bad ones that exist! ... problem here is, that they are narrow, then wide, then narrow, then don't exist, then ...... (those areas where they are nicely contoured for your car to drive up into the driveway, from the street, and for those afoot, to have a nice gradual smooth drop off as they walk, in the US, I speak) ... here there is no smooth contour and gradual lowering they just ........ drop off! ... So while you are looking out for the dog stuff, so as not to step in it, and the glass, that is broken on the sidewalk, so as not to tread in it, and the missing man hole covers, so don't you step off into oblivion, you have to keep your eye open to the "driveway drop off" (I wish I could say or write that, with the voice that is deep and echoing) .... while working with Fran Birkett one morning a few weeks ago in the ministry out of the corner of my eye I see her falling away from beside me ... she fell victim to the "driveway drop off" she didn't go down as I caught her by the arm and steadied her .... but poor thing, ... I heard a few days later she took a header .... I'm wise to those nasty things but it took me about 4 months to get there ...... "RTG" daily! I'm sure one will sneak up on me one day when i have one of my regular lapses in concentration .... and I'll go down just hopefully not into traffic.... and not into a pile of dog stuff either!

CROSSING the street .... Oh you can do it, (but we don't recommend it) but don't plan on the driver stopping for you even though your in the crosswalk .... they just try to maneuver around you .... after all even though you have "the right", don't insist on it, or you will be a hood ornament.... and even though there are laws to protect, "your rights" there are no Police officers that insist that you are shown your rights ..... translated? No tickets for those crummy drivers! Look twice before you cross? NO! look twice then keep looking while your crossing! "RTG" daily.

SEATBELTS .... yes they have the "LAW" here, that you are to use them, but no one does .... when you get into the taxis you reach for them, but they are no where to be found..... cut off, tucked under the seat, broken .... of course the drivers have theirs, not that they wear them, except when a Policia pulls up, and then they reach over and pull it over there shoulder, to fake out the officer ;-0 and then, when the coast is clear, they remove it. Sometimes it's "Driving the Gauntlet" ..... Speaking of which.......

TAXI RIDES .... this is crazy ... here, they allllll think they are Nascar drivers Vroom Vroom ...... Ooooh maybe that's an exaggeration ..... Nooooo, .... no it's not .... it's all out on the gas peddle, then, slam on the brakes.... power into the curves and race to the next stop light, I guess they drive like that, so they can replace those brakes, sooner then they need to .... In the US, you would have to pay big bucks to have the Nascar experience, but here, .... it's only two bucks.... this is the great oxymoron, this is the land of never being on time ... but what we don't understand, is why, as they drive, like there is no tomorrow, ...... based on the way they drive, they should be always early, .... One day last week, we get a driver on our way to the meeting for service, the driver, (young, hes got the cool glasses, and the hat, and is gettin down wit the drivin) yeah he has an attitude .... when we get in the car, we say hi to him but no response ... not a good sign...He's too cool to say hi ..... so we take off and I mean TAKE OFF! ... only to race to the stoplight, and you got it slam on the brakes .... we are third in line from the light, so when the light turns green, the horn honks for number one in line to get going .... problem is, there's on coming traffic, (no where to go chico) but that doesn't stop chico impatient from laying on the horn ... finally traffic starts to move and there is one car in front of us ... so he starts the horn thing AGAIN... now Mr. and Mrs. Heilig are getting impatient as well, but not with traffic, rather the driver.... he keeps on the horn, and finally the driver in front, looks back at him as he makes his way through the light, out chico decides he's passing Mr Slow Poke and "Mr Slow Poke" (which he wasn't) is not happy that our chico is being such a jerk... so of course he speeds up, and now, there is on coming traffic ..... ON COMING! " "Traffico" I shout out! At this point the Mrs..... Heilig that is, says in a loud, powerful voice, in perfect Spanish "YOU ARE A TERRIBLE DRIVER"!!!!! .... At which I say "you let us off here and NOW at the corner" ..... In not so perfect Spanish.... (But he understands perfectly) he pulls over, and doesn't say a word, doesn't ask for partial fare nothing (he knows he went toooooo far with the gringos).... Doors slam shut, and he races off to his next fare. Good riddens you maniac, knucklehead! "LTG" Livin the gauntlet, ...... Daily!

It's all good! ;-)

Can you tell what is in this photo .... uuuuh x-ray?

2010-03-28T20:16:00.002-04:00

OK, so we have this couple that we study the bible with... they have 2 boys named Fabrioso and Daniel... So I stop by one day to say hi and see how they are doing... just a bit before I leave, Daniel comes into the room crying and carrying on and pinching his neck... When Miguel (the dad) asks "what's wrong"? ......Fabrioso says Daniel swallowed a coin! But evidently it hasn't gone down ... it's stuck in his throat! So dad suggests he drink some water to carry it down and then hopefully it will pass (not much more detail needed there ... right?) I thought it sounded like a good idea .... with all my medical background seemed logical ..... He couldn't get it down by the time I was leaving but I figured it would make its way there.... Move ahead three days ....

Last Saturday we go to have our study with them .... Miguel tells me they had to go to the doctor the day before to have the coin removed ...... from his stomach? ..... No his throat! ...... Can you imagine? Stuck in his throat for 2 days ..... I was thinking it would pass but when you see the size in comparison with his body there was no way that penny was going to pass through his system .... Shows you what I know about helping the little guys .....

Good thing Carol was around to help Brent when was a little guy ... probably the reason he is alive .... you know it wasn't because of me ..... yikes!

Yeah he feels better now.... Daniel

TGC Update

2010-03-27T10:19:00.003-04:00

So Carl calls me yesterday afternoon ........

and says that wants to give me something to write about (seems he's gotten into this TGC thing) He says "remember how in the building we are in, there is all that retail space below, on the first floor?" ....."yes Carl, I I I I I remember" ... "well you'll not believe what's happening" ..... what? "they had a drawing and you won some furniture?" (I say with a sarcastic voice)...... "NOooooo" he says, as if that would be out of the realm of possibility with TGC...... "nothing like that" he says, and then starts laughing .... "you won't believe what kind of shop they are putting in, and they are having the grand opening at 5PM today" (ok .... so I wont believe it, .... then why are you calling me?) "They are putting a coffee place (like a Starbuck's, but better I'm imagining) with pastries and great coffee" (all for a pittance here in EC) ..... "Nice to hear that Carl" ..... "You guys should come by and take some photos, so you can put it on the blog", he says enthusiastically ..... O oooooooh ok, .... Im starting to get the picture here (you know the saying "salt in the wound" ... got it!) And of course we can't go, because I have a call to make, at above hour, ........ and that was the reason for the call, to invite us to the Grand Opening. There so nice aren't they... MAKES ME SICK! ;-)

Perhaps your thinking ..."Coffee Place"? .... not much to get excited about down there ..... well for Carl "Coffee Place" would be like .... how can I say it? .... I know, ..... the rest of us hitting the mother load or something like that ..... He/ they ..... L O V E C O F F E E! and I mean LOVE IT!!!!!!! So now they don't even have to leave the building, to get great coffee .....

TGC thing #7 in Ecuador .... Not even here for 2 months and they have more good things happen to them then most of us have had in a lifetime! .... This is getting ridiculous ;-)

One of our mutual friends wrote us after the original blog on TGC and said .... "But I tell you, they do leave in an alternate universe from the rest of us" .... that comes right out of the email she sent us (cut and pasted) .... I think the word you were looking for was "live", not leave, Anna, (leave is live with a latin accent ...... oh no .......Oops ...... didn't mean to reveal my source) but believe me we know what you mean..... Jerry's Kid ... :-0 (No ones safe on this blog ... AM ...... no one .... beware of the crazy blogger here in Cuenca) .... Yeah! that was fun!

TGC ....... TBC! (to be continued) .... have a good day.......

Photos of the "Coffee palace" to follow, ..... uuuuuh "place" I mean..... whenever we can get over to the nice part of town. The Webbs live in latin AMERICA and we live in LATIN america

Small bugs here in Cuenca

2010-03-21T17:54:00.004-04:00

Dave Souza and I are in our ministry the other day and Dave stops me in my tracts and asks me when was the last time I saw one of these babies back in Reno....

Never!

This guy is about 4-6 inches long depending if you add to the measurement the things that are sticking out from his/her ? head!

!!!!! NEWS FLASH !!!! - Golden Boy and Wife arrive in Cuenca!

2010-03-21T17:46:00.004-04:00

Of what do I write? Well many of you know Carl and Eslie Webb, (Here seen doing what we do when we are not doing the other thing we do ..... PREACHING!) however many of you do not .... that being said, a bit of background is necessary..... "The Golden Couple" from here forward, referred to as, "TGC" came into our lives several years ago from California.... as they moved to Nevada to serve where there was more need in the Spanish circuit of congregations around Reno .... if I remember correctly they moved directly to the Sparks area but traveled to Fernley to serve in a Spanish congregation .... I think I have that part right..... They have had the privlidge of serving in 3 congregations since coming to No. Nevada that I know of, and have served in substitute circuit work ..... they are a great couple! ... When we came back from Ecuador in November 08 ... the following day of our return there was the Special Assembly Day and talking to the different friends about our experiences Carl a bit later asks, if, when we go back to investigate Cuenca, they can come along? Of course!

When we return to Cuenca in March / April we are all together and have a great time at which time they can see themselves serving here.... upon return to Reno they start working to get down here and make Jan 2010 their move date.... move ahead 7-8 months and here they are! Arrived after a brutal trip, getting rerouted through NY from LA difinately to long way around ..... They arrive a day later then planned..... Well I didn't say they were the platinum couple just "TGC"!!!!!

Upon arrivng in Guayaquil, .... they have 1 instead of 2 nights to stay at the Branch due to day late arrival, ...... while there, they are informed that the electricity rationing and water rationing has finally stopped in the country.... (Carol and I joked before hand, that when TGC arrived, the rationing water, electric would all stop, once they arrived,.... and so it did, ... right on arrival) Am I saying they have the ability to change the weather and very powerful forces in place? ........ That's exactly what I'm saying!

1st GC thing to happen in Ecuador......Then when they get to Cuenca, they have a furnished apartment available (Spauldings from Australia on leave for vacation and work, .... back in the land down under) to use for the first 3 month here, if they want to ... no hurry, no worry, just scurry into town and get settled..... after getting their bearings ..... (6,000 mile trip takes it out of you, even if you are TGC)... they start looking for an apartment of there own and find a nice new 2 bedroom, In what we consider to be the nicest part of town! It wasn't originally available so they were going to take a 3 bedroom in the same building, then, at the last minute the owner of the 2 bedroom calls and says the renter fell through and they could have the 2 bedroom, if they still wanted it ..... TGC thing going on again.... I always seems to work out for them!

2nd GC thing to happen in Ecuador ..... they invite us to come and see the apartment an check out the 3 bedroom (perhaps we would be interested in it) Well we were but it wasn't now available (We're not TGC, and as you know, things don't work that way for us ;-) ..... Upon inspection of their apartment, I'm looking out the office/ guest bedroom, and what is directly across the street of the apartment? ... A pay booth where you pay all your phone, electric, internet, water .... one stop shop and pay.... this place is a clear shot from the apartment, attach a rock to the bills and the money owed, and give it a throw, ... TGC doesn't even have to leave the apartment to pay all the bills other then the rent! (well not literally) ....

3rd TGC thing to happen in Ecuador.... Oh yeah "The Apartment" ........ this place is on the 3rd floor perfect view of the mountains and I mean the nicest mountain view available in Cuenca! "The Apartment" has nice granite countertops and beautiful cabinetry with roll out drawers, bathroom with bathtubs (not normal here) bus stop a 100 feet of their entry door to the building all for? ................. 270.00 a month!

4th TGC thing to happen in Ecuador! Then once the deal-e-o is signed, they have a good portion of the place painted all done for 80.00, .... including the paint! They don't even have to go and look for someone to do the work, as the maintaince guy in the building does the work! TGC thing going on again!

5th TGC thing to happen in Ecuador! Then Carl has to inform me that they took our advice on when to go, and what to show up with, at the offices of immigration, ..... for them it was less then an hour for everything! You may or may not remember that it was an all day thing for the Heilig's..... That had TGC thing, written all over it!

6th TGC thing to happen in Ecuador! They get an assignment to serve in a congregation that has the meetings here in the city more or less.... but beautiful productive territory going out from the city..... In fact all they do is talk about how beautiful and green and creeks and blah blah blah ... how nice the territory is ... yes we understand, we understand already! However they do mention that the territory is up and down and hilly and WHATEVER (Its just a little hilly ;-0 ).... they got it GOOD! Photos attached....

Finally in all fairness they don't have it all perfect (Thank goodness!) They have to go up against the mighty latin american slowness and confusion trying to get things done ..... THE INTERNET hookup! it took them 6 weeks to get it done..... As you can imagine I sighed a bit of relief, as I thought it was just me that couldn't get things done down here .... of course they thought it was not that big a deal and that it all went fine ... TGC attitude! I'm learning from that!

If you think I sound bitter? ..... I AM!!!

Naw ..... Just kiddding.