Well, After a long day of traveling we arrived in Ecuador. We were picked up by two brothers from the Ecuador Branch. One named Luigi. They were very nice and we arrived at the Branch about 1am Wednesday . Chad and Chase woke up early to go to breakfast with the bethel family....it starts at 7am. They really enjoyed that. They also met a couple that were going to move to Valdivia but couldnt because of the internet situation. He is from Iowa and she is from Guayaquil. They were very helpful. We spent 2 days at bethel. We also met sister Haris, there is an article about her husband in one of the newer Watchtower study magazines. She was so welcoming to us! We shared 4 meals with the friends there. One of which was cow stomach in a soup. I dont know the official name. Everyone was watching to see what we thought. Of course Chad liked it and had seconds. Chase and I ate it. I didnt know what it was. I asked the brother and he told me it was beef. But it was the wrong color......? Anyways it wasnt too bad. We were picked up by Jose Sanchez on Thursday and off we went to Valdivia. we arrived just as the meeting was starting. So we went to the meeting. The brothers and sisters here are so nice. They all helped us unload our stuff into the apartment next to the kingdom hall. We also met Jonah and Leah a young couple from North Dakota. They brought over plates and pillows and blankets and also dinner for us that first night.. We were all sitting talking around a little round table and poof the lights went out....pitch black! We brought flashlights and candles but we had no idea where they were. We finally did find something and about 10 minutes later the lights came back on. This happens very frequently. Thank goodness we brought surge protectors with us! On Friday we went to La Libertad to get a few things and met another couple David and Daniella. They ended up giving us a ride home and also inviting us over for homemade Pizza. Chase's favorite! Saturday we went in field service with 2 sisters. Chase went on 3 bible studies and had to say 6 prayers. He said they were a little rough but he managed. Chad conducted the watchtower on suday and did an awesome job with that. Sunday after the meeting we went to the beach and chad and Chase skimboarded. The weather right now is a little cool and rainy. So we have alot of mud. FUN!! Anyways although it isnt really what we were expecting we are enjoying it here so far. We hope to be in our house soon. they said Friday. But that might be Ecuadorian time. I hope not.
Well chad finishes elder school today. And I finished out my last week of regular housecleanin. Except for one job next week. Next week is our last week of carpets and our final garage sale. Then its moving into Kathy and Rays and getting all the final things done before we leave on the 21st of September. I spoke with the landlady in Ecuador and we for sure have the house. She is going to meet us there around the 24th or 25th. And if she cant make it we have to talk to the neighbor who knows the lady who has the key in the next village. FUN!! Anyways working hard to get everything done!!
