Pete
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Fishing on the Guaya
On our last trip to the rice fields, down on the river was a couple fishing. They pulled in close to shore to speak with a couple of the rice workers who were with us and I got a couple of good pictures. The paddles were just tree limbs or small trees that had been hewed sort of flat, probably with a machete, the all purpose tool down here. Not much effort went in to slim down the handle. A pretty fat handle and long narrow blade. Like a lot of things, good enough is good enough.
Old House
Nothing spactacular here, just an old house, typical of a lot of houses in the rice growing area. The siding is bamboo that is flattened out. Lots of natural ventilation. The overhang thing has numeous wasp nests. The frame of the house is over 150 years old and of a hard strong wood that is rot and termite resistant.
The last picture shows an interesting piece of joinery. Two pieces were joined together. The small rectangular block in the middle is the key. After the two pieces are fitted together, the key is driven in and the two pieces are locked together. I couldn't get a picture of the whole joint because the bottom is underground. Note that the top of the joint is cut on a "V" from side to side so that the joint can't slip sideways.
Anyway, I thought it was kinda cool.
Pete
Stairs
Here are some pics of my latest project. Since the inside of the house was done, and there is still time, we decided to move to the outside and build a set of stairs. The first picture shows Alfonso and President Fuhriman. President F is second counselor in the temple presidency. Like me, he likes to get dirty and sweaty, and decided that it was not fair that I should be having all the fun. He has mixed and troweled a lot of cement in his day, and was with us to pour the stairs. He will be with us whenever he can as time permits.
The second picture gives the overall view. We turned the place under the stairs into a bodega, since Alfonso had a steel door he was saving. It will be used to store tools and gardening stuff.
The last picture shows mi amiga at the top of the landing. There is no door yet, but we have a good used one, and a jamb. We are still making a lot of mess. Actually the stairs are now buried under dirt, as we have dug out for a footing for a block wall that will serve as a security wall and retaining wall between the Valero's and the property to the right. Next will come the wall across the front.
Pete
The Mall
After a hard morning of chasing lizards and swinging and sliding at the park, mi amiga and I decided we better go to the mall for an ice cream. On the way in, Valentina noticed the fountain and stopped to admire it. I thought she might like getting her feet wet, so I took off her sneakers and socks and rolled her pants up. Yup, she really liked it, but decided that there was no reason her feet should have all the fun when her whole body was dry. She had a great time for almost half an hour before security came along and asked us to leave. After a half dozen rides up and down the escalator, and the elevator and an icecream, I took my dripping wet little friend home.
It was an exceptionally hot day and I was tempted to jump in myself, except that I am much too dignified for that, and the water is too shallow.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Serve in Ecuador
The temple president here in Ecuador has asked me to write to all my LDS friends and acquaintances and encourage them to come on a mission to Ecuador to serve in the temple here. I am using my distribution list, so I know that this is reaching a number of you for whom a mission is not possible right now, but I encourage you to read on anyway and hear me out, then move this on to others who might be interested or who might in turn move it along. Even if you do not come on a mission there is a way you can help.
Let me tell you the pros and cons of a mission to Ecuador. I will start with the pros.
1. You are needed. It is very difficult to find Ecuadorians who can serve missions here. There are very few Ecuadorians who ever get a pension, or who can stop working. Social security is about $30 per month, and after that it is hustle and count on the generosity of children to survive. The temple is often understaffed.
2. The temple is one of the most beautiful I have seen, and the temple grounds are also beautiful. The temple apartment building for missionaries is a stone throw from the temple. Both are air conditioned. The grounds are surrounded with a fence, laser beam and 24 hour security. People enjoy getting out and walking the grounds. Three times around the grounds is a mile for those who like to get exercise.
3. The apartments for missionaries are beautiful, spacious and well furnished. They have fully tiled baths, carpets and come with TV in enclosed stand, free internet connection, a tap that supplies filtered water for drinking and instant hot water, plenty of closets and drawers, a well stocked kitchen with microwave, blender and a set of stainless steel pots and pans and all the utensils. Bedding and towels are supplied. There is a laundry in the building for the use of missionaries, and a storage room for luggage. All this plus electricity is included in the rent of $350 per month. The rent is $150 a month for single sisters, and half that if two single sisters room together and share the rent. The rent is $150 for Ecuadorian couples, in an attempt to make it affordable for them. Cable is the only extra expense at a cost of $6 per month.
4. It is very cheap to live here. Food is cheap. A fresh pineapple is 70 cents. A half dozen mangoes in season is a dollar on the street. Vegetables and fruit are plentiful and cheap. They make excellent cheeses here that are reasonable. A meal in the temple is $1.25 which is rice meat and a salad and glass of fruit juice. It is $1.75 with a bowl of soup. On the street you can go to a small restaurant of the type that the ordinary people eat at that is kind of a sidewalk café and get a complete meal for $1.50 to $2.00. The other day I had a big bowl of shrimp civiche with about 30 shrimp in it for $4.50. Excellent. Buses are frequent and cheap. You can cover a lot of ground for .25 cents. Taxies are everywhere and are only $2.00 for most rides. When we go to the supermarket we walk and take the taxie home. The American missionaries are finding that they are able to afford their mission just on social security without using any savings. Deseret mutual provides a health insurance plan for missionaries that covers all emergencies and pre existing conditions for $320 American per couple. A mission here is not cost prohibitive.
5.The food is not highly seasoned or spicy. North Americans adapt to Ecuadorian cusine with no difficulty. There is usually a bowl of salsa or bottle of hot sauce on the table for those with a liking for heat, but most Ecuadorians do not like spicy food. Debbie and I love the food here and have tried it all.
6. While much is made of security on the temple grounds, Debbie and I go pretty well anywhere we like either alone or together in Guayaquil and never feel in danger. We do not dress expensively or wear jewelry or expensive watches, and therefore attract little attention. Expensive dress is probably just inviting trouble.
7. The chapel is about 3 miles away. We take the bus to and walk home. Most of the missionaries bus or taxie both ways. We enjoy the walk. There is a gospel Doctrine class in English.
8. The climate is excellent. Temperature is in the middle to high 80's most of the time in Guayaquil, nand may go to the mid 90's in the middle of the day. There is often a cloud cover to take the bite out of the sun. The mornings and evenings are beyond wonderful. There is usually a balmy breeze blowing and it is in the middle to high 70's. The mountains are cooler, and also very pleasant. I expect I will never be warm again in Nova Scotia, as I am getting quite used to the climate here.
9. Ecuadorians are wonderful people. They are gentle, loving and hard working. In spite of the fact that cash is in short supply, they are very happy. Women and men treat each other very well, and they are wonderful with children. They dress well on the street. It is hard to tell rich from poor, as they all dress well. There are virtually no weirdos, or people trying to attract attention to themselves with bizzare dress or hair. There are a few tatoos here and there but not like we see in North America. There appears to be very few down and outers. There are some beggars but very few really. Rather than beg, they go to the store and buy a case of water bottles and go down the street selling bottled water for 25 cents, or they get a 3 litre bottle of pop and a bag of plastic cups and cry "cola, cola, cola" and sell it for 10 cents a glass.
10.The Ecuadorians in the temple truly appreciate the gringo missionaries. They love their temple and serving there, but they also know that the temple would not work without the missionaries, and they appreciate the sacrifice that is being made to come and help them. They often say "gracias" just for being there. We hear that a lot.
11. Every 6 months the temple closes for maintenance. During that time, travel is permitted anywhere in Ecuador. Buses are large and comfortable, run frequently and on time. They are also very inexpensive. Hotels are also inexpensive. Very nice hotels can cost as little as $6.00/ person per night. The most we have ever paid is $30 for both of us per night, and that was excellent accomodations, with a large breakfast included. Most hotels include a breakfast. There is a lot to see and do.
12. The temple has two shifts. The morning crew work from 6:30am to 1:30pm. The afternoon shift starts at 4:30 and goes till 10:00. So, you are on for 6-7 hours a day. During the rest of the time, the time is yours. Since this is not a proselyting mission, it is permissible to wear street clothes any time we are not at the temple, and it is not necessary to wear name tags. The temple is open Tuesday to Saturday, and Monday and Sunday are free. There are a few cons.
1. Two grandchildren have been born since we left and another is on the way. The same is true for all the missionaries here. However, we maintain constant contact with all our kids and grandkids through Skype, which is free, and Skype phone which is 2.5 cents a minute. We miss our kids, but this is the experience of a lifetime, and we are glad we are not missing it
2. The language barrier. I wish I could be conversational with these wonderful people in their own language, but I am not. I don’t really work at it, but I am learning a bit in spite of my laziness to study. However, in the temple and in our group of missionaries, there are many who speak English. Most of the youth are being taught English in school, and welcome opportunities to practice. With Spanglish and gesticulations it is amazing what can be communicated. I memorized the veil ceremony within two weeks. Even though I have spent a lot of time in the initiatory I have not memorized it. The cards are on the wall anyway. I have focused on correct pronunciation and speed. Even though I don’t really know what I am saying, I can read it as fast as most of the Ecuadorians can say it and they tell me I sound like a native. That is good enough for me. What I am saying is that even though I am nearly inept at Spanish, I am fully functional in the temple, and we can get around Guayaquil and Ecuador with no problems. Debbie and I have no problem leaving the rest of the missionaries and striking out on our own. If there are any more cons to going on a mission, we don’t know what they are. We feel we have been sent on a real choice mission. We feel extreemly well blessed to be here. Now, if I have not convinced you to take up residence in one of these lovely apartments for 18 months, but would like to help further the work here, there is a way. There are a few couples in Ecuador who would love to serve full time in the temple, but cannot afford to do so. They already know the language! If you would be interested in helping to sponsor them then that would be a way to assist in the work. Just let me know.
President Rojas has said that if he knows of couples who want to get here to let him know when they apply, and pull can be applied from this end. So, if you feeling the spirit of Elijah trying to move you, and you are interested in having the experience of a lifetime in a wonderful land, then let me know when you submit your papers and I will alert President Rojas. There are 4 empty apartments right now.
First pic is of a group of youth lined up outside the temple doors waiting to get in the baptistry.. Second is of a few ladies from Otavala who arrived on one of the 10 buses behind them
Let me tell you the pros and cons of a mission to Ecuador. I will start with the pros.
1. You are needed. It is very difficult to find Ecuadorians who can serve missions here. There are very few Ecuadorians who ever get a pension, or who can stop working. Social security is about $30 per month, and after that it is hustle and count on the generosity of children to survive. The temple is often understaffed.
2. The temple is one of the most beautiful I have seen, and the temple grounds are also beautiful. The temple apartment building for missionaries is a stone throw from the temple. Both are air conditioned. The grounds are surrounded with a fence, laser beam and 24 hour security. People enjoy getting out and walking the grounds. Three times around the grounds is a mile for those who like to get exercise.
3. The apartments for missionaries are beautiful, spacious and well furnished. They have fully tiled baths, carpets and come with TV in enclosed stand, free internet connection, a tap that supplies filtered water for drinking and instant hot water, plenty of closets and drawers, a well stocked kitchen with microwave, blender and a set of stainless steel pots and pans and all the utensils. Bedding and towels are supplied. There is a laundry in the building for the use of missionaries, and a storage room for luggage. All this plus electricity is included in the rent of $350 per month. The rent is $150 a month for single sisters, and half that if two single sisters room together and share the rent. The rent is $150 for Ecuadorian couples, in an attempt to make it affordable for them. Cable is the only extra expense at a cost of $6 per month.
4. It is very cheap to live here. Food is cheap. A fresh pineapple is 70 cents. A half dozen mangoes in season is a dollar on the street. Vegetables and fruit are plentiful and cheap. They make excellent cheeses here that are reasonable. A meal in the temple is $1.25 which is rice meat and a salad and glass of fruit juice. It is $1.75 with a bowl of soup. On the street you can go to a small restaurant of the type that the ordinary people eat at that is kind of a sidewalk café and get a complete meal for $1.50 to $2.00. The other day I had a big bowl of shrimp civiche with about 30 shrimp in it for $4.50. Excellent. Buses are frequent and cheap. You can cover a lot of ground for .25 cents. Taxies are everywhere and are only $2.00 for most rides. When we go to the supermarket we walk and take the taxie home. The American missionaries are finding that they are able to afford their mission just on social security without using any savings. Deseret mutual provides a health insurance plan for missionaries that covers all emergencies and pre existing conditions for $320 American per couple. A mission here is not cost prohibitive.
5.The food is not highly seasoned or spicy. North Americans adapt to Ecuadorian cusine with no difficulty. There is usually a bowl of salsa or bottle of hot sauce on the table for those with a liking for heat, but most Ecuadorians do not like spicy food. Debbie and I love the food here and have tried it all.
6. While much is made of security on the temple grounds, Debbie and I go pretty well anywhere we like either alone or together in Guayaquil and never feel in danger. We do not dress expensively or wear jewelry or expensive watches, and therefore attract little attention. Expensive dress is probably just inviting trouble.
7. The chapel is about 3 miles away. We take the bus to and walk home. Most of the missionaries bus or taxie both ways. We enjoy the walk. There is a gospel Doctrine class in English.
8. The climate is excellent. Temperature is in the middle to high 80's most of the time in Guayaquil, nand may go to the mid 90's in the middle of the day. There is often a cloud cover to take the bite out of the sun. The mornings and evenings are beyond wonderful. There is usually a balmy breeze blowing and it is in the middle to high 70's. The mountains are cooler, and also very pleasant. I expect I will never be warm again in Nova Scotia, as I am getting quite used to the climate here.
9. Ecuadorians are wonderful people. They are gentle, loving and hard working. In spite of the fact that cash is in short supply, they are very happy. Women and men treat each other very well, and they are wonderful with children. They dress well on the street. It is hard to tell rich from poor, as they all dress well. There are virtually no weirdos, or people trying to attract attention to themselves with bizzare dress or hair. There are a few tatoos here and there but not like we see in North America. There appears to be very few down and outers. There are some beggars but very few really. Rather than beg, they go to the store and buy a case of water bottles and go down the street selling bottled water for 25 cents, or they get a 3 litre bottle of pop and a bag of plastic cups and cry "cola, cola, cola" and sell it for 10 cents a glass.
10.The Ecuadorians in the temple truly appreciate the gringo missionaries. They love their temple and serving there, but they also know that the temple would not work without the missionaries, and they appreciate the sacrifice that is being made to come and help them. They often say "gracias" just for being there. We hear that a lot.
11. Every 6 months the temple closes for maintenance. During that time, travel is permitted anywhere in Ecuador. Buses are large and comfortable, run frequently and on time. They are also very inexpensive. Hotels are also inexpensive. Very nice hotels can cost as little as $6.00/ person per night. The most we have ever paid is $30 for both of us per night, and that was excellent accomodations, with a large breakfast included. Most hotels include a breakfast. There is a lot to see and do.
12. The temple has two shifts. The morning crew work from 6:30am to 1:30pm. The afternoon shift starts at 4:30 and goes till 10:00. So, you are on for 6-7 hours a day. During the rest of the time, the time is yours. Since this is not a proselyting mission, it is permissible to wear street clothes any time we are not at the temple, and it is not necessary to wear name tags. The temple is open Tuesday to Saturday, and Monday and Sunday are free. There are a few cons.
1. Two grandchildren have been born since we left and another is on the way. The same is true for all the missionaries here. However, we maintain constant contact with all our kids and grandkids through Skype, which is free, and Skype phone which is 2.5 cents a minute. We miss our kids, but this is the experience of a lifetime, and we are glad we are not missing it
2. The language barrier. I wish I could be conversational with these wonderful people in their own language, but I am not. I don’t really work at it, but I am learning a bit in spite of my laziness to study. However, in the temple and in our group of missionaries, there are many who speak English. Most of the youth are being taught English in school, and welcome opportunities to practice. With Spanglish and gesticulations it is amazing what can be communicated. I memorized the veil ceremony within two weeks. Even though I have spent a lot of time in the initiatory I have not memorized it. The cards are on the wall anyway. I have focused on correct pronunciation and speed. Even though I don’t really know what I am saying, I can read it as fast as most of the Ecuadorians can say it and they tell me I sound like a native. That is good enough for me. What I am saying is that even though I am nearly inept at Spanish, I am fully functional in the temple, and we can get around Guayaquil and Ecuador with no problems. Debbie and I have no problem leaving the rest of the missionaries and striking out on our own. If there are any more cons to going on a mission, we don’t know what they are. We feel we have been sent on a real choice mission. We feel extreemly well blessed to be here. Now, if I have not convinced you to take up residence in one of these lovely apartments for 18 months, but would like to help further the work here, there is a way. There are a few couples in Ecuador who would love to serve full time in the temple, but cannot afford to do so. They already know the language! If you would be interested in helping to sponsor them then that would be a way to assist in the work. Just let me know.
President Rojas has said that if he knows of couples who want to get here to let him know when they apply, and pull can be applied from this end. So, if you feeling the spirit of Elijah trying to move you, and you are interested in having the experience of a lifetime in a wonderful land, then let me know when you submit your papers and I will alert President Rojas. There are 4 empty apartments right now.
First pic is of a group of youth lined up outside the temple doors waiting to get in the baptistry.. Second is of a few ladies from Otavala who arrived on one of the 10 buses behind them
Otavalo Arrives
On Saturday we had a few busloads of people from Otavalo arrive at the temple. We love the traditional dress that they wear for dress up. The blouses are all hand embroidered. The tan shawl gets folded up in a special way and placed on the head when it is very hot. The men dress totally in white including white slipper like sandals with no socks. The youth are just relaxing and waiting for the bus to leave. They have changed into more casual clothes for the 10 hour ride back to Otavalo. Back in Otavalo, the traditional dress is worn all the time by the old timers, but they have less dressy versions for everyday. Many of the youth, particularly the girls wear traditional dress all the time in Otavalo.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Welcome Bentley Peter Ricks
Another wonderful new grandson has arrived. Bentley Peter Ricks was born to Hannah and Jake on Tuesday, September 29. I am so grateful for Internet/Skype which has allowed me to see my new grand babies, with their parents, hours after they were born and to now watch them grow!
(My two mission grandbabies, Naomi's Austin and Hannah's Bentley)
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