The Big Move

 President Román asked us to move to Coca, about 90 minutes south of Lago Agrio, for the last half of our mission. It is very similar in size, but everyone in Coca says it is much safer than Lago. I've seen some videos of crime in Lago, but never saw it up close, and feel that we have been protected in many ways.

I was not prepared for how heavy everything is and I've not been lifting weights. I should have called the elders to help us. The weather was its regular oppressive heat, so we were just dripping sweat continually. We had a box truck to be loaded, but the driver was uninterested in helping us load.

When I realized we couldn't carry the fridge and washing machine down the stairs, I walked down the road and asked some men to help us. They saved us. Our clothes were soaked through. The power went out at its regular 7-9am shift. The truck arrived at 10am and we arrived in Coca at 12:30pm.

Opening the gate for the last time.

The power went out from 1-3pm, so as soon as the missionaries helped unpack everything, they took off to get back to work. With their help, it was much easier to unload. The landlord installed this cool light for when the power goes out. On the other side of the brick wall is an old roll-up door as seen from the outside. Our kitchen window is just to the left of Paul here.

Here's the kitchen window with its short curtains. I'll have to make more. 

This picture was taken before the stove, fridge, and washing machine were unloaded. It is just missing drawers so we'll keep our silverware on the counter. The water pressure is high, which is a dream come true.

We enjoyed dinner with our helpers on Sunday as a thank you. Beef stroganoff was a big hit and they ate like missionaries do. We're so grateful for them!