Serving in Quito North

 For the last few weeks we have been struggling with keeping the power on in Ecuador. In the past, the country wouldn't cut power during nighttime hours due to the risk of crime. But this time, with Colombia cutting off the country due to its own needs, Ecuador decided to cut power at all times of the day and night. A typical day for us is 12am-4am power on; 4am-8am power off; 8am-10am power on; 10am-2pm power off. Some days vary, so you never know when it will be on or off. The result is that every business needs to buy a generator. For some reason, we usually get a break on Saturdays and Sundays. We stopped by a few apartments in Coca for inspections on Sunday. Sister Tuck and Sister Zanabio are so sweet. They had a broken toilet and didn't even think to complain to us! We are happy to fix it. Elder Lopez and Elder Ford showed us their exciting apartment on the 4th floor. Both of them have played translator for me as I've born my testimony.

 For over a year we have enjoyed travelling to Shushufindi for Thursday night English classes. The drive is tough due to the dangerous road, but we love the people there. After class we stopped by the two apartments in town. I hope you can see the heat in these pictures. It's 90 degrees nearly everyday and quite a surprise for new missionaries assigned to El Oriente. However, every missionary wants to serve here because the people are so receptive. After seeing everyone's cinnamon rolls online during General Conference, I decided when I got home that I should make some. Although one got away, they were still delicious. I do the trick of adding whole milk over the top before they're finished.

The drive to Cascales takes about 2 hours from Coca. The geography is pretty flat, with bananas and corn growing on both sides of the road. The asphalt road itself is a narrow two-lane path with no room for error.  Some days are quite rainy in this area, since it is jungle. The cities are quite small, except for Sachas and Lago Agrio. A family group has recently been created in Sacha and a second branch for Lago was created a few months ago. After visiting the missionaries in Cascales, we headed south to Lago Agrio and Sachas. I was impressed by this art wall made by the elders in Sachas. We all have a longing to be creative. Yesterday I finished this little bird for my fabric book.

 Friday we finished up Ofelia apartments. The traffic was crazy, but Paul did a great job driving everywhere, including Carcelén and Cangahua. Elder Vance and Elder Keller are working in this area of Carcelén. They are both over 6'4" so it makes sense that they would be living up here at the top of the city. Here is a little street talent. The apartment in Ponceano was quite tricky to find, but Elders Kauhi and Rosas helped us feel welcome!  Who's that handsome missionary? In the evening, I received a text message from Barbara that she was in the lobby of the hospidaje. I ran out to see her and half of the Lago Agrio Branch. Barbara and her mom Isabell are such wonderful new and faithful members. 

 In the morning, we are able to attend the temple, then go for our regular hike up into Cumbayá for lunch. Sometimes we stop for an ice cream cone at Baskin Robbins. We then join the Lascanos for more apartment inspections. They are fun to bring along because they know Quito so well. Plus, they help us with our Spanish. These wonderful Hermanas from Pusuqui have the cutest apartment in the mission. Sister Delgadillo attends my English classes on Fridays and we recently saw Sister Shuldberg at the temple. It was the day after the Kirtland Temple announcement. You should have seen her face when she heard the amazing news. Elder Rodriguez and Elder Gividen are zone leaders here in the area right next to the Mitad del Mundo. Elder Bayless is one of the APs currently serving all around the mission. I get the feeling he rarely sleeps here at his apartment.  I love seeing English practice going on in apartments. 

 Life just feels better after listening to General Conference. We took the day and hiked around the Cumbayá reservoir and hit a Mexican restaurant afterwards. There just is not enough Mexican food here in Ecuador! We do love it so much. My score for General Conference music bingo is terrible. And I had a tip that Now Let Us Rejoice would be sung. So I got a measly two. My friends and family all did much better.

How I love to watch General Conference! This was my first time staying in the hospidaje for conference sessions. When I think back on living in Guayaquil, we arrived in November and left at the end on March. The difference between the States, Hong Kong, and Ecuador is interesting.  The peace of the temple is powerful.  When we were asked to take care of the Lascanos because the Románs were going to be "out of town" Paul thought President Román would be called into the Quorum of the Seventy. I thought that was crazy. No mission president gets to leave the mission boundaries. But he was sure. So on Saturday morning we turned on conference and Paul said, Here we go. I know it will be a big change for their family--moving from Mexico to Utah. It is such a sacrifice to be called into the Seventy. He will have another 20 years of service, along with his lovely wife. They will not get to choose their location or assignment.  We enjoyed Elder Dushku's address, "Pillars and R...