A Day Off Plus

We had a day off for the most part. We slept in and took breakfast at a small coffee shop near the hotel. We each had a breakfast of coffee, a cookie or bread, and yogurt for a total cost for all of $9 USD. It was enough food too. We then walked the streets looking and inquiring in many shops as to whether we could buy a battery charger for Aino's Olympus camera. The answer was consistent "No es posible en Riobamba."  "It is not possible in Riobamba."

While looking for the charger, we stopped in a handcraft shop to look. Antti made a big purchase of a sombero or hat. We now call him Tex Paananen.

Tex Paananen

 

While waiting for Milton to pick us up, we sat in a small park near the hotel and watched the people. Walt has been waiting for the opportunity to take a picture of children in their school uniforms. So when two girls came by, he asked them "Puedo sacar una foto a ustedes?"  "Can I take a picture of you?" They answered "yes" and immediately went to sit by Avis and leaned against her smiling and giggling.

Avis and the school girls.

 

Some more school girls each with a unique uniform for their school.

 

In mid-afternoon, we visited a very large and beautiful complex of buildings, which is available for rent. We found one building suitable for a group of about 60-70 people. There were buildings for nearly any size group. Available were bedrooms, game rooms, saunas, Turkish steam rooms, pools, hot tubs, basketball courts, and much more. I teased Milton that maybe this could someday be "la mansion de Milton" or the mansion of Milton. He answered while pointing skyward that he hoped one day to have a mansion in heaven.

Entrance to a high class rental facility and potential camp site.

 

A salon or conference room where we could meet.

Swimming pool and hot tub area.

 

The rent for one day for the conference room was quoted at $200, which is not so much. The setting is beautiful. It would include everything, including projector. The swimming pool and sauna are $4/day/person. Again not much by western standards. The food, however, was expensive: $7/breakfast, $15/lunch, and $15/supper. No reduction in price based on age of participant. Children and adults pay the same. It is a lot of money for the typical Ecuadorian. It is not possible to have 'box lunches' made up and brought in because of government rules and fear of poorly prepared food.

We briefly stopped in a shopping mall after our investigation of the 'camp site'. The malls are very modern as you can tell from the pictures which follow.

Above four pictures: From a very modern mall near Riobamba.

 

We have been able to visit very much with Antti and Aino, sorry, I meant Aino and Tex. They have become our friends. We know some of the same people in Finland and hope someday to visit their summer cottage and go fishing. We have at times asked them to bring special greetings to our friends in Finland. Today we especially remembered Walt's cousin, Pikku Serkku, who lives in Perho, Liisa Tynnela, and her husband, Antti.

Aino and Tex

 

The day off allowed us to catch up on some nagging but necessary details. Tomorrow the services will be at the Hacienda La Merced. Hasta luego! Que le vaya bien.

Walt and Avis

From Guayaquil to Balsapamba to Salinas de Guaranda to Riobamba in One Day

Milton called late last night to let Walt know we must leave Guayaquil early in order to arrive at Balsapamba for a 10 am service. I went to Paulus' room to inform him but no answer. I both knocked and called on the intra-hotel phone. It appeared that the Paananen's were already sleeping so I didn't knock.

 In the morning, Walt returned to Paulus' door but no answer. The Paananen's were awake, and we agreed to meet for breakfast early. We went to the cafeteria and looked out the window and saw Paulus coming down the street toward the hotel. He had slept outside down by the waterfront on someone's roof because his asthma and allergies were so bothering him!! He said it helped him but there were 'billions' of locust type insects all over near where he was sleeping.

We made to the bus station in time for a 8:30 am departure to Balsapamba. It was a two hour trip. At several bus stops, vendors got on the bus to peddle their wares. "Agua! Agua! Papas!" Water, water, potatoes." 

We arrived in Balsapamba at about 10:40 am and made the short walk to the service site pulling our luggage behind us. Milton and Paulus' wife Lisbeth were already there. The services were held outside at the home of Uvlade Domigis and his sister Julia. Both are single and probably in their sixties or more. Working outside on the home next door was a women who so resembled a girl who had repented on a previous trip. I approached her and asked if she was Dayana's mother. She answered affirmatively. I invited her to the service if she so wished to come. She did and so did her husband Victor.

Walt kept a devotion based on John 8:1-11 on the woman caught in adultery who was instructed by Jesus to go and sin no more. The gospel was offered to all. Victor also wanted to believe his sins forgiven. After the service he stated the 'message' had come at just the right moment of need. We didn't ask for details as to why. He asked when is the next time we will come. In February and March, he was advised. He offered water or soda for our journey. We also enjoyed candies and cheese with crackers.

Uvalde Dominques and Antti Paananen

 

Victor, Clarita, Julia and Victor's wife.

 

Victor's youngest daughter Clarita wanted to show Walt her coloring book which was designed to teach English to Spanish children. Together they practiced, caballo...horse, pato...duck, pollo...chicken.

Clarita shows her coloring book and practices English with Walt.

 

Clarita lived with her sister Dayana at the Dominguez home
while her mother worked in Spain and her father in the orient

 

We made the trip to Salinas in Milton's truck. It is currently our mode of transportation. It is quite cramped with so many people, and I think we all have extra aches and pains from sitting so long in tight quarters. It is, nevertheless, part of the adventure!

In Salinas it was cold and damp both outside and in the factory where the services were held. Seven persons were at the services, not including us. One person was a lady from Italy who was visiting for a month. Her daughter has been in Salinas for 11 months working as a volunteer. Salinas is at an elevation of 12,000 plus or minus.

The women of the factory: Las mujeres de la fabrica.

 

Aino and Avis bundle against the cold.

 

Antti kept the service based on Luke 19:1-10, the narrative about Zacchaus and his conversion. After the service and prayer, Antti asked if anyone had questions. One believing lady said she listened word for word. Many wanted to be assured that heaven was secured for them.

Antti preaches and Paulus translates.

 

We left for Riobamba and the two hour drive ahead of us. It rained much of the way such that we were not able to see Chimborazo. Paulus and Lisbeth rode in the back under a tarp. At one point we heard yelling, and Milton stopped the truck. Paulus said we were taking the curves too fast and it was rough riding in the back. The roads are in excellent condition but up in the mountains there are continual switchbacks.

We did see a few llamas and, much to our surprise, snow! Not much, but enough for Finlanders and Yoopers to either yearn for home or to be glad to be away from home.

One of several llamas.

 

Paulus talked much about his favorite eating place in Riobamba, kind of barbeque place. We didn't eat any lunch so we stopped for supper. It was very reasonably priced but much too much food. Delicious too! Some of it was assigned to Styrofoam containers for Milton's and Paulus' family.

Chicken and potatoes or pollo con papas.

 

Tomorrow is an off day but we plan to visit one or two sights that could be used for future camps.

Walt and Avis

Bible Camp Continues in Guayaquil

We began the day with breakfast at the hotel and then walked to the water front. The tide was out so the river ran swiftly to the sea. The surface was covered with floating plants and debris. The day started off tolerable as far as temperature and humidity goes. By the end of the day, it was intolerable, both hot and very humid.

A river scene near Guayaquil.

 

The Camp was scheduled to start at 2pm but was delayed for one hour to allow people coming from across the city. There wasn't any heavy rain or thunder today. But there was loud music and noise from the fabrication of steel beams making the presentations a challenge. Add the hot sultry weather, and the challenge to teach and preach was magnified. The Camp was held at the home of Alfredo and Gladys Hernandez. About a dozen people total were present.

Walt presented the topic "What is the kingdom of God?" He began by asking the students to describe the kingdom of God. Some of the answers included: a place of security and peace. Several parts of the Bible were used especially from Matthew and John. The kingdom of God is likened unto a treasure hidden in a field, the kingdom of God is the door to heaven, a heavenly city, a net cast into the sea from which many kinds of fish were caught, a merchant man seeking goodly pearls, a sheepfold, a bird's nest where eggs can safely be laid, a vine and branches, and the pillar and foundation of truth.

Questions/preguntas: "What does the kingdom of God mean to you?"

 

Question 1: "What does the kingdom of God mean to you?"
Question 2: "What example of the kingdom of God is your favorite? Why?"
Question 3: "What significance do the words "I believe that in this world there is a small holy flock of true believers of which I am part."
Question 4: "What happens if someone see salvation in other faiths?"

Michael Mite presented the topic "The Temptations of Youth." He referenced several texts related to youth.

Michael Mite

 

Michael's presentation was based on Ecclesiastes 11:9,10 

 

Antti spoke from Acts 2:42 and Paulus translated.

 



Walt reads the communion rites in Spanish for the first time.

 

After the services ended all ate supper prepared by Gladys. It consisted of rice, pork chop, beans, and a soft drink. We then returned "home" to the Hotel Sol de Oriente.

Walt Lampi

Guayaquil Bible Camp, Iguana Park, First Winter Rain

We spend part of the morning visiting a large and beautiful Catholic church and the Iguana Park, which is just a short distance away. The church was open to visitors. Inside were many statues, altars, places to prayer, and stained glass windows with images of important people in the local church. Believers of the faith were in prayer in several parts of the church but didn't seem to notice us tourists.

Inside a huge and beautiful Catholic church.

 

A monument to Jesus our Lord and Savior

 

Antti, Aino, Avis and Paulus at the iguana park.

 

Above three pictures: iguanas enjoying the heat and sun.

 

After lunch at a sidewalk café, we headed to the home of Michael and Marianela Mite for the weekend Bible Camp.

Guayaquil is very hot and humid. Eating outside felt good.

 

Antti opened the 'camp' with a prayer and then proceeded to his presentation on baptism.

Antti read his presentation and Paulus translated it.

 

Baptism: Water plus the Work equals the sacrament.

Question 1: If a person is not baptized, can he be a believer?
Question 2: What effect does baptism have in my life?
Question 3: What is the significance of the baptism festival?
 Is it only to give someone a name?
Question 4: Who can perform a baptism in a time of emergency?

 

The presentation was in PowerPoint format translated into Spanish by Paulus. Before Antti could finish the presentation, a major rainstorm came through. The noise from thundering and a driving rain on the corrugated roof was so loud as to drown out the voice of presenter and translator. To make matters worse, the roof leaked profusely and pots and pans had to be strategically located. The electronic equipment had to be unplugged and placed in a dry location. The furniture and floor were soaked.

The first winter rain was a severe storm.

 

Aino helped with the clean up.

 

Avis cared for baby Mia while Marianela helped clean up the water.

 

Paulus couldn't resist a quick shower after translating.

 

After waiting for about one and a half hours, we decided to reschedule the remainder of the camp to tomorrow and hold a devotion service now instead. Antti spoke from Matthew 18 on the need to be childlike. After the service some questions came forth on baptism. "If a person has been baptized in another faith and becomes a Laestadian Lutheran does he need to be re-baptized?" "What happens if a baby dies before it is baptized?"

Antti kept a devotion.

 

Marianela listens closely to the devotion.

 

Marianella had prepared a delicious supper of fish and rice so we ate. After eating, we headed "home"-  that is to the Hotel Sol de Oriente. We will relocate the activities tomorrow to Alfredo and Gladys' home. It was a long, action-packed, and tiring day.

Hotel Sol de Oriente or Hotel Sun of the Jungle

 

Walt and Avis

Guayaquil Services

We made the trip to the Quito airport safely and on time, and soon thereafter departed for Guayaquil. The services were held at the home of Michael and Marianella Mite. Michael is a teacher of mathematics. A total of seventeen attended the services, including the ministers and their wives. Walt spoke based on Matthew 6:24-34. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God."

Michael Mite and daughter Mia.

 

Lucia Rodriguez and grandchild

 

Alfredo and Gladys Hernandez

 

A long discussion followed after the services on an upcoming Congregation Days in Riobamba. How many might be going from Guayaquil? A simple enough question in an affluent nation like the USA, Finland, or Canada. A show of hands should provide an estimate. Not an easy question to get an answer to in Ecuador. The average worker makes about $500/month or $125/week. Round trip bus trip from Guayaquil to Riobamba costs about $10/person. Using the Mite family of six as an example that would be $50 (their baby probably rides free).

The hacienda La Merced has been the usual gathering place but now needs major repairs to the water system and other. That means no way to prepare food and no toilets. Any travelers coming to the camp will need to rent a room which might cost $10-15/night per person. Ecuadorian haggling might get it down. Assume $10/night, then the Mite family might need to pay $50 (the baby is probably free). That makes a total of $100 ($50+$50) or 100/125 = 80% of a weeks wage. Per Michael, families live on a tight budget and can't say from week to week how much money they may have once their bills are paid. The average American wage is $60,000/year or $5,000/month or $1,153/week. $1153 x 0.80 = $922. So the equivalent for a US citizen would be to pay $922 for a half day camp which is what is scheduled in Riobamba. Any takers? On the basis of cost it is easier to see why the Ecuadorians seem to vacillate on whether they will attend a camp. It is a major financial sacrifice on their part and boarders on impossible. Add to that a long, hot, and noisy bus ride with the family.

I asked about where tomorrow's Bible Camp will be held and how we will handle the food. It will be at a home but the host didn't have enough money to cover the expenses. It is an LLC camp and those costs will be covered.

We in the affluent countries need to count our blessings. God has blessed our nations. We are blessed to live in them and have what we have. We had no choice in which nation to be born into. It was God's work.

Walt and Avis

Services in Quito

Services were held in Quito on Thursday evening with Antti Paananen of Finland. About sixteen Ecuadorians, two Finns, and two Americans were in attendance. Antti introduced himself to the congregation. He spoke from 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. After the services, several of the congregation members made comments or asked questions.

Antti Paananen speaking and Paulus Mikkola translates.

 

Antti commented that we are all believing in the same way. Teodoro Hernandez expressed his amazement that there is such a unity of believers from around the world such as Finland, North American, Africa, and Ecuador.

Teodoro Hernandez singing the Songs of Zion.

 

We took a bus to the services as taxis are so small. The cost was $1.50 total. We had to transfer one time. It was quiet the experience, especially for the Paananen's, but they took it as part of the adventure.

The Paananens' enjoy the ride.

 

The Paananens' explore the streets of Quito.

 

On the way back, Veronica asked a taxi driver if he would consider taking all of us in his taxi. He reluctantly agreed. It was a tight fit with Avis sitting on my lap and Veronica sitting on Aino's lap. It would have been a perfect 'selfie' moment but no one could move to pull their camera out!

Walt and Avis