Day 17 - Service & Relaxation

Didn't sleep as soundly as the night before because I did wake up to the 5am squeals – but it's kinda starting to grow on me-wierd as that may be.  Sunday morning preaching in Cumbaratza.  Leah found 2 of 3 studies home.  Marisol (given to her from Veronica)-a very progressive study who attends meetings. She is a teacher and in Chapter 11 of the Bible Teach bk.  Then a study with Silvia. She is 20 something, has a 15 month old little boy, Santiago. We met her husband, William, too.  Her mom America (she makes tamales (filled w/chicken) every Sunday and delivers them to us) and her brothers also study. Silvia had studied briefly in the past, but is just starting up again and is in chapter 2.  They both had excellent questions and like to get homework.  Erik went with Shawn on a few studies but wasn't able to find his new study, David, home.

We walked by a man standing by his truck in the street and Ryan decided to go back to saludar el Senor.  He was very nice and has lived in Spain, France & England. His name is Paco and he told us he studied with JW's in France and really likes to read the mags. He told us where he lives and invited us to call on him there and we would definitely welcome a visit....Coincidence-I don't think so.

View from the restaurant of the bar/pool

At 1:30 we walked down to the Hosteria El Arenal (nice hotel with 2 pools, bar, restaurant, 30 rooms) about ½ mile from our house for lunch.  Erik had pollo a la plancha & I had ceviche de camarones, Peruvian style with plantain chips, sweet potato fries, and toasted choclo (corn kernals) – It was delicious and I can't believe I forgot to get a pic, again (sorry Lynnie). This was an expensive splurge with the water and beer it came to $19.60.

They have a half dozen or so beautiful parrots that they were feeding so we got some pics of them and the beautiful tropical flowers.  It is really a paradisiac property.

Double Hibiscus

The locals still stare like we r a circus freak show when we walk down the street – not sure when, if ever, that will change.

Came home to the delicious smell of fresh baked banana bread Shawn had made with mangos too. - Delicious.

Tried to hang out sheets to dry but the cruel joke this “rainforest” plays on me every time I get the clothes on the line it clouds up or rains – I gotta work on my timing.

The boys switched to basketball today – I think Veronica's gonna curse the day Erik came here with his sports website!