It has been a most joyous Christmas here in Quito. We are especially grateful that Tim is on the road to recovery after his surgery. We were able to get one snapshot by the tree in our living room, with our three girls.
Here we are with two of our wonderful Hermanas, Bojorge (Argentina) and Groesbeck (USA). They serve faithfully in our sector. We feel so blessed to have Hermana Groesbeck as a missionary and as the mission nurse. It is amazing to see her juggle both callings. She and her companion helped and supported us so much during Tim's illness.
During the Christmas break, one of our outings was to Teleférico. This ia a few miles away from our home, atop a mountain that stands 13,500 ft. It was a great way to get a little exercise and see the beautiful city of Quito.
Here is a view of downtown Quito with the beautiful snow-capped Cotopaxi in the background.
A breathtaking day in Quito. The temperature reached about 76 degrees this day. In the background is a different view of Quito with Antisana in the background.
Our second Christmas here in Quito, was especially festive. We even had a visit from St Nick. Back row, L to R: Sister Groesbeck (USA), Sister Bojorge (Argentina), Elder Cloud (USA), Elder Mar (Peru), Elder Vargas (Bolivia), Elder Ducuara (Colombia), Elder Rodriguez (Ecuador), Elder Segura (Costa Rica), Santa Claus was Elder Squires (USA), Elder Zapata (Panama), Elder Cumez (Guatemala), Elder Guadamuz (Nicaragua), Elder Arellana (Mexico). Bottom row, L to R, Elder Hilden (USA), Elder Herbas (Bolivia), Elder Rojas (Costa Rico), Elder Gibson (USA) and Elder Nole (Peru)
During the Christmas week we took a family hike to Peguche Falls in Otavalo.
Jessica's visit always makes Christmas seem more festive. Steph and Jessica enjoy a midnight snack.
We are so blessed to have wonderful senior couples here with us in Quito. Pictured from left: Hermana Dressen, Elder and Hermana Rose, Tim and Cindy, Elder and Hermana Curtis, and the famous Hermana Griesemer.
Taking a moment to snap a picture, L to R, Elder and Sister Curtis, Sister Griesemer and Cindy.
Los Chillos/Santa Ana zone, enjoying lunch at the Christmas open house in the mission home. Elder Melendez (Peru) and Sister Hermandez (Colombia) and Sister Hooker (Nicaragua) are closest to the tree.
Enjoying the Christmas luncheon in the mission home, L to R, Elder Contreras (Ecuador), Elder Robles (Bolivia), Elder Castañeda (Mexico), Elder Hailstone (USA), Elder Olaveson (USA), Elder Benavides (Mexico), Elder Hirschi (USA), Elder Quijada (Chile) and Elder Castro (Mexico).
Here we are pictured with the Ofelia/Calderon zone, after a little singing and christmas message. L to R, Front row, Elder Vera (Ecuador), Elder Farinango (Ecuador), Elder Pisco (Ecuador), Elder Perez (Bolivia); Second row, Sister Castillo (Guatemala), Tim, Cindy, Sister Figueroa (Chile); Back row, L to R, Elder Williams (USA), Elder Warr (USA), Elder Huarahuara (Peru), Elder Brugiati (Panama), Elder Harding (USA), Elder Tripp (USA), Elder Barros (Ecuador), Elder Duarte (Colombia), Elder Martin (USA), Elder Zamudio (Mexico), Elder Tirado (Ecuador), Elder Lopez (Ecuador) and Elder Mora (Peru).
We lost a group of hardworking missionaries on this night. We will miss them!
A few days later, we received one of our largest groups of missionaries, our mission continues to grow with 19o missionaries.
