Farnsworth Forum

INTRODUCING JACOB STEPHEN FARNSWORTH AND ELIAS SAMUEL FARNSWORTH

2012-01-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

Jacob Stephen Farnsworth was born first, at 7:37 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at the Hospital Metropolitano in Quito, Ecuador. He weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and measured 47 cm.

Elias Samuel Farnsworth followed at 7:40 am. He also weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces (the doctor was amazed, saying that he NEVER had a set of twins born with the same birth weight) and measured 48 cm.

We will write more later. We don't currently have internet at the hospital in Quito. Joel and Amelia are well. After a brief visit to meet their new siblings, they returned to Ibarra with Marisol's family.

Thanks to all of you for your faithful prayers. We are grateful to God for His goodness.

Hermeneutics Course

2012-01-23T09:07:00.001-08:00

Thank you to those of you who prayed for the MINTS course on Saturday in Ibarra. MINTS is the seminary that offers college courses every two months. The courses begin with an eight-hour conference, followed by four weeks of class sessions to review the reading assignments and homework. Each class ends with an exam, and the students write and turn in their research papers. Please pray for the students and me as we work through the class material in the next few weeks.

Nueva casa en Quito

2012-01-23T08:17:00.001-08:00

Last Wednesday we moved to our temporary home in Quito, where we are closer to the hospital. Here's a picture of Joel and Amelia with their uncle Hugo at the restaurant on the way from Ibarra to Quito.

We are so blessed to have the help of Marisol's family. Her parents and brother helped us move. This is inside our apartment in Quito.

Joel and I played a game after we settled in.

This is an outside shot of our apartment.

Here is a wider outdoor shot with the car.

Joel and Amelia enjoy playing in the play area outside the apartment.

More Garden Pictures

2012-01-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

We hardly consider ourselves master gardiners, but we are very pleased with the progress of the flowers that the owners of the house where we live in Ibarra planted.

Final Pre-twins Fling in Ibarra

2012-01-23T07:34:00.001-08:00

Here is a quick overview of our final activities in Ibarra before our temporary move to Quito to await the birth of the babies. One day Joel and Amelia presented a puppet show for us complete with Little Red Riding Hood and Smurfette!

Also appearing were Little Lamb and Chip.

A bow following the show!

Joel looks on as Amelia dances in her frilly dress.

Joel and Amelia model their pillow "hats."

Another day we rode bikes and worked in the garden. Our children are good helpers.

Our helmeted bike riders Joel and Amelia with their new bikes!

Work Day in Cotacachi

2012-01-06T18:43:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I stole away from my radio job to help the group from the USA on the construction at the Amigos en Cristo Church in Cotacachi. We also had some help from the church members, the German Impact team, and men from the indigenous community of Chirihuasi. It was extremely satisfying to see the progress on the wall at the end of the day. I enjoyed doing the physical labor, that is, other than the mosquito bites and the sunburn.

Joel's New Blanket

2012-01-06T18:40:00.000-08:00

Joel is so happy with his new blanket that he received from Marisol's parents for Christmas. He sleeps with it every night!

Amelia says, "Goodbye, Long Hair!"

2012-01-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

Amelia finally had her hair cut after six years of no cutting. She likes her new haircut and enjoys combing her own hair for the first time ever. She wants to donate her hair for child cancer patients, and we are pleased that she wants to share with others. Here are some pictures before and after.

Happy 6th Birthday, Amelia!

2012-01-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

On December 19 we celebrated our daughter's sixth birthday with a small gathering of friends and family. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. We thank God for blessing us with Amelia Marie Farnsworth (and Joel Mark Farnsworth, too)!

God Bless You in 2012!

2012-01-01T06:56:00.000-08:00

Amelia and Joel overlook the city of Ibarra, where we live and work, during a recent hike that our family enjoyed together. May God bless you and yours during the coming year. We appreciate all of you. Thanks for your prayers, friendship and support in 2011.

Amelia y Joel miran la ciudad de Ibarra. donde vivimos y trabajamos, durante una caminata que nuestra familia hizo recientemente. Dios les bendiga mucho durante 2012. Les apreciamos. Gracias por sus oraciones, amistad y apoyo en 2011.

December Happenings 4

2011-12-31T07:41:00.000-08:00

For the Oansa Christmas party the leaders asked everyone to dress up like one of the characters from the biblical Christmas story. Our neighbor Mickey dressed as a wise man. He carried the Ecuadorian flag for the flag ceremony.

Joel, complete with star costume, waited patiently with his group for the activities to begin.

Amelia, with a long line of angels, began to march around the Oansa game circle.

Marisol and I joined the parade with the other Marys and Josephs. I have to say that we were the most "life-like."

Joel won the prize for best star costume! My talented wife made both Joel's and Amelia's outfits! Marisol's brother Hugo dressed as the golden gift from the Magi.

Each of the groups had to form a tableaux of the manger scene. Here is a picture of Amelia's group.

Joel the star shone over his group.

Our niece Cloe tried on Joel's star costume.

Angel Amelia posed with her shepherd cousin Zoe.

Joel took a break from his star costume to eat pizza with friend Mickey.

Some friends who we met in Guam visited us this month. Martha and Margarita are fellow Ecuadorians married to Benny and Lee, both navy men. Amelia enjoyed playing with Margarita and Lee's daughter Isabella again.

We helped Lee to celebrate his birthday during their visit.

Joel played with Rafael, James, and Gabriel.

Marisol smiled with her friends Margarita and Martha. Both attended the Spanish Ladies Bible Study with her in Guam.

I took our friends to visit the studios of Radio Punto so they could see a bit of our ministry life.

December Happenings 3

2011-12-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

When we went to Quito for Marisol's doctor appointment we stopped by the CCI Shopping Mall to admire the Christmas decorations.

Joel and Amelia posed by the life size Nativity scene.

At the Liebenzell Mission of Ecuador Christmas party Marisol enjoyed spending time with her cousin Washington and his wife Yulie.

Each family had to present a special number. Our family rapped to "Hark the Herald Angels Sing!"

There was a lemon eating contest to see who made the funniest face. I WON!

The Bruce and Schaub families performed a stirring bilingual rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High" with guitar and recorders.

On December 21 I joined the cell group in Milagro for their Christmas party. The rest of the family took a night off to rest.

Last week we accompanied Marisol's family to eat grilled cow tripe, called "tripa mishqui." It probably doesn't sound that appetizing, but it is wonderful.

Even Amelia liked it. Joel preferred the grilled liver. Also wonderful.

December Happenings 2

2011-12-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Each year we make plates of homemade Christmas cookies to share with our neighbors. Joel helped to mix them.

Then we decorated them and put them on the cookie sheets.

Into the oven for baking!

We assembled the plates.

Then out the door on Christmas Eve for delivery.

We went to Marisol's family's house for Christmas Eve, the day of the BIG celebration in Latin America. I played with our niece Cloe, who was born in May.

Marisol held Cloe as Cloe's mom fed her.

Speaking of eating, we had the most wonderful food prepared by Marisol's mom and her siblings: chicken breast stuffed with ground beef and vegetables, a special Christmas rice, cucumber salad, and pea and corn salad.

Joel was so excited to eat his Ecuadorian grandmother's food. We all were!

For dessert we ate apple pie, ice cream and watermelon. Fun!

Marisol's dad Wilson kept us all in suspense as he opened his first gift.

Marisol played tricks on me at picture time.

My honey and I

Joel and his grandmother embrace.

Joel and his cousin Zoe

Marisol's brother Wilo, Cloe and Amelia admire Cloe's new frog toy.

Joel tries out his new Pooh blanket as Marisol's sister Miryan looks on.

Marisol's other brother Hugo entertains Cloe.

But Cloe ran out of energy and fell asleep. It was time for all to head to bed. We had a wonderful time with Marisol's family at Christmas after a seven year absence. Our last Ecuadorian Christmas took place in 2003.

COUNTDOWN TO TWINS!

2011-12-27T20:16:00.001-08:00

This is where we go for Marisol's appointments with Dr. Alfredo Jijon at the Hospital Metropolitano in Quito.

This is Baby 2 from the ultrasound in October. He/she did not show face on the latest ultrasound.

This is Baby 1 from the ultrasound in December. Notice that he/she is smiling. It was so cute to see our babies through this technology.

On Christmas Eve we received our first presents for the twins. Marisol shows off the spoon that we received. We also received hats for them and little pajamas.

Can you tell that we are excited? Dr. Jijon says that they will come in late January or early February.

December Happenings 1

2011-12-27T19:59:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Day the children sang "Go Tell it on the Mountain" during the service. Can you spot Joel and Amelia?

The Impact team from Germany presented a play about Jesus, the Light of the World.

They put much time and effort into their presentation.

At the end of the drama we held a candle lighting ceremony. It was a bit scary to see the children under five holding candles without supervision, but thankfully there were no incidences.

At lunch we sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus" before we ate the applesauce cake.

Marisol helped to get the fire ready with her hairdryer. How the sparks flew!

I was the cook. It took me more time to light the charcoal than it did to cook the food.

We made corn, chicken hot dogs and chicken marinated in fresh pineapple juice. YUMMY!

Then we eat the fruit of our hard work, enjoying every bite!

Merry Christmas to You and Happy 2012!

2011-12-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

We love you and wish you God's richest blessings at Christmas and in the new year!

Farnsworth Family Forum December 2011

2011-12-19T15:54:00.000-08:00

Siga bajando para ver la versión en español abajo. Keep reading for the Spanish version below.

En la foto pueden ver a Marisol como María, Joel como estrella, Amelia como ángel, nuestro vecino Miguel Ángel como rey mago, nuestra sobrina Zoe como pastora y yo como José (¡Hay que aprovechar esta última oportunidad!). Disfruten.

In the picture you can see Marisol as Mary, Joel as a star, Amelia as an angel, our neighbor Miguel Ángel as one of the wise men, our niece Zoe as a shepherd and me as Joseph (We have to take advantage of this last opportunity!). Enjoy!

Hello friends,

As always, thank you so much for your prayers for our family. We have been in Ecuador over four months already. How time flies!

We appreciate your prayers for our ministry. We had our annual fundraiser at Radio Punto on November 26, and, although we did not meet our goal of $1000, we are well on our way and people continue to make donations. At present we are working hard to apply for an FM license which would allow us to increase our audience in less reached areas with a stronger signal. According to reports that we have heard from telecommunications organizations, the Ecuadorian governments is not granting FM licenses to private corporations such as Liebenzell Mission. We would like to submit the application and be "first in line" for when the licenses become available again. Currently we need to procure the services of an economist to complete a financial study of the station. This requires an investment of $1000 or more. Please pray for the need for this financial study to be met along with the ongoing needs of Radio Punto.

The seminary courses through Miami International Seminary (MINTS) carry on. I have six hardworking students for Liturgy. They took their final exam last Saturday and will present their research papers this week for grading before Christmas. I explained to them that I did not want them working on their papers during their Christmas dinner. Our next course, Hermeneutics, will begin on January 21. Please pray for the students of MINTS as they study and for me as I tutor them and help them to be successful in their classes.

Joel and Amelia continue in home school, swimming classes, Oansa (Awana), learning Spanish, etc. They seem to be enjoying and thriving here in Ecuador, for which we praise the Lord. Through Him all things are possible

Marisol's pregnancy is going well at thirty weeks and counting. We saw the babies yesterday in the ultrasound which adds to the excitement; Baby 1 was smiling. (No, we do not know the genders of the babies! We like surprises.) Dr. Alfredo Jijón believes that the twins will be born around the end of January. He is very pleased with no complications of any kind. God provided a place for us to stay in Quito when it is time for Marisol to go to the hospital. Actually we need to be there a bit earlier and perhaps a while afterwards. Thank you for praying with us for this need. We ask you to pray for the safety of Marisol and the babies during this time and for Joel and Amelia and all of us as we adjust to this BIG change in our lives.

We have another urgent prayer request to share with all of you. The Ecuadorian consulate in Newark, New Jersey, advised me to apply for a spousal residency visa for Ecuador. When we arrived in August, I received a temporary visa for six months. Now, time is running out, and if my new visa is not granted before February 10, I will need to leave the country and reenter. This is not exactly "perfect timing" with the twins' impending arrival. Surely Marisol will need my help at that time, but God is in control, and it is a blessing to have Marisol's family nearby to help us. I have an appointment on Tuesday at 9:45 AM to see if the immigration officials will accept my papers as they are. Once the papers are accepted, the process is supposed to take 45 days. Would you please join us in prayer for God's will to be done regarding this need?

Thank you very much for your prayer support. May the Prince of Peace guide and direct you at Christmas and always. Happy 2012!

Merry Christmas with love,

Ned, Marisol, Joel, Amelia and twins

(Versión en español)

Hola amigos,

Gracias por sus oraciones. Hemos estado en Ecuador por más de cuatro meses. ¡Cómo vuela el tiempo!

Apreciamos sus oraciones por nuestro ministerio. Tuvimos nuestro evento anual de Radio Punto para recaudar fondos el 26 de noviembre, y aunque no alcanzamos nuestra meta de $1000, estamos en el camino y la gente sigue dando ofrendas. En el momento estamos trabajando para hacer una aplicación para conseguir una frecuencia de FM, la cual nos daría una mayor audiencia con una señal más fuerte. Según informes que hemos recibido de organizaciones de telecomunicaciones, el gobierno no está otorgando licencias de FM a corporaciones privadas como la Misión Liebenzell. Queremos meter la aplicación y estar "en primera fila" para cuando las licencias sean disponibles de nuevo. Para hacer eso, tenemos que contratar a un economista para completar un estudio financiera de la emisora. Esto requiere una inversión de unos $1000. Oren que este estudio financiera pueda llevarse a cabo y que las otras necesidades de Radio Punto sean provistas también.

Los cursos que ofrecemos a través de Miami International Seminary siguen adelante. Tengo seis estudiantes para el curso "Culto y adoración en la iglesia". Ellos tuvieron su examen final el sábado pasado y tienen que entregar sus ensayos antes de las vacaciones de Navidad. Les comenté que no quería que estuvieran trabajando en sus ensayos durante la cena de Nochebuena. Nuestro próximo curso, Hermeneútica, empieza el 21 de enero. Oren por estos estudiantes y por los trabajos que tienen que hacer y por mí que les pueda ayudar a tener éxito en sus cursos.

Joel y Amelia siguen en home school, clases de natación, el Club Oansa (Awana) en nuestra iglesia, su aprendizaje de español, etc. Parece que les gusta estar en Ecuador, por el cual le damos gracias a Dios. ¡Con Él todo es posible!

El embarazo de Marisol sigue bien a las treinta semanas y contando. El jueves vimos a los mellizos en el eco, y eso nos hizo mas emocionados todavia; Bebé 1 estaba sonriendo. (No, no sabemos el género de los bebes. ¡Nos gustan las sorpresas!) Dr. Alfredo Jijón piensa que los ninos van a nacer cerca de fines de enero. Esta contento que no hay complicaciones de ninguna clase. Dios proveyó un lugar donde quedarnos en Quito cuando es tiempo para Marisol ir al hospital. En realidad, tenemos que ir un poquito antes y tal vez quedarnos un tiempo después. Gracias por orar por esta necesidad. Pedimos sus oraciones por Marisol y los bebés durante este tiempo y por Joel y Amelia y por todos nosotros que podemos acostumbrarnos a estos cambios GRANDES que vienen en nuestras vidas.

Tenemos otra petición grande para compartir con ustedes. El consulado ecuatoriano en Newark, New Jersey, me aconsejó a aplicar para una visa de amparo para mi residencia ecuatoriana. Cuando llegamos a Ecuador en agosto, me dieron una visa temporal de seis meses. Ahora, el tiempo se me caduca, y si mi nueva visa no se aprueba antes del 10 de febrero, tengo que salir del país e ingresar de nuevo. No es exactamente el "tiempo perfecto" para salir con bebes recien nacidos. Seguramente Marisol necesitará mi ayuda en ese tiempo, pero Dios es soberano y estamos felices que la familia de Marisol está cerca y listos para ayudar. Tengo cita este martes, el 20 de diciembre, a las 9:45 AM para ver si los agentes de inmigración aceptaran mis documentos como están. Si me los aceptan, el proceso debe tomar unos 45 días para aprobarse. ¿Podrian ayudarnos a orar por la voluntad de Dios en esta situación?

Muchas gracias por su apoyo en oración. ¡Qué el Príncipe de Paz les guíe en esta Navidad y siempre! Feliz 2012.

Feliz Navidad con amor,

Ned, Marisol, Joel, Amelia y mellizos

Swimming Class Party

2011-12-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Joel waits with his coach and friends for the competition to begin.

Joel on the starting block.

Joel competes in his first swimming race ever. He is on the far side. All you can see is his splash.

All smiles after Joel won the 25 meter freestyle.

Joel prepares for the 25 meter backstroke to begin.

Joel smiles after winning the backstroke.

Today Joel had his swimming class party, and he won two events in his class (8-year-old boys): the 25 meter freestyle and the 25 meter backstroke. We are very pleased of his and Amelia's progress in their swimming lessons.

First diapers

2011-12-10T09:32:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we bought our first package of newborn baby diapers. The excitement deepens!

Remembering Pearl Harbor

2011-12-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On our way to PA from Guam in July 2010 we visited Pearl Harbor and learned that it truly was a "day of infamy." Here are some pictures from our trip, starting with our tour of the USS Arizona Memorial.

The memorial sits upon the actual sunken ship. Here Joel and Amelia observe part of the Arizona that rises above the waters of the harbor.

Here are the names of those who lost their lives on the USS Arizona.

The memorial is somber, yet stirring.

The original anchor from the USS Arizona, cast in CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA, not far from where I grew up in Birdsboro, PA!

We also took a tour of the USS Bowfin, one of the submarines used during World War 2.

This is the memorial to the 429 men who gave their lives on the USS Oklahoma.

Our little sailors in the Mighty Mo (USS Missouri) Gift shop.

We ate lunch at the Pearl Canteen.

The USS Missouri was one of the first battleships commissioned following the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was also the ship where the Japanese surrender to General Douglas MacArthur took place in August 1945.

Joel and Amelia relaxed in the sailors' sleeping quarters.

On this spot the surrender documents were signed by the USA and Japan.

In the background the memorials to the USS Arizona and other ships can be seen in the harbor.

May we never forget the events of December 7, 1941!

Happy Man

2011-12-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

When I fall upon sights such as these, when Marisol hung the baby clothes inside to avoid the falling rain, I can hardly believe that I am going to be a father again, and a father to twins. God certainly has a sense of humor to bless me with impending fatherhood again at my 46 years. It brings a smile to my face and a glimmer of joy to my days. God is good! All of us are excited. The doctor expects the babies to be born at the end of January. Please join us in praying for Marisol's and the babies' safety. Thank you.

Whistle While You Work

2011-12-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

Amelia has taken to sweeping the house for us, and she does it well. It has been a BIG help to us, especially to Marisol.

Conductor Joel

2011-12-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

We bought Joel a small train set to put under the Christmas tree. He is so pleased with his new toy. Here he proudly shows off his train to his uncle Hugo.

Christmas Project 2011

2011-12-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

As a family we have a Christmas project each year. This year we are preparing small bags of animal crackers and candy for the youth group at our church to hand out at local orphanages this Saturday. It gives us joy to be able to share joy with others. Marisol's family helped us the other night to assemble some of the bags.

24 Days of Christmas

2011-12-07T20:44:00.001-08:00

Each of the first 24 days of December Joel and Amelia alternate opening up a small gift in the cloth bag. First we read the Bible passage listed on the back of the tag for the day's gift. We enjoy this annual tradition very much.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-07T20:31:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed setting up our Ecuadorian Christmas tree on Sunday night. It had been in storage for eight Christmases. We don't have a picture of the flames' shooting out when Marisol plugged in one of the strings of lights. Thankfully no one was hurt.

Mushroom Metamorphis

2011-12-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

We found this mushroom in our back yard a couple days ago. It made quite the transformation within two days. You can see for yourself!

Pearl Harbor 70 Years Ago

2011-12-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by nearly 200 Japanese aircraft. The raid left more than 2,400 people dead. President Franklin Roosevelt described it as "a date that will live in infamy," and on December 8, Congress passed a declaration of war.

I will be posting pictures from our July 2010 visit to Pearl Harbor within the next few days. I need to download the pictures from our old laptop.

Thanks for your patience!

MORE LITTLE SWIMMERS

2011-12-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Joel and Amelia continue to progress in their swimming. Amelia was promoted to the next group. We thank God for this opportunity for them.

THIS LITTLE FAMILY GOES TO MARKET

2011-12-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday is market day for the Farnsworths. There is a feria or street market near our house. We go there to buy our fruits and vegetables for the week, where prices are more reasonable than in the grocery store. The vendors look forward to seeing us there, and we are trying to build relationships with them.

RADIOTON 2011

2011-12-01T17:51:00.001-08:00

Once a year Radio Punto, the radio station operated by Liebenzell Mission in Ibarra, Ecuador, where I currently serve as station manager, holds a fundraiser called Radioton. It is an all-day event where all the volunteers come together to provide live programming all day split into different shifts. In this picture Tania and Faber interview a man who came to the station to meet the staff of Radio Punto.

Tania and Faber rest for a moment after the 7-9 AM spot.

Margarita arrived during Viviana's segment and made a donation to the cause. She then shared her testimony on the air.

My sister-in-law, as always, was a BIG help to me, with small details. Here she enjoys time with Amelia and Joel. What a GREAT aunt she is to them, and they love her so.

Joel and Amelia made a "special guest appearance" on my segment. We sang the Steve Green song "Hosanna."

Amelia, Marisol, and Joel pose by the goodies Marisol made for the Radioton. Everyone said how tasty everything was. What a wonderful wife I have! Thank you, Lord!

Oscar runs the board during the "Olla de presion" spot from 2-4 PM with support from Christian. Faber and Diego watch the action.

Diego laughs at the humorous comments from Faber.

Christian y Tania close out the day's live broadcasts with the other volunteers. All in all, it was a successful event. Thus far we have reached over half of our $1000 goal, which will fund various projects and needs that the station has. If you are interested in learning more about Radio Punto or Radioton, please let me know. Thanks for your support.

OANSA TEACHER MARISOL

2011-12-01T17:24:00.001-08:00

Marisol's brother Hugo holds the Ecuadorian flag for the opening exercises.

Amelia (fifth from the left) and her classmates salute the Ecuadorian and Oansa flags.

Hugo helps his group with the Bible memorization.

Here are some of the groups in book time.

Marisol and her helpers with their small group review their Bible verses.

Joel recited his Bible verses to his teacher Marita...

...And then in front of the whole group. We were very proud of him. He was the only one in his group to memorize them.

Marisol taught the lesson "God Takes Care of His Creation"

using a powerpoint of nature pictures from Guam.

Successful Parenting in the 21st Century

2011-11-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

This week we are having a parenting conference at Puente de Amor Church in Ibarra. Each night Fred and Arlene Jonkman are addressing a different topic pertinent to parenting. Please pray for a good impact in the lives of the participants.

First Ecuadorian Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

Today we spent our first Thanksgiving together in Ecuador as a family. Amelia helped to rub down the turkey with the herbs and spices and to stuff it with celery and onion. Both Joel and Amelia were BIG helpers to Marisol and me.

Amelia kept the kitchen clean by washing the dishes while we were preparing the food. That way there were less to do later.

Joel helped to peel the potatoes.

Turkey carver extraordinaire (if I do say so myself)!!!!

Here we are sitting down to eat. We enjoyed turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli casserole and rolls.

We made a yummy apple pie. Marisol's crusts were superb!

The kids' posing as pilgrims again next to their Thanksgiving display.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Ecuador Farnsworths

2011-11-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of our "little pilgrims" from our trip to Plymouth, MA, in May. More Plymouth photos to follow. Take time to count God's blessings in your life!

Chirihuasi Addendum

2011-11-20T20:40:00.001-08:00

I accidentally deleted this picture from my last post, and I didn't want to tack it on the beginning. Here Joel and Amelia run free through the beautiful country and clean air of Chirihuasi.

Sunday Evening

2011-11-20T20:17:00.001-08:00

This evening we traveled to Chirihuasi for a meeting with the Quichua (native Ecuadorian language) volunteers of the radio ministry. We Spanish speakers share the airwaves of Radio Punto with them. They produce four-and-a-half hours of programming six days a week. In Chirihuasi we were greeted by a bull or a steer, not sure which.

Chirihuasi means "cold house," and it was chilly there. We were glad that we wore jackets. Here is a Quichua family is walking up the road. Walking is the normal means of transportation for many Quichuas.

Then we arrived at the church which houses Radio Punto's Quichua language ministry.

Joel and Amelia were so happy to be in the country at a new place for them.

Marisol treasured the reunion with her friend and the pastor's wife Juanita. Juanita was embroidering the design for a typical Quichua woman's blouse. She does beautiful work.

Pastor Leoncio took me into the studio where the volunteers present the Quichua radio programs. There are some sound interference challenges that we currently face. Leoncio is explaining about this to my co-worker Diego, who accompanied me to the meeting. Please pray for a solution to these problems.

Sunday Morning

2011-11-20T20:11:00.001-08:00

This morning we presented a missionary program to the children at our church. Watching them sing praises to God blessed us. The missionary kid (at middle in the first picture) helping to lead the music, Mirjam, was two-years-old when I came to Ecuador to work full-time in April 2001. Her sister, Marlene (rear left in the second picture), was two-months-old. I lived in their house for three months and helped to take care of them, even changing Marlene's diapers. It is wonderful to see how they have grown and how they love the Lord.

Sunday Afternoon

2011-11-20T20:03:00.001-08:00

Today after church we celebrated Marisol's parents' 36th wedding anniversary. We went to a nice restaurante called La Super Parrillada that specializes in grilled food. We were happy to be present for this occasion after missing so many family occasions during the last seven years.

Amelia, Joel and Zoe enjoyed playing together after lunch.

Mini Tour of Guam

2011-11-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

On the day that we shared at Puente de Amor (Bridge of Love) Church the women's group sang after arriving from their ladies retreat in Lita. Marisol's sister Negui and mother Zulema are pictured at left.

Introducing the topic of the day, "The Great Challenge of Missions: Arriving to the People" as experienced by the Farnsworths in Guam.

The children and I sang the "Guam Hymn" (national anthem).

My telling the congregation about the twins on the way! Applause followed!

Marisol's sharing about communication challenges.

Our family's singing "God Is So Good" in multiple Pacific Island languages.

We have been traveling around to different churches in Ecuador sharing about our time in Guam. Through the help of Powerpoint the people of Ecuador have traveled with us back in time to Guam. It has given us a chance to get to know them better and they us. For this we are grateful, although it does make us homesick for Micronesia. We thank God for the time He allowed us in Guam and for the chance to visit some of the other islands and now to share about our time there.

Happy Cousins

2011-11-18T19:25:00.001-08:00

Joel and Amelia are really enjoying their cousins Cloe (pictured with Joel) and Zoe (with Amelia and the guinea pigs).

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

This is a preview of our trip earlier this year to Plymouth. More trip pictures to follow soon (I promise)! God bless you at Thanksgiving and always. Remember to give thanks with a grateful heart.

Mission Accomplished!

2011-11-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

Both Marisol and I passed our driving courses at the Cati Driving School. Ecuador requires attendance at a certified driving school in order to obtain an Ecuadorian driver's license. I have my license, and Marisol hopes to process her paperwork next week. Thanks for your prayers for us throughout this process.

Marisol's Paternal Family

2011-11-18T19:09:00.000-08:00

Since we lived outside of Ecuador for seven years, it has been nice to reconnect with Marisol's family. Here is a picture of her dad's sister Isolina. You can see her cow in the background.

Here is a picture of Marisol's dad's brother Ruben and his family.

Happy Helper Amelia

2011-11-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

It has been fun for Amelia to learn some of the Ecuadorian customs, like washing clothes by hand. Yes, we do have a washing machine, but some things we still do the old-fashioned way.

MINTS

2011-11-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

One of my responsibilities with Liebenzell Mission USA in Ecuador is coordinating the theological classes in Ecuador for Miami International Seminary (MINTS). I work closely with the MINTS office in Quito. Every two month we offer another course. They begin with an eight-hour Saturday session, then I work with the students for four Saturday afternoons with their homework and questions, and then we finish with a test the fifth week and the students need to write an essay. We offer Bachelors and Masters degrees with international accreditation. Although it involves much work, I really enjoy the interaction with the students and the visiting professors.

On October 29, 2011, we received a course entitled "Liturgy: Worship in the Church" from Nick Lamme who serves as a pastor in Costa Rica. It was a worthwhile and enriching day, and the students and I continue to grapple during our weekly tutoring sessions with the principles Nick shared with us.

God has blessed me with the opportunity to use the educational experience that I gained with Pacific Islands Bible College/Pacific Islands University in Guam.

And Speaking of Oansa

2011-11-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Joel and Marisol's cousin Josue playing games.

Mickey running for dear life at game time.

Joel and Amelia love Awana. It has helped them to make new friends and learn more Spanish (and Bible verses in Spanish!). They are also happy that their friend and neighbor Mickey goes with us.

Marisol serves as one of the helpers in Awana. I am so proud of her that she is doing this, even in her expectant state. From what I can observe, she is doing a fantastic job. She plans to continue as long as she can.

Amelia's Second Spiritual Birthday

2011-11-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

Two years ago while preparing an Awana lesson in Guam, Amelia asked some questions which led to her asking Jesus to be her Savior. Marisol and I are so thrilled that both Amelia and Joel love and serve the Lord Jesus, and we pray every day for them and for the twins that this will continue their whole life long. We celebrated with an ice cream cake and the special presence of Marisol's sister Negui, who eats with us every Friday before Awana Club at church, called Oansa in Spanish.

Good-bye to Another Munchkin

2011-11-16T15:57:00.000-08:00

We lost another one of the last surviving Oz munchkins on Tuesday. Karl Slover, 93, one of the smallest Munchkin actors at the time of the filming of The Wizard of Oz, played the first trompeter who came out to celebrate the demise of the Wicked Witch of the East in Munchkinland. I met Mr. Slover on June 4, 2011, at the Ozfest in Chittenango, NY. Chittenango is known as the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, who wrote the Oz books. Karl was a delightful person who sang "We're Off to See the Wizard" for us. He was the last surviving member of the Singer Midgets who are credited as the munchkins in the movie. Leo Singer handled the contracts for the "little people" and used members of his own troupe and recruited many others to go to Hollywood for the film shoot.

DIA DE VISIÓN

2011-11-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

In October the Liebenzell men, both missionaries and national workers, who serve in Ecuador spent a day forming visions for the different ministries that we are involved in. It was a good time of fellowship, eating together and praying together as well as strategic planning. You can see beautiful Lake Yahuarcocha in the background.

Prayer/la oración

2011-11-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

"Just as a camel kneels before its owner to remove its burdens at the end of the day, so you too should kneel every day to allow the Master to remove your burdens." Corrie ten Boom

"Como un camello se postra ante su dueño para que se quiten sus cargas al fin del día, también tú debes postrarte cada día para que el Gran Maestro te quite tus cargas". Corrie ten Boom

A Virtual Trip to our Garden

2011-11-14T19:19:00.000-08:00

We have such lovely hummingbirds here. The other day we were working in our garden and one came and flew from flower to flower while we were standing nearby. It was so cool. Look for the hummingbird at the middle bottom of the photo where there is a blurry spot.

From the garden the bird flew up and perched on the security wire behind our house.

Look at all the pretty, pretty flowers in our garden. We really enjoy seeing them every day through our kitchen window, and of course, when we go outside. The hibiscus flowers remind us of Guam. Come and visit and enjoy the view with us.

More Snow

2011-11-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

No, we didn't have real snow as they did in Pennsylvania, but there is another snow-covered mountain that greets us on a regular basis from our house and the church where the radio station in located here in Ibarra, Ecuador. Enjoy the pictures, although the pictures don't compare to seeing it in "real life."

Special People

2011-11-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of special people. In the first picture Amelia poses with her cousin Zoe. They are enjoying taxos, a kind of fruit that I have seen only in Ecuador. Come and visit us and you an taste it for yourself. I love that picture of the two of them.

In the middle picture our family and Zoe enjoy some time with Sra. Virginia, a good friend and helper to Marisol's family. She has worked with them for years, planting corn, washing dishes, roasting guinea pig. She is now 92-years-old. I met her back in 1999, the summer of my Latin American tour to Peru, Ecuador and Mexico, one of the fringe benefits of being a teacher.

The last picture shows my mother-in-law and our niece Cloe, who just turned six-months-old. She is cuter than cute and loves to stare at me. We all love her to pieces. Who wouldn't?

Random Thoughts November 2011

2011-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

So hard to believe that my last blog entry was almost a month ago. Sorry. I am trying to do better. Sometimes the net is so slow that the pictures won't post, and I lose hope and patience. I will keep trying.

We have been in Ecuador almost over three months now. You can see from the pictures above how much Joel and Amelia are enjoying Marisol's family. For the Day of the Dead (called Finados here in Ecuador) they made bread with their aunt Miryan and grandmother Zulema and cousin Zoe. They were so proud and happy. Before that, they went to the cemetery to decorate the graves of Marisol's paternal grandparents. That is the custom here in Ecuador and in many Latin American countries. Guam too!

We remembered our military friends on Veterans Day. It was 11/11/11. I was checking some of Joel's math work for home school today, my day off. He got 11/11 on a math quiz on Friday. It didn't even occur to us at the time!!!!! Almost eery!

We are settling in little by little. The children are doing well with Spanish. We've traveled to some churches to share about our ministry in Guam. This coming Sunday we will share with the children at the Puente de Amor Church. That will be fun. Joel and Amelia are really enjoying Awana there on Friday afternoons, and our neighbor (and the children's friend) Mickey goes along. Hurrah! Please pray that we can be a blessing to Mickey's family.

Ministry is going okay. As a perfectionist (according to my mother) it is somewhat of a struggle for things to be moving so slowly. We have to have a financial report completed by an economist to the tune of a thousand dollars or more in order to apply for the FM license at Radio Punto. And we're trying to move forward with the MINTS seminary courses, although we have some struggles with some of the grades of past courses to overcome. But these issues are a cinch for God to solve, and I rest in His ability to help me with all this.

Many people ask about Marisol's pregnancy. She is quite the trooper, having finished her driving class last week and enduring a grueling glucose tolerance test this morning. The people at the Red Cross messed up and didn't give her the glucose liquid when they were supposed to, so she had to stick around another hour and undergo a couple extra pricks. Ouch! Having gone through that once myself, I can relate. Not in the least bit fun! She is just beyond the six month mark with three to go. All of us are excited for the twins to arrive.

We thank God for the opportunity to serve Him here in Ecuador, among beautiful scenery and beautiful people. God is good, all the time.

Campers Extraordinaire

2011-10-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

We went camping to Letchworth State Park (New York) in July. It was kind of a last hurrah before coming to Ecuador.

We visited the relocated site of the Seneca Burial Ground. Here is Mary Jemison's statue and gravesite.

Mary Jemison was kidnapped by the Native Americans during the period of the French and Indian War. She was adopted by them and lived with them for the rest of her life. Quite a fascinating life. We enjoyed visiting the sites and learning out more about her.

Cooking in the great outdoors is always a pleasure. The food tastes better, at least to me.

We made a stop to my alma mater, Houghton College. Here Joel and I pose on the quad in our Guam T-shirts.

In Houghton we visited with some dear friends and supporters, Professor emeritus of German Robert Cummings and our Bible Memory Association (Swordbearers) advisor Margaret Wynn. Margaret fixed us such a delightful lunch and Profe Cummings shared yummy fruit. What a wonderful time we had with them!

We enjoyed the lovely views of the Genesee River gorge in the park.

As you can see from the smiles on their faces, Joel and Amelia love camping. We all do and look forward to the next time. We will be six people instead of four the next time, so we will need a BIGGER tent!!!!!

A la piscina

2011-10-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

To the pool! Today we registered Joel and Amelia for swimming lessons at the Olympic Pool of Ibarra. Both of them did very well on their first day. Marisol and I are very proud of them.

Familia Fotos

2011-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Amelia, Joel, and their cousins Zoe and Cloe helped their Aunt Miryan celebrate her birthday in September.

Here are Marisol's brother Wilo and wife Giss with daughter Cloe.

Miryan (Marisol's sister), Amelia, Joel and Hugo (Marisol's brother) clowning around.

Marisol's niece Cloe, born on May 5! Such a little cutie!

Joel, Amelia, Zoe and abuelito Wilson hammacking!

Here's a better picture of Zoe on the hammack.

Amigos

2011-10-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

The house where we are staying until June is the right side of the duplex directly behind Amelia. We are glad that the children have friends to play with in this neighborhood.

Joel and Amelia have become quite popular here in the neighborhood where we live. The kids come and knock on our door to see if "Joel and Amelia can play." We are really happy about that. Here they are with a neighbor Sebastian playing in the playground outside our house.

Regular Saturday Activities

2011-10-16T19:06:00.001-07:00

On Saturday nights I attend the Bible Institute (Centro de Capacitacion Biblica). There are four levels of classes and each level has three fifty minute classes each week. Currently I serve as a substitute teacher for this semester (three semesters per year), and that is helping me to get to know many of the students in different levels. Teaching in this picture is our good friend Pastor Diego.

I participate in a Saturday morning men's Bible study called "Hombres de honor" (Men of Honor). It has been a blessing to get to know some of the men at my church through this ministry. Teaching in this picture is Pastor Enrique, Marisol's uncle and the best man in our wedding.

Oansa Club

2011-10-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Oansa Club (Awana in English) which our church holds on Friday afternoons. In the first picture Marisol, Amelia, Joel and Marisol's sister Miryan are arriving at club. At bottom our friend Edison is leading the Oansa games. It is a blessing that Joel and Amelia can still be involved in Awana, which they began in Guam and then continued in the Poconos last year. It is helping them to befriend more children at church.

Balcony of Ibarra

2011-10-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today after church we went to a family's house for a birthday party. Our dear friend Yolanda (at right in photo directly above) has a birthday tomorrow. The family lives in the hills of Ibarra, which is why their neighborhood is called "Balcon de Ibarra" or Ibarra's balcony. We enjoyed the good views of the the lagoon of Yahuacocha in the distance (first photo) and the city of Ibarra (second).

Matthew Farnsworth

2011-10-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

My brother Mark and his wife Sherry had their sixth child on August 10, the day we came to Ecuador. Here are some pictures of Matthew along with his proud family. Too bad we missed seeing him. It will be nice for the twins to have a cousin their age in the USA when we visit.

New Friends and Family

2011-10-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we shared a missionary message at the Emanuel Church in Atuntaqui. Afterwards we ate lunch with Eli, Paul, and their children, including Gabriel who appears in the picture along with his parents. What a blessing to meet new friends in the churches we attend. Thanks, Lord!

Amelia and Joel posed with some friends (Marisol's cousin Washo's children Jonathan, Samuel, and Mishel along with Jimmy Muenala) outside the Amigos en Cristo Church in Cotacachi following a presentation about our time in Guam that we shared with the congregation.

Amelia and Joel had fun one Sunday afternoon playing with Marisol's cousin Sarah in Cotacachi. Sarah is the daughter of Nancy (Marisol's aunt) and German, both of whom lost their battles with cancer over the past two years. Please pray for Sarah, who is staying with her older sister Irma and her husband Christian.

Farnsworth Family Forum October/November 2011

2011-10-12T20:48:00.001-07:00

As we write this update, we celebrate two months of living in Ecuador. Thank you for all your prayers! This morning we woke up to beautiful snow-covered mountain peaks. Joel and Amelia ran up to the roof to see the mountains. The rainy season has arrived!

Marisol’s pregnancy progresses well. Baby A and Baby B (so named by the ultrasound technicians) are set to arrive around February 23, the due date. All of us await the day with great anticipation and can hardly wait. Please pray that Marisol be comfortable and able to rest at night so to have the energy needed for home school and other responsibilities. We also need to find a place to stay in Quito (the capital) near the hospital when the babies come and a car big enough for our quickly growing family.

Joel and Amelia are adjusting well to their new country and home. Their Spanish improves every day. Awana (Oansa in Spanish) began at church last week. Pray that they find good friends at Oansa and Sunday School. We are looking for a swimming pool so they can continue their classes and practice. Both of them have fallen in love with Marisol’s family, which gives us great joy as their parents. Above you can see a pictures of us with Marisol’s parents Zulema and Wilson. Recently we visited a volcanic lagoon (Cuicocha) with them.

Ned is busy, trying to organize his time and keep the ministry of Radio Punto and the teaching facility of Miami International Seminary moving forward. The next seminary class is scheduled for October 29. Pray that he can balance his ministry time well and also help Marisol at home and spend time with Joel and Amelia. He teaches the home school classes on Monday, his day off.

Thank you very much for making this Ecuadorian journey possible. Pray that we can be a blessing to the people of Ecuador. We send you much love from South America!

Personal Correspondence: Correo Central, Casilla 10-01-692, Ibarra, ECUADOR, Tel. 01159362601067, Skype: nedandmarisolf, Email: nedfarnsworth@hotmail.com.

Mission Address: Liebenzell Mission USA, P.O. Box 66, Schooley’s Mountain, NJ 07870-0066, Tel. 908-852-3044. Online contributions: www.liebenzellusa.org

Radio Punto

2011-10-12T20:13:00.001-07:00

One of my jobs here in Ecuador is helping to supervise Liebenzell USA's radio station in Ibarra. I have been hosting a morning radio show called "Good Morning, Ibarra" with Christian music, Focus on the Family commentary, and personal reflections and Bible passages. I hope to produce a children's program on Saturday morning in time. Doing this show has certainly stretched me into regaining my proficiency with Spanish, which is a bit rusty after seven years away.

We had our first Radio Punto staff meeting on October 5. Unfortunately not everyone was able to attend. Seeing the passion that the volunteers have for reaching their own people with the gospel through radio ministry really touched me. The Quichua (native Ecuadorian language, stemming from the Incas) ministry operates at four-and-a-half hours a day.

Please pray for the ministry of Radio Punto, 1130 AM, here in Ibarra, Ecuador.

Snowy Mountaintops

2011-10-12T20:06:00.001-07:00

Today we woke up to a "winter wonderland," although the snow was relegated to the top of the mountains that we can see from our house. Imbabura in the top photo and Cotacachi in the bottom photo. Joel and Amelia were so excited that they ran up to the terrace (roof) first thing. The cause of the snow is the coming of the winter (rainy season). It rained all night last night.

The province we live in, Imbabura, was named after the mountain, and Cotacachi is another town named after Mount Cotacachi. One of Liebenzell's sponsored churches is located in Cotacachi. Both mountains are volcanoes. Ecuador has a rich geographic history.

We're Expecting, Part 2

2011-08-27T14:50:00.001-07:00

We found out in July that we are expecting TWINS. All of us are DOUBLY excited, and a little bit nervous, too. Please pray for us! (This picture was taken in July at FAO Schwartz in New York City. Notice the twins between Amelia and Joel!)

Publish Post

We're Expecting, Part 1

2011-08-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

We found out in June that we are expecting! We are excited!

A Visit from a Salamander

2011-07-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

Amelia and Joel recently visited with an orange friend at our house. They enjoyed it very much.

A Pocono Fourth

2011-07-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

We had a nice 4th of July here in the Poconos, pizza for lunch, swim time at the pond and sparklers with a neighbor. Good times!

The Family is Growing!

2011-06-10T06:46:00.001-07:00

On May 5, 2011, Cloe Violeta Bedoya arrived in Ibarra, Ecuador. Proud parents are Wilo (Marisol's brother) and Gisela.

This precious picture shows Cloe with her sister Zoe. Joel and Amelia are looking forward to meeting their Ecuadorian cousins.

A few days earlier, on May 2, Rachel Leigh Breitegam was born to Dave (Ned's cousin) and Heather.

We had fun meeting Heather two weeks after she was born.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY, CLOE AND RACHEL!

Good friends

2011-06-08T12:39:00.001-07:00

While we were in the Hershey area we stayed with our good friends Dave and Karen who prepared us a delicious meal. Dave served as one of my Battalion leaders from my Christian Service Brigade days, and I used to babysit their kids. They have supported our missionary work since my days as a single missionary. Joel enjoyed playing baseball with Dave,

and we took a picture together.

The next day after our day at the park we visited with Elizabeth and Brian at a local Wendy's. Especially Joel and Amelia enjoyed relating to them the adventures of our day.

Sweet Fun

2011-06-08T12:31:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, through the generosity of a dear friend, we spent the day at Hersheypark. Both Joel and Amelia rode their favorite rides three times, Joel the Comet and Amelia the Chocolate World ride. We thank God for the beautiful weather for our outing. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Farnsworth Family Forum June/July 2011

2011-06-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your prayers. Since sending our last letter we have traveled to various parts of PA as well as Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. Visiting with supporting churches, new churches, friends and family has energized and blessed us, with a few historical sites thrown in, such as our visit to Plymouth Rock (above). Nothing beats seeing the actual places, and Ned, Marisol, Joel and Amelia have enjoyed learning more about history.

Joel and Amelia finished home school on Thursday, May 26, and they look forward to third grade and kindergarten (respectively) next year. Currently we are packing our belongings to have them ready to ship the last week of July. We will travel to Ecuador on August 10. Our children need new Ecuadorian passports, and Ned must apply for his visa. Please pray with us that we can accomplish all the necessary tasks in the next two months. We must raise approximately $10,000 for a vehicle and an additional $300-$400 in monthly support. A few churches are considering us and will decide in the coming months. Pray for God’s provision.

Last week Ned’s father learned that his cancer has returned. Please pray for Glennis Farnsworth, Ned’s mother Marilyn, and the doctors during the coming period of further testing and subsequent treatment.

Here is our summer schedule. Please contact us if you have any questions about locations and times.

Sunday, June 12: First Presbyterian Church (Reading, PA), teach children’s class (10:30 AM)

Wednesday, June 15: Liebenzell USA (Schooley’s Mountain, NJ), staff devotions (11:30 AM)

Sunday, June 19: Iglesia Bautista Betania (Reading, PA), preach English/Spanish sermons (9:30 AM)

Monday, June 20-Friday, June 24: Exeter Bible Church (Birdsboro, PA), Vacation Bible School (PM)

Sunday, June 26: Twin Valley Bible Chapel (Narvon, PA), missionary presentation (6:00 PM)

Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1: Child Evangelism Fellowship of Reading and Berks County Day Camp (Laureldale, PA)

Sunday, August 7: Exeter Bible Church (Birdsboro, PA), preach (6:00 PM)

Wednesday, August 10: Leave Philadelphia for Ecuador (12:25 PM)

Personal Correspondence (email and blog address ongoing)

Until 8/10: Farnsworth, 861 Schoffers Rd, Birdsboro PA 19508-9464. (610)582-8046, nedfarnsworth@hotmail.com, www.farnsworthforum.blogspot.com.

After 8/10: Farnsworth, a/c E. Luz, Correo Central, Casilla 10-01-692, Ibarra, ECUADOR.

Mission Address: Liebenzell Mission USA, PO Box 66, Schooley’s Mtn, NJ 07870-0066. (908)852-3044.

Online Donations: www.liebenzellusa.org

Cute Cousins

2011-05-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

We recently visited Uncle Ed, Aunt Heidi, Spencer and Mason in Leesburg, Va, where we attended a presentation of "Conversations" at Reston Bible Church, where Ed serves as Executive Pastor and Pastor of Music. It was nice for Joel and Amelia to spend time with their oldest cousins.

From Animal to Food

2011-05-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

The buffaloes in action at a nearby farm where we bought some meat.

The cook in action.

The buffalo meat in action as a delicious stew.

Pithole Site

2011-05-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Amelia sported her new bonnet which we bought for her at the Drake Well Gift Shop on the way to Pithole City Site, where the workers lived during the oil boom in the Titusville, PA area.

It looks like the ghost town that it became in 1868 after having 15,000 residents just three years earlier at the height of the oil boom in western PA.

A Year Older, a Year Wiser (Ammended)

2011-04-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yours truly is now 46, as of 4/4/11. Robert Downey, Jr. and I share the same date of birth. So much for the trivia books! We spent the day in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, with our good friends Don and Lori Henderson and their daughter Eilish and son Reed.

We asked to go again to a beautiful spot called the Chagrin Falls. You can see its beauty in the photos to follow.

Sorry about the closed eyes. I really need picture-taking therapy!

Joel and Amelia really enjoyed playing with Reed and Eilish, who are both great with younger kids.

Don was away for part of our visit, but he returned in time to snap this picture. Amelia kept telling him that he wasn't smiling!

I got a really neat card from one of our supporting churches. It read: "Men of genius are admired; men of wealth are envied; men of power are feared; but only men of character are trusted." Amen and amen! May we all be people like that!

Titusville, PA

2011-04-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

On April Fool's Day we headed to Titusville, PA (on the recommendation of Marisol's brother Wilo who is a petroleum engineer in Ecuador) to see the birthplace of the international oil industry.

In 1859 Edwin Drake struck oil and established the first successful oil well in western PA.

In the hands-on exhibit at the visitor's center Miss Kathy showed Amelia and Joel how to make plastic from borax, white school glue and water.

It came out kind of like Silly Putty.

Here is the original stone marker to commemorate the spot, dedicated by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1914. It was moved to its current location in 1945.

The Farnsworth family poses in front and inside the building that shelters the Drake Well Replica. The original well and building were destroyed when the oil industry in that area dried up and there was no foresight to preserve it for posterity.

This is a replica of the Grant Oil Well Office where oil was struck in 1865.

Amelia and Joel demonstrate how the spring-pole drilling rig was operated using human driller strength at the drilling rate of three feet a day.

These are some vehicles from the oil transportation exhibit: "Moving Oil."

Oil Creek provided the means for transporting barrels of oil to towns in the area.

It is believed that these pits, over 200 of them still in existence, were used by Native Americans long ago to skim oil from the water that would gather it them. This last picture of the pits shows their depth.

Here is the Standard Steel drilling rig dating from 1920.

We also saw a portable drilling rig , mounted on wheels and drawn by a team of horses and designed by Linden Wolfe in 1920.

This is drilling and pumping machinery from the Northern Ordnance Company dating from the 1940s.

Here is a pump station that pumped crude oil through pipelines to refineries in Oil City and Franklin until 1968.

Here are some electric pumping jacks by John Hawley on display.

We ended our visit to Titusville at Woodlawn Cemetery and the memorial to Colonel Drake, featuring a sculture called The Driller by Charles Henry Niehaus.

Here are the panels from the memorial:

"Colonel E.L. Drake, born at Greenville NY March 29, 1819, died at Bethlehem PA November 8, 1880, Founder of the petroleum industry, the friend of man"

"Called by circumstances to the solution of a great mining problem he triumphantly vindicated American skill and near this spot laid the foundation of an industry"

"That has enriched the state, benefited mankind, stimulated the mechanic arts, enlarged the pharmacopceia and has attained worldwide proportions"

"He sought for himself not wealth nor social distinction, content to let others follow where he led, at the threshold of his fame he retired to end his days in quieter pursuits"

"His highest ambition was the successful accomplishment of his task, his noble victory the conquest of the rock, bequeathing to posterity the fruits of his labor and of his industry"

"His last days, oppressed by ills--to want no stranger he died in comparative obscurity, this monument is erected by Henry H. Rogers (Standard Oil executive) in grateful recognition and remembrance"

Home School on the Road

2011-04-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend with friends in Ohio. On Monday we still did home school, just not in our home but in theirs.

Awana Culture Night

2011-04-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Amelia and her friend Faith donned Chinese garb for Awana Culture Night!

The Return of Winter

2011-04-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

More snow, even though it's spring!

Fun Yard Work

2011-04-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Recently our family helped Grandpa remove some fallen sticks and branches from his yard, leftover from winter storms. All of us had a good time working, especially Joel and Amelia!

Awana Cubbies

2011-03-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

Recently Marisol and I had the opportunity to volunteer for one night in Awana Cubbies. It brought back memories of my years as an Awana worker at our church in Guam. The most exciting part of Awana to us as parents is watching our children hiding God's Word in their hearts. That will stay with them forever!

One Day, Separate Ways

2011-03-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Normally our family does everything together. However, two Saturdays ago one of Amelia's friends invited her to a princess birthday party, and Joel participated in the Awana Sparks-A-Rama. So we went our separate ways. For reasons of transportation, I accompanied Snow White to the birthday party. . .

. . .and Marisol took Joel to the Awana Games, where his team place third in their group. We are proud of our princess and our Sparky.

The Return of the Tooth Fairy

2011-03-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

Amelia recently lost her first tooth. As always, she surprised us by not crying at all. She must have a high threshold for blood and pain. Now she second tooth is loose; we'll be in touch again soon!

Stars on Ice

2011-03-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Presenting the Missionary Retreat Fellowship Stars on Ice: the Farnsworth family. We had a great time skating two times courtesy of some skates that were donated to MRF. I was impressed with how well Joel and Amelia did for their first time ever! Who knows? Maybe there's a future Scott Hamilton or Dorothy Hamill among us!

Wet Pants

2011-03-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

This photo needs a good explanation. When Joel and I were sledding one day, we stated that we wanted to go clear down to the stream. Well, mission accomplished well-done! We went into the stream and had wet pants to show for it. Brrrr!

Beauty and the Beast

2011-03-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

On the night before my ordination exam we attended a performance of Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Berks Christian School. Although some people seemed surprised that I was there, I knew that I didn't want to spend the night before my ordination cramming like a college student. We enjoyed the show very much, except the wolves who literally had Joel and Amelia jumping up out of their seats.

It was great fun to see Kate Lebo in the role of Belle. She had played Gretl in The Sound of Music when I played the priest in 2000 during my stint as the Spanish teacher at Berks Christian. She and the rest of the cast performed enthusiastically and beautifully, or should I say beastly!!!!

Pastor Ned

2011-03-28T14:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks for praying for my ordination on March 12. The pastors pictured above with me (from left, Rick Knarr, Dave Klase, Bill Schuit, Larry Crabtree, Tony Perez, Wayne Rissmiller and George Hege) asked me questions to test my qualifications and calling to the gospel ministry and approved me. Their participation and the different roles that they have played in my life will always be in my heart.

Rick taught me how to play piano years ago and served as my youth choir director and youth director and continues to be a good friend. I grew up with Dave's sister at my home church, where he serves as the current pastor. Bill is the director of Liebenzell Mission USA (LMUSA). Larry is one of my earliest childhood friends, having been born the same year. We were nursery babies together, and we spent many times together at each others' houses. We also went through the Christian Service Program together, and I attended my first week at Haycock Mountain Brigade Camp with him back in the summer of 1974. The fact that he drove over 5 hours from southern Maryland to accompany me on this special day is an honor beyond words.

Tony coordinated all of the ordination activities as the pastor of Iglesia Bautista Betania, our sending church that sponsored the ordination. He tirelessly taught me many things about ministry; during my years at IBB (1991-2001, 2004-2006) I learned many invaluable lessons about perseverance in ministry, hard work, balancing family life, personal relationships, and other aspects of pastoral work. Literally he and his wife Jessica have been like brother and sister to me. Honestly I wouldn't be where I am today were it not for them.

Wayne Rissmiller is another friend from my boyhood days. We spent many summer days biking, swimming in the creek, and playing on the farm where he lived. His mother Mary Alice directed Motivated Moms, where Marisol studied English when we moved to the USA from Ecuador in 2004. George Hege served as the Global Missions Director of LMUSA when I joined the mission back in April 2001. He delivered the first letter to Marisol that I wrote after I met her during a one-week missions trip to Ecuador with First Presbyterian Church (Reading, PA) in February 1998. He and his wife Linda have always been faithful friends and supporters.

As you can see, I was among friends. That is not to say that they asked me easy questions; I wouldn't have wanted that. Part of this process was to learn what I don't know, and I learned that very quickly. First I shared my personal story of how I became a Christian and how God called me as a missionary. Then Marisol shared hers. I would have to say that she shared simply but eloquently. It was such a blessing to hear her share how God orchestrated the events of her life to make her His child. She shared small details that I hadn't heard before. In her sharing she answered some of the very questions that the council of pastors certainly would have asked her. Somehow I knew after she shared that everything was going to be all right: I would survive my ordination. God has blessed me by giving me Marisol as a wife. Never was that my evident to me than during my oral examination on March 12, 2011.

The exam lasted about three hours, and then the pastors met privately to discuss answers and to make recommendations. They called Marisol and me back to tell me that "I passed" and to read me their findings. Then we ate a delicious lunch prepared by the ladies of Iglesia Bautista Betania.

This was a hard day for me, a significant day not only for the process but also for the godly men who surrounded me. Their example goes before me, and I hope that I can follow God as they do. To God be the glory.

P.S. Although I now have the title of pastor, I tell everyone that they can call me Ned "for short"!!!!

I will post more about the ceremony and more pictures soon.

Spring Wonderland?

2011-03-28T14:02:00.001-07:00

This past week, to inaugurate the first full week of spring, we received five inches of snow one day followed by three or so more inches by the end of the week. I hate to admit this because most people are sick and tired of the wintry precipitation, but our family was happy to have more snow. It's a matter of perspective: we didn't have it for four years in Guam and we surely won't have it in Ecuador either. I was secretly hoping for another snowfall, and God answered. But please don't tell anyone. You can see the following pictures from our final fling with spring, oops, I mean, WINTER!

Enjoying a final dose of snow!

Sledding in a spring wonderland!

Look at the proud snowman creators!

Now here's one enthusiastic sledder!

Amelia likes to practice her writing, even in the snow.

Joel and Amelia pose next to two of the snowpeople we made.

Some goldfinches enjoy the banquet at Marisol's homemade feeders.

A chickadee finds what she was looking for at our window feeder.

One morning dove takes a short break from eating birdseed.

Two doves find a "hiding" place in a nearby tree. Some of the other birds don't like to share.

Ordination Prep (Ammended with picture)

2011-02-26T13:17:00.000-08:00

Ned is busy getting ready for his ordination at Iglesia Bautista Betania, 164 Douglass Street, Reading, PA, on March 12. That morning he will meet with the council of pastors who will test his qualifications, asking him questions as they review his doctrinal statement together. Then on March 13 there will be a formal church ceremony at 10 AM. Please pray for him and the rest of the family as they prepare for this important day.

Little Swimmers

2011-02-26T13:13:00.001-08:00

Joel and Amelia are both thriving in their swimming classes at the local YMCA. Currently Joel is learning how to dive as well as how to swim the butterfly. He recently passed into the "sharks" class. Amelia is learning how to swim the backstroke. We are proud of both of our "little swimmers."

Technical problems

2011-02-24T07:50:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

I have been experiencing problems with blogspot. I've spent hours trying to post pictures and then my screen has been freezing, not allowing me to do anything. I'm not sure if it's a problem on my end or theirs. I will keep trying. I just wanted to let everyone know that is why I haven't been posting anything.

Thanks for your patience.

Ned

New Year, New Activities

2011-02-13T21:44:00.001-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit us for New Year's, and all of us were so excited, especially Joel and Amelia. Now we're looking forward to a return visit.

Here We Come A-Caroling!

2010-12-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

For the fourth year in a row we went caroling today to spread a little Christmas cheer and God's love. We sang three carols and shared some homemade Christmas cookies. Joel and Amelia did very well singing. The practice session above, complete with turkey bone "microphone," must have been effective.

Christmas Eve at the Farnsworths

2010-12-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Joel and Amelia opened their last fabric gift bag for the 24 Days of Christmas. We started this tradition when Joel was born. Instead of big gifts at Christmas they the children alternately open a small gift each day, and we read a Christmas Bible verse together. It's always an exciting part of December.

This was the third Christmas in a row that we roasted turkey. A local church donated turkeys to all the missionary families staying at Missionary Retreat Fellowship. What a blessing.

We all stuffed ourselves, even without stuffing! (We had mashed potatoes instead!)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

2010-12-23T14:38:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. All of us were very excited!

After home school we rushed outside to go sledding. This was our second time sledding this year. Imagine the excitement after four years in the tropics!

The children also made some snow angels.

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Feliz Navidad y Dios les bendiga en 2011. Please forgive the Spanish greeting; we (except Marisol) need to practice for our return to Ecuador next summer.

Thank you for all your prayers. 2010 has proved to be more challenging than we thought. First, we left Guam and Pacific Islands University in June, which presented our family with a HUGE transition. Then Ned's Dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer in September and underwent surgery. We invite your prayers for his upcoming treatments which start on December 27. Finally, two dear friends died within a couple months.

Through all of this we have found God to be as faithful as ever. We have participated in a number of missions conferences and meetings; God has blessed us through these opportunities to refresh existing friendships and establish many new ones. We really thank God for that.

Joel and Amelia are thriving in our local church's Awana program on Wednesday nights, and Ned and Marisol attend prayer meeting at the same time. The children enjoy swimming lessons at the YMCA and continue to grow and learn (the parents, too!) in home school.

2011 will bring more challenges and changes for us. Ned will undergo ordination at Iglesia Bautista Betania in Reading, PA on Saturday, March 12 (please pray!), and moving to Ecuador promises another BIG transition. But our God is BIGGER!

We thank you for your friendship and partnership. God uses you to help us along each step of our lives. May you reflect on Him and His love for you during this Christmas season. His love came down in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.

God bless you at Christmas and always. We love you.

Ned, Marisol, Joel and Amelia Farnsworth