Farnsworth Forum

Marisol put the finishing touches on the tree and Jacob admired it.  Both he and Elías have done very well with the tree, looking, touching it, but with gentle hands.  Children understand so deeply the joy and wonder of Christmas.  As much work as it is to have children, and twin (almost) toddlers, Christmas is such a fun time to have kids.  Thanks God!

On Monday, December 2, the Amigos en Cristo Church in Cotacachi, where I serve as pastor, reached out to some 54 senior citizens, offering them a gospel program, complete with singing mice, a warm meal and used clothing.  Many of the attendees are Quichuas (indigenous or native Ecuadorians).  The people were so appreciative for what they received.  One Quichua woman hugged me over and over, all the while speaking to me in her language.  I used the universal language and smiled, understanding only the Spanish words that she mixed in.  What joy to spread the love of God with the people of Cotacachi.

Every Christmas we have a basket with little Christmas bags.  The bags have a tag with a Bible verse from the Christmas story marked on it.  Joel and Amelia take turns opening the bag, but first we read the Bible verse together as a family.   This activity lasts from December 1-24. On December 1 the children each received a chocolate Christmas lollipop courtesy of some of our missionary colleagues. Elías was thrilled with his chocolate. He did not want to share. Joel was happy, too. Finally Elías came out from behind the chair to eat and play with his Duplos. Jacob patiently waited while Marisol opened his chocolate. He took it. . . . . .and savored the moment.

Jacob and Elías (rear) on the trampoline. Elías makes his own ramp for the tractor. Jacob with his grandgrandmother Jovita. Novelty item of the year: a real manual typewriter. Of course, Elías wanted to give it a try. Jacob liked the typewriter's case better. Look at that cute smile! Amelia is studying evaporation and condensation in science. God's creation at work! Joel obliging Jacob with a picture.  His new favorite request is Bob the Tomato. Jacob with Stefan who teaches Joel one day a week. Elías with his new sister (that's what he calls her) Isabel. Joel and Isabel with Elías and Jacob on the swing.  The swingset was Isabel's years ago when she was a girl! Jacob on a juice break. Jacob building a tower out of old VHS tapes. Showing off their new haircuts. Jacob meeting "BOB the TOMATO" in person! At least that was what he was saying: "BOB!"

Ibarra has a new park, and here is a picture of Joel and Amelia during our first visit.  We hope to post more pictures as we go there more often.  It is within walking distance of our house.  Tomorrow night they light the Christmas tree.  That's right!  Christmas trees in Ecuador are still called Christmas trees, rather than Holiday Trees.

As faithful citizens of the United States (and also Ecuador, minus Ned and Isabel) we celebrated Thanksgiving in November.  Isabel and Amelia made the rolls. Marisol helped to stuff the turkey with onion and celery.  Simple but good. Then we tied the turkey up. . . . . .and placed in a cooking bag. Joel and Amelia helped filled the Pilgrim Pie. The turkey was ready in about 4 and a half hours.  This was the biggest one we ever cooked. A picture of all the goodies. Another view of what you all missed. Marisol and Elías.  Jacob was asleep. Five kernels of corn on each plate to remind us of what most of the pilgrims ate each day during the first hard winter in Plymouth.  Then each of us gave thanks as we went around the table. Our friend Marisol joined the Farnsworths and Isabel for Thanksgiving dinner. My plate awaits consumption. Eating turkey. Amelia, Isabel and Joel. Another holiday tradition: apple pi...