The Gaithers Love Ecuador!

Valentine's Dinner at Akelarre Cafe

2012-02-11T14:42:00.000-08:00

Our good friend and proprietor of Hotel Inca Real, Tania Sarmiento, is inviting everyone to enjoy their romantic, sweetheart evening at the hotel's Akelarre Cafe. Below is the menu planned for the evening
.
The main entre is Salmon but the prelude to the main course is upscale ending with Valentine's traditional theme of CHOCOLATE!

Tania's husband, Inigo manages the cafe and the food is always delicious. They both speak excellent English. Restaurant expertise seems to run in the family as Tania's two sisters with their husbands, also own and operate restaurants.

Hotel Inca Real was the first mansion in Cuenca to be converted to a hotel. Recently updated, a Valentine evening at Akelarre could be just the perfect place for sweethearts!

Financial Musings

2012-01-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

Financial Musings

Sunday mornings provide a quiet time for prayer, study, musings, reading “web revolution”- independent media news and outside-the-box thinking. So my mind wanders…bouncing back and forth between my preconceptions and new perspectives.

My musings are anchored by forty years of business and financial thinking, and by a passion for economics and politics. Hopefully, these thoughts will be considered by the contrarian-expats and various escape oriented readers.

During my financial practice, I frequently encouraged clients and friends to insure their portfolio with 5-10% allocated to gold and silver. I even shared how to buy free of commissions. These weather-proof metals insured against inflation and deflation. Sadly, I can count on one hand those who took this advice. Gold has increased 500%. Real estate, our favorite investment, is down.

Now it looks like time to also diversify away from the US dollar, as our government constantly devalues it. All investing seniors are being robbed daily by the inflationary “printing press” and by price fixing of interest rates by the Federal Reserve. Jefferson and Hamilton argued vigorously about central banking. Frontier President Andrew Jackson abolished it.

Finally, we must recognize that the traditional media, Hollywood and the US two party political system all exist to promote themselves at our expense. The internet is an unedited collection of thoughts, but has remained mostly free of Orwellian control. Be careful what you eat, what your read and who leads your thinking!

How does that relate to relocating or living in Ecuador? We must remain proactive for our financial health.

1.       Prepare for inflation in the coming years. Even hyperinflation is possible.
2.       Diversify away from traditional buy-and-hold investments.
3.       Diversify among countries for investment.
4.       Invest in natural resources to withstand inflation, especially gold, silver, timber,
petroleum, etc.
5.       Find unbiased internet sources for economic, financial, and political information.
6.       Banks have had sudden “holidays” in Ecuador (2000), USA (1933), Argentina, etc. Keep several months of living expense outside of banking channels.

              Don’t worry; be happy in planning wisely.

Thriving in Ecuador - Now Published!

2012-01-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

On Friday, we posted the opportunity to purchase our e-book: Thriving in Ecuador: Visiting and Living in Cuenca (©2012). We had hoped to have it out on Kindle with Amazon, BUT ran into problems with formatting.

So…in order to make it available, we have published it now as PDF format. This means one can purchase it through PayPal and it will be downloaded by email as a PDF version onto a laptop or PC.

We are still working on this “Kindle thing” and hope to have our glitch resolved soon. If you would like to purchase the e-book now, as a PDF copy through PayPal, BUT would rather have the Kindle version later, we would be happy to refund the cost of purchasing it in the Kindle version when that time comes. We can refund it through PayPal.

The advantage of the PDF version is that it offers the colors we have used when writing our book. And by the way, if anyone out there would like to help us with the formatting for Kindle, we would genuinely welcome and appreciate your help.

We believe a $3.00 investment in Thriving in Ecuador will reward you many times over. We would truly appreciate your feedback. Revisions can be made prior to publishing on Kindle.

We received our first comment on the book from an expat now living in Ecuador:

“Your e-book is wonderful and I think very useful to incoming expats. I especially liked your sections on visas, immigration, legal systems, etc. I think if it was more information it would have tended towards the boring so you were able to capture a difficult subject and give people adequate 'warning' without beating a dead horse.

I think it will be a popular read for those considering Cuenca or Ecuador in general, as a retirement solution. Congratulations on a great piece.”

Gary & Sue

US Consulate

2012-01-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

U S Passport Renewal

Last week we made our obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca. If you enjoy expatriate living, it is coming to a life near you. Sing along now: Down the Andes and through the clouds, to the Big Brother's house we went. Unlike "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house" in the children's song, we were greeted by the hired guns of the entirely friendly Ecuadoran guards.

My heart felt a twang of grief as I gazed up at the Stars and Stripes, no longer conveying patriotic sentiment, but concern for the America of my youth. Secure behind a small moat and floral-topped concrete wall, stood the house of Authority.

Before entering, we emptied our packs, placing everything on a table for inspection. Not as stiff as TSA security and with surprising respect, the rented guards gently glanced at us and allowed entry. Five feet inside, we repeated the procedure. The order, if not the time, of our internet appointment was respected. Our internet-provided forms expedited the process. So $110 dollars later, we left with perforated old passports and the promise of new ones in a couple of weeks.

Oh, by the way, the staff has been negotiating with the courier service since August with no end in sight. Since they do not trust Ecuadoran mail, we must return to Guayaquil with our old passports to obtain a fresh decade of travel permission. Or send a friend!

Thriving in Ecuador - Our Unique Perspective

2012-01-13T03:17:00.000-08:00

Thriving in Ecuador, coming out next week has a "Table of Thoughts" to locate what information you need or desire to read. It includes 1) the financial and business perspectives of a former CPA, and the insights as a former Bed & Breakfast Innkeeper; 2) our personal experiences over a year; 3) and, includes specific advice on real estate, cargo, medical care, insurance, legal issues and taxes.

Our e-book was inspired by our 2008 and 2009 trips to Uruguay and meetings with the author of Living in Uruguay. David shared with us that many of his readers encouraged him to turn his blogs into a book. We referred to the book he gave us, when organizing our thoughts. Traveling to Uruguay? Google his book.

Books from different perspectives and experiences add insights and motivation to travelers. And yes, we feel there will soon be additional books which may be useful also!

Gary & Sue Gaither

"Thriving in Ecuador" ebook

2012-01-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

                                                       Thriving in Ecuador
                                                Visiting and Living in Ecuador

It's coming next week! Here 'tis...

We present a crisp, clear, informative, time-saving narrative guide to Cuenca and Ecuador.

What we urgently wished for during our initial visit and first few months in the "Land of Eternal Spring" is now yours for $2.99. Yep, three bucks on Amazon.

Over 40 short, fast moving, easy-to-read chapters, reducing a year's research to an organized and efficient planning tool.

We cover how, when, why, and where to come. Topics include culture, climate, entertainment, money saving and budget ideas. Shortcuts to travel, medical tourism, real estate, banking, health insurance, legal issues, safety and "gringo street-smart" are covered. We even embraced the "Disadvantages" and "Who Should Not Come."

May our ebook save you ciento horas - a hundred hours~
          Until next week,
                      Joyfully,
                            Gary & Sue Gaither

Cajas Beauty

2011-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

Parque Nacional Cajas

Up we drove via rented car and driver to the beautiful lakes of Cucheros and Toreadora. A reduced entrance fee of two dollars and twelve dollars an hour for the chauffer gained us entry into this jewel of the southern Andes. Our sky alternated between ominous clouds and a nearly Carolina blue sky.

Both are beautiful high altitude lakes in the huge Cajas National Park. It is like Cuenca has Rocky Mountain National Park half an hour to the west. It has 240 lakes and lagoons, and many miles of trails, some of which require a guide. Be prepared, the altitude is 4000 meters or 12,000 feet. In minutes the weather can change from sunny and temperate to cold and windy with potential storms.

Cucheros is the first Cajas turn off only 30 minutes west of Cuenca. A gentle hour’s walk took us around the pristine lake, past the remaining buildings of a defunct German Brewery and over a covered bridge shading a rushing brook. Seven llamas and an equal number of alpacas placidly monitored our movements.

Another half hour west we found Toreadora Lake; it’s a bit higher and wilder. From the visitor center several trails offer a variety of views and terrain. We chose the 90 minute walk around the lake. Tiny alpine flowers were beginning to break out in yellows, reds, and violets. The results of spring rains remained everywhere, forcing detours into moist mossy meadows where the spongy turf met our feet like a relaxing sponge.

Ahh… we shall return.

Trip to Azogules and Biblian

2011-12-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

One of the couples in the Bible Study group took us to Azogules and Biblian one day recently. We visited two old Catherdrals, both of which were high up in elevation. Our dog, Stover was invited and then even allowed him inside the last Cathedral we visisted in Biblian. There's a picture below of him at the altar repenting for his barking heard everywhere due to the acoustics!

We finished off our trip with a delicious lunch at Uzshupud. Now there's a place you want to not only have lunch, but consider a night or two stay in their resort. It's just lovely! And we had a wonderful time!

A most enjoyable day trip !

Gringos

2011-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Gringos

We are Gringos! No, that is not an insult. It may be in Mexico, but in Ecuador gringos are simply foreigners who are not Latin. Gringos include Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Europeans.

We are bigger, light skinned, and richer. It is fun being a “big Kid” at 5’-9”. Even Sue is mas alto than many, especially the native, Quichua, who are under five feet. Children enjoy looking at us and interacting. It’s fun to carry some candy for surprises. (I make eye contact with parents first for approval).

Under the subtle class structure, we are immediately near the top. Curiously, we are unaware at first, because we tend to treat everyone equally. Men are most respected in the male dominated culture (see “Culture”).

You will soon discover “gringo pricing” especially with taxis, and small merchants. After a while I learned to give taxi drivers exact fare rather than ask. Short trips, under 6-7 minutes, are $1.50. Fares increase with traffic jams, sometimes in rain, and Sundays. Always start with buenas dias and depart with muchas gracias. Many drivers do not know how to read a map.

Please do not come to Ecuador expecting the create a American enclave. That created problems with locals in Panama and Costa Rica. If you move here, plan on learning some Spanish and adapting to the culture. Slow down, respect their relational priorities, remain flexible. Ecuadorans respond much better if you demonstrate a sincere desire to share their culture and language. Treat them as the equals they are.

Gringos initially tend to overpay for services. This disturbs the local pricing mechanism and creates unrealistic expectations. Many gringos moved here on a shoe string budget and do not want artificial inflation! Besides, who wants to be viewed a rich and stupid?

My most memorable example is the routine purchase of a queen size bed frame. I sold our simple frame in NC, since wood work is inexpensive here. My quest morphed into a gringo custom job, at six times my expected price. Cuancano beds are a scant few inches off the ground, so our need was exceptional. Maybe there is a secret union here, since our first 5 bids were for $350. What?... for an unfinished 2X4 bed frame! Finally, we asked our decorator, who had worked in NY for many years, “just a simple frame for $100 or less”. We settled for $140, over a week’s local pay.

Upon arrival in Cuenca, visit the Gringo meeting places for English conversation and orientation. In Centro, visit beautiful Calderon Park with the Nuevo Cathedral (1870) and Viejo Cathedral (1600's). Usually gringos are present here or in the adjacent RambiPamba restaurante. Centro historic district restaurants, California Kitchen and Aussie Kookaburra Café, are initial gringo favorites. And try the symphony, usually on Thursday or Friday nights. Government sponsored, translation – free, which are faithfully communicated on “Gringo Tree” email.

Finally, “expat” does not mean I lost my patriotism, but “expatriate”- someone living outside their native land.
Come join us in Cuenca,
Gary

The Gaithers - their first year in Cuenca!

2011-12-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

Simply click on the video below and we'll take you through the highlights of our initial year here in Cuenca, Ecuador. There are many memories, and also, there's a sense of awe to realize how much has truly been accomplished in this first year.

(Unfortunately, if you view it full screen it will be a little fuzzy though the original is clear)

But...hope you ENJOY!

Relationships

2011-12-17T13:04:00.000-08:00

RELATIONSHIPS

Here, as everywhere, relationships are the focal point of life, the source of joy and fulfillment. They may also be a source of frustration. So let’s share some principles with an Ecuadorian twist.

Latinos are mostly Catholic, family oriented and warm. Sunday is definitely family day. And by family we include parents, children, cousins, nephews, nieces, grandfathers, grandmothers and sometimes, their friends. The day is usually dedicated to the familial group with lots of food, entertainment and children.

If you are fortunate to be invited, expect it to be all day or much of it. You will be an honored guest. Frequently, this may involve a beautiful trip to the country to the family farm acquired by their abuelos (grandparents!). Ask questions about the family history, children and activities. Enjoy their home style meals!

Working relationships may be entirely different. Cuencanos have their own way of doing things and their own way of managing time, tools, and priorities. Families trump work commitments. Mother’s Day may involve taking several days off work unannounced. Work may be done without a great deal of planning. You know, of course, that everything changes, so flexibility is a way of life. (Something I must continually learn.)

Remember this motto: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken when bent.”

While warm and friendly, Cuencanos dislike being told how to do their particular trade. Americanos feel we are paying for the work and have the right, even the responsibility, to direct it in a personal way. Be careful. Your suggestions may save time, but they want to save face.

Beware also that projects, materials, and timing may be subject to constant renegotiation. If you get a firm (turn-key) quote, some material costs may be added later. Gently restate your agreement. Get it in writing if significant sums are involved. Workers may arrive without the necessary materials. They may expect you to go get them or pay them additional monies. My problems in the US with contactors while remodeling a dozen homes were even more numerous, but different.

Always be cautious to avoid negative words and attitudes. They rarely have a positive result. And, it seems that everyone in Cuenca is related to everyone else. Reputations and honor are very important to all parties.

Gringos that come to Ecuador are a bit adventurous, eccentric, and fiercely independent. Most of us are well-traveled, politically informed, and financially proactive. Some are financial refugees, politically dissatisfied, or estranged from family.

Gringos are highly motivated to establish a foreign “family” during their first year in Ecuador. Newcomers are open, available and friendly, anxious to gather information about their new country and culture. We love to “pay it forward” helping others as we have been helped in our transition.

Finally, people are mirrors. We will have our attitudes and actions reflected back to us. And we will reap what we sow. Our transition is a wonderful season to improve our way of life with others and within ourselves!

Rejoice and enjoy, Gary

The Color Purple Event - Final Recap

2011-11-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

The Color Purple Event - Final Recap

Right after the Color Purple Event, October 4, 2011, we were scheduled to go back to the USA for one month. During that time, I had the privilege of seeing my aging 89 year old mother who lives in Alabama and a busy time in North Carolina. So needless to say, there was no time to update

a final recap on the the Color Purple Event until now...

Below are pictures from the event that gives an idea of the day. However, I want to start with a wonderful story with one of the staff members of SOLCA, after we delivered the proceeds to them several days past the event.

An appointment was made for us to see the Director of SOLCA on the Wednesday, following the Color Purple Event. We enthusiatically carried with us, $1,360.00 as a gift to the pediatric's department of SOLCA for children with cancer. We received a receipt for the donation.

One hundred twenty five ladies (and a few men) attended the event. Villa San Carlos, a beautiful event center here in Cuenca, graciously discounted a delicious lunch for us (as shown above). The lunch included tomato bisque soup, mixed green salad with crumbled cheese and a yummy dressing layered on top of Branden's "famous" bread, cookies, a special ice cream treat, and tea - all for $5.00!

The ticket price was $10. The 125 lunches were paid for that day, and with only a small printing cost for tickets, programs, paper, etc. we were able to give the gift as mentioned above. We sold close to 200 tickets which again, afforded us the opportunity to have a greater gift to offer SOLCA. This is also because of the "no shows," and there were some who bought tickets as a donation to SOLCA without attending the event.

Now for the story...

The Director of SOLCA, Dr. Raul Alvarado Corral, second from the left, shared with us that SOLCA depends on gifts and support of people so they can meet many of the needs children with cancer. The families are not able to pay for the costs of treatment and the child's stay at SOLCA. Also, some of the parents are not able to stay with the children due to travel costs of those not living here in Cuenca.

The lady on the far left shared with us (after we presented the check to the Director) that just that morning she had gone across the street to the Pharmacy to check on how much they owed on their bill for medicine. It was about $500.

She said the thought came to her mind she did not know how they were going to pay the bill and she said a prayer. Then she looked at me and said, "Now we can." And then, with tearful eyes, she looked up to convey a thank you to the One Who provided.
This was a special moment for us, especially when we were leaving, as we saw her walking across the street with money her hand - to pay the bill!

Everyone who worked with this event donated their time, talents and resources. We all bought our own tickets as well. The door prizes were given from the community as well as chocolates, flowers,and a special table arrangement. Interpreters from Abraham Lincoln School volunteered their time to support anyone who needed translation at their table.

A huge thank you to these and all who attended!

The Color Purple Event Decor - October 4, 2011

Angie Barnes, (co-chairman) and Sue Gaither

Tania Sarmiento, (left) General Manager Hotel Inca Real, Patricia, and Connie McDonald (center - wife of Bill McDonald - CEO and President Unsion Television) and our lovely Emcee!

Sandra Flores on far right of Villa San Carlos -

On left, Eulaliadole Sinchi - volunteered to greet ladies at the door

Notice the beautiful table arrangement donated for the front table at entrance

Angie, enjoying giving out door prizes

Monica of Artelier, and a snapshot of other ladies with

their purple attire! Most attendees wore purple!

Dayana and Marcela Reyes (sisters) and Ecuadorian Beauties!

Dayana (left) gave her time to interpret for speakers and door prizes!

SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT APPLICATION?

2011-11-11T09:23:00.000-08:00

SOCIAL SECURITY Early RETIREMENT APPLICATION?

Asheville, NC - Oct 2011. Waiting for the doors to open at the S S office, I surmised that most of the middle aged scraggly looking crowd was seeking very early retirement via a disability claim. With jobs scarce in this government-induced great recession, who can blame them? My 9 am appointment was planned to avoid a long wait during my limited time in the US. It worked! After the multitude took their seats, I was invited to be the first one at the claim window.

My first words set my surprising objective, “my goal is to obtain an original signature on a government form or letter stating that I am eligible for retirement benefits.” Silly me. The clerk promptly informed me that no one signs anything. He generously offered to sign a printout (useless for obtaining an Ecuadoran visa). Printouts can come off anyone’s printer. And I needed to obtain a S S card. Mine disappeared 25 years ago. The required form was the one that the reception lady said was not necessary.

OK. Let’s determine the benefit amount first. He was very good at that. Again, I had done my homework: internet research on gov’t sites, blogs, years in financial product marketing. Earned income was going to be my issue. We are allowed about $1300 a month in 2012. Half of earnings over that had to be paid back to SS. My benefits would be recalculated at my “normal retirement” age of 66. However, only the highest 35 years counted – I am way beyond those years. So any SS money paid back went to gov’t money heaven. No recalculation needed.

Yes, I had done everything legally allowed to reduce my future income stream from many years of long term insurance sales residuals. Silly me, I had yet to learn gov’t math. Example 1.01 equals 2 when calculating equivalent months of excess earned income. No, Gary, you do not refund half of excess earnings for each month when filing the annual IRS 1040. SS uses the entire annual estimated excess earnings divided by monthly benefit to determine months of excess. So calculation is not refund half of excess for each month, but to determine months of zero retirement checks. Does your head hurt yet?

Result: Rounding alone cost me a month’s benefit next year. And since I had over two months equivalent excess, I may lose all of three months 2011 benefit. Yes, I can file for benefits starting October 26, but the checks will be for zero and a LIFETIME 22% reduction. Ok, I will wait until my 63 birthday on January 26 to claim benefits. We requested a letter from the District Director in St Louis. I may get it in two weeks. I knew SS pays in arrears, but they also take another month to process the check. So I will get 80% (early retirement at 63) of normal retirement starting in January. My first check may be in late April. I must refund in advance for a year’s excess earnings. Rounding and timing!

The SS letter: Prompt, confusing, self-contradictory, robo-signed form letter on letterhead. Cost for four Fed Ex mailings, Raleigh, NC Apostille stamp, and Washington DC Ecuador consulate was nearly $200. The first two paragraphs:

“We have approved your application for retirement benefits. Your entitlement date is January 2012.”

“We cannot pay you because or your work.”

The next paragraph stated my future monthly benefit rate, etc. Now how is a native Spanish speaker in Quito going to interpret all that?

I signed directly below the Dist Director, had my original signature notarized and sent Fed Ex to NC Secretary of State. Whew, they apostillized it!

Now many of you are asking “WHY?” would I apply early, losing 20% of my benefits. Yes, I know the math says if I live over early 80’s my lifetime benefits are greater if I apply at 66. The obvious Answer: Two governments and inflation. The resident visa requirements in beautiful Ecuador are constantly changing, and the US is becoming unpredictable as it moves to socialism. Oh, and what do you think a dollar is going to be worth in 10, 20 years?

Lessons: 1.apply 120 days in advance 2.Beware of rounding and timing 3. Do not earn much money in early retirement 4. beware the government.

Learning by doing,

Gary

The Color Purple Event Update

2011-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Color Purple Event Update

We are so grateful for the wonderful response we have had to the Color Purple Event.

Thanks to our sponsors who graciously purchased whole tables.

Thanks to those businesses who donated the door prizes.

So many have generously given their time, talents,
and resources to make this event possible.

Many hours have been given by volunteers who have helped

to organize and with ticket sales.

Everyone has donated their time. With the exception of the discounted cost of the lunch and printing costs, SOLCA will be presented with the proceeds of $1200 to help these children with cancer. We hope to have the presentation televised after the event.

125 ladies (and a few men) attended the event on Saturday, October 1.

Pictures will be posted soon.

We are grateful. Thank you.

The Color Purple Event

2011-09-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Evento El Color Purpura

The Color Purple Event

We never imagined that within 9 months of living in Cuenca, an event would come together what we have called “The Color Purple Event.” Yes, complete with television interviews, newspaper coverage and many sponsors!

How did this happen?

Our transition began last November. Imagine selling your home, wrestling everything into storage, Gary having surgery. Then gathering international papers for “Stover,” our mascota , to become “Ecuadog.” And “900” seemingly other items. By the time we arrived, it took a month just to catch our breath.

Then holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. While Ecuador does not celebrate our Thanksgiving, we certainly had a celebration. By January, we had established friendships. Our relationship with Unsion Television resulted in a room at the station to conduct our first weekly Bible Study.

In March of this year, we finally obtained our Cedula.

We had already planned a trip home to the USA to pack a container. We decided we were called to make Cuenca our home.

Since January, I’ve been purchasing bread each week at the charming Villa San Carlos located on Remigio Tamariz. Why there? The chef and owner (along with his wife, Sandra) bakes what he calls “almost” sourdough bread each week. We found out about the bread through our friends, Jim & Angie Barnes.

As the weeks turned into months of going to get bread each week, I found myself growing with an idea inside my heart about a ladies luncheon to be held at this beautiful Villa San Carlos. In the States, I had often been part or even coordinated ladies events and retreats, so this was not a “foreign” idea.

After purchasing an apartment in May, I still held onto the possibility of doing something – but for a number of weeks we were held “hostage” to remodeling our apartment to live in and receiving our cargo. Next, the unpacking and all that “jazz.” Then, a young Gringa house guest from the USA for two months this summer.

So how, with all that going on, did an event finally come together? Don’t know except it just seemed right – and with a lot of prayer and finally sharing it with Angie Barnes, I took the “plunge” and committed to doing it.

Where is it now? It is happening next Saturday, October 1, 2011. To date 120 tickets have been sold. Generous donors have supplied a dozen door prizes – and the event has received two newspaper stories and a television interview. The profits of the ticket sales will be going to SOLCA – the pediatrics department for children with cancer.

SOLCA will be presented with the proceeds gift. They will be giving more information about SOLCA and the ongoing needs.

Also, we will have door prizes, a time for the ladies (both Ecuadorians and Americans) to get to know each other during lunch, recognition of sponsors and businesses. We will enjoy Ecuadorian music and a scrumpuous lunch. Sue will bring a short message on Esperanza/HOPE, closing with a beautiful, powerful song, "Will You Marry Me?"

This could not have come about without a “lotta” help from friends: Angie Barnes, Sandra Flores (a sweet Ecuadorian partner!), Jane Golden and Claudia Johansen. Wow! And then we’ve had table sponsors (10 people): Joanna Cox, Charles & Kathleen Barrett, Jane Golden, and others. How awesome!

Below is a flyer that was posted in businesses and elsewhere in Cuenca. There are many stories of how it all “fell into place.” Yes, it’s the first “The Color Purple Event” to be held in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Second “Evento El Color Purpura” in 2012?

Homeowners Insurance - Ecuador

2011-09-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Property, Casualty & Liability Insurance

Now, let’s consider the largely ignored insurance coverage in Ecuador – homeowners and liability. Yes, our apartment has brick walls and concrete walls and floors. Try hanging a picture on these walls! Most of us have little fear of fire and pay cash for our homes. Mortgages are expensive (10-15%) and rarely cover over half the value of homes. So insurance is rarely required. Most homeowners “go naked.” Apartment associations usually have coverage for the building (elevators, structure, common areas) amounting to less than half the property value.

? However, who can sleep at night if our uninsured home is empty when we visit the states?

Some of us have noticed the tremendous increase in “earthquakes, famines, wars and rumors of wars”, to use a Biblical phrase. And we live near the “ring of fire” volcano and earthquake zone of the Andes. Yesterday our hometown of Asheville NC experienced a tremor!

Now the usual problems arise. Who can you trust, especially when you do not speak the language or understand the subtleties of the culture? Will the insurance carrier pay the claim? How do we obtain coverage at reasonable cost?

You know I would not be writing this wonderful, informative article if I lacked an excellent answer (drum roll^^^).

Presenting… the group with the highest rating in Ecuador, conducting worldwide business in 53 countries. The “ACE group” is AAA by Ecuador’s Bank Watch Rating and AA- by S & P (same as the good old USA, but that’s a long foolish political story). My agents are Daniel Gonzales who speaks excellent English and Pedro Valdivieso. Pedro’s assistant speaks English and his wife speaks German and French. And his brother is a plastic surgeon – need and little tuck or enhancement?

Quickly now, what coverage did we obtain? OK… read fast:

Earthquake, volcanic eruption…fire, lightning, smoke damage…windstorm, hail, rain, flooding…burglary, robbery…explosion…vandalism and malicious mischief…riot, etc.

Optional coverages: Liability (our pipes rupture, damaging neighbor’s walls) , contents,etc…glass breakage..water damage.

Deductibles vary with the type of loss here, rather than one comprehensive deductible. You know, the greater of x% or y$ per incident. You understand by now that I am frugal. Our $100,000 coverage has a premium = $ 39 per month.
Coming soon, another exciting topic - automobile coverage. Hang on, Gary

Medical Tourism

2011-09-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Medical Tourism
Or… how to enjoy a free trip to Ecuador

Our first trip to the Andes included Quito and Cuenca in June 2010. We fell in love with Cuenca’s charming people, old world architecture and gentle climate. We had learned to reimburse our travel costs during previous trips to Montevideo, Uruguay. Bloggers were also a prolific source of information.

Like many self employed folks we saved premiums by having a $5,000 deductible on our U S Blue Cross coverage and using a HSA for tax deductible reimbursements. So we were out-of-pocket on most medical, dental and vision expenses. Now let’s see how many interesting experiments we can complete in a few days.

Ecuador Cost USA approx.
1 .Vision exams-both of us $20 x 2 = $40 $ 150

2. Bi-focal lenses –Gary only 54 150

3. Specialist office visit $ 25 x 2 = 50 400

4. Bone density Scan-GE 40 x 2 = 80 Just like at home 240

5. Ultra Sound – neck 36 150

6. Lab CBC, calcium, parathyroid, Vit D 52 All is well 200+

7. Meds 11 x 2 = 22 80

8. Massage – ahhh 15 X 2 = 30 Discount for 2 130

9. Manicure (why not?) 5 x 2 = 10 30

10.Haircut – Gary (a risk?) 5 Looks great! 15

Totals $ 329 Saving covers airfare $1,545

We met some very interesting and friendly locals. And delighted in many delicioso meals.

And we learned of their culture. Yes, you could enjoy similar savings in many countries in Latin America or Asia.

Don’t just be a tourist… Be medical (and cultural) tourist!

Rejoicing, Gary

Health Insurance - Coopera

2011-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Health Insurance – Part III

Coopera

Medical care in Cuenca is excellent. Sue and I have enjoyed friendly professional care from specialists, dentists, opticians, labs, and pharmacies. A trip to the doctor also no longer requires a degree in medical billing and coding to understand insurance coverage. And all at a fraction of costs in the US. But, we are always looking for new ideas and further savings.

Our Coopera membership gave us excellent fresh organic fruits and veggies as described in our December blog. They also function as a credit union and now offer a health plan. So, in June we signed up for the health plan for $2.62 monthly drawn from our account. No handouts or colorful brochures were available, so we’ll figure it out later. We have three month waiting periods for many services, so when the student is ready…an English speaking guide will appear.

Gringo grape vine tells us about Cuenca Referral Network (dot com), so we sign up as associate members. Thanks, Brian. Their site provides a link to Coopera’s. Can this be true?

Office visits for routine medical are two bucks. Ditto dental. Reimbursement of medical costs (up to $400), lab and drugs is at 80%. Yes, even hospital care…after four monthly payments of the grand sum of $2.62. There is only one way to know if this is true and functional...

So, off we go to the tiny town of San Joaquin, located half a mile east of the largest Coopera market. The road is under total reconstruction, so a short walk from the highway is required. TA DA! Hidden away off the dirt path is a modern beautifully landscaped traditional white building with tile roof. Financial offices are in front; medical offices are behind the rear courtyard. Juan speaks excellent English and helped me with a 10.5% CD. Dr Pena provided my exam also in English. And Veronica cleaned my teeth. Total cost was four dollars for pleasant and efficient care! We really enjoyed these friendly Cuencanos.

Oh yes, my cuerpo Jubliado required lab tests and a medication for about $25 each. I chose Monte Sinai three blocks from our apartment off Avenida Solano. Did you know a 10% discount appears if you display a SuperMaxi or Monte Sinai discount card (Chamber of Commerce members)? And our 80% reimbursement will be posted to our Coopera account next month.

Life is tough… then you move to Cuenca! Rejoicing, Gary

Health Insurance Part II

2011-08-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Medical Insurance in Ecuador – Part Two

Policy We Purchased & Why

We may be typical of healthy North American Expadorians nearing retirement, so here is our thinking. I am 62 and Sue has fewer laps around the sun (late 50's). We take no serious medications nor have pre-existing conditions. Economy, some US coverage, quality of carrier (and agent), and continuation past 70 are priorities.

Policies with several agents were considered. Now for the boring, but important details by insurer.

Pan American offered a high end international policy with full US coverage at US medical cost reimbursement within their US network. Unlimited maximum coverage. However, cost was over $600+/month. Since our annual time in NC will be well under the 90 days allowed by our Cedula, we will skip the nuances.

Best Doctors offered a similar plan.

Humana offered a tempting variety of plans which changed by the time of our purchase decision. Policies and prices change here like in the fast moving US marketplace. However, you had to buy the expensive underlying "first dollar" coverage to be eligible for the catastropic coverage.

Salud won us over with a combination of features and policies. Their separate cancer plan has no deductible, continues in force throughout our lifetime, with unlimited maximum coverage. Cost $17.50 monthly apiece. So we can live to 100 and get inflation proof coverage (unless they change the policy). You know, nothing is guaranteed forever! A six month waiting period applies before coverage kicks in.

We skipped the first dollar, small co-pay plan that would cover the first $11,000 of claims due to the cost and our risk tolerance.

Our final choice was a $10,000 deductible with $128,500 in coverage with $55,000 accidental death insurance. Total premium for us both is $98/month. Coverage is reduced to 30% at age 70. Who knows what Medicare or private care will look like in even a few years?

Yes, a waiting period of 3 months for hospitalization; immediate coverage for accident or emergencies. And you may use any hospital. US coverage is paid at Ecuadoran medical costs (20% to 40% US costs) - a common provision in Ecuador.

We may later add a small first dollar plan to assist in the first $10,000 in claims exposure. Meanwhile, office visits average $25 in Cuenca.

Future postings:

* A new plan offered by Banco Pichincha and Santa Ines Hospital

* Coopera's new small claim, first dollar coverage for $2.62 in monthly premium

* Homeowners coverage; earthquake, theft, etc.
Salud, Gary

Health Insurance

2011-07-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Medical Insurance in Ecuador – Part One

Basics and Background

My twenty years in North Carolina medical insurance sales passed very quickly amid constant government interference, regulations, and politics. I remember the basic considerations well: Deductible, co-insurance, co-pays, networks, exclusions, pre-existing conditions, underwriting at issue or at claim processing, preferred rates, maximum coverage per year/lifetime, company ratings, age pricing, history of premium increases, and most importantly agent integrity. And then there is taxation/deductibility, health savings accounts. Group coverage has several additional considerations.

Ecuador has interesting twists on many of these issues. They use waiting periods and broadly defined pre-existing conditions due to the difficulty of obtaining physician records of medical history. The US Medical Information Bureau (MIB) for sharing claims history does not exist here, so underwriting (medical history review) may occur after the claim is submitted. Surprise!

Baby boomers are uncertain of Medicare’s cost cutting in the future. A quick return to the US may be impractical for many medical conditions. Quality is excellent here, but some procedures and drugs may not be available. Policies often end at age 70 or become dramatically reduced. And what about “long term care”? Then there is medical inflation. Oh well, we cannot eliminate all risks!

Policy design is quite different in Ecuador, due to different considerations of family economy, culture, social security, and entitlements. Medical records have lesser importance in a low litigation society. And a cash-based society expedites care and eliminates much bookkeeping. Care delivery looks like the “good old days” in North America. Rarely do we encounter long waits with clip boards/laptops and billing/medical records staff.

Bi-lingual multi-line agents with understanding of US customs and expectations are rare in Ecuador. Maybe this blog will help!

How to Shop Health Insurance

Since my experience is limited to the Andes city of four rivers, I’ll start here. Pleeease, folks, give me your feedback on any errors or omissions. As usual, check more than one source!

Shop a variety of agents, policies and companies. Get referrals. Tell your prospective agent exactly what you are looking for and your premium range. Ask several times and be patient. Will the agent help with claims? Do they maintain office hours? Expect clear and definitive answers – do not be rushed by the language barrier.

Questions to ask your prospective agent:

How long in health insurance business? Companies represented?
Will agent help with claims process? Office staff and hours?

What is Company size, rating, etc? How long in health insurance in Ecuador?
Waiting period for office visits; hospital admission?

Hospital network required. Out of network % covered.

Underwriting (medical review) requirements?

Guaranteed renewable? (can policy be cancelled

Does policy end or reduce at age 70 or 75?

Residency required?
Is a separate cancer needed (lifetime coverage, unlimited claims)?

Coverage in US, other countries. At Ecuadorian costs or US

Definition of "reasonable and customary" costs for reimbursement?
Definition of pre-existing?

Additional International Policy questions:

Maximum limits for major illnesses vs costs in EC and US

Policy issued in US or EC (under EC or US law)

How long is business- in what countries?

Next week: What coverage did we purchase and why?
Salud, Gary

Joy of July

2011-07-06T16:36:00.000-07:00

I’ll Be Seeing You

Let’s be sentimental. Enjoy the pictures below, and see if some song doesn’t pop up regarding Cuenca, the people we meet, the experiences we’re having. For us, the song “I’ll Be Seeing You” comes to mind.

"Cathedral bells were tolling

And our hearts sang on

Was it the thrill of Cuenca

Or the April dawn?

Who knows if we shall meet again

But when the morning

Chimes ring sweet again

I'll be seeing you

In the old familiar places

That this heart of mine embraces..."

Things couldn’t be sweeter to us right now, as we learn Spanish with 15 other Americans in our weekly class with Deke, our American teacher. Wow, can he speak well! And he’s SO patient with all of us. Sarah is also stretching us with daily Spanish lessons. We are eager to communicate with our many new friends in their language.

Our guest, Sarah Riddle is also having the time of her life. She works each afternoon at Fundacion CLIF – a ministry for “after school” kids, whose parents are working or not available for them. She is helping them with their homework and teaching English. English Second Language is her major in college. So her Cuenca summer is proving to already be most memorable. For more information of how you could be involved, call us – we’d love to introduce you to Bolivar Ramon. CLIF also provides training for parents and business executives.

We were invited Monday to a July 4^th celebration – American style.

Yes, we had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, baked beans…One of the ladies baked a cake, decorating it like the American flag.

Wow – the cake was fabulous. We invited our Ecuadorian friend, Diana who got “teary eyed,” as we sang “My Country Tis of Thee,” and then, “The Star Spangled Banner.” We all talked about how we really do love our native USA and continue to pray for it.

Our weekly Bible Study is now covering Paul’s letter to the Colossians. We’ve been so blessed to meet with this group each week. Anyone is welcome to come.

Bill McDonald, CEO of Unsion Television invited us to come on a program last Friday to share our personal story of Gary’s proposal to me years ago. This was such a neat experience for us, being on Spanish TV, yet only speaking English! Fortunately Bill and his assistant, Tania interpreted for us!

Did anyone go to Corpus Christi or what we call, "The Sugar Fest!"? Tents and tents of goodies, sweets, surrounding the new Cathedral.

Here’s a short video clip of a bit of fun we are having with our new Ecuadorian, Pablo Lozano. Pablo is a young musician, with a degree in music composition, and owns a small recording studio. He is worship leader at Bill McDonald’s new fellowship called “6:08.” When it comes to games though, you’ll see how the competition kicks in.

Guayaquil

2011-06-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sarah’s arrival 18 Junio 2011

Tuesday we enjoyed a scenic 3.5 hour OperAzuay van ride down the Andes with Keith and Josh Yancy to Guayaquil. A brief review of the internet, a travel guide, and maps resulted in an easy plan. We checked in to the friendly and bilingual City Plaza Hotel, Boyaca 922 y Rendon ($76 including 12% taxes, 10% service charge), then strolled along the 2 mile length of the Malecon 2000. This river front was beautifully rebuilt with monuments, museums, fountains, gardens, shops, elevated viewing areas and numerous restaurants.

New Andes Highway complete with curbs and cattle!

We enjoyed the 1842 Moorish clock tower and the (semicircle) Hemicilo de la Rotonda commemorating the meeting of two Latin American liberators Simon Bolivar and San Martin.

Time did not allow this compulsive tourist to visit the neoclassic historic Las Pinas neighborhood or Santa Anna Hill with 444 steps and lighthouse. (Please excuse my North American keyboard lacking accent marks).

The broad muddy Guayas River had no afternoon traffic except a tugboat, barge and the three-masted Pirate Morgan touring sailboat waiting for an evening tour. The gigantic port must be downstream. Our camera was lonesome in our Cuenca condo. Sarah took a couple of shots.

Beautiful hotel room's view!

Six blocks upstream from City Plaza Hotel we found Seminario (Iguana) Park strewn with all sizes of these so-ugly-they-are-pretty reptiles. After a while even Sue liked them, but who wants to pet scales!

We enjoyed a quiet evening meal of pork chops, rice, green beans, salad with a complementary glass of Merlot at the hotel. Atillio & Sara, the friendly managers joined us. They also have a home in Paris and a fisherman’s hut in Galapagos. I was urged to buy a car and tour the southern beaches from Salinas to Puerto Cayo. On Isla de la Plata it’s whale watching season.

Introducing Sarah, "the bag lady!"

Now to the Aeropuerta for the 9:30 pm Miami flight…well, make that midnight. The aircraft was delayed, Sue had left her neck pillow on the van, the hotel shuttle left without us, and Sarah’s single fifty pounder was left in Miami. A dozen calls and four days got it to Cuenca. Sound familiar?

Now for Sarah’s orientation. We will enjoy her introduction to Bolivar and Ximena’s childrens ministry, Unsion TV, and the ”unchurch”(named 6:08) Saturday night at Mall del Rio.

Tourist notes:

*Previously we stayed at Grande Hotel on Diez de Agosto - well appointed and pet friendly.

*Many have warned us: do not use a Guayaquil street taxi. Get one inside the airport, have your hotel call a taxi, or call one of the radio dispatched cabs (Taxi Fastline,SolService, Wayose).

Cargo - Part two

2011-06-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

Shipped !!

(part II) 8 June 2011 AD

Yes, cargo container…where was I? … We were enjoying, or rather using, an indeterminate delay to complete the condo remodeling. Contractors must be the same everywhere - just like another one of Dione Warwick's songs: "Promises, promises, all I get are promises, promises now - I don't know how..." Delays, delays. But that’s another story.

"Ding Dong, Cargo Calling!"

"Where's all this stuff gonna go?"

"What a mess!"

Guayaquil port indicated the reason for the delay was our container gained weight during shipment. They allow for a 10% variance, but ours was 12%. Sounds like they do not trust their scales. Humm, how can a sealed container gain 1000 pounds on the ocean voyage?

We had been warned multiple times about the port of G. Never ship there, except as intermediate port of entry. Never allow the container to be opened in G. Rumor was they enjoy misplacing items, adding daily storage charges, etc. So, the “weight error” caused our 40 foot container to be opened.

After a week of unreturned emails, we mentioned using our attorney to unravel things. Now, the container will arrive in Cuenca the next day, Saturday. Our two week time limit before extra charges ends Sunday. Yes, we received a review now. The previous Friday closed for Saturday voting (!?), no one works weekends, paper work, weighing twice, etc. So we hoped for an arrival on Monday at our condo.

We needed to hire a translator for all meetings (usually to translate three sentences) and 5 strong young men to carry Sue’s piano and our furniture up two and a half flights of stairs. Next, a trip near the airport for customs. After a wait we were told to go to another office and wait for paperwork. The papers? A copy of each page of our passports to sign, perhaps because the shipper never asked for my Cedula number. The previous week we went to the Notary office, waited during his four hour lunch to sign a document stating I am the same person on my passport and on my Cedula. Seems a bit redundant to me.

We are getting closer. Our late morning entertainment was watching our container contents being inspected and compared with our shipping inventory. Five men patiently removed items from the middle to allow access to every item. Randomly, they opened a couple dozen boxes while we prayed. Our 39 page excel spreadsheet had been reworked several times due to lack of communication and changing rules, creating possible errors in details. The first two boxes had Bibles on top for our classes and study! The third caused smiles as they photographed Emily’s large creative Halloween pumpkin. Ahh … all is well.

Our cargo will be trucked 4 miles, a 15 minute trip, to us at three pm. We can unload during the allowed two hours in time for the truck to return to G. Let’s not incur another day of fees.

A t 3:20 we began cell calls. Our shipping rep was “leading the trucker to our condo”. At 3:40 they will “arrive in 15 minutes”. At 4:00 “very close”. Then we saw the large trailer stuck a block away negotiating a tight turn from a small side street. Why not use the wider streets? Then it slowly backed up for a detour around to a larger street. Next, we saw it heading for us and a row of neighborhood jacaranda trees. Two of our new Columbian friends ran down the street and climbed like monkeys on top of the cargo. They bent limbs and deftly lifted overhead cables unmindful of the risks incurred. Quite a show!

"There's some light at the end of the cargo..."

Our flurry of boxes and furniture, while the resting driver insisted he needed to leave by six pm, resulted in the complete loss of our planned strategy for proper placement of 200 boxes. But it’s all here. We’ll sort the mess after a good night’s sleep.

We hope to receive a refund of most of our $800 container deposit within a month.

What we would do differently?

· Do everything in writing/email in both languages.

· Obtain US trucker’s name and cell phone number. Verify every step, schedule.

· Ask even more questions (even when they resist).

· Obtain recent gringo referrals. Shop more shippers for quotes and services.

· Ask about route for final delivery, inspect for trees, wires, parking ,etc.

· Allow more time for packing, listing contents of each box.

· Verify every step. Who is accountable and how among all parties including, Cuenca shipping company, US port contact/scheduler, US trucker, “steamship line”, G port contacts, trucker. Each party may be independent of others!

· Ask for list of all local and national holidays (this may surprise you!)

There were a number of other issues and problems I prefer not to put in writing. In defense of all parties, understand that the rules are constantly changing without notice.

May our readers gain insight from all our mistakes and omissions!

Cuenca Suite

2011-05-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Cuenca Suite

Hello Friends!

In a recent post, we shared that Sue wrote a piece of music entitled, “Cuenca Suite.” She recorded it at Big Crowd Music owned by Pablo Lozano, recording engineer.

Pablo sent Sue an MP3 file of the song via email. It’s not the “final” quality so to speak, but will give you a sneak preview of the song.

Imagine running through green pastures with glorious sunlight, or up the “Cajas” of this beautiful city, Cuenca – OR perhaps listening to the rushing waters of the four rivers.

Whatever – just hope you simply enjoy!

Return from Carolina!

2011-05-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Oh …. Ship!

There’s an old Dionne Warwick song entitled, “What do you get when you fall in love? You only get lies and pain and sorrow – so for at least until tomorrow, I’ll never fall in love again! ” And don’t forget the chorus: “Don’t tell me what it’s all about, “cause” I’ve been there and I’m glad I’m out…”

Well now…in a way we felt that way about shipping a container. What do you get when you ship a container? You only get … so for at least until tomorrow, we’ll never ship again! And … don’t tell us what it’s all about, “cause” we’ve been there and we’re glad it’s HERE!?!

We left for the USA towards the end of March after a long season of visa/cedula problems. For an entire season of expats, we all enjoyed an extended, suspenseful anticipation of censos and cedulas due to administration difficulties in Quito. However, we are so grateful for the Cuencanos who assisted in the lengthy process. Our cedula was issued the day we flew out of Quito for NC.

So what about the container? If it were not for friends in Asheville, we would still be wandering about the warehouse. Although we had our household items in tubs and boxes stored in two storage units, we still had to open every one and inventory each item. It required repacking over two hundred boxes and furnishings to be able to make the shipment.

At one dear friend’s insistence, we were able to ship our furniture in boxes made for chairs. My sister-in-law works for Ethan Allen, so we received many boxes to pack our furniture adequately.

Friends came to the storage unit and helped us pack and repack. So on the big day for our container to ship, ten of us staged boxes on the dock. We waited to pack the container.

Finally, our moment for container arrival at 2 pm … 2:30 we started making phone calls to Miami … 3:00 more calls ... then at 3:45 the answer. The truck with the container was not coming for at least a week. We were all shocked and confused. So, we had to reload everything back into the storage units. Our four hour task for friends lasted until 7pm.

Here we go… new decisions to make now. We already had our tickets to fly back to Cuenca. Our friend said she’d be happy to be in charge of packing the newly scheduled container.

We finally concluded Gary would return to Cuenca to begin condo remodeling; Sue would stay behind to handle the container dilemma. As it turned out, she stayed for nine more days, handling all the details of the container.

On the day the truck arrived, we had the same dear friends volunteer to pack the container. Our friend, Diana was in charge of the arranging of the items. She is an interior decorator, drew a design, and managed the packing. What a friend!

There were other issues we had to straighten out with the container inventory sheets, but
one by one, they were solved. On April 25^th, the container shipped from Asheville, North
Carolina to Charleston, SC to Guayaquil, for a final truck ride up the Andes to our new “departmento” in Cuenca.

We received news a week after Sue’s arrival in Cuenca that our container was to be in Guayaquil on Sunday, May 8^th – Mother’s Day! Only two weeks in transit. Now after a
couple of days in customs, the container should arrive in Cuenca, safe and sound.

Now it’s Wednesday, May 18^thand no container! No explanation. No timetable.

During the time we’ve waited for our container, we’ve been renovating our newly purchased apartment located 10 minutes walking distance from historic downtown “Centro” Cuenca. The former owners were kind enough to lend us a sleeper sofa with sheets. However, it was somewhat difficult for us both to sleep on a single bed for 10 days!

From old

To new
Another well-timed miracle! Although we are very sad our friends, Mike and Patty Grimm had to return to Arizona for Mike to have back surgery, they were kind enough to offer for us to stay in their apartment during their absence. Fortunately, they live about 5 blocks from us – an easy walk. We did not know what a huge blessing this was going to be until we started spending our nights there.

It has been wonderful to get away from the paint fumes, the empty abode with a small apartment refrigerator (our friends Jack & Claudia also lent us with a table and two chairs). We’ve been able to get good rest at night and eat well by cooking in Patty’s great kitchen!

Realistically speaking, no move is ever easy – even moving within your home country. Make it an
international move and you have stresses and decisions beyond the “norm.”

You have to “weigh” the pros and cons of having your own things or buying them here in Cuenca.
We tallied it up and decided we would come out “cheaper” to ship the container. The plus of shipping the container is that Sue will have her piano – a 40-year old upright William Knabe special. It belonged to her mother and Sue acquired it over a decade ago.

So the end result of our decision had to do with bringing things that were “us” to make our apartment “Home Sweet Home!”

To be continued ………………….

Announcing Great Leads for Services and BREAD!

2011-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCING...

SOURDOUGH BREAD

….for all you bread lovers!

Sue has been used to making sourdough bread back in the United States for a number of years. So we made a mad dash to purchase some of this bread, when we found out who made it and where you could get it.

Branden and Sandra Lenz, owners and operators of a catering center, Villa San Carlos, located
at Remigio Tamariz y Ave Solano (1-85) right across the street from the gas station and next door to the church (in between the construction with huge parking lot)
Phone nos. are: 281 1903 09 847 7668

branden.lenz@gmail.com

They make the bread each week. You can order the bread by email on Tuesdays and pick it up there at the center on Thursdays after 12:30 p.m.

Be sure to try this delicious bread. Oh, they have other wonderful items such as vinegar, sea salt, strawberries, lettuces, all of which you will want to try.

Mejores Servicios Médicos

We have had several massages since we have been here but one we feel is unforgettable was with Thom Golden, a registered nurse who performs "foot massages," or better known as reflexology. We both made an appointment and found it very relaxing, informative, and helpful. You might want to give Thom a call and ask him about this. His cellular is: 09 664 9970

We delighted (is this possible?) to experience an incredible trip to the dentist. If you haven't found a dentist and are a little concerned about getting a good one, we feel we have a "top notch" gal. She was referred to us by Thom Golden, who kept saying she was just a delight and a "painless dentist!"

Her name is Paula Dominguer and she is located off Solano on Daniel Cordova Toral 1-115 - not hard to find. We had an appointment last week and found her not only to be of the highest quality professionally, but absolute fun to be with as she worked on our mouths! Gary was in the chair for a comprehensive cleaning and it was only $25.00! So…if you want a superior and AFFORDABLE dental cleaning and check-up, see Dr. Paula. 09 786 8908

Amazing Crazy Day

2011-03-14T13:47:00.001-07:00

Amazing Crazy Day

Time flies when you are having fun - even when you're not always having fun. Since our last posting, activities have been flurrying with us of every sort.

“Hang on" if you haven't received your stamped passports from Quito. Overjoyed, we received the long-awaited phone call last week declaring our passports had arrived and were in hand at our attorney’s office. On Friday, we were escorted by Nelson to the Cuenca Censo office.

Surprise! A truck hit a pole earlier that morning and knocked out internet connections in the vicinity. A small crowd of curious Censo seekers nervously watched computers go up and down while waiting. Midway in our turn, the computers went down again with half our process completed. So, “ya’ll come back now,” in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, you would have thought going to the Censo office was "old home week." We actually saw several people we knew. So while visiting, Gary left his bag unattended in a chair (okay now, everyone in unison “Shame on you, Gary!”). What happened? Well, while at the "policia," it was "lifted" into thin air. Sue's main bag was and is always GLUED TO HER, but we lost our camera, Sue's daytimer, DVD’s and other things. Fortunately, no money or detrimental information was in the bag. Good news: Sue gets a new camera!

Moral of the story: No matter where you are, do not leave anything unattended, even at the Police Station!

Amazingly, we not only obtained our Censos that afternoon, but our lengthy negotiations on the purchase of an apartment were completed. Then, the cozy casa we have been renting the past 4 months was rented to another Carolina couple. We had just met Bobby and Terri, before leaving that morning. They wanted a quick occupancy…so we will be roommates for a few days.

Now…to fly home to Atlanta, Fyffe, and Asheville in a week. Yes, a month with family, friends and the IRS. Oh, the Joy.

Cuenca Suite

2011-03-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

Cuenca Suite

For years, Sue has experienced recording studios in the US, yet never expected to enjoy her first recording session in Cuenca, Ecuador. Young Pablo Lorenzo, an intimate, powerful musician and composer, also leads worship for Bill McDonald's new “unchurch” called "6:08". It meets Saturday evenings at Mall de Rio, convention room Yanacuay I. Bill McDonald is Unsion Television’s CEO and Cuenca’s longtime missionary and friend.

We met Pablo after one of their first services. With our common interest in music, and his excellent English, we began a friendship.

One Friday evening, after dinner in our “casa,” Sue & Pablo enjoyed some music as he played the guitar and Sue was on the flute and keyboard. Recently, Sue and Gary visited his recording studio where she recorded her first Ecuador composition, an instrumental entitled, "Cuenca Suite."

Sue has also "cooked up" a surprise song for Mother's Day in hopes to have it completed upon their return from the States. It may air on Unsion Television, as a gift for mothers in Cuenca.

Pablo has all the "state of the art" equipment for recording, even though he is stationed in a modest studio which he calls "BIG CROWD MUSIC." He certainly has a wonderful talent for guitar, writing, singing and as a studio engineer. It's his love! You cannot help but love Pablo!

If you would like more information on Pablo, you can find him on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pablolozano.music

Routine Legal Drama

2011-02-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

Routine Legal Drama

After looking at 50+ homes and apartments we are having real drama attempting to purchase a condo/appt (3rd floor with great views and a quiet neighborhood). Things like unpaid SS taxes on staff for many years, fumes from gas heaters, recent burglary, and undisclosed issues are part of the culture. No wonder it took us six requests to obtain the annual condo meeting minutes! We modified our offer to immediate all cash in order to gain a simultaneous closing to 1. pay off existing mortgage, 2. obtain clear title and 3. pay realtor. Closings in stages are common here. Otherwise, we might have had to wait weeks after paying mortgage to obtain clear title. Price negotiation requires patience and the help of an unhurried realtor – a rare item here and in the states! Due diligence is very important. Things like title insurance and home inspectors are rare items. There is no MLS and anyone can be a ‘realtor’.

It's an adventure learning business here. Law is not like US Common Law, but European - statutory only, no court rulings, legal precedents, etc. Traffic laws and driving culture is like maritime law - the small must give way to larger difficult-to-steer craft, and pedestrians are very small craft. We have learned not to rely on green lights or ‘walk' signals. City traffic moves quickly, sometimes ignoring things like red lights, especially the famed taxis (and buses!)

I was impressed when the government caught the Director of Immigration falsifying documents …and immediately fired him and his entire staff. After two months they recently resumed the process of issuing residency cards or Cedulas (think US green card). Of course our 90 day tourist card has expired. We are still in limbo over residency issues, but yesterday we met with local Director of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. She is going to try to expedite us. Another helpful Cuencana.

Our Dog, Stover Speaks! Rrrrrrrruff!

2011-01-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

So many of my Masters' friends have asked how I am doing! Thank you! (Please send me dog treats! My Masters are coming home in March).

Yes, I can roll my "r's" now. I use to bark, "Ruff." Now I bark, "Rrrrrrrrruff!" Pretty cool, huh? I will tell you about my travels and adventure getting to Ecuador. First, I have now been labeled "Equa-Dog" and a/k/a "Jet Dog!"

It all started with my Masters' decision to sell their home (my comfy dog house) and move to Ecuador. I was overhearing the whole time they didn't know exactly the plan, but had to at least take this step.

So...they made their plans and I just went with the flow. I knew a lot of "commotion" was being made over me - something about USDA papers, Consolate of Ecuador, shots, vet certification...BUT I just let them handle it all.

However, a week before we were to fly out for Guayquil, I got the bright idea to go after a dog on the other side of the street. Bang! I hit by a car! The noise was so loud, I could almost hear my Doggie Mommy & Daddy’s heart sink. Down to the ground I went. To their amazement and even mine, I bounced right back up.

Trembling, I ran away in fear - back to the apartment where they were staying. They could not figure out how in the world I could have been hit by a car, then run to our home. I heard my Doggie Mommy say she thought I was dead, when I first got hit!

They immediately took me to the vet. I was supposed to go the next morning anyway for my "official visit" for papers to fly out for Ecuador.

I like our vet. She is very pretty and sweet. She checked me out and by then, my back hind legs were vibrating. She says I was in shock. Yet she did not find anything broken or fractures.

All I kept hearing was how that it was a miracle I was not hurt badly, or even killed. Oh, but I was SO sore and shaken up that first night. Boy, was I ever treated so well. I am treated well anyway, but that night I got extra special attention! By the way, reckon there are “Doggie Angels?”

Within a few days I was walking pretty normal on my leg - no limping. Then the day came. We left for Atlanta, Georgia to stay with my Masters' friends, Pat & Teresa. We spent the night with them. Now they have a cat - and she doesn't like dogs very well. However, I think she tolerated me quite nicely.

The next day, Mr. Pat took us to the airport. I was "crowded" into this airline carrier - not quite like my dog crate at home. I didn't like it very well at first. My Masters' spent two weeks or more getting me used to it. They even taught me how to drink out of a bottle instead of a bowl. Well, it might possibly be because I’m pretty smart and like to obey them!

But that airline carrier - well...not my favorite. However, I let them put me in it. I was able to be with them until one hour or so before the JUMBO JET flew. By this time, I had to go down to security. Guess where they put me?

I was taken into the bottom of the plane! Of all things! Fortunately, there were some other animals there or I would have really freaked! Next thing I know this huge "whatchamacallit" was going up. Talk about barking! I couldn't stop. I didn't know what was happening! I finally settled down and got use to the roaring noise of the plane, hoping I'd see my Masters again.
.
The time finally came...I was taken off the plane and taken inside some airport - didn't know where we were, but I was still in the crate - guess that was a good thing! And there she was - Doggy Mommy staring at me through the door of the carrier saying, "Hi, Stover - it's okay!"

So why didn't they get me out of this thing? They were not able to, as I later learned, until we got outside of the airport. After they went through all their "stuff" of getting through immigrations, checking bags again, etc., I finally, finally, got to get out of the carrier.

As soon as I touched my legs on the ground, I realized I couldn't stand on one of them – the same side where I was hit by a car. My leg was sore all over again!

Now my Masters were really worried! Oh no! Was I injured from the ride? Come to find out - I was just healing from being hit by a car. By staying in basically the same position for 12 hours, it made my leg sore again!

Later I learned that where I got hit by the car was in the buttocks. My muscles evidently were very strong from all the hiking and walks my Masters have taken me on, all these years! This is what made me not get hurt. Wow, I really am a happy dog.

We got in a van and went to a hotel where we spent the night. Oh boy, I'm with my Masters again and things are starting to seem normal! Next day we boarded another van and rode for 3 1/2 hours until we arrived in Cuenca. I got to be at their feet in the van the whole way up the mountain! What a wonderful ride!

As you probably know from their other blogs, we stayed with friends, Jack & Claudia, when we first got to Cuenca. We stayed there for 10 nights. They have a dog named "Iggy." Iggy and I are good friends (even though Iggy ate my dog treats!) I also got in Iggy's food whenever it was on the floor - sometimes Iggy's Master forgot to take his dish up off the floor and before my Masters saw me, I would sneak a snack.

Now they call me "Snack Sneaker!"

After we moved into our casa, things really started "feeling" normal again. I have eaten the same as at home except now, I get more carrot treats than ever. I always got to eat vegetables at home, but it seems I do get more! Carrots are the big one for me - I just love them!

I am meeting new people here in Cuenca, through my Masters, which has always been fun for me. These people here speak with a funny accent though - not like my Masters. Oh, but I just love people!

I guess I really am an Equa-Dog now. And guess what? I am a bilingual! Don't believe it?

Watch the video below!

Gotcha!
Stover

Happy New Year

2011-01-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

The New Year has begun - it's the 9th day of January and already, the days are filling up! December's end was delightful - we spent Christmas day at a brunch hosted by Jane & Thom Golden. We met more American friends and enjoyed the most delicious food!

Christmas evening was enjoyed with our dear friends, Jack & Claudia Johansen (our neighbors too). They hosted Christmas dinner inviting a number of American friends as well as our beloved Cuencanan family, the Heredias.

We had a delicious array of food cooked by Claudia and Sue mostly. Claudia's famous now for getting a large turkey in her small oven - the bird didn't know it was shoved in that oven but the way it turned out, well it was just like home cookin'! And Claudia is also famous for making a cheesecake with a vegetable (forgot the name) a lot like squash. Same for our friend, Rachel Miller, who made pumpkin pie without the pumpkin and with this vegetable! Was it good? Absolutely. It was delicious! Again, tasted just like home!

Sue's favorite to cook though for the Christmas dinner, was a sweet potato souffle. The funny part is that the sweet potatoes are purple! Who's gonna eat that? Yet it tastes exactly like the sweet potatoes from USA - just purple in color! So below is a picture - you just have to see it.

Being a part of the Cuenca tradition on New Years Eve was well, "a hoot!" We were invited to participate in the traditional "doll burning" with Alfredo, Leonor, Sarah, Ruben, and Mateo as well as our neighbor friends, Jack & Claudia!

Below are pictures to substantiate we did indeed, burn the old year! Of course no one volunteered to represent the doll! BUT there was a contest held at the end - whoever had the funniest routine of some kind of humor won the mask that the doll wore. We also lit sparklers as our "fireworks" for the evening. The picture at the end will tell who won that contest!

Very briefly, here's the tradition: dolls are sold all over the city. Many purchase a doll and name the doll a particular person as a joke. Some make statements of things done through the year they want to forget or tease that person about. Others just get the doll representing the old year - of things they want to forget moving onto the new year. Nonetheless, the traditional holds that late New Years Eve, people burn their dolls, lots of firecrackers - you name it. It's not New York Times Square yet it is nonetheless, a big celebration for Cuenca.

As we move onto in the new year, as stated, the days are filling up meeting more people, looking for a more permanent place to live (all last week!), and getting the daily routine down. Most of all, learning more Spanish!

We also are starting our Bible Study on Thursday, January 13, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at Unsion Television Station, downtown Cuenca. Thanks to Bill McDonald, CEO of Unsion, we have this wonderful opportunity. We hope to have a roomful of Cuencanans and Americans (both have planned to come) and share the excitement of learning more of God's great love and mercies together, as well as demonstrating His great love to one another!

Enjoy the pictures!

WOW! Wonderful Ongoing Weeks!

2010-12-08T04:44:00.000-08:00

We've been here almost 4 weeks now. What can we say but WOW! - Wonderful things are happening each day, each week. The best part is meeting such wonderful people already, both Cuencanans and Americans.

Friday was a real treat for us. Our landlords, Nilo and Ana took us to their farm in Nutli, about 8 minutes from where we currently live in their charming "casa" (house). What a view. Here's Ana and Nilo, a picture of their living room taken from the loft, and a marvelous view of Cuenca from their mountaintop.

The day before, (Thursday), was very special. We visisted a school started by a young pastor. Our friend and CEO of Unsion Television, Bill McDonald took us there to the school - he wanted us to see this very special work which had been started by him. "Bolley" is his nickname - short for Bolivar!

Bill McDonald has been heading up Unsion for 7 years now. Unsion is regarded as the number one station in Cuenca. Through Bill's enablement, we will be starting an English Bible Study in January at the station. We are hoping not only for English participants, but also for Spanish ones who either know English or are learning English.

Going to this school was a special treat. The children are what we would call in America "latch key" children, whose parents work and need a place for their kids to come after school. At this school they receive lunch, further instruction, they can play, and they also hear about the love of Jesus Christ. WOW!

Couldn't resist taking a picture of some of them!

On Sunday, we visited a nearby church in the community and made our way through an all Spanish service. The language was not fully comprehendable, but no problem comprehending the love of Christ. We followed along nicely in our Spanish/American Bible. The pastor spoke very clearly and succinctly. We even recognized a chorus sung in the States which they sang. The sweetest part was when a widow woman, who spoke nothing but Spanish, invited us to her home for juice. Although we had to work at communicating with each other, again there was no problem communicating the love of Christ Jesus. This was so special!

Yesterday was such a marvelous day too. Sue had lunch with her newfound American friend, Connie. Connie and her husband, Mark have been in Cuenca for 6 months. However, Sue introduced her to Yucca Fritas - they both had a plateful for lunch! Except Sue had a plateful of "broccoli vapor!" (Steamed Broccoli!). Yucca Frita is grown like a potato except it is very light. "Frita" means fried however, they are fried very lightly - the oil does not "stick" to the yucca like it does with potatoes, so therefore it's not heavy.
And of course, Sue's favorite these days is "Agua Con Gas!" (Naturally carbonated water!)

It was wonderful to share and be with Connie. And how marvelous to have found a kindred spirit so many miles from home. We'll be together again for sure!

Gary was off with Arturo - a native who specializes in helping Americans when they come to Cuenca! Arturo helped us with our bank account at Banco Pichincha among other things. Gary took him to VAZ Corp, a financial institution where we also have met some new friends and have opened an account.

After Sue was finished with her lunch, she met Gary at VAZ Corp and we chatted with our friend, (amiga) Diana. Diana is the manager of the department and helped us GREATLY with establishing an account there which was very much needed for our visa.

Diana invited us to go to lunch with her and her fellow employee and friend, Marisela. So off we went. Gary had not eaten, so Diana treated Gary to a wonderful lunch at a nearby hotel, where she and Marisela eat everyday for only $2.50. It was such fun getting to know Diana and Marisela more - such two wonderful ladies and now very special friends.

Diana's birthday was this past Saturday. Gary gave her a small book "The Gospel of Juan" written in Spanish. She was so appreciative and it meant much to her. As she teared up, her comment is that she is trusting in God. Nothing could be more dear to us than to have them brought into our lives. Marisela is left, Diana is to the right.

Part of a day includes riding the bus and/or taxi to town, stopping by the Super Maxi, meeting new people all along the way. Days are full and each day brings something special.

Stay tuned as we continue our journey in Cuenca!

Hasta Luego!

Where We Live

2010-11-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

Two weeks - that's how long we have now been in Cuenca. What can possibly happen in two weeks? Well for one, God provided a place to live - right down the street from where we were staying with friends, Jack & Claudia Johansen.

We moved in our little house five days ago and have been settling in ever since. Who would ever believe 6 large suitcases, two carry ons, two laptops, a dog, and little bags of this and that (since we've been there) would take some time to unpack. Yet it did.

But here we are and it feels like home. Our landlords are gracious and warm. The husband, Nilo and son, Francisco speak English, and the wife, Ana, a little. Nonetheless, there's been fine communication exchanged and we're all "happy campers." Below are pictures of the place. Stover's happy too.

Where we live for the time being is a 3 bedroom (one bedroom is an office), 1 1/2 bath townhouse like home with wood floors, tile and carpet upstairs. There's also a loft upstairs - another sleeping area, but it's great for storage of our suitcases and such!

It comes completely furnished right down to the towels, bedspreads, dishes - you name it. It's a lovely little place and we feel so fortunate to have such a wonderful place to work from as we learn Cuenca and develop our place here.

We've learned where a few stores are - Super Maxi is the best grocery store in town, a little like Ingles Supermarket. The co-op is right down the street, along with the "lavaderia" (laundrymat). We are presently getting in a routine, while we return to our learning of Spanish and building of relationships.

There's LOTS to do but it's one day at a time - same as at home. God leads each step of the way, granting rest in Him as we walk.

One picture needs some explanation - the picture of teacups. This is especially important for Sue since she has a long held story about teacups and how special they are in her life. The first time we walked into this place to rent, there on the wall were these teacups. Hmmm...not a coincidence. It's kind of neat to go thousands of miles from home and there it is - something magnificent to once again, let us know in reality, how the Lord weaves such details into our lives.

Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned as this adventure unfolds!

Our New Home

2010-11-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

" Hola" from the city of four rivers in the Andes.

After roaming all over town last week we rented a row house yesterday

.So, with our 8 suitcases of worldly goods, we are settling into our new home. Small, but confortably furnished, 3/1.5 so we have room for guests.

And only $450 plus est. water $8/mo, gas $3/week, elect $25/mo. Oh yes... a weekly maid- $10 for 4 hours. We get to walk every day to the produce mkt, bus stops (bus fare .25) and along the river in front of our house. Cabs are $ 1 to $3.

Stover loves our small back yard with manicured grass, blooming roses and shrubs. Yes, all taken care of by a monthly visit by the gardener. So, half the income, but a staff of two and a personal driver (taxi).

We have to allow more time for most things, but this is an improvement - more time to reflect and enjoy our new environment.

Daily we are amazed at the warmth and friendliness of the Cuancanos here. Our neighbors are a family of doctors. Dad is an internist and son a pediatrician. Other neighbors are friendly with their minimal English and our poco espanol.

We went to church with Billl McDonald and Edwardo from Unsion TV -nearly all in Spanish, but we are learning. Friday evening was a bilingual home church led by a couple from So Africa. We enjoyed sharing The Great Exchange (II Cor 5 ) and meeting several folks.

We appreciate your thoughts and prayers. See ya in March 2011.

Confused but learning,

and... rejoicing,

Gary & Sue

First Days in Cuenca

2010-11-23T07:20:00.000-08:00

What would you do if only two days you moved into your home you had company? Not just overnight company, but "don't know how long you're gonna stay company" with 8 suitcases, an airline carrier and a dog to boot!

This is what happened to Jack & Claudia Johansen (left) when the Gaithers arrived in Cuenca, Ecuador November 13, 2010.

The Johansens left their abode in Oregon, USA only 10 days before. Little did they know that the home they planned to live in did not work out and they were frantically looking for a place before we arrived. We had planned to stay with them when we arrived but no one knew they would have such an ordeal happen to them.

But here we are....all nestled in a two bedroom home with 1 1/2 baths, two dogs (ours and theirs), with everyone adjusting to the new arrival to Cuenca. It's been a week for sure and to follow are the highlights of such a week!

On the next morning of our arrival, Claudia had already been informed of a house down the street from them for rent. We looked at it but weren't quite ready to make the plunge without looking to see what was out there.

And so we did. Read the next post and you'll find out the conclusion...

Second Day in Cuenca 14 Nov 2010

2010-11-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

What's It Like?
The Past Two Days

I've known a few people to move to another country or go back to one after a long stay in the States and wondered "what's it like?" to be in another country immersed in an unknown language and culture. Little did we realize we get to answer the question.

We arrived in Guayguil, Ecuador after a 4 hour flight from Miami. Just checking into the international airport is an ordeal in itself. However, we found this time it was a lot easier than our departure in June (when we visited Ecuador for the first time).

What was different? For one, the line! We got waited on almost immediately. It was HUGE in that we had 6 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, 2 laptops, a LARGE airline carrier for "Stover", AND the DOG!

Gary paid the ticket agent for the extra two bags we were taking (we were allowed 4 free ones) AND our beloved dog, Stover (BTW - he cost $150!). I was expecting the Jeopordy music to begin as he weighed our bags. "Nah, nah, nah, nah...nah, nah, nah, nah"  Fifty pounds is the limit.

If your bags are over 50 lbs, it may cost you $60. One of the two extra bags was "over the limit." But as to how much over the limit, well we were holding our breath! So we saved it as the last one to be weighed.  It registered 71.5 lbs.   Oops. If you're going to be over the limit, you can only do so at 70 lbs.

So are you now holding your breath? Did they make us take something out? Nope. He let 'er fly. We were in! And the next step was checking Stover into security. We got to spend another hour with him, before he was taken down to the cargo area. They load animals the very last thing.

We arrived in Guayguil at 11:25 p.m. on Thursday night. Little did we know we had to get all our luggage, then wait in a line to go through a security scan again as well as immigrations. By the time we finished at the airport and snuggled into bed, it was 1:30 a.m. 20-hours travel time.

Next day we had a MARVELOUS Latin breakfast, with "Moon River" playing in the hotel. Now we were ready for our 4 hour van ride over the Andes and through Cajas National Park (think Rocky Mtn National Park) to Cuenca. We rose above the cloud filled valleys and finally, the sky opened up our views. Thank God for new road construction with curbs around precipices. Stover was adjusting nicely even though he had his moments.

We arrived at our hosts' home at almost 2:00 p.m.   Jack and Claudia had just been in their home for only two days yet had GRACIOUSLY invited us to stay with them, until we found a place of our own. Their dog "Iggy" quickly became friends with Stover. Not only had we "dubbed" Stover as an "Ecua-Dog," he now had an "Ecua-Buddy!"

Not long after we were here, the doorbell rang. The Gaithers had visitors? Unsion Television's receptionist's husband and daughter were here to deliver flowers to welcome us to Cuenca! What a surprise!

We had become fast friends with her (Leonor) this past June on our first visit and stayed in touch via email. It was such a blessing to meet her husband, Alfred and daughter, Sarah with their flower arrangement!

Our hosts took us to an Italian Restaurant in downtown Cuenca. By the time we finished and arrived back at their home, we were ready for the bed! And almost to bed we went. We fellowshipped a little more, getting to know Jack and Claudia.

Next day was Saturday and we awakened with an itinerary already! Claudia arranged for us to meet the neighbors 5 doors down with a potential furnished apartment for rent. At 10:00 a.m. we met up with a lady (la mujer!) who arranged for us to see a house, also for rent. We ended up spending some time with her (Macrina) and seeing another hopeful place. The real estate hunt has begun!

Macrina introduced us to what she calls, "the best massage therapist in Cuenca" - Nona. We went ahead and each had a 40 minute "unforgettable" massage. Macrina is right! We're going back. We will have a massage next week for $20 - for the both of us!

We asked Nona to help us call a cab (Nona speaks NO English) so she shouted up to the woman upstairs. Upon her arrival, we learned she owned the building and spoke excellent English. Jeanette invited us upstairs to see their apartment. She and her husband have two "ninos." (boys!) I commented on the flavorable smell I detected coming from the kitchen so she motioned us her way - to the kitchen!

Before we could say anything further, she had a dish out piling on steaming hominy corn. This is a tradition here in Cuenca. Go to certain restaurants and they bring you a bowl of it. You dig in - just like eating popcorn! Next thing you know, Jeanette is bringing out the cheese. We felt like family - at least we were being treated that way.

We hailed a cab and were on our way back to the house with lots of stories to share with Jack and Claudia over her homemade spaghetti dinner.   Jack is a former CIA agent, prison warden, hearing aid specialist, insurance agent, rancher, and military man. He gives true meaning to the phrase, "Jack of all trades!"

Claudia has a Master's in agriculture and for many years worked in environmental applications. She even had her own consulting business after retirement from the State of Oregon. Now she's really retired! She is going to teach English to the staff at Unsion Television.

Now it's off to bed by 10:00 p.m.

Goodnight!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2010-10-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Remember the song, "I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again..."

We're leaving on a jet plane, November 11, 2010 bound for Cuenca, Ecuador! We'll be back though, after we've gained a full picture of what the Lord desires for us to do in Cuenca. Once that is settled, we may be in Ecuador for a longer assignment than we have been able to conceive.

So what led us to this point?

For one, missions and the word "missionary" has been a seed planted in our hearts for a very long time. Gary has served on mission committees in the past. He has also been on a number of short-term mission trips. And Sue once left all to attend a Bible school with the thought of being a missionary. While the timing of that was "off," she still found herself taking some of those short-term mission trips with Gary after they were married.

We like what someone said is their definition of a missionary: "A missionary is a person who ministers to whoever is currently "in their face!" "

In that light, we've all been and are missionaries. Yet the timing for us to go to Ecuador seems so right. God has certainly confirmed this.

We took our first trip to Cuenca, Ecuador back in June. In a short, two-week period, God connected us with a number of people to be in relationship with both personally and for ministry. You could say "it was love at first sight" for both of us!

Cuenca is becoming a favorite retirement spot for North Americans. Canadians go there too! And Aussies! "Ex-pats" tend to be a little adventurous and very friendly. We have already begun to establish relationships. Our hope is to begin an English-speaking Bible study and worship.

One of our connections is with Unsion Television, a secular broadcasting station with a Christian counseling emphasis. There is a ticker at the bottom of their regular programs (i.e. cooking, sports, talk shows, etc.) that gives an 800 number for them to call if they desire prayer.

The counselors operate much like the Billy Graham organization using volunteers - they listen to the caller and then are leading many to faith in Christ.

We had an opportunity to speak to a group of these counselors this past June. We also went with the President of Unsion Television, Bill McDonald to a church where he preached two a.m. services. Gary gave a greeting and welcome and Sue was asked to sing a special, "Will You Marry Me."

The same need for every person exists everywhere in the world: To know God and His Son, Jesus Christ. And...that He loves them.

After our two week "tour" in Cuenca, Ecuador this past June, it was obvious God was leading us, that when we returned home, we were to put our house on the market.

Within a week or so after coming back to the States, our home went up for sale. Inside of six weeks, we had an offer on our home. Actually, we ended up with two offers the same day and weekend. The offer we took was the one for cash BUT what a story behind it - that's another blog! To us, it was a bonafide confirmation that God did indeed, wanted us to take this step. But also, it was a bonafide miracle that our house sold in such a repressed real estate market. We are so thankful.

The packing began, but it was more than usual "normal" packing. Normally, you box it up and take it to another house. This time there was no "other" house to take things to. The course was to either store it, sell it, or give it away.

We ended up with two 10 X 10 storage units of our belongings. We sold many of our things, not to mention spreading out some of our clothes and such among our friends (they wouldn't fit in the storage unit!). Hey, there's a couple of things at our former home with the couple who bought our house! That's pretty special!

Our home closed on September 28, 2010 yet on the day before, Gary had outpatient surgery for a hernia. We had already planned to leave for Cuenca the first part of November. However, the surgery ensured that we could not leave until he had recovered nicely.

We had another sweet, sweet provision of the Lord when we sold our home. Our dilemna was to find a temporary place to live until we left for Ecuador. The word was out. One day the phone rang with an offer to live in a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in North Asheville.

This was not only a perfect provision to us but an exciting one. For the people we are staying with are just so dear and happen to live in a neighborhood that is one of our favorites for the fall season. Every tree exudes with color as you drive down Kimberly Avenue.

What a precious memory for us now as we realize we got to celebrate Sue's favorite season (Gary's 2nd favorite), enjoying immensely, God's creation and fellowship with our hosts.

There's another question: What about our dog, Stover?

Answer: Stover's going to Ecuador! He has been dubbed as "EquaDog!" We are looking forward to taking him, although the process to learn what all needed to be done was quite extensive and laborious. Gary spent hours on the phone to find a qualified person to give the exact details of what needed to be done.

It's fine now and Stover has his "checker number" along with our reservations and tickets! And we are almost finalized in our plans. Packing is the last thing we need to do.

So to recap: We are departing from Asheville on November 10, 2010. Our flight departure for Ecuador is the next day at 2:00 p.m.

We believe God will unfold the complete picture to establish us there and how long we are to dwell in Cuenca. When we return in a few months, it may be that we'll be holding a big sale of belongings in our storage units. It's all right though. We are grateful for all of God's grace and leading!

Our email is: garyandsuegaither@gmail.com

Website: http://www.thegaithers.org/

Magic jack phone no. where you can call us in Ecuador - a free international call! Free call period if you're in the 828 area code - otherwise it's just a regular long distance call for another area code.

828-367-4321

Would love to hear from you!

Thank you too so much for your prayers as we go. Thank you for your SWEET friendships and love of Christ!

Cuenca here we come!
Sue & Gary Gaither