Weeks 26 - 40: Loja

Week 15-25: Pasaje

Hello everyone!

Merry Christmas all! I hope you all had a great holiday season! On my side of the world, it's still as hot as ever. It's been my first time using AC in January. I'm still in the super cool little city of Pasaje. We've been working super hard here. Two more sister missionaries were recently sent here so we had the opportunity to look for houses and help them get to know the city a little more. Shortly we'll be receiving two more elders here and my dear companion and I will be parting ways. That means that I'll be showing 5 missionaries around this city for the next few weeks.

Quite a lot of fun adventures have happened here. I got to learn how to field dress a chicken. I was also able to eat a KFC chicken sandwich. After a lot of rice, it was a nice change. Also I discovered lasagna with bananas, which is actually pretty good. Best of all though, I get to spend all my time talking about Jesus to the awesome people here.

I'm doing good and I love Ecuador. I haven't been here that long but I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Coming here has changed my life forever. If you stay focused on Jesus, even bad experiences can be the best. Have a great week all!

Elder Bolingbroke

NOTE: We get pictures most weeks of Trevor but not a ton of emails since we get to see him on our weekly video calls. He loved serving with Elder Orchard for the last two transfers. He just recently got a new companion but we don't know who it is yet.

Weeks 10-14: Machala & Pasaje

Hola Amigos y Familia!!

(that means hello friends and family)

I am now in Zona Santa Rosa, Area Pasaje. I'm sure you've never heard of this little slice of heaven, so I'll sum it up for you. Pasaje is amazing! The people are awesome, there's a super cool cathedral, and the culture here is super rich and full of adventure. I am excited and feel blessed to be here.

I arrived in Pasaje just in time for the celebration of independence. There have been many concerts and dances in the streets, fireworks, and lots of activity. It is pretty special to be able to feel the people's energy here. Me and my amazing companion, Elder Orchard, are the only missionaries in the City. He's only been here 6 weeks, and I'm still super new, so we have quite the work ahead of us. It's ok though, because we're both excited to work hard here.

I've included a few images of our trip to the mountains with some other missionaries to ride bikes and look at a big cross so that you know I'm alive and having fun. I hope you're all also having fun. I've seen so many miracles here in Ecuador. I know you all can see the hand of God in your lives if you look for Him.

Take care all!

Elder Bolingbroke