Pioneer Meeting and Circuit Assembly

This weekend we attended our pioneer meeting with the rest of the circuit and attended the circuit assembly.  There were so many pioneers that they had to divide into a morning session and afternoon session--all the brothers had to give their parts twice!  We had a total of 381 pioneers from 23 +/- congregations.  We went in the afternoon and because there wasn't good ventilation, it was HOT!  Very encouraging and a melting pot of different nations were represented.  We met brothers from France, Italy, Argentina, Spain, South Korea, and Germany.  There were also some pioneers from the Quechua circuit (picture below).  There is a big need in that language, growing faster than they can keep up.

The assembly was held at the Coliseum Coronilla, a covered stadium with no air conditioning.  Surprisingly, not that uncomfortable.  A sister made us portable seats because there were only concrete bleachers to sit on.  She was a life saver!  In the morning, it was cool inside and even in the afternoon, it didn't get too hot.  It was located on a the top of a hill and so we had a good view for the first time of all of Cochabamba--see pictures below.

Back to a regular week of activity.  We are going today to renew our original visa for 30 more days since we are still waiting for paper work for our one year residency.  More patience, more waiting. 

UPDATE: Went today to renew visas and surprise, surprise--whole new round of paper work that even our lawyer didn't know about.  What's more, since our visas run out Wednesday, we don't have time to do the paper work.  So we will be what is called "irregulars", which is a fancy way of saying illegal.  Really not too big of a deal, you just pay a tax for everyday you are in the country after your visa expired.  Ends up being the same amount of money as renewing the 30 day visa.  Very frustrating waisting time!

Thanks as always for the comments and encouraging words.   Till next time!

How many of the brothers came to the assembly---even an entire family--mother, father, and small child!  Men's bathroom to the left.

Dome of the coliseum

Remberto and Judith Arevalo--we rent from them.  He is the coordinator in the cong.

Pablo and Gaby Arevalo with her study 

Very efficient and organized cleaning--amazing to watch

Our cleaning captain--he was way to happy and zealous

Gaby, left, and Maria Luz--at pioneer meeting

Several of pioneer sisters from our hall, including the missionary sisters.  Far left is Juanita and down front is Elia (short sister).

Left to right: Gaston, Rodrigo, and Gonzalo

Two sisters from Quechua congregation

On the way home from pioneer meeting--10 of us in a Toyota 4 Runner

Baptism, water came up to below their knees, candidates had to lay down

Cholita sister

First Aid dept at assembly--my personal favorite