COVID-19 Reducing our Missionary Force from 188 to 12!

Missionary work as we know it has come to a grinding halt!  As mentioned in last week's blog, the country is under quarantine until March 31st.  Curfew hours have gone from 9 PM to 5 AM; then from 7 PM to 5 AM; and now from 2 PM to 5 AM.  Fines and jail time are the consequences for breaking curfew.

This small grocery store across from the mission office has been opened everyday, all day, and into the evening throughout the quarantine..... until today, March 25th.  It closed at 2 PM.  Quito feels like a ghost town

Shopping is only allowed on certain days according to the last number of your passport or ID card.  Nothing is open to shop at except for grocery stores and pharmacies.  Elder Lewis and I can shop on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a face mask.

Elder Lewis reluctantly wears a face mask!

Saturday shopping experience at Supermaxi began with a Policia Nacional van parked out front.

A police officer was controlling the number of people going into Supermaxi.

Social distancing while waiting to shop at Supermaxi on Satuday, March 21. 
There was also a vendor at the end of the line selling face masks and latex gloves to shoppers.

We are going into the office for a few hours each day and we are working to follow instructions to evacuate missionaries as flights become available.

In February, we had 188 missionaries serving in the Ecuador Quito Mission.  Twenty-six (26) missionaries were sent home last week and by Friday we will have sent home another 35, leaving us with 127 missionaries.  That number will continue to decrease as travel arrangements are made.  The only missionaries remaining in our mission will be those missionaries from Ecuador.  Right now, we have 12 Ecuadorians - 1 sister missionary and 11 Elders.  We expect numbers to climb back up when Ecuadorian missionaries serving in other countries return to Ecuador, self-quarantine for 14 days, and then get reassigned to one of the 5 missions in Ecuador.  However, I don't see the mission returning to a 188 missionaries for a long time.

North American missionaries are the first to leave because of the State Department's humanitarian flights departing from Quito.  We are still waiting to see how Latinos will be returned to their home countries.

As Charles Dickens wrote......"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." -- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities --

Life's pendulum continues to swing; we are experiencing all of those things here in Ecuador, and yet we are optimistic.  We are confident that God will help us do the work that needs to be done and in ways that will offer his blessings to his children. 

Each day we are impressed by how the young missionaries are managing the disruption and uncertainty.  They are truly young people of faith and obedience.  They trust in the Lord and in his chosen leaders.  They respond with alacrity when asked to do challenging things, and they continue to work together in unity and love.

We have great respect for President and Sister Barlow, who are working around the clock to follow the instructions that they have been given, even though they are also quarantined and not able to leave the mission home.

This past Sunday, we enjoyed the company of the office elders for dinner - Elder Felix and Elder Tolman.  Later in the evening, the 3 sisters who live in our apartment complex - Sister Bartholomew, Sister Beeler, and Sister Eslava joined us for a simple, but meaningful sacrament service. 

Sharing Sunday dinner with our current office elders (L-R) - Elder Felix from Peru and responsible for housing;
Elder Tolman from West Haven, Utah responsible for most everything else. 
Two amazing young men who have worked some very long hours these past two weeks.

We are amazed by how seamlessly we've transition into Sunday worship at home. Knowing our efforts are guided my prophetic counsel and enhanced by available resources, is another witness to us that God is very mindful of his children and the circumstances we face today.

Elder Lewis and I appreciate our phone conversations and check-in calls with missionaries as we all navigate the unprecedented challenges of today's situation.  Yesterday, I received a call from two sister missionaries - Sister Millet and Sister Lopez, who had used some of their quarantine time to learn to play the ukulele.  They wanted to sing me a song that they had learned.  Hearing their beautiful harmonized voices with ukulele accompaniment was the highlight of my day.

Many of you have asked about our plans for the future.  With careful thought, prayer, and the support of our family, we have made a written request to stay and complete our 18-month assignment.  President Barlow sent our request to the Church's missionary department who has forwarded it to the Area Presidency.  We are waiting for their response, and we are hopeful that we will be able to stay until January 2021.  We still need to learn Spanish and my hair continues to fall out, but we feel impressed that this is where we need to be at this time.

We send our love to all of you.  Thank you for your prayers on our behalf.  Please know that they are reciprocated!  Global challenges and changes strengthen our appreciation for the goodness of humanity and the blessings of meaningful relationships.

Love to ALL!
Elder & Sister Lewis

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Thank You for Serving in My Country!

Tuesday's sweet blessing.....After a thorough online search, I called the Church's worldwide service center to ask about teaching materials for the deaf/dumb.  I was directed to the Missionary Department who then directed me to the Distribution Center.  Javier Medina took my call.  When I explained that I was serving in the Ecuador Quito Mission, Javier told me that he was from Quito and that his wife Maddie had served as a translator for Sister Barlow when the Barlows first came to serve as Mission President in 2017.  Small world!

As we closed our conversation, Javier said in parting, "Thank you for serving in my country."  His expression of appreciation was a tender mercy for me. I was feeling a little discouraged on Tuesday morning (hair loss continues), and Javier's words were a boost to my spirit.  The Lord often comforts us through the words and actions of others.  I felt God's appreciation for our missionary service through Javier.

A  picturesque view outside the endocrinologist office at Hospital Metropolitano.
Waiting to hear Dr. Jervis' review of the blood work.  

The Ecuador Quito Mission was looking forward to 130+ baptisms in the month of March. UNTIL...... COVID-19 came along.

On Thursday, the mission received instruction and funds to have each missionary go and purchase 2 weeks of food in the event there was a lockdown/quarantine.  Elder Lewis and I followed the counsel and went out Friday afternoon to pick up what additional food supplies we may need.  We found the stores to be stocked with everything, but meat.  Forty feet of 4-tiered meat shelves were all but totally depleted.  Thank goodness I already had plenty of meat stored in our little apartment's refrigerator freezer,

On Saturday, the mission was instructed to immediately send  home all missionaries who were scheduled to be released on March 31 and May 12.  We received the call on Saturday evening at 6:30 PM.  We had just attended the baptism of Rosa and Nicole Reyes de la Cruz, a mother and daughter who we had helped teach. We were feeling excited and optimistic about the work of the mission.  The last time the mission exceeded 100 baptism was in September 2019 right before the transportation strike.

L-R:  Elder Lewis, Sister Lewis, Nicole, Rosa, Brother Reyes.  Nicole & Rosa were
baptized on Saturday, March 14th - La Colon Ward, Colon Stake.

After receiving the call, Elder Lewis and I came home and then headed straight to the mission office.  Last week, I had prepared departure packets for the 11 missionaries departing on March 31, and I felt like I was a week ahead of schedule.  However, I hadn't prepared any departure packets for the 10 missionaries scheduled to leave on May 12.  So, we went to work.

Elder Tolman was in constant communication with the Church travel department rescheduling March 31 flights and making 10 additional flights.  Elder Lewis was reviewing finances and preparing for departure.  The Assistants were calling all 21 missionaries that would be leaving and telling them to go to their apartment, pack their bags, and take a taxi to Quito ASAP, even though this meant a 3-4 hour taxi ride!  And I was putting together a travel and a departure packet for each missionary.  It was crazy busy!  We worked until 2:30 on Sunday morning! We then went home for a few hours of sleep and we were back in the mission office by 9:30 AM to meet with departing missionaries, proctor English exams for the Latinos who were leaving, hold a sacrament meeting, and say "Farewell."

Feelings were tender  in the mission office on Saturday night as departing missionaries arrived.  Some were able to have their final interview with President Barlow, and some were immediately shuttled to the airport and on their flight home.  It was sad, exciting, remarkable, and in some cases downright miraculous!  One missionary who was serving in one of the outlying areas had to take a 4+ hour taxi ride to get back to Quito.  On the way, there was a landslide that blocked the highway. Traffic was detoured, adding at least an hour to his trip.   The Assistants were in constant communication with missionaries as they were traveling. At one point they lost track of this missionary.  Forty-five minutes later they discovered that he had arrived in Quito.  His taxi had just passed the landslide area before it occurred.

It was a moving experience on Sunday morning to sit in sacrament meeting with 15 missionaries (all Elders) who were still waiting to leave.  Elder Lewis and I felt that we were among some of the finest stripling warriors of the latter-days as we saw them work together to organize the service; and then heard them pray, sing, bless the sacrament, share their testimonies, and cry.  Their faith, obedience, trust, and responsiveness in accepting and following instructions was IMPRESSIVE!

All but 4 North American missionaries were able to leave.  At the last minute, 6 flights for North Americans were cancelled and then 2 were rescheduled.  The remaining 4 North American missionaries are now in lockdown/quarantine mode with the rest of the mission.  The Quito airport closed today and the city is QUIET!

Stores are closed and streets are empty in Quito as the country faces lockdown/quarantine.  People are allowed
to purchase groceries, medication, and go to the hospital between 5 AM and 9 PM. 
Authorities have threatened heavy fines and lengthy jail time if anyone is caught out after curfew hours.

North (above) & South (below) view of Amazonas, a busy street in Quito. 
All that can be found are a few cars, taxis, and motorcycles delivering Uber Eats and Glovo food orders.

While quarantined, our current plan is to spend a few hours in the office each day.   However, we anticipate that things will be VERY slow.  We will use the time to practice our Spanish, read and study, update personal records, and communicate with missionaries via phone and text.  Despite the troubled conditions throughout the world, we are optimistic!  We are so grateful to have a Prophet guiding the Church, and by extension, the mission, our family, and us.

We recognize that current circumstances are affecting your lives as well, and we send our love and prayers your way.

Blessings!
Elder & Sister Lewis

Alopecia! Verification!

I saw the dermatologist again this week and after taking or using the prescribed medication, foam, lotion, and shampoo for 2 weeks, her latest diagnosis is ALOPECIA. "Alopecia is hair loss or balding. It may happen on any part of the body. There are many types of alopecia. Some types cause temporary hair loss and your hair will grow back. With other types, hair loss can get worse, and become permanent."  The doctor did not specify what type of Alopecia I have, but she did alter two of the products I was using and recommended that I continue treatment for 30 more days.  

I've used the new combination of products for 4 days and I am not seeing any reduction in hair loss.  At the current rate of hair loss I don't think there will be much left when I see the doctor again in April.  


I know that I'm not the first woman in the world to lose my hair, but when I consider that there is a very real possibility it will never grow back, I feel a little discouraged.  I'm trying to stay optimistic, but the last week has been an emotional roller coaster, vacillating between hopeful to hopeless!

Looking beyond my hair loss struggle, mission life is going very well.  This past week we joined the new missionaries for their verification training.  Verification is a training day that occurs approximately 3 weeks after a missionary arrives in the mission. The 9 new missionaries, 5 Elders and 4 Sisters, that arrived on February 17th are adjusting well. They are working effectively with their companions, adjusting to the food and climate, and making progress with the language.  Adjusting to missionary life can be a challenge, but having a realistic and optimistic perspective makes all the difference.  

President Barlow reminded the missionaries of the 3 C's and counseled them NOT to:
1 - Compete 
2 - Compare 
3 - Complain  

He also taught us that successful missionaries:
1 - Have the Spirit with them
2 - Are humble
3 - Love the people
4 - Work diligently 

This information is meaningful counsel for everyone and applies to all walks of life.

Our news is brief this week.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf.  We are grateful for the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and we are thrilled to be here in Ecuador helping the missionaries share that message with the beautiful Ecuadorean people.

Blessings to all,
Elder & Sister Lewis

Service and "Stuff"!

Due to Carnival, Monday and Tuesday were VERY quiet days in the mission office.  For Family Home Evening on Monday, we invited the two sister missionaries who live in our same apartment complex to join us. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of pulled pork, roasted potatoes, lentil salad, vegetables, chocolate cookies, and ice cream followed by a FHE lesson and games.

Thursday morning when we arrived at the mission office, there was a young family waiting at the door and talking to the two Assistants from the Quito North Mission.  The family had traveled from Columbia, had been robbed, and was seeking help to get to Peru.  The Assistants and office Elders from our mission were not in the office on Thursday, so we had the Quito North Elders contact the Bishop of our Colon Ward, explain the situation, and ask if the Bishop could possibly meet with the family sometime that day.

Bishop Sigcha was very helpful and said that he would meet them at the Colon Chapel at 11:30 AM.  We brought them into the foyer of the mission office building and had them wait for about 15 minutes while we went up and opened the office.  We decided that I should take them for a quick breakfast, and then walk with them to the chapel, which was about 3/4 of a mile north.

Yesid, Yiyangley & Joshua

They spoke Spanish, but no English.  I used my very limited Spanish skills and asked them when they had last eaten.  It appeared that they hadn't had anything to eat since the previous morning, so I took them to the little restaurant (La Casona) that we usually eat lunch at and invited them to order some breakfast.  The restaurant personnel seemed to understand what was happening.  The family ordered some hot milk and a cheese like croissant. but the parents were also served orange juice, hard boiled eggs, and a banana for their 18 month old son.

Once they had finished their breakfast, we headed for the chapel and arrived 5 minutes before the Bishop.  I introduced Bishop Sigcha to Yesid, Yiyangley, and Joshua and then waited while he talked to them and assessed their needs.  When he finished, he said that he would make arrangements for them to get to Peru, and that I could return to the mission office.

I said 'farewell" to the family, thanked the Bishop, and walked back to the mission office.  I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve, for a caring and responsive Bishop, and for an organization structure in our faith that can be quickly mobilized to help those in need.

That afternoon, Elder Lewis and I returned to La Casona for lunch.  While there, the staff offered us a sweet drink that was made from the leaves of a plant combined with water.  I'm not going to lie, the leaves looked a little "suspicious," so before we drank it we clarified that it wasn't a tea, coffee, or illegal substance.  It was good and the owners said we could buy a small packet of the leaves for $1.

"Stuff"

I then asked how to make the drink.  When they tried to explain how to make the drink in Spanish, they could tell we needed a translation, so they invited another customer to explain.  He was probably 45 years old and was seated in the outdoor section of the restaurant with his two friends.  All three came inside, the translator stood by us at the cash register and the other two seated themselves at a nearby table.  One of the men who was seated, pulled out his phone, and was ready to use Google Translate if necessary.

The man who was translating listened to the instructions from the staff, and then began his translation with, ".....you take one spoonful of this sh__ (pointing to the bag of leaves) and put it with 2-liters of water. "  He then went on to say, "You boil the sh__ and then strain the ___ from the water."  I may be giving him some leniency, but I think he thought he was saying "stuff" in English.  Either way, the whole scene was hilarious.  From the man trying to translate, to his friend frantically trying to keep up on Google Translate while the other friend was leaning back in his chair repeating everything in Spanish, to the crowd of 10 that had gathered to see what was going on, and to Elder Lewis and I trying to keep our laughter in check.  All over a bag of ????

We paid the $1 and left La Casona with a bag of "whatever!"  Truth be told, we'll have to muster up some courage to give it a try!

Today, we went with the Elders to teach Monica, a friend of the family who'd lost a young man to suicide a few weeks ago.  We had a good visit and we were grateful to be included. The missionaries taught a lesson, Elder Lewis was invited to leave a priesthood blessing on the home, and we all shared our testimonies of the Book of Mormon - a second witness of Jesus Christ.

We continue to see the hand of the Lord in our lives and in the lives of others.  We know He loves us and desires to bless us.  We are grateful for that knowledge.

Love and blessings to all!
Elder & Sister Lewis