Catamayo

Catamayo is part of the Loja District and is a 40 min bus ride. We have had three sets of missionaries there for quite some time and it is growing and getting stronger. President Jara is the Branch President. He works in Loja so he stays overnight in Loja frequently but he is willing to sacrifice his time and efforts to fulfill his many responsibilities. The chapel is very small and only holds seating for about 75. They often have 100 or more in attendance. The church has rented another building to use while they double the size of the current building. We enjoy visiting their branch and they are always very welcoming. I was very impressed that they rented a bus and 30 members came to see the Christmas Devotional put on by the mission this year.

Their climate is very different from Loja - much warmer and much less rain. The green fields are sugar cane but without water the hills are dry and brown.

 

These photos were taken in the town square where the bus stops.

 

 

I love these trees. They grow all over the Dominican Republic and are covered with these red orange blossoms most of the year there. 

 This is the little chapel. It is on one of the main streets in town. Most of the sidewalks are covered. Much more comfortable in the heat of the day.

 

 

 

Looks like the missionaries have an English class, judging from the blackboard above.
Below are a couple of the missionaries and some members helping someone get to church this morning.

This is President Jara (on the right) with one of his counselors.

The first Sunday we visited we were invited to go with the missionaries to the home of the Branch President to have lunch. There are three sets of missionaries in Catamayo. So that was 8 extra people for the biggest meal of the day. The grandmother was there cooking as well as the mom. It was so kind of them to invite us. It sounded like they invite the missionaries every Sunday. This is their home. The two little boys below are both adorable and President Jara treated them like sons. I do not know if they are or not. They look very close to the same age.

 

 

On December 2 we had a fun experience in Catamayo. The airport is located there and Hermana Quizhpe was returning home from her mission serving in the Ecuador Quito North Mission. Her mother lives in Loja so she flew here. President Torres asked Lewis to meet her at the airport, interview her and release her from her calling as a missionary. We got there nice and early. Her mother, two sisters and the husband of one sister plus some other family members arrived with a balloon and flowers. We learned a little bit more about this amazing young woman. She speaks four languages - Spanish, French, English and Mandarin Chinese. She was in China as a student when she applied for and was called on her mission. Unfortunately for Loja, she will be returning to school in the USA very soon but what a treat to get to meet her and her family.We went to the chapel which is close by for the interview.

 

 

We missed the homecoming of Colby and Jacey. We are so proud of our family missionaries. Can't wait to hug the two that are home and pretty soon...the five that are still serving.

 

Yea for missionaries. Welcome home Sister Quizhpe.

One more photo I took in Catamayo. These boxes were sitting right across the street from the chapel. My five girls know why I had to take this shot. For 14 years they got up early - very, very early - and helped fold hundreds of newspapers that we stuffed into banana boxes and apple boxes. Thank you again for your help every single morning!!!