The house that Peter built

Well, not exactly a house but a very nice, functional addition. As we mentioned in a prior blog, Peter and his wife Debbie are missionaries here from Nova Scotia, Canada. Before leaving home, a friend gave Peter a sum of money to "do something good with". Peter found a family that needed a bathroom/utility room and in his spare time from the temple, he was able to build it. In spite of the fact that his ability to speak Spanish was very limited, he was able to communicate with suppliers of tools and materials and put together what was needed to do the constructing, wiring, plumbing and finish work on the project. I have sent some picture that show some of the work that was done, including the shower, sink, laundry appliances etc. Alfonso and Mariane as well as their two daughters and one granddaughter certainly appreciate what has been done for them. These people are certainly deserving of this work.
Alfonso has been an ordinance worker for some time. His wife has also worked in the temple. For some time now, they have been in charge of the baptistry in the temple on Saturdays. We, (the missionaries) are responsible for the baptistry for the rest of the week and we help out on Saturdays. It is nice to turn it over on Saturdays to someone as capable and experienced as this couple.
An interesting part of their story is the relationship that has developed between Peter and their granddaughter, Valentina. She is a vivacious three year old and after a period of time has accepted Peter as one of the family. This relationship has developed as if Peter were Valentina's grandfather.
We all know that missionaries come and go, and friendships that have developed are put aside, in many cases, as the missionary returns to his home. So it will be with Debbie and Peter as they finish their mission and return to Canada. Nova Scotia, Canada, is a long way from Guayaquil, Ecuador and it is unlikely that they will see each other again in this life. It would be nice for Mariane and Alfonso and/or Valentina to travel to Canada some day to visit but it probably won't happen. The costs are just too much. This family lives on less than a thousand dollars a month. To make a trip like that is simply out of the question.
It has occured to us here, that the retirement income that we receive is a great blessing that many people in the world do not have. We are able to serve as missionaries as well as other callings in the church because we are blessed with retirement income. It has also occured to us that we are accountable for this blessing, (income) as well as the time that has been given to us and the good health that we are blessed with so that we can do what is expected of us. I asked an ordinance worker (about my age) this morning what he did for a living or if he was retired. He told me that he wasn't working and he wasn't retired, then he corrected himself. He said that he was retired but without income. He faithfully serves in the temple here. I suspect that he has other family members that have jobs and provide enough for basic needs.
It is gratifying to see that there are many people from the US and Canada who come to South America and serve. Young people come to give service in the orphanages. Others serve on medical and dental missions. Still others on senior missions administer the Church Perpetual Education Fund and other programs. There are proselyting missionaries and temple missionaries. Many people recognize the need to give, to serve, and to share their blessings with others.
If you or someone you know is interested in temple service in Ecuador, we would be happy to put them in touch with our temple president who can answer any questions. Another way to help would be to sponsor a local couple to serve here. We know of at least one couple that could use such help.
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