Celebrations

The photos include one of the couselors to the temple president as he and his wife were preparing to return home after concluding their 23 months here. There are also photos taken of church pioneers of Ecuador. This celebration was held on the forty fifth anniversary of the church in Ecuador. The people were given a certificate honoring their role as some of the first members in Guayaquil as well as their years of service after their baptism. Now there are thirty plus stakes in the country. In Guayaquil, where the temple is, there are eleven stakes.
Serving in the temple brings us into contact with faithful saints from all over the country. We feel honored each day to greet them as they enter the temple as workers and as patrons. There are now two couples who come several times a week. As recently baptized members they are awaiting the time required to receive their regular temple recommend by attending the baptistry as often as four times a week! They perform the ordinances, share with us their happiness in being in the temple and leave.
Another celebration was given to honor the departing counselor to the temple president and his wife. It was almost spontaneous with dancers performing and musical talents shared. Now this faithful couple has returned to their family in Nampa, Idaho. Having been away from their children and grandchildren for many years, they are enjoying the the newly established bonds with the younger ones. There is a photo of many of the ward young people after the party piling into a small pickup truck of the Miranda family. There are seven children in the family. Two of them are missionaries.
The youth here are typical LDS young people. They are accepting and helpful to each other.