Mother's Day Tea

What if we'd never come to Cuenca?  If so, we would not have met the beautiful ladies who came to our apartment Friday, May 10th.  They came because they were invited to be honored at a tea for Mother's Day.  With colors of purple and yellow, chocolate mocha cake (by Gary Huddleston) and Sue's carrot cake, lemonade punch made with vanilla ice cream, background music, the festivity began.
 
What happens when you bring Ecuadorians and Americans then for a Mother's Day celebration?  Plenty!  Laughter, tears, and joy through sharing stories of our mothers or being a mother.
 
It was a special time as the ladies shared in both languages - English & Spanish (with translation)!  Yet there is so much the same in both languages and cultures:  hearts, feelings, expressions, and being real! 

Since several daughters attended along with their mothers, there was a special time of their sharing what their mothers mean to them.

Elisa sharing how she in her busyness did not take the time to let her Mom know what she means to her.

 

And Mom, (Margarita) being deeply touched! 

 And after the second daughter, Caroline shares, it's time for a hug session! 

Margarita, Elisa and Caroline listening as others share their touching stories 

 

The door opened then for Sarah and her daughter, Dayana to share and have their special time as well!

 

Sarah shares openly about being a mother!

 

 Now it's time for Sarah and Dayana to have their hug session!

 

 

Tricia is getting ready to be a mother again!  She shared tearfully how watching her 17 month old son develop as a human being, with his little hands and mind.  It's the greatest joy of her life.

 

 

What another joy to watch Americans and Ecuadorians intermingle simply as women sharing the same things in life - same struggles, same desires, same hearts!

 

 

Of course, we share the same "clowning around!"  Karen and Sue break into dance to the song, "You've Got a Friend in Me," - just like a mother always is - a friend!

  

 

There's always a finale to everything - even to the Mother's Day Tea! 

 

At the end of our tea and special time together, each lady was presented with a handmade chocolate (dark chocolate!) and a song to honor mothers, written by Sue. 

 

 

And what about my own mother?  She's in a nursing home in the USA (Alabama) at age 90.  She is special to all of the four children.  This is the hard part about being in Cuenca, Ecuador -

I'm not with my Mom.  But she's in my heart!

 

So I put together a mother's day tribute for her and all mothers.  Since the file is a little over the limit for blogger, there is a link to YouTube below the next picture if you'd like to view it.

 

 

 www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLhjfPx8ibM

 

Happy Mother's Day to you, Mom and all mothers everywhere!

 

 



Real Estate - Purchase or Rent?

Real Estate

Purchase or Rent? 

          This chapter was included in our ebook, Thriving in Ecuador (see sidebar), but I should have added it to the blog last year.

Most expats rent for six months to a year before considering the purchase of a home or departmento.   Many expats begin looking for a home to buy as soon as they arrive, the risk may be that they later decide Cuenca is not for them.  If this happens, there can be a problem selling quickly, especially if they paid too much (with fees) for the property in the first place, or if it is a rural property.  Rural properties take longer to sell.

          We rented a furnished casa with a yard for our dog for four months while learning the city. We were on the outskirts on a bus line by the river. The number 16 bus became our friend as we observed the city and its inhabitants daily.

          Our decision to purchase an apartment was based on several personal factors:

1.     To lock the price during inflation. Homes are too great a value to wait long ($ 60 to $100/sq.ft). INFLATION MAY CONTINUE!

2.     For a permanent home and place for our cargo to arrive. We chose a close in rentable location in the event our needs change.
 

3.     Apartments are more secure than homes. Our trips to the US last for a month.

4.     We have 24 hour guards and an elevator.

5.     Close to Centro, but away from bus fumes, traffic and most noise. Beautiful walking neighborhood.

6.     Property taxes are quite low.  Our taxes on the apartment we purchased are $120 per year.

Some folks chose to rent for many reasons.

1.     To avoid tying up available capital. Mortgages are rare and expensive.  Mortgages are hard to quality for and typically, have terms like 30% down, 12% annual interest, and a 15 year term.

2.     Unsure of permanence of location within city or Ecuador.

3.     Rent is very low relative to purchase prices ($250 to $600 unfurnished; $350 to $1000 furnished) depending on location and size). Cuenca is the high end city!

4.     Waiting a year or two for their new apartment to be built. Pre—construction prices are very attractive. The savings may be 15-20%.

Investors note that resale and renting may be very different for gringos vs. Ecuadorans:

1.     Ecuadorans have their appliances, furniture and household items. And a car!

2.      They are willing to live further out from Centro

3.     Terraces and balconies are low priority. Interior space is of higher value.

4.     They may be more flexible about noise, dogs and location.

5.     Gringos may need everything; prefer appliances provided.

6.     They want close in, within walking distance of historic district (Centro), shopping, and bus lines.

7.     Terraces are wonderful. Most are accustomed to outdoor living spaces.

8.     A peaceful street is a must for most. Bus and truck pollution is avoided.

Realtors are frequently unlicensed, untrained and may lack North American standards:

1.     Commissions may be expected from both buyer and seller.

2.     Mark ups in asking prices, extra fees and hourly charges must be negotiated in advance.

3.     There is no MLS, appraisal system or formal inspections.

4.     Title insurance and mortgages are rare and expensive.

Potential Problems may surprise you:

1.     Attorney’s rates and procedures vary widely. Clarify in advance.

2.     Liens may be undisclosed.

3.     Titles may come slowly, be delayed, etc.  Titles are required for a home ownership residency Cedula. And the “tax value” (usually less than half the true value) must be at least $25,000.

4.     Notary services are required to certify everything. “Appointments “may mean stand in line, wait until someone returns, etc.  Allow lots of time!

5.     Have a Spanish speaker review Apartment Association minutes for the last couple of years. Who knows what problems were mentioned?

6.     Cuancanos may expect to remain in the apartment for 1-3 months after you own it. Be a little flexible, but negotiate a large deposit to insure the

premises are clean and vacated on time.  Be sure to hold back some money until the owner has turned over the keys and the title is completed with any agreed upon repair.  Otherwise, these things can be delayed indefinitely.  The same is true for paying Real Estate agents, lawyers, contractors, or anyone in Ecuador. 

7.     Finally, be sure to walk your new neighborhood at various hours, especially Saturday night, to discover its true character.  Ask a Cuencano friend to visit neighbors with you too.

Utilities are difficult to initiate and may require delays:

1.     Internet is essential, but usually requires multiple requests for installation. Service varies widely throughout the city in speed and availability. ETAPA is usually good, but may not be available in your building. Ditto cable. Verify before commitment!

2.     Electricity should be requested at their office on Ave.Max Uhle near Veinticuatro de Mayo. Monthly payments may be made at credit unions or pago services.

3.     Gas and water may be included in your condo fee. Propane tanks are also available for delivery for two dollars (government subsidized)!

4.      Cuenca water is wonderful. Coming from the Andes it is drinkable and tasteless (rated the best in S. America).  Many of us also order five gallon bottles from Pure or others for two bucks.

5.     On demand hot water is installed in most homes and apartments. Propane is much cheaper, but be mindful of venting. Also true of clothes dryers, which are usually gas powered, since electric rates are higher.

          Used furniture and household items may be shipped one time duty free within six months of obtaining your Cedula (residency). More details are in our chapter on cargo.

US Driver's License Renewal

      Legal: Driver’s License renewal when out of US

Perhaps my latest adventure in bureaucracy will assist others with a problem.

My NC driver’s license expires on my birthday in January 2014. The Dept of Motor Vehicles (DMV) responded to my call by reciting the creed, “must be renewed in person within six months of expiration.”  No exceptions. Humm…I will probably not return to NC this year, so in theory I will be an illegal driver anywhere in the mundo in January 2014.

After receiving an identical answer from a supervisor, I asked a police officer, a friend of Sue’s. After a bit of research she recommended obtaining a duplicate with a fresh photo, then requesting a new license by mail in January.  So I dropped by DMV with renewed optimism, only to be slightly rebuffed by their officer.  "No, you can not do that."

Another call to Raleigh DMV finally clarified the issue. Simply call Raleigh a couple months before expiration, explain my out of country dilemma and they will issue me a new license good for 12 months. During that period I must renew in person.  Now…why didn’t they say that in the first place?

Moral of story: Procedure for success is Ask, Ask, and Ask Again.  Sounds like Latin America!

Penthouse Rental

                      Penthouse Condo

Our investment fifth floor condo with 640 square foot terrace displaying panoramic unobstructed views is charming. Terrace has a large Jacuzzi and two covered areas accessed from both the living room and study. One bedroom with study and natural light everywhere. It is located one block off the Tomebamba River and a 5 block walk to Centro.

The building has an elevator, a backup generator, centralized gas and hot water. No pets are permitted.  Email to thrivinginecuador@gmail.com or 098-599 4299. USA magicJack phone (828) 367-4321

Cotacachi, Ibarra, Portoviejo, Puerta Lopez, Salinas

            Cotacachi, Ibarra, Portoviejo, Puerto López, Salinas

Travel and ministry brightened up our first week 2013. The Northern Andes area displays several volcanoes and varied culture. Framed between “Father Imbabura” and “Mother Cotacachi,” the Miller’s beautiful new neighborhood was our home in Cotacachi. The “volcans” hid their peaks in the clouds during our stay, but the peaceful valley and “leather capital” were enjoyable.

 

 

The Miller's Home in Cotacachi

We caught a bus to Ibarra to tour the bird sanctuary above the city. Yes, we admired the bald eagles, but they were dwarfed by the Condors native to Ecuador.  They are understandably the centerpiece of the national emblem and flag.  Our timing was perfect for the 4pm showing with their handlers.  Many of us enjoyed holding the owls on our leather-protected arms.

 

Condor Park - Otavalo

 

 

Plagued by sinus infections, we flew to Manta to visit our friends, Steve and Jackie in Portoviejo. Ecuador’s hottest city is experiencing rapid growth and boasts a new SuperMaxi and booming development.  Everywhere we have travelled in Ecuador the roads, housing and infrastructure are under improvement.  President Correa is a sure thing in the February election.

We were invited to speak to the Steve and Jackie’s church youth group on Saturday night. Little did we expect such openness and enthusiasm from the fifty youth (ages 14-24). Sue was voice-challenged by her sinus and throat, so we missed her songs.  After sharing “Christ is Our Life”, we offered a time for individual prayer.”  Every one of the youth came forward!  Fortunately our host provided interpreters.

During a late dinner we were asked to bring the Sunday message.  We elaborated on the youth message.  Life in Christ is not about self-improvement, but self-replacement.  We do not live for the Lord, but from His indwelling Spirit!

This time we stressed that only those who felt a prompting from God should come forward for personal prayer.  Half the congregation came forward, some waiting nearly an hour for God’s touch. We were truly impressed with the people’s openness and sensitivity to the Spirit!

During our Ecuadoran lunch, I asked Juan, the Senior Pastor, how he had developed the congregation during the last 20 years. He took no credit, simply stating they had experienced a series of brokenness and renewals.           “When we are weak, then we (“He”) is strong!”

Still struggling with illness, we limited our remaining tour to a day in Puerto Lopez and an evening in Salinas.  The many small beaches along the way tempted us with their quiet rhythms and placid shores observed from the comfortable buses.  Yet, it’s good to be home in charming Cuenca!

 

Porto Lopez

 

 

Salinas

 

 

Ecuador Health Insurance Update

                         Ecuador Health Insurance

While completeing the six question GringoTree insurance survey, it occured to me that readers may appreciate an update on health insuarnce. As a retired health insurance broker and former CPA, I reviewed policies available after moving to Cuenca in 2011. We expect to remain in Cuenca long term and do not plan to use US Medicare unless absolutely necessary. Since we are self employed with US income, our premiums are deductible on our 1040 tax return (medical expenses are not deductibe).

Salud: $10,000 ded. Comprehensive major medical for $104/month/couple, includes $4.50 office visit (healthy couple 63/57).

Salud: unlimited lifetime cancer $38/mo couple to age 120+

Santa Inez: network 90%, Rx, office and hospital, $80 deductible, $6000 max per illness (offsets $10,000 deductible on Salud plan above)) $40/mo/couple premium, life ins, ambulance, accident,etc.

Coopera: $2 office and dental, 80% max of $400/yr for $5/month/couple. Great for blood tests, prescriptions, routine needs.

Quality may vary with providers. Some speak good English.

We bought coverage while healthy because we expect Medicare to become very restricted under ObamaCare. Ecuador is our lifetime plan even though we will be forced to pay massive Medicare premiums under ObamaCare. The cost of Medicare premiums will nearly double starting in 2014.  ObamaCare must be purchased in 2014 if you are in the US over 35 days per year and under 65!
 Or you may pay a large penalty every year.

For further details  review our other postings under our "Health Insurance" headings.

Wait a minute. What is the exact language of the IRS regulation?

“The annual national average bronze plan premium for a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) is $20,000,” the regulation states.

 

“Bronze will be the lowest tier health-insurance plan available under Obamacare — after Silver, Gold, and Platinum,” CNS explains. “Under the law, the penalty for not buying health insurance is supposed to be capped at either the annual average Bronze premium, 2.5 percent of taxable income, or $2,085.00 per family in 2016.”

    Source:  http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/02/01/surprise-irs-calculates-cheapest-obamacare-plan-will-average-20000-per-family/

Our beloved friend, Stover

STOVER

September 3, 2001 - November 23, 2012
 



On Thanksgiving Day, we learned our beloved dog's time with us was over.  Stover was our only "child" for nearly eleven years.  We learned many lessons of life from our furry red friend.

What an incredible adventure we've had with him.  Many know the experience of transporting their "family" with them across international borders.  Stover, being 30 lbs. was not able to have the luxury of flying in the cabin with us, so his flight was in the cargo.  But what brave little creatures they are - adapting and flexing to whatever the situation brings them.

We've had the privilege of having our little guy with us the two years we've lived in Cuenca.  What a comfort he has been as we too, have adjusted and transitioned to living internationally.  And what a gift to have him here with us.

Stover had more friends than we did.  Everyone who kept him during our travels came to love him.  When we lived in the US, strangers often stopped us on our mountain hikes and in parks to meet this charming enthusiastic "people dog."  Frequently, we gave the testimony of God's gift and love through Stover.  Unconditional love is completely disarming!

Stover's been to nursing homes with me when I gave concerts and touched the hearts of many elderly with his love.  One of my favorite memories was when one of the nurses picked Stover up and put him in the lap of an elderly gentleman.  As I looked over in their direction, I saw them looking face to face and the man loving every minute of it.

It all began 11 years ago for us, when we talked about getting a dog.  We had already experienced the sorrow of losing a beloved cat, Bilbo (short for Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit).  And what a cat too!

We prayed that God would give us His choice for a dog. And He gave us the perfect match for us!

In May of 2002, I was at a grocery store in Asheville, North Carolina.  Every Thursday, a shelter would set up right outside their doors as a adoption center for those coming to shop.  Naturally, each week I would stop and visit the animals - just curious to see who had arrived that day.

Yet came this one particular day... I was coming out of the store, with my hands occupied with grocery bags.  The shelter had just arrived to set up for the day and she was getting the carriers out of the vehicle - ready to set up in animal crates.

My eyes immediately saw a dog being inspected by two ladies, who obviously had asked permission to get him out of his carrier.

It was love at first sight.

Gary likes shelties - I love golden retrievers.  However, having a golden was definitely, too much dog for us - more than we really wanted.

But this dog.  He was kind of a mix of both those breeds and a little of collie.

Yet there was something about him.  And I thought to myself, "These ladies probably want this dog..." the next moment, they put him back in the crate.

Now was my chance.  I sat down the groceries on the courtyard, and out of the carrier came what was soon to be our dog!

He was a little sad looking, maybe scared.  Guess I would be too if I had been abandoned.  As I was studying him though, one of those ladies came over and kneeled down besides me.  Her words to me are what I shall never forget:  "I know dogs and I want to tell you, this is a good dog!  I would take him myself, but I already have three dogs!  Yes, this is a good dog!"

That's all the confirmation I needed.  Immediately I went to the person in charge of adoption and said, "I want this dog - but I need to call my husband first and get him to see him!"

Because I had made friends with her over the months, she in a way, knew me.  Somehow she knew we were a perfect match and she said, "I'll hold him for you!"

I called Gary and after a business meeting, he went to the place where they had the shelter set up.  I had not described Stover to him at all.  By this time, Stover was in a pen with other dogs.  Gary however, (I wasn't there) was drawn to Stover - perhaps Stover let him know, "It's me, it's me!  I'm the one!"  Then of course, it was confirmed by our shelter friend, that he was the right dog.

He called me and said, "We've just adopted a dog!"

In thinking upon a name for him, nothing seemed right until the "light went on" to name him my maiden name, Stover!  It just had the perfect "ring" to it.  Sounded good too, when calling for him, "Sto.......verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"  But Stover needed a complete name too.  Theodore seemed perfect for the first name because it means, "God's gift."

"Russell Stover" is the candy company's name.  When I was in high school, there was a Russell Stover candy store across the street.  The question, "Are you related to Russell Stover candy people?" was asked numerous times.  And since Stover was SO sweet - giving him the name Russell along with my maiden name seemed appropriate.

We did all the usual "stuff" with Stover - shots, having him neutered, and then obedience school!  And was he ever a natural - his temperament leaned towards wanting to please his masters. So he was pretty good at obedience!

Through the years we hiked with him in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of  North Carolina.  Stover enjoyed people so much - he loved to meet and greet people  Because of him, we made new friends!  He also entertained them with his obedience tricks!

Like all who have loved their pets, we have many stories of our life with him and his with us - wonderful, wonderful memories - and no regrets!

During Stover's short illness of almost 3 weeks, he kept his loving, sweet demeanor - wanting to please us.  With him, we had a great love.  And we are grateful to have had him for these beautiful 11 years.  When it came time for Stover to go, of course, we cried and said our goodbyes. 

Then there was the question "Where could we bury him?

The night before the vet was coming to our apartment to put him down (Stover could not have made it one more day - he was so sick!), we called our dear friend of two years now, Tania, of Hotel Inca Real.  One of her family members owns property in the Cajas.  It seemed to be the perfect place to lay our beloved to rest.  She told us she would take care of it and that she did!

It was all arranged.  The vet came a little after 8:00 a.m. We had our last moments with Stover, then proceeded to the Cajas.  Two of our American friends joined us, Mike and Lawrence - Mike graciously drove us to the Cajas.

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by those who knew of the arrangement.  We were led to Stover's burial spot.  Everyone so kind.  Enrique lovingly dug his grave.

And there we laid Stover in his special place.

Below are the pictures we want to share where our beloved friend and family member is privileged to be buried.  It seemed so fitting - for as a family, we always loved the mountains and Stover had been on so many hikes with us.

Again, we are SO grateful to have been blessed with our precious Stover.  And we are so grateful for all of his friends and our loved ones who knew and loved him, and took care of him.  There are so many.  

These are memories which can never, ever be taken from us.

We love you, Stover!

 

 

 

The Gate you go through and right after is Stover's grave

 

 

 

 

 

 Stover's famous looks

 

Theodore Russell Stover Gaither

 

Stover, we will miss you - thank you for 11 wonderful years!