This Week

Well, since I last wrote you a lot has happened. First of all, I found a place to live. It is in the right neighborhood, the price is excellent, and the size is just right. A perfect find. I am living with one of the teachers from the Alliance Academy until the end of the semester when he goes back to the US. For those of you who know him, it's Dave Tieszen. I am just about settled in; all I need yet is a desk so I can really get set up work-wise.
Last week I had several meetings with people, including a big one with a group called Summit Adventure. We are working on a partnership with them that is quite exciting. The details are still being worked on so I won't include any specifics on that just yet.
One of Youth World's big partners is called Leader Mundial (World Leader). Their general purpose is to find business people in North America, who have the financial means, but ministry isn't necessarily their strong point. They get partnered one-on-one with a local from some other country who is the "visionary". This person has an idea for ministry but not the means to pull it off. It is more than just money though. These partners mentor each other, pray for each other, and hold each other accountable. And about once a year, they get together at a summit and go through trainings together; seminars, team building... Last week the summit was here at the camp I used to intern at (El Refugio) and I was out there for a couple days photographing it. Some of the countries represented were Russia, South Africa, Malawi, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and the Philippines.
This week, there are a few things going on. At the Alliance Academy, there is Spiritual Emphasis Week, where there is a guest speaker and Chapel every day. Please be praying for the students, that they would be impacted, and that the impact would change them for more than just a week or two. Please pray for the speaker, Mike Forrest, as he prepares his talks and connects with the students.
Finally, probably Tuesday night, I will start a trip out to the jungle. It will involve a couple of buses and then a canoe ride to get in to the Huaorani. There is a full time missionary out there and Chet and I are going out to support him in what he needs to get done. We are also building relationships with the people there. This is one of the places our Adventure teams will be going. Please pray for our travels, for safety. Pray that we'd have a meaningful time out with the Huaorani.
Thank you all for your backing. We are all in this together!

Crime

I am back in Quito now, and I am just amazed at how much the crime level has gone up in the last six months. A few weeks ago, my cousin was held up with several others at a Bible study. Today, I was in a cab driving down one of the main roads here at 11:30 in the morning and I saw a vehicle being held up. There was nothing to be done. The robbers had guns and all I could do was watch as we drove by.

Done

I'm in Toronto right now waiting for the Greyhound to go back to Belleville for a couple more days. Everything is now done. I have my support at 100%. I have my visa. I have my flight to Ecuador. God's timing is amazing! Everything has fallen into place so perfectly.
So, here is my schedule for the next few days. I'll get back to Belleville at about 8pm tonight (Friday). Saturday will be a packing day and just some relaxing. Maybe coffee with a couple people. Sunday I will go to Quinte Alliance for my last time (for real this time). I had my farewell last Sunday. Then someone will drive me in to Toronto where I will meet up with my parents. I will spend the night there and fly to Quito Monday afternoon. I should be in Quito at 9:40pm Monday night!