Getting ready for Christmas

Sharon and I headed out to do some last minute Christmas shopping this AM. We noticed several things that make the Ecuadorian experience very distinct to the Canadian experience.

1. No sales - yeah, forget about even 10% off. It just doesn't happen here.

2. Buying paper - check out these photos. You can by wrapping paper in the mall, but it is more expensive. This was on the sidewalk outside a hardware store.


3. Temperature - according to the sign at the mall, it was 18 degrees C. Nice warm sunny day here right now, but dark rain clouds are forming. I see on the Weather Network that southern Ontario is about -16 right now . . .

4. Greater emphasis on the Nativity and birth of Jesus. He is at least, if not more, as prominent as Santa.

So, there are lots of bonuses of not having the white Christmas we are used to!

The gifts of God

At Christmas we often think of God's gift, especially that of Jesus whose birth we celebrate in just a little bit more than a week. But there are other gifts for which we need to be thankful.

This past Thursday through Saturday, our local radio station here in Quito (and the one on the coast in Guayaquil) celebrated "Mision Compartida" (Shared Mission). The purpose of this is to strengthen the relationship between the ministry and the listeners, to raise funds for the coming year, and to call the local church into greater participation in the Great Commission.

As we ask our listeners to donate to the radio ministry, we often get very unusual gifts. The video shows one such gift. We received about 500 donated chics, and they were consequently sold with the proceeds going to the radio ministry.

We thought you'd enjoy seeing this to help give a little bit better perspecive of some of our reality, and because it is so cute.

Happy Thanksgiving

Just dropping in to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. OK, a Happy US Thanksgiving (us Canucks celebrated in October, but I never turn down an opportunity to be thankful and eat turkey - and take a couple of vacation days!). And I know, for most Americans, Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, so we are late. But I think it is a general Canadian mindset for our Thanksgiving that it is the whole weekend, not just the Monday.

Regardless, and albeit late, Happy Thanksgiving. Now, let's break out the Christmas tunes!

Update on shooting incident

According to the Ecuadorian newspaper "El Comercio," the four men involved in the excitement on Monday (two of whom we saw arrested, two escaped) are now all in custody. Apparently they had robbed a store manager making a deposit of $21,500. So now we know the rest of the story!

Exciting trip! (too exciting)

On Monday, Graham and two colleagues (Doug, Director of Media Ministries and Barry, Director of Information Systems Ministries) headed off to Shell to visit with the team there (HCJB Global has a hospital in Shell, on the edge of the jungle). While coming to the end of a bypass around the city of Ambato, they were suddenly passed by four guys on two motorcycles. Suddenly, around the corner, the police threw up a barricade. Graham came to a stop, one of the motorcycles went around the barricade, and the other motorcycle went down sliding into the barricade. Police immediately converged on the down bike and it's two occupants, and waved Graham and the others on. Meanwhile a couple of police on motorcycles and in a pickup truck pursued the motorcycle that had not stopped. "Wow, that was exciting."

A hundred yards later they suddenly heard gunshots (see video) and were ordered by the police out of the van and to lie down on the road. It seems the police caught up with the other motorcyle on the bridge you see in the video and they were exchanging gunfire with the guys who refused to stop. Approximately 8 shots were fired in all. In the video - at the very beginning - you hear one ricochet and police sirens. This was the end of the shooting (by the time Graham and the others were ordered out of the van it was almost over). But you can clearly see a white pickup (police truck) going across the bridge while the guys are scrambling to get out of the van (and you will hear Graham putting the parking brake on - safety first!).

We never did hear what the cause of the chase was or the eventual outcome. But God clearly protected us; a few seconds sooner and we would have been on that bridge when the shooting was happening. Life is never boring . . . .

HNIC and Thanksgiving

Wow. I was reading the news on cbc.ca and discovered there is a new theme for Hockey Night in Canada (not that it actually helped the Leafs on Saturday night . . . ). I did watch with interest as the great Canadian debate ensued last spring with the loss of the old theme. I don't understand why another network would pay so much $$$ for it when it will - for at least one generation of hockey fans - be associated with the CBC HNIC. Oh well, what do I know.

I'm curious - what do you think of the new theme? I listened to it several times and, well, it's not the same, but it is kinda catchy. Do you like it? What are people at Tim's (ah, Tim's . . . hmmm I could go for one right now!) saying?

Like I said, I'm just curious and we are soooo out of the loop. And, oh yeah, HAPPY CANADIAN THANKSGIVING, EH!

We have a new prez!

After several months of searching, we are celebrating today as our new president was presented to the mission. It is Wayne Pederson. His most recent position (that he is leaving to join HCJB Global) was as Vice President of Moody Broadcasting, and Manager of WMBI (AM and FM) in Chicago. He will begin his duties with HCJB Global on 1 Nov. Thanks for praying for God's leading - now celebrate with us in God's goodness!

And there were no primaries, no debates, no fund-raising, no running-mates :-) (I love to tease my American colleagues!).

Referendum update

The vote went smoothly yesterday, and the "Yes" side (adopting the new constitution) won the majority of votes. Please continue to pray for the government as the implement the new constitution and take concrete steps to form the government according to the new laws.

We'll keep you posted as things develop.

Thanks!

It's about time . . .

Yeah, we kinda disappeared off the radar for a while, but here we are back again.

Just so you are up to date . . . on Sunday (28 Sept.) Ecuador will be voting on a new constitution. The issue (as you can imagine) is the source of much debate and conversation. We'd appreciate it if you'd remember to pray for this wonderful country as everyone heads to the polls in less than a week.

Thanks!

Founder of Hospital Vozandes visits us!

Dr. Roberts greeting Blanca and Pastor Gustavo Molina

Dr. Paul Roberts, Graham, Hermann Schirmacher

Last Thursday we had Dr. Paul Roberts, founder of HCJB Global's hospital in Quito come back for a visit. He was invited to give some lectures here in Quito and in Guayaquil. We had a lunch to honour his presence, and enjoyed getting to know him a bit. In case you didn't know, he is Canadian, currently living in Toronto :-).

He has just written a book telling some of the stories of his life. If you are interested in getting a copy let us know - I'm not sure yet how they are being distributed, but I'm certain we can find out.

A few years ago Dr. Roberts was honoured by the Ecuadorian government for his work in improving health care in the country. He was made an honorary citizen and given passport #1. He now serves Ecuador as a Consul in Canada.

Graham meets the Mayor

As you saw in our previous post, the rains have created a huge sinkhole in Quito. On Saturday Graham went down to take some pictures. While touring the site he and Hermann Schirmacher ran into the Mayor of Quito! (The young lady with Graham is Tamara, Hermann's daughter.) Our flickr site has a series of pictures showing the work being done. The mayor told us they expect it to be a year long project to get traffic flowing normally again.

Huge hole in Quito

We have had a lot of rain this winter, and up until now the most affected areas were on the coast. But yesterday the rains caused the collapse of a road and several landslides. The damage has been severe enough the Minister of Education cancelled classes today and tomorrow for all schools in metropolitan Quito.

Cuenca - the city of churches.

Mass in progress.
Originally uploaded by EyeMax

This week is our "March Break" at the Alliance Academy, so the kids have headed off to camp, and we decided to visit Cuenca for three days. Our flickr site has a bunch more photos. Cuenca is famous for its historic center (named a World Heritage Site), pottery and ceramic and jewelry. We saw the churches but didn't buy any jewelry.



We stayed at the Hosteria Duran in a little town of Banos (not to be confused with the famous Banos near Shell). We had a great time and enjoyed the break, but are now eager for the girls to come home from camp tomorrow!

Flood video

Our team in Babahoya has put together a video of their work. The rains are expected to continue until the end of April. Last night we loaded another truck with 500 "packs" of food (rice, sugar, salt, oil, beans, noodles, etc.) plus some medicine and clothes. We are working in areas were no one else (because there is sooo much need, and so few resources) has visited yet.

Not as much fun as it appears!

So much water.
Originally uploaded by EyeMax

While she appears to be enjoying the water, she probably doesn't understand the seriousness of the situation. It is now estimated over 300,000 are affected with the flood. It continues to rain. There are villages that have not received any assistance yet. We sent another truck of food, clothes and medicine down this week. Pray that those who are working in the relief effort would have the resources they need to complete the task!

The food pile - escaping out the door!

The food pile - escaping out the door!
Originally uploaded by EyeMax

The relief efforts for the victims of the flooding continues. We have a medical team on the ground now. All week we have been collecting food and cash (to purchase food) and today we started to package it up. There is already over a 1000 pounds bundled and in a truck ready to go that isn't in this picture. HCJB Global is working closely with Pan de Vida, Samaritan's Purse, Compassion, Extreme Response and other organizations to get the biggest bang out of our relief effort bucks.

Floods in Ecuador

On occasion it has made it on the news - there are devastating floods in Ecuador. Depending on how the math is done and who is reporting, 200,000 people - probably more - have been affected. This morning the news is reporting 23 deaths as a result of the flooding.

Here is a link to a gallery of photos.

HCJB Global is responding in cooperation with other missions. We have sent a medical team to the affected area, and are receiving donations of food, clothing and money to take down. This will be distributed in participation with several churches in the area. If you would like to donate, click here.

The government has declared a national state of emergency. This allows greater efficiency and mobility in moving resources to the flood area. It has also opened up new channels of communication for us as a mission to come along side the government in support of the relief effort.

Pray for safety of our team, for those who have lost everything, and for the long term impact (loss crops, etc.) this flooding has created. And thanks for being a part of our team!

Stop smoking.

Stop smoking.
Originally uploaded by EyeMax

This past weekend Graham headed down to visit with our team in Shell (the edge of the jungle). The road goes by the currently active volcano Tungurahua. It was mostly clouded over, but you can see the black smoke/ash being spewed out.

Now we have been hit with rain AGAIN!. The President has declared a state of emergency. You can read about that in a BBC News story. And here are some photos from an Ecuadorian Newspaper.

Pray for this country that is being devastated by forces outside anyone (except God's) control.

Volcanic update

After the big burp, the volcano settled down for about a day. But yesterday it started up again and there was another evacuation of those who had returned to their homes. According to the Geophysical Institute, there was one major tremor yesterday that lasted 90 minutes. So we continue to watch and wait!

Volcano Tungurahua Burps - big time!

Our very active volcano is at it again. Tuesday and yesterday both had significant erruptions of ash and a small pyroclastic flow. People have been evacuated from the surrounding region.

Here are some photos, and another great photo here.

So far our response team is on stand by as there have not been any deaths or injuries. Let's hope it stays that way!

Blue skies . . . FINALLY

This weekend has been Carnaval here in Ecuador. We headed out for a mini-vacation in Calacali (see our pictures on Flickr for previous photos of this beautiful spot). As you know, we have had a LOT of rain of late. Saturday was semi-dry, Sunday and Monday were wet, but this morning (Tuesday) we awoke to clear skies and a big blue sky. WOW - it was beautiful.

The cabin we stay in has a skylight. Last night we could see stars (we counted them - there were a gizillion). So nice to have things clear up.

One of the key things we did this time was work on Erin's science fair project. We hope to put up a new blog with her project so you will be able to look and learn! Her theme is "Sustainable bio-mass fuels for developing countries." Sounds cool, eh?

Still raining

Guess I was wrong about the floods. Check this out. There is another photo on the main page of the newspaper. Here in Quito we have not seen a lot of flooding, but the coast has.

Had a flat tire today, and while getting it fixed one of the workers at the tire place told me they had a lot of customers because of a landslide blocking a road.

It's raining . . . and raining . . .

Local news is reporting that Ecuador is currently setting records for rainfall. We haven't had this much rain in over 10 years - and not just in any zone; the entire country is being drenched.

As a result, it is COLD here in Quito. We haven't seen the sun for any prolonged period for a couple of weeks now. Everything is soggy - and green! At least the grass is growing.

We'll try and get a significant picture up soon to show just how much water has fallen. Until then we are digging out our rubber duckies!

The good news is that the rains have been gentle - we've not heard of any landslides or flooding. Let's hope it stays that way!

Preparing to Respond to Volcano Tungurahua

Last week we had a team of HCJB Global missionaries and other mission organizations travel together to visit the Tungurahua volcano. The purpose was to prepare logistically in case the volcano should erupt and there is need for a crisis response. Here is a video report of their travels.

Volcanic unrest

It has been in the international news of late that one of our volcanoes (Tungurahua) is acting up again. If you read Spanish, you can get updates here. There is a recent photo (Wed, 9 Jan 08) from the El Comercio Newspaper.

So far, the majority of activity has been the emission of gas, steam and ash. There has not been lava flow (although incandescent rocks have been thrown out). Seismic activity has increased (rumblings, noise, small earthquakes) and according to the Geophysical Institute, these are the same conditions that existed before the eruption in 2006.

So far approximately 1000 people have been evacuated from their homes, however they are being allowed back into farming areas during the day to tend to animals and crops. We have sent a team down to the area to see what the needs of the people would be in case of an eruption and to begin to plan logistics in case of the need for disaster relief.

This volcano is located approximatley 135 kms east of Quito, near the tourist town of Banos.

We'll keep you up to date!

Happy New Year!

Here we are, back to work (Sharon and the girls were back to school last Thursday, Graham was in the office on Friday, but it was FRIDAY so he really didn't work - but does he ever?). We love the Christmas holidays, but there is something equally satisfying about cleaning up the decorations, putting away our 20yr old fake Christmas tree - it is like a friend who visits us once a year - and getting back into routine. Now that anticipation begins for next year, as does the wish list of gifts so we can do some shopping while in Canada this summer.

To everyone who keeps up with our life and adventures, may you have a fantastic year in 2008 and know God's grace, mercy and compassion in unprecedented ways. Without Him we can do nothing!

Enjoy your week!