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!