truth #2: What goes up DOES come down

As you probably guessed I am talking about the multiple airplanes that I took to arrive safely in Ecuador. I had two worries as I checked into DFW on Monday evening, one that my bags would not survive the three different planes that I was taking and the other that no one would be at the airport in Guayaquil to receive me! After my first flight I slept for 4 1/2 hours on the floor of the Miami airport. I made it through that flight to arrive in Bogota, Colombia. After waiting around 7 hours I boarded the plane for Guayaquil, praying the whole way that all my bags would make it and that someone would be there to meet me. Let me just reaffirm again that prayer is so powerful - thanks to all those praying with me through this process! I not only arrived with all my bags but I basically walked through immigration then to the baggage claim where all my bags were already out and waiting for me and straight through customs with no waiting! Never in all my travels have I experiences such an easy entrance to a country! Then as I walked out the doors apprehensive - don't ask me why as God had already answered so many of my prayers. I noticed so many Ecuadorian waiting then I saw this tall, obviously foreign young man standing in the line of people waiting, as I walked closer sure enough he was holdin a sign that said "Tabitha OM". I was so relieved! God is so good, even in the seemingly little things.



Now I would like to share with you about the people that I will be working with. Vibeke, or Becky is the woman in the first picure. She is 27 and from Norway. She meet me at the airport along with Lennart - the second picture. Becky will be my roommate until November, when she returns back to Norway, she has been here for a year already. Lennart is from the Netherlands, he is 26 and has been here since June. He is the one who was holding the sign for me at the airport, quite a welcome sight.



Darren is from South Africa. He has already been here one year as well and has plans to stay for at least two more. He is 27 as well, making me the baby of the foreigners at 24. The two ladies in the second picture are Joana and Cira, both from Ecuador. I have not spoken with them as much as the foreigners so I will be adding more about them as I learn it - also as my spanish improves so I can talk with them more. These two pictures are also two thirds of our office. Becky and Darren are at the portion at the very back, Joana and Cira are in the middle portion and the first part is more of an entry with doors on both sides. It is rather small as we have been added more people to the staff but I like it.

Now let me share with you about my apartment. First, I need to inform you that I live in the largest city in Ecuador, Guayaquil. This also means that we have the highest rate of crime. Everyone here takes great precautions to stay safe, that is a good thing as everyone who does these things as has not taken risks has stayed safe. Please do not fear for me as I know that this is where God has me, but if you do have anxiety please just pray for my safety. Our apartment is situated about two blocks from the office, which is very nice. I share a room with Becky, Darren and Lennart also share a room. We have a common area with kitchen and a living space. It is much safer to live in groups so I am very satisfied with the arrangement. To enter into my apartment I have to use three different keys. First, I much unlock the outside gate to get into the house area from the street. Then I need to unlock a gate to go through a passage way to arrive at the back area of the house and the stairs up to our apartment. Then after climbing the narrow stairs I much unlock the door to get into the house! I am finally getting the hang of all the keys but I am rather slow at unlocking.. Here are some pictures of our apartment. First the picture from the doorway, the door on the left is to the guys room and the one on the right side is to Becky and my room (we do have a locks on all the inside doors as well). Second is a picture looking back towards the front door. Third is the kitchen - we have an OVEN!! Fourth is a picture from our bedroom door, my bed is on the left and Becky's is on the right. Fifth is from the bathroom door looking at our closet. And finally, the bathroom. We do have hot water but so far I have had little desire to use it as the weather here is rather warm.





I appreciate your continued prayers. Please add these specific things to your prayers
- my adjustment to Ecuador
- that I would learn the language quickly

"Lord, You will establish peace for us,"

Isaiah 26:12a