Weekly Wrap Up from Calacali, Ecuador

Weekly Wrap Up from Calacali, Ecuador

March 23, 2007

This has been a very productive week for us here in Ecuador. Howard found and bought us a car. I need to tell you the story surrounding the purchase though. Near us, there is a fairground type place where on the weekend they sell used cars. Howard had arranged two Saturdays ago, to meet our team leader, Bob, to look at cars. Unbeknownst to Howard, Bob couldn’t get through, due to a strike which had closed the road out to HER. Unfortunately, Howard had forgotten a phone. So Bob calls another team member, Juan Carlos to go “rescue” Howard. By the time Juan Carlos found him, Howard had already found the car he wanted, test driven it and partially worked out a deal. I guess between the little English the owner knew, and the little Spanish Howard knew, they had done OK on their own. Juan Carlos told me, “I know now I don’t need to worry about your husband.”

Spanish is progressing. Really, at this point it is a memory issue. In order to speak, write and read complete sentences we need to know the correct verb, adjectives and articles to fill in the blanks. Once we get our shipment we will probably resort to plastering everything with “post its”, until we learn the correct words in Spanish. I am excited about the possibility of teaching ESL here and have found there is a real need. Pray for me for the timing to start teaching.

Howard has settled into a good work schedule. He’s started with the basic maintenance of the tractor, truck and equipment and getting it all up and working. His days pass quickly; by time he works and then has his Spanish session, plus homework. Having Doris (pronounced Dorees), come here to HER (Hacienda El Refugio) is a luxury. We are finding though, it is a double edged sword because it is easy to get sidetracked from doing the homework required.

Last Wednesday, the 21st was an important day in Ecuador. It was the day of the Equinox, which means the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator and ecliptic intersect (Wikipedia). Because we are so close to Mutad del Mundo (The Middle of the World), at exactly 12:00pm the sun was directly overhead and for 1 minute a person’s shadow ceased to exist. During our Spanish lesson, Doris went outside with a chair to illustrate that even the shadow of the chair disappeared. Thought you might enjoy that little tidbit.

For many of you who are knowledgeable about the many mission organizations here in Ecuador, you may want to remember HCJB (World Radio). There has been a lot of internal turmoil in the last few weeks. The end result could affect the future of Hospital Voz Andes. Pray for God’s wisdom for the HCJB leadership as they navigate these turbulent times.

Each day we are humbled by the apparent provision of God. We are thankful…to finally be here…for a team that is so supportive…for good friends…for a job that is made exactly for Howard’s gifting…to finally get settled in a wonderful home…for possibilities. I realized a couple of days ago, I actually anticipate the next day because of all the possibilities that exist. Possibilities to love…serve…minister. That is my prayer for each of you this next week, to realize all the possibilities God has available exactly for you.

As always, we recognize in order for us to be here, it takes the love and support of you, our friends and family.

As God is our Refuge, Mary, for the Scholl Family