Moore from Loja: From Quito to Cuenca to Loja

Hola amigos, I guess now that I have been in Ecuador for a few weeks I can start using my spanish. First and foremost, I wanted to give our praise report that Kim and I have made it through without too much trouble. Our bags have made it and our stomachs are still hanging in there. I have also been itching to answer our most frequently asked questions:

What do they eat in Ecuador?

So far the food has been pretty standard, but the staples seem to be pork, rice, and soup. The local specialties include Guinea Pig (which we won't feel bad if we don't try), and there are markets full of fresh local fruits and vegetables. The main meal of the day is lunch ("almuerzo"), and fresh fruit juice is usually served with it, although you have to search high and low to find a vegetable anywhere on your plate (usually they're only in the soup). Kim and I have been very fortunate not to have gotten sick yet, so I hope that keeps up for as long as possible. We are taking care not to overstep our food bounds, but at some point we are likely going to have to try something new (perhaps guinea pig?).

What are we going to be doing?

Building relationships with local Ecuadorians (mainly university students), working with SIM's English programs, and hopefully working with some kids programs. The motivation to have a lasting impact is to empower the local people to minister to those that are in need. This idea of development is the motivation for our work and time here in Ecuador.

So far we have been in Quito (the capital), the city of Cuenca for about 5 days, and now Loja for about 10 days. Our time in Cuenca was spent at the yearly retreat for all the SIM missionaries of Ecuador to meet together for a time of restoration. It was a great opportunity for Kim and I to meet the entire team and start building our relationships with them. Our time has been truly blessed so far and I am really looking forward to getting further integrated with the Lojanos.

While in Cuenca we took a quick trip into the downtown area, which was beautiful although a little congested. We parked outside of downtown and took a bus in and out. While the ride in was quite uneventful, the ride out was very exciting. Imagine a bus full of people speeding through a crowded downtown taking turns feeling like the bus might tip over at times. Needless to say we made it out and I learned that you can get a better ride in Cuenca for 25 cents than you can in Disneyland for 62 dollars.

For those who are supporting us in prayer, please pray that Kim and I integrate well with our family (Freddy and Maria). We are moving in with them Sept 12th. Pray for our opportunities to minister to the local Ecuadorians. And please pray for the Ecuadorian team as whole that we can work to bring the good news to the lost.

Psalm 32:1-2:

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit."

Un abrazo a todos desde Loja,

Doug & Kim