Weekly Update - January 25, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
This week has been a lot of fun. Between camping trips (for Rick), girls night (for me) and a birthday party… we have been pretty busy!
Rick went on a camping trip with a bunch of guy friends this last weekend. They drove to Cotopaxi national park and then hiked into the park a ways. They built a large campfire, ate amazing food, and took a bunch of pictures. You can see some of their pictures here and here.
This last Sunday was the 25th birthday of our friend, Daniel Klassen. (The primary organizer of the aforementioned camping trip.) He grew up in the Alliance Academy dorms, while his parents served as missionaries in Peru. He has grown up hiking, climbing mountains, ice climbing, and trekking through the jungle. He is currently working (through Youth World) as a chaplain at AAI and he also helps head up the Climbing Club at the school. He has studied photography extensively, as well as attending climbing school in Norway. We have been so thankful to have him in our lives here in Quito. Daniel has helped Rick teach his photography class on several occasions, and has also helped spearhead a few camping trips for Rick and the other guys.
While Rick and the guys were out camping, I organized a small girl’s night of my own. A few friends came over, we ate yummy snacks, and watched the movie Hero. It was so much fun to have a group of girls to hang out with! I tend to be more of a couch potato and less of an extrovert, which means that I don’t often seek out opportunities for deeper friendships. God seems to be working on me in this area, and has provided several wonderful ladies that I am getting to know more and more all the time.
Rick and I continue to pray for direction regarding our staying here in Quito. We continue to form closer friendships (both with adults and students) and continue to find things that we love about this country. At the same time, we want to make sure that we are following God’s will in all that we do. We must let the school know what our decision is by next week, so I am sure that the Monday Memo next week will also include that update.
Please continue to pray for the people to whom we minister. I often feel that spiritual oppression is increasing (or maybe I am just more aware of it), and I see more and more people struggling with depression, anxiety, marital issues, drugs/alcohol, pornography addictions, etc. There are days when my heart feels so heavy, and all I can do is pray that the Lords return is soon. I am so thankful for the opportunity that He has given Rick and I to minister and love the people here. I pray that God will continue to guide us as we tell (and show) His grace.
Thank you all, once again, for your prayers and support. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome any visitors who might want to come and see us.
May God bless and keep you always,
Rachel
