State of the Union...

Just a quick update to give you a general idea of the nature of things in THIS half of the world to date:

Good news:
* It´s exciting to see "simulacros" being organized for disaster management... that hasn´t been a typical approach in the past 6 years that I´ve seen. It´s encouraging to see Quito and surrounding areas coming together (in the rescue services, at least) to practice disaster planning and dress rehearsals for potential earthquakes and volcano eruptions. The city of Quito is sending out professionals to review buildings for earthquake-readiness, for example. I´m grateful to the Lord to see the pro-active people (who were ALWAYS here, but mostly hidden) coming to the forefront - and apparently in positions of authority - taking responsible steps towards general safety and handling of difficult situations, as a team.

*Police at city and government levels are more visible now than ever, and are contributing to regulation of traffic, break-up of gangs, confiscation of weapons and drugs, etc. --- I´m seeing more news reports about successful police operations in general. There is also a large force out to help enforce "pico y placa" (to reduce congestion in the city during rush hour). I´m grateful to the Lord to see more organized efforts to address clear "wrongs" and injustices,,, to put things in good working order. It represents either a) a change in thinking, b) a change in attitude of those in charge, c) a change of priorities, or d) all of the above. Whatever the motive, the results are starting to look more positive.

*Face-lift: Quito is getting a face-lift in this past year. All of the malls are being re-done, complete with sidewalk cafés, security officers, new stone sidewalks, controlled and supervised parking areas, designated pedestrian areas and cross-walks, ... and the beauty and safety are being MAINTAINED over this past year :) The changes are phenomenal (you´d never believe it if you hadn´t seen it when I first arrived). They´ve taken out a couple of "redondels" -- the round-a-bouts to improve traffic flow, and the landscaping is also very beautiful. In all these areas, I´m seeing less grafitti, more security officers, more plants, trees, flowers and grass,, and more buildings that are "easy on the eyes". I´m thinking our new mayor is behind much of this organization and improvements I´m seeing here lately. Please keep him (Augusto Barrera) in your prayers. Join me in thanking the Lord for the peace and joy and comfort that come from the little details in life, that help you to relax a little and really enjoy your environment :)

Discouraging reports and concerns:
*The justice system seems to have so completely caved in, that all the positive efforts the police force is making are coming to naught ---- the successful operations, confiscation of truckloads of weapons and gangs of 5-10 people at a time are frustrated with the rapid RELEASE of prisoners, even those who are involved in weapons and murder cases. You can see the complete frustration and disillusion on the officers´faces when they´re being interviewed on tv. Please keep them all in your prayers -- as they literally face terrible life-death situations daily, are working on our behalf, see good results, then are completely undermined by lack of support.

*There is an increase this year in GUNS FOR HIRE, and related murders. Unfortunately, the latest news reports say that teens are answering the ads for quick money. Although the initial assassinations reported seemed (to me) to be between gang members or drug-related, there´s a growing national concern,,, and President Correa has issued the formation of a special force to investigate and interrupt this specific type of crime. Please keep us all in your prayers, that personal value could be restored and people would be more interested in dealing with each other again than settling for technical distance and simulated living.

* Tungurahua continues to erupt, showing lava flow and another strong explosion this weekend. Many people who don´t usually evacuate have agreed to evacuate this time; others insist on staying. I´m happy to see the organized city response this time (so very different from the 2006 eruption, that I can tell). I´m also encouraged to see people responding positively to the evacuation, and taking advantage of offered refuges. Thank you for your prayers for all of those involved directly with a potential full eruption, who could lose homes, cattle, crops, and lives; and for the rest, who will likely experience shortages and price increases for certain products following such an eruption. It would impact the entire nation.

God´s best to you all in your labor of love for Him.
Sincerely,
Michelle