Engineering in Ecuador: First Sunday and First work day

I'm now going on overload with all that's being pumped into me. Yesterday was very relaxing. We went to a Spanish speaking church in the morning of which I understood very little, but it was neat seeing others worship the Lord in their own language. After this we went out and got lunch, and I got quite a delicious steak with a fabulous view to match.

After our meal we had free time for most of the rest of the day. While the others relaxed in our house, I went and sought out company from some of the missionaries. I ended up playing ping-pong with some of the kids and then walking around with Eric for a while. It was nice to just relax. In the evening we went out to an english church service and enjoyed fellowship with the local missionaries.

Finally to end our Sunday, we went to the McFarland's for dinner and fellowship. It was very nice and I may come back a few pounds heavier with the food I'm getting here (as long as I avoid the jungle diet...).

Today was our first work day. We started with devos from Ian McFarland and then went over to the office to start orientation with Wim and Eric. You may be thinking "didn't they already have orientation?" but I would respond with this. There is orientation, and then there is becoming oriented. We became oriented with the reality of what is to come in the jungle, along with the way our actual bosses work and respond to the things we do and say.

I appreciated this time because we are no longer beating around the bush. We are "getting down to the nitty gritty." After a short time with the Engineers we went back for breakfast and a talk on Catholicism. The purpose for this talk was to familiarize us with the catholic faith because that is about 95% of what people claim here in Ecuador. It was very interesting and informative, and I am grateful to know at least a small amount more of context.

After this we spent the remainder of the work day working on a project/problem presented to us by Wim and Eric. We brainstormed a lot and came up with some decent plans. It was nice to be back in the game of engineering.

Finally we went out with Pat and Denise, as they are leaving tomorrow. We ate at a local Chinese restaurant (which are apparently very common here). I have yet to be disappointed with any of the food I have been given.

To end the day we had a Bible study, going over the book of Ruth. It was really encouraging and nice to just discuss God's word together.

We start bright and early tomorrow morning with coming up with a few more designs on our previous project.

To end this post I'd like to say, I've been presented with several things that could really use specific prayers. If you would like to know how you can pray in a more specific manner, please email me or Facebook message me and I'd be happy to elaborate. As usual I am so thankful for your support in prayer each day. I need those prayers. May God bless each of you.

In Him,

Sam Hodges