Update on the Quake

Hi everyone, just a note to say that I'm in Quito and OK, we've not been directly affected with harm or property damage, although aftershocks keep people very nervous, even here in Quito. On the coast, rescue and relief workers are still recovering survivors, but from what I've seen on the local news and social media and heard from friends, there is an incredible amount of urgent work to be done and there are many villages that still haven't been reached yet. But there's a beautiful solidarity among the Ecuadorian people in the relief effort. I'm on my way back to the mountains for this week, and I'm hoping to head out into these efforts next week with some religious sisters and the organization Caritas. In the meantime, I'm working on providing a way that friends back home can help out with donations if desired, and hope to have that posted soon. Please keep everyone here in your prayers, especially that the hearts of the people might continue to bring good out of the tragedy. Thanks!

Checking In Safe

Just a note to say that I'm safe here in Ecuador. We felt that earthquake here in Chontal, we're about 80 miles from the epicenter. The houses shook and there was some movement in the mountain and we lost power for a little while. But everyone's fine and there's no real damage here, thanks be to God. It was a loooong quake. Please join me in praying for those who've lost their lives, and for those who've lost livelihood.

Visit to An Angel

Pope Francis is visiting Ecuador just when I've come back, so I'm missing all the activity. But earlier this year I had the chance to help Franciscan missionary sisters send off a man, Don Ángel, to this residence for abandoned seniors in Quito. Don Ángel was someone I occasionally got to see in Puerto Quito, but had become homeless before the sisters found him a small temporary shack to live in, and then were able to coordinate with this residence in Quito. Right now, Pope Francis is visiting his house, and so even though I'm a little sad to not directly be a part of the acitivities, I'm very happy for Don Angel and all the people like him who are getting the visit of their lives! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWYzVxal310&feature=em-lbrm