Reality settling in for the Team

It's early Wednesday morning and the sound of the traffic has woken us up to another day. there is a constant yet gentle odour of deisel in the air and the temps are fairly cool in the morning and evenings and warm during the day. Being so high, the UV rays are strong so many of us have some level of sunburn which we expected. We are dealing with headaches and upset stomachs due to the altitude and it seems each of the team members has gone through some bout of something but nothing serious.
I have lost my voice for the last few days. I think I caught a little cold and with the altitude, dust and everything it affected my vocals. Maybe God is just asking me to be quiet for a bit.
The people at Carmen Bajo are astounding. We have heard testimony after testimony of brokenness, abuse, alcoholism and poverty and then about the love and care God has poured into those situations. It is powerful stuff. The little children are brown bundles of love and hugs. They swarm and attack at regular intervals and it is impossible to resist their charms. Our very organized Canadian programmes have been chaotic to say the least and we have been jolted off our time schedules and expectations and really taught to enjoy the people and the relationships more than the programme. Here it is about community and everyone on the team is feeling the pressure of that in both good and bad ways. I guess we're not in Kansas anymore.
I have asked the team to give me some thoughts for the blog so I will try to post them tonight or tomorrow. Our schedule and access to internet is limited but we will try.
It would be fair to say that everyone here misses everyone there. It is unique here and quite astounding when you look out over this mountain valley and see the homes of close to 2 million people nestles amongst the spectacular mountains, clouds hanging gently beneath the peaks. It's definitely easy on the eyes.
I am so proud of our youth. They have really stepped up. It is amazing to look over the edge of the work site and see them digging and wheelbarrowing away, with big smiles and dirt covered faces. It is hilarious to watch them trying to do a craft with the kids while being mobbed by these brown bundles of love. They are truly touching the heart of this poor community in Quito and it is affecting them in unique ways.
Please continue to pray that we will be stretched and that we will continue to hear about and experience the will of God in this mountain city. Peace and Grace be with you...PETE