After First Week

Hola de Ecuador! (August 8)
I am doing alright here thus far, but I am beyondoverwhelmed with everything thus far...trying tolearn spanish, living with other people, the poverty, avery welcoming culture and everything in between.
I don´t have much time right now because we´ve been kind of on a tight schedule because our incountry director, kevin, has been showing us around the area.its been a little crazy.first time I have been able to check my email forthree weeks because I had an orientation inWashington DC and there are a limited number of interet cafesarouind here, and none close to my living area which makes it a big effort to even get to one.
thanks to everyone for your support and prayer thusfar, keep praying for an understanding of thespanish language, the ecudorian culture and to be focused on the face of christ.
believe it or not but i haven´t taken any pictures yet, nobody really has because we´re trying to respect the culture since we don´t even really know these people yet.
we have many contacts though and we´ve met many community members because volunteers are here every year so they know what we´re all about.it´s been very challenging practicing spanish, the people are very nice about it but they still talk super fast! plus, in this area of ecuador they slur and mumble over all their words...which makes it more difficult.
ok...more later...thanks for the prayers and all!
i´m definitely going to respond later to the personal emails later when i have more time.
many blessings!
sam