big plans for Zambiza!

hey all,

we had another wonderful afternoon at the Quito Dump. this week, we had James' short term team join us...and thankfully at that, because we had 37 kids show up! Ruth, the woman that i go with every week, said that it was the most they've ever had! apparently, during the school year they average about 20 or so kids, so 37 is definitely a LOT more.

i learned a little more about the ministry this week as Ruth was sharing with the group. The ministry at the dump first started when two HCJB missionaries felt God lay on their heart that they should do something to reach out to the residents and workers of the Quito Dump. being the lowest sort of people even in this society, these two individuals started visiting the workers and children and developing relationships. in thinking of how they can best manifest the love of Jesus, the couple decided to throw a Christmas party where there would be food, entertainment and new clothing etc. The first party (in 97' i think) drew 250 people. last year, there were over 2500 people at the party! not all of them are from the dump, but the party has gained much popularity that other needy people who aren't necessarily from the dump manage to find their way to the festivities.

yesterday, Pastor Jose - a pastor who counsels and ministers to people at the dump, spent all day yesterday talking to municipal officals. Extreme Response would like to implement 3 new buildings into the site. A medical clinic, a dining room with hot food (most people eat the food they find in the garbage) and a school for the children. what a great idea! since last week, the dump has been under some "renovation." they are currently moving the large heaps of garbage to another part of the site, and installing conveyor belts - this will make picking thru the garbage much safer, rather than climbing up on it.

by the way, if i haven't yet mentioned what it is that the people do....here it is. Quito does not have a recycling program like we have back home. rather they have individuals pick thru the garbage to recycle bits of paper and plastic. i learned yesterday that individuals receive 8 cents for every KILOGRAM of plastic they gather...that's a lot of plastic, and a hard day's work. so the conveyor belt will hopefully make it easier, more efficient, and God willing, we hope to have these new buildings in soon.

i remember the first day i was there, i was thinking "why don't we build a school here! after all, the kids are already here!" so, looks like i wasn't the first one to think of that.

Ruth said that she would also like to be able to paint the current room that we teach in with more fun colours for the kids...but until we own the buildings - Extreme Response that is - we can't do anything.

those are a few prayer requests for you guys. did i mention i can't wait for the Christmas party this year? i believe it's on Dec.3...which is cool, cos that was the day i was suppose to leave.

anyways... happy thursday

dL