Hi There!!
So we have been very vague in our updates and the format has certainly been less than formidable. This update may also be stinted because we're using an internet cafe that doubles as a karaoke bar and the volume is far above excessive. Also, the participants are a little less than skilled in their craft... AND FEEDBACK!
Ok! So we are staying on a beautiful island. It has one road that runs through the jungle which is paved in some places and worse than any winnipeg road in most other places. About forty minutes of driving will get you to hope for the island, where we are staying. We had our choice of three different rooms, and are currently staying in the cabin on the beach. Its clean and has its own bathroom and is literally feet from the ocean. It sounds like the waves are coming in the windows at night. Its great. We've only had 2 rats in our room so far, so that's a plus!
Everything is green, and very very humid. Its rainy season here, so the rain comes very hard and quite often. It doesnt always last very long, and we often have sunny breaks in between the downpours. We have also had a few days of straight sun which was nearly intolerable heat (in town, without the ocean breeze, it was an oven).
There is a small town called Burgos that is about a one minute walk from where we are staying. It is your stereotypical third world town. Small shanty houses, with random animals all over the place, dogs running astray, and tethered roosters every two feet. (they are used for cock fights and are a huge source of wasted money for the locals). In town we're able to buy fresh fish and fruit, as well as some chicken and essential groceries. Bread is there too, though it is sweet and made from slightly different ingredients.
The food we are eating is very good. It is a bit more meager than we are used to and a little less flavorful, but I think we will be coming back healthier than we left. Though we have discovered where to buy donuts for less than ten cents so.... maybe not.
The ministry end of things is still getting worked out. We have done outreach to four small districts by motor bike (4 of us on my bike and 5 on kims). These times are very interesting, though its been tough with the language barrier. That being said, Kim and I are like local heros or celebrities, always greeted with a HIIIIII!!! and smiles from the locals.
We are currently working to develop a program to minister to the young adults of burgos. Many of them are too old for youth but have no jobs or really anything to do. The danger is gambling and laziness and we are trying to figure out how to minister to them and overcome the language barrier.
Time is running out on our cafe here.
I'm teaching drum lessons to some young adults, and Kim and I have both tried surfing. Though it was intimidating, it was a lot of fun. We have been waking up with the sun at 5 in the morning and going to bed around 7 or 8. Sometimes even 9.
We are in a city right now renewing our visas. We brought our camera and card reader but swapped out our camera's memory card before we left in case it got stolen. That being said, we only have pictures that we have taken in the last two days. We will try and rectify that situation as soon as possible.
There is no wifi where we are so it will be tough to update often, but we will do what we can. Thank you so much for all your prayers and love, we are having a great time!!!!!!!!
Much love from the Fasts!!
