A few new updates...

After spending some time reflecting on some of my areas of opportunity (A Vanguard flashback), I decided to implement a tight new daily schedule. I think that this will not only make me more productive, but I think a certain amount of structure and order is just plain good for the soul!

Yesterday, I went up to the Andes, as you can see in the pictures below. We were planning a trip to the jungle, but because a big rain storm hit (it's the rainy season) they closed the highway. So, instead we made a trip up to the mountains. It was really interesting to see how the different people lived. We went to a place that doesn't get many visitors, besides maybe a truck driver passing through, and these people had seen even fewer gringos. It was pretty funny to see the looks on the children's faces when they looked at me. Maybe they were thinking, "Does this guy ever see the sun?" Or "is he a giant?" Either way, the kids were precious, and I know a number of you want me to kidnap a few and bring them home...

I started formal Spanish lessons today, and it's going to be difficult. My instructor only speaks to me in Spanish and it's just the two of us, so there's no where to hide! My homework is to watch an hour of Spanish CNN each day. Apparently they speak slower and with no accent. I'll keep you updated on how that's going.

Also, I'm thinking about starting a little non-profit business down here. Many of the Sodalites in the CLM have incredible ideas, but no business sense. So I'm wondering it I should start a little consulting group here to help them raise money, organize their projects, and help them to manage their cashflow. This, I think, will allow them to spend more time working on what God has created them to do, and leave the administrative business stuff to someone that knows it a little better. I'm still thinking about the specifics, but I think it might be one way for me to do God's work here. Also, if I teach at the high school, I might be able to grab a few of the top students and give them an opportunity to learn business first hand, and provide the CLM with some cheap labor...more to come on this...