January 29, 2022
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in (Jesus), and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. - Colossians 1:19-20 The countdown has begun! I recently purchased flight tickets to make the one-way trip to Ecuador. Lord willing, I will be flying out of Chicago on February 18. After arriving in Ecuador, I will spend a few weeks in Riobamba, acclimating myself to the city (both in general as this is where I will be based long-term, and elevationally as it is located at 9,000 feet!) and spending time with a group of students from Calvin University, who will be visiting while on spring break to collect data for various studies and senior design projects. After the Calvin students return to the United States, I plan to travel to the city of Manta to complete intensive language studies to bring my Spanish skills up to a survivable level. This will be a six-week program,...