[ServinginEcuador]

Last Monday, the 11th, Diane and I left Ecuador three weeks earlier than planned due to some serious political issues/problems down there. The protests got so bad on the 6th that we got hit with some tear gas outside our apartment, which was TWO BLOCKS away from the Supreme Court building. We were waiting for a taxi to pass by near apartment when our eyes and noses starting burning. The taxi driver told us it was due to the protests going on due to the current President's actions while in office. They also announced on the 6th that they would shutdown the major highways around the country and the airport in Quito. Needless to say the wife and I figured it was time to split before things got ugly. Today we got an email about how badly things are going , and that it could turn bloody soon. THe local paper, EL Comercio, even listed the things permitted to do under the martial law in place on Quito as I type.

Here's the Reuter's article I was sent with a little info:

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.j...toryID=8201448

Our work in Ecuador was ending permanently on May 2nd, this just moved the timetable up three weeks. It's pretty sad to see what the President is doing, and his pardoning of the former presidents has caused some serious anger in Ecuador. The guy wants to abolish the political system and declare himself the dictator of the country.

And here's an article from El Comercio (en Español por supuesto):

http://www.elcomercio.com/noticias.asp?noid=125415

 

[Iron_Dreamer]

WOW, you're one lucky SOB to be outta there in one piece! Good to have you back Doug. Guess all that really puts Dr. Pepper in perspective, eh? Hopefully the situation will come to some sort of a peaceful resolution.

 

[10068]

What was your work, again? I'm sorry but i've forgotten. Was it something like Peace Corps?

I agree with Iron_Dreamer though, great to have you back.

 

[Wmcmanus]

WOW, is right! That's a scary situation, and such a shame that you had to leave Ecuador under those circumstances after many good years and lots of progress made through your missionary efforts. Give Diane my best, and tell her thanks for pulling you out of there before you decided to play hero! Nah, you're too smart for that, but do give her my best.

 

[Edwood]

Wow. That sucks.

Glad to hear you made it out OK.

-Ed

 

[jpr703]

Hate to hear that things are going so badly down there, but I'm glad you and your wife made it out safely.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

I'm glad to hear that you and your wife were able to get out safely.

 

[tom hankins]

Doug, I'm glad to hear you and Diane are OK. What are your future plans?

 

[rsaavedra]

Glad to hear you and your wife are outside of Ecuador already. This past few weeks I haven't been in touch with international news, but just now reading the Sunday newspaper learned about the recent developmetns over there in Ecuador.

 

[PinkFloyd]

Yet another one who's glad you made it out of there safely Doug, let's hope things get better in Ecuador fast.

Mike.

 

[mikeg]

Doug - I am glad that you and your wife are safely out of Ecuador, and I really appreciate the news articles. I've forwarded them to a family member who spent time in Ecuador, and is now taking courses in Latin American development.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Thanks for the encouragement guys, it's been a rough 1.5 weeks, but we're doing great. When we first got back it appeared that everything was fine, but now things are taking a turn for the worst. I do pray that it ends without violence or bloodshed.

On a side note, if someone says they want to pack-up their entire household, sell their stuff, and move in four days - smack them until they come to their senses!!! They'll thank you later, trust me.

 

[Zanth]

Now that you are safe and sound, what is your next move? Are you venturing out into another 3rd World spot? Sticking around the US for a bit?

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hankins What are your future plans?

Hey Tom & Jason,

So far our plans are to find jobs here in the states, save-up as much money as possible while living with my in-laws, then move to Arizona where the home prices are still reasonable. Making under or around $20,000 for nearly six-years doesn't help with buying an entire household of goods, much less the cars needed for working. I'll be taking some college courses and such to help qualify for a better job, but haven't decided what to take of yet. If something comes up for working with computers or electronics I'll take that, otherwise teaching computer related software courses will suffice.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Here's a Yahoo! story on what's going on:

LINK