Thank the Stars

The stars have finally aligned for us a bit this week.

The volunteering is working out great. Last week we went around Manabi province with different loan officers, visiting communal banks. Next week, we're going to be trained as if we were "real" employees. It will be great to learn the ins-and-outs of the microfinance business. Hopefully by the end of next week we'll be starting on a project with them as well.

Another great thing happened today. We got our visas extended! After a tough night bus up from the coast back to Quito, we walked in to the Immigration office and walked out with another 90 days in Ecuador. We'd heard so many rumors of what we'd have to do to get an extention, including a trip up to Colombia, that it's just a relief to have that all straightened out! This week, our plan is to finish up our business in Quito and start being a bit more mobile. We're back to Portoviejo next weekend.

We also now have a cell phone. Our boss is a very generous man and is letting us use his wife's old phone while we're working for ESPOIR. Email me if you'd like our number!