Day 10

It's been 10 days since Rhonda and I left Aysen to come to Concepcion.  We have no idea as to when we'll return, we'll just see how things develop.  We have to weigh the need and what resources we have to work with.

Yesterday the team we picked up in Bariloche left to return to the US.  Sunday I  went to the airport here (now able to receive a few flights) and picked up missionary Rick Ellis.  He was home for deputation and returned for a few weeks to help with this disaster.

Folks have been asking about our living conditions, I guess I ought to add a little about that.  When we arrived a lady in Rick's church let us stay in an apartment building she has.  We were able to use a nice apartment on the 6th floor and it did have electric and even internet!  We didn't have an  elevator, water, or gas but since we came prepared to camp if needed it wasn't all that bad.  Yesterday we moved into Rick's house where we have lights and maybe gas.  We have been able to eat.  Lots of starch and little protein but have been making it ok.  We needed to lose a little weight anyway!

The food situation continues to be difficult for many many people.  Pastor Reuben told us yesterday that many families in his area are down to one meal a day.  It is good to be able to help by giving them some food and supplies!

One story that stands out about food was on Friday.  We came into town and drove up to Chiguyante to visit pastor Victor (age 72).  We were surprised to see him standing at his gate and he looked very surprised to see a 4runner and pickup loaded with supplies pull up as well.  A little later he told us what was going on.  That day they had completely run out of food and his wife had sent him out to look for something to eat.  With tears in his eyes he told us he had looked and  had been unable to find anything and had just returned home empty handed when we pulled up.  More than once we've visited a pastor and been told that they had just ran out of food.

Today we are supposed to get another truck in and we'll deliver it.  I don't know where we'll get supplies after today.