Day 1 recap: we  arrived safely at 3:30am and praise God cleared customs within 15 minutes of arrival. All of our 10 checked bags (50 lbs each) made it.  N* and M* picked us up at the airport and took us back to a rented apt for a few hours to rest; then had lunch in town at an Ecuadorian restaurant, and S* came and met us there. He told us that the right hand of the president has heard many great things about S*'s ministry and of David's involvement in the efforts; he invited us for dinner at his compound for the evening!  In the US, this would be the equivalent of meeting the Vice President and Joint Chiefs of Staff rolled into one person.

After lunch we went back to the apt for another down time and at 6pm left for dinner. We were showered with hospitality as we spent the evening in the General's garden while consuming a local royal dinner he personally prepared for us with his brother and team.  His residence was overflowing with lavish gardens, roses, fresh strawberries and grapes, and ornate wood carvings.  They said it was being built for 20 years.

We were there until past 11pm talking about local history, family stories, and needs in the country. The general invited David to go sheep hunting on the 24th.  Perhaps the second team can do that if they can kayak down the gorge by Friday.  David asked about bringing the others, and the General said that would be ok.  We prayed the gospel over this man and his family, and hope that the communist and Muslim walls will continue to crumble.  He seems very open.

One of the greatest pressing needs is the completion of a specialized clinic ready to accept surgery patients (currently patients have to travel to other countries to receive surgical treatment!) This is a great need and we felt overwhelmed as we were listening to the request. We pray that God inspires a handful of doctors to come next year to consult the local officials and doctors  about the possibilities with the half built facility in Dushanbe.  Several doctors in our church fellowship have expressed interest in coming, so please pray this might happen next winter or spring.

We are still in need of catching up with the local time zone but our hearts beat fast for the coming days here.  Tomorrow we will see a site for the new hospital, go into the women's prison, get supplies and then take off for the mountains.