A new year...

February 3, 2026

Dear friends and family,

Well, it was about time that I get the latest update out since my return on the 17^th of January. The world back home hasn’t changed any, still the birthdays, family matters and of course the normal daily routines of being a grandparents. It is always with mixed feelings when either of us return home to the American opulence by comparison to struggling Floron.

The  celebration of the birth of Jesus is past and we are already into a new year. Still scratching our heads by trying to understand how 2025 went by so fast! The time in Ecuador also went too fast – getting to Quito then Manta a day late ( due to weight restrictions) didn’t help any when trying to get as much as possible done before returning home. One thing that never changes – is not being able to accomplish everything – things always have to be left until the next trip.

This trip might not amaze you like it does me, but when Elizabeth and I spend even just a little amount of time there God’s blessings always shine forth even among difficult trials – and trials do continue. We feel so bad and concerned for our staff and the community.

Upon leaving the airport terminal in Manta (Denver-Houston-Quito-Manta – then driving to Portoviejo-Floron) I was greeted by 10 military soldiers with M16’s plus police – possibly protecting a VIP that was sitting in front of me on the airplane. Heavy military presence continues to be necessary – at least 20 soldiers were in a duce and a half driving by the clinic during the day. They also patrol the streets in Floron nightly.

Murders and robberies continue: The first Saturday that I was there, during the day, the cartel killed 11 family members on or near an ocean beach city about an hour away. The following morning 5 other individuals were found beheaded and on public display in the same area. Two days later, Fabricio (our Ecuador foundation president and water production supervisor) reported to me that the night before, when he was downtown buying medicine for his aging mother, he was robbed at gunpoint for his motorcycle, cellphone (again!!) , wallet and pocket money. Please continue to pray for the staff and community for God’s protection.

Administrative duties were performed along with the facility and water production repairs.  I know that some of you like to see photos to try to put things into perspective -so here are a few (Don’t get excited as they are a little boring and most were a guy thing). If I didn’t show some photos, you might think I did nothing.