It's Friday

Well, after a few trips to language school I'm starting to see how pecuiliar the people of Quito can be. Of course they are people just like us but there are a few interesting things I've noticed. On both bus rides from my language school in downtown Quito, I've learned that, while there are your normal beggars, most of those who beg do something for the money. It's interesting stuff, but on the last two bus rides back to the house we've had live musical entertainment. The first day was two guys with guitars singing and playing...while standing...on a moving bus. Very good. Today it was a boy and what appeared to be his older brother rapping. One would beat box while the other would rap. Then...after they're done, they walk around the bus asking for money.

I've also learned that the bus is a place of commerce. Everyday someone comes on the bus selling chocolate or produce or papers. But the last thing that has intrigued me is some of the campaign tactics. So that you're up to speed, they are in the middle of a huge election to elect an assembly to rewrite their constitution. And the other day, I was in Marcia's car and was approached by some mimes handing out fliers. and if you didn't take it they would mime crying and consoling each other. Also, their tv ads for politics do nothing but try to sell to cheap slogans. Probably much like ours. But one thing I've noticed is that, as much as I've said I don't like the bipartisan system (because everyone can't align with 2 parties) I'm seeing more and more how wise that system is. For these elections they have more than 300 parties, each running at least 3 candidates if not many many more. There is no way that a person can know who to vote for, unless a mime hands you a flier. There are so many parties that they just go by numbers. "Vote 64" or "vote 35" are the kinds of signs you see around And the people are required by law to vote, if not they lose a lot of their rights as citizens. So people just turn in a balot, generally "accidentaly" voting for too many people, voiding their balot but retaining their rights.

So be in prayer for these elections. Ecuador is a country of instability and from talking to just a couple people you can tell that these elections are just adding to that sense of insecurity. It's also a country of vast wealth....and extreme poverty. So please, be in prayer.