Friday, August 24, 2007

Off to San Antonio...

Greetings! You've arrived at the blog of Todd Schmidt -- thanks for visiting my first foray into the "blogosphere." I've set this up in order to facilitate the sharing of news and photos of my two year journey to South America with you, my friends and family back in the states. Please post any comments (especially nice ones -- or at least constructive comments) that you might have. It will be great to hear from you.

If I haven't told you yet, I am headed on September 23 to Chimbote, Peru, where I will be serving for two years with the Incarnate Word Missionaries (a lay missionary program sponsored by Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word). Before then, I will be headed back to Corvallis and Portland for the August 24-26 weekend, including participating in the Portland Century Bike Ride as a last hurrah for Oregon. On Monday, August 27 I fly to San Antonio where I will have orientation with IWM and some time to brush up on my Spanish and Peruvian history. I am tonight at the home of my folks in Redding, CA, where I am coming into the last stages of preparing and packing to head out -- steadily checking things off the list.

While in San Antonio I will still have my phone with me (541-602-4327), and after that you can reach me through this blog, by email at tschmidt19@hotmail.com, or by postal mail at the following address:

Urb. 21 de Abril “B” 33-01
Apt. Postal No. 433
Chimbote, Peru

Since "Todd" is a difficult name for Spanish-speakers to pronounce and my middle name is Raymond, I will be going by Ramón in Peru. A new name, a new country, a new continent, a new job -- lots of "new" coming up! Speaking of my job, I will be helping out the Incarnate Word Sisters at the local parish, especially in youth ministry, and in various other outreach ministries which they sponsor in the city. Many more details on exactly what that means will be upcoming in future postings, so stay tuned.

God bless!

6 comments:

Estela Sanchez said...

Hi Todd, this is so exciting for you!! I am sure you have a wonderful and fulfilling experience. We will pray for you and your work there!! We just returned from visiting my husband's family in Ecuador. We hope to visit Peru and Colombia in the future, we would love to stop by and see you!! Well, thank you for including me in your blog. I look forward to reading and seeing pictures and I am jealous that I never had anything like this when I was a peace corps volunteer in Ecuador. THis makes it so much easier!!

Well, take care and God bless you!!

Estela & Edison Sanchez

Rip Ryness said...

I will be following your every post.

You'll be in my prayers that God will bless you and your service down there.

Rip

Unknown said...

Todd,

I will be thinking of you, praying for you, and eagerly reading your blogs but -
I'm trying to understand why a language that has "burrito" and "Dos Equis" can't pronounce Todd?
(burri-TODD-os Equis)

Love,
Cousin Suzanne

Karen said...

Hi Todd:

I always look forward to your interesting adventures, and this time is no different. I wish you safe travels and await stories of your service. Much love and prayers are sent your way during your journey, and know you will be thought of during your time away.

May God Bless you and keep you safe always!

Peace and love my brother,
Karen

Pamela Morris said...

Ramon (AKA Todd), you are off on yet another adventure....one that
promises
to touch the lives of so many people, including your own.
Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey via the internet. God bless you in your travels and your work. Love, Rick and Pam

Jaclyn said...

Hola Ramon! Como estas?

This site will be so great. I can't wait to see what you are up in Peru. The people of Chimbote are very fortunate :)

I hope you can meet up with Virna's family and I have told her to let me know when she will go home so I can tag along!

You are in my daily prayers and I have every bit of confidence God will bless you abundantly.

God bless,
Jaclyn