Melody on the steps of the Cathedral in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Bracelets at the ¨hippie market¨ in Cuenca.
Drew and Andrew inside the Cathedral in Cuenca.
Megan rocking the golf ball game during training.
Sam and Seth made a bet. Seth lost.
And he ate that.
The sky was gorgeous and clear one night. Ecuador is a beautiful country.
Hello family and friends!
Some of you have already received emails from your children and have heard some of
the news, but we wanted to share some photos and stories from the perspective of the
leaders.
Our trip to Ecuador was smooth and uneventful... Until we heard there was a bus strike
in Cuenca. We were planning to take the bus to Cuenca, and once that was no longer
an option we had to change our plans, obtain three vans for our group an then find our
non-English speaking drivers at the Guayaquil airport.
Everything turned out absolutely fine, and we had a safe trip to Cuenca. The three days
in Cuenca were spent exploring, shopping and experiencing new things.
On Sunday we left for the camp in the mountains. We were all pretty tired. Sme of us
were dealing with altitude sickness and others with a head cold that is making the
rounds among the group. Of all the things we brought with us from the states the head
cold is one I would've much preferred we had left behind!
It took us a few days to adjust to the altitude, the cold weather, the electric water heater
in the shower head and rice at every meal. Some of us are still adjusting and some of
us are going on a rice strike. :)
Our Ecuadorian friends have been so eager to accept us and everyone has worked
hard at communication. We are grateful to have Megan on our team and have really
appreciated her translation skills. Many of the Ecuadorian students can communicate
well in English, so between our few Spanish words and their skills we are making
friends and building relationships.
We have all enjoyed the sunny afternoons and a few trips into the surrounding
mountains. There is even a fort in progress near our camp that showcases the
teamwork that is so evident among the team.
Our students (your dear friends and family) have been amazing. There is a spirit of
adventure and willingness to learn and participate that is exemplary. There have been
some difficult circumstances and everyone has handled them with positive attitudes
and, even more importantly, been more than willing to change, adjust and apologize
when frustrations or attitudes get out of hand. We could not be more proud of the way
they are all showing Christ through their actions, attitudes and teaching. They have a
maturity that is beyond their years and a love for people that astounds us.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Please continue to pray for us, especially
for health and energy and strength.
Thank you for remembering us in prayer.
