Opportunities

Hello Everyone!

Time plods on and as we begin to look towards the end of our trip approaching we reflect on all of the opportunities that we have had to serve God and have our eyes opened to the needs of those around us. We are all, each in our own way, so thankful for this opportunity to participate in this trip. I am not going to try and write a lot today but instead let some of the photos from these past few days share with you our experiences. We hope all of you continue to enjoy journeying with us and we thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers. Everyone is safe, albeit really wet, and relatively healthy (only a few sniffles and coughs here and there).

Work Projects

Alicia’s Interesting Technique



Alicia demonstrates how to creatively paint the ceiling of the boys room.

The Man


What more can I say? Christian demonstrates how to look tough and rugged with a kitten hanging off his shirt. These pictures are a result of a much needed ‘laughter break’ while moving dirt on a rainy day.

The Men



Christian and Joshua filling a hole to prepare to pour concrete next week.

The Team



Alicia, Dawna and José working hard (well José has taken up more of a supervisory role but they have really enjoyed hanging out with the beautiful and energetic little boy. José has been here for almost a year and a half and has come from a really difficult situation. His mom died when he was young and then several years ago his Father dies of aids and then a year and a half he was at the hospital with his aunt, his only remaining caretaker, when she died. He lived in the hospital for 6 days before people realized that there was no one looking after him. He was then brought to the Foundation by the police and has been here since. Those who have been working with him have said that it has been amazing to see the love of God break down barriers and give this little guy hope).

The Boy



David painting the ceiling in the kitchen.

San Lorenzo Project

Here are a few more pictures of the amazing opportunity we have had to work with the kids of San Lorenzo. I think out of everything that we have done this has been the most unique and challenging experience for the team.

Beauty and Poverty

Three children pose for their photo with the town of San Lorenzo in the background.

4 Square



Jeff playing 4 Square with a bunch of the guys in the streets of San Lorenzo. This has become a popular favorite with the kids.

Love


Hannah and a bunch of the kids sharing hugs for a photo opportunity.

Worship



The team leading worship at the local church

Food...a universal language


After the message we provide some snacks for the kids. It usually consists of a couple of bottles of pop and some cookies. We have the kids line up and we hand them out. We are still getting upwards of 60 kids each night and have had some amazing opportunities to share the love of God with them.

Undivided Attention


Alicia listening to Lili share her testimony n Spanish with the kids.

Hanging with the Kids

Yesterday we were surprised by Paul when he came to pick us up in the morning. I guess all of the high schooler youth had the day off of school so he brought them down with him and we were able to spend the morning hanging out. We decided to hike up to the lighthouse overlooking the town of San Lorenzo and then spent the rest of the morning playing soccer on the beach and swimming in the ocean. It gave an awesome opportunity for us to connect with them and a few, that speak spanish, had some amazing chances to listen to the deep issues that these precious ones harbor within their hearts. In the afternoon we also had the opportunity to travel into Manta to visit kids from two families that used to live at the home but were subsequently placed with their families. It was a blessing to take a brief moment to reconnect and to tell them that we love them.

The Journey


Football



We decided to even out the teams to make it fair. 8 of us versus 4 of them. We lost.

Muy Guapo



David hanging out with Sirlendy and Jessenia during our walk up the tower.

San Lorenzo - a bird’s eye view



A picture of the town we have called home for the past 2 weeks and have grown to love.

Jorge Luis



One of the young men that has touched my heart deeply enjoying the surf.

Manta



Walking through Manta with Carlos and Eugenio two guys from a family of four that used to call Montanita Verde Home. It was good for us to reconnect with these kids and I know it meant a lot to them. We walked down the street and bought them all some ice cream. Continue to pray for them, and for their sisters Tanya and Tuti, that daily adjust to being back home.

Thanks everyone. There isn’t much to say about today. We are up at the home completing various work projects and hanging out with the kids. The ‘mist of death’ is crazy bad today so we are limited in what we can get done but we do what we are able. Tonight we will head back into San Lorenzo before supper and put on the kids club. Only one more after this on Monday. Thanks again for your prayers. A week left until we begin our journey home! Peace.