What an awesome first day in Ecuador we experienced. Nothing really ministry related, simply an opportunity for us to get out as a team and settle into being with each other for the next 3 1/2 weeks. After a good sleep, for most of us, we awoke to a beautifully sunny, clear day that afforded us with an amazing view of several of the areas active, snow capped volcanos. What an awesome example of the beauty and creativity of our God. Once devotions and breakfast were finished we headed out on an hour and a half drive to Mindo Canopy Adventures which is a series of ziplines through and over the jungle. It was an awesome, but tiring experience. Between several of the lines were a few long and steep hikes which, normally, wouldn't be a problem for a team as fit as ours BUT take away our oxygen and we become useless, wheezing, and whiney. Needless to say at the end of it all we were exhausted but VERY happy about our experience. We then headed back to Quito to check out a museum located right on the equator. We learned a lot about traditional Ecuador and saw some really amazing examples of the effects of being on the equator. Now we are just relaxing back at headquarters enjoying some rest, ready to head to bed unbelievably early. We are all very excited for tomorrow when we will visit and spend time at the Zambiza dump ministry that reaches out to the families who work in the dumps collecting recyclable material to sell in order to feed their families. I have been there twice and it is a very sobering experience. After that we will fly to Manta and head to Montanita Verde Children's Home to visit with the children for a little bit before moving on to La Cueva which will be our home for the next few weeks. That is when the reality of our mission will truly begin to sink in. Once again we want to thank you for your prayers and support as we make this jounrey. We know that God has a plan for each one of us and we are so thankful that we can be used by him to spread the message of love and hope in this world. I will leave you with one final quote.
"I can fly like a butterfly." - Alicia Hofland
Great to start off with a good day! You guys didn't feel light-headed enough that you had to zipline upside down? (Jeff, stop showing off!) I can't wait to hear how the children react when they see those of you who have been before! :)
ReplyDeletelove, Maureen
David, glad to hear that you had no problems with US immigration. There is a long email from Xue. Ben made soph team. Does this mean you are out? Lily's landlord is showing apartment to others so needs a decision from you soon. Let us know.
ReplyDeleteHi David, Heard from Lily and talked to Carla who will be making the calls at the end of next week re soph status. Lily thought she would be comfortable tell us so we have sent Lily an email with our phone. Have name of landlord and phone number so we can contact him directly. Hope your trip to Manta was uneventful. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteHi Jeremy:
ReplyDeleteHave you heard the status of the well project. I was asked about it by a person last evening. They were asking if the money that had been sent was adequate. Their comment was " we would not want to see it not go ahead because they did not have enough money". They asked that if more was needed for the project they would like to know so they could help out.
We are remembering all of you guys in prayer.
Bob