Ecuador 2008
The completed daycare from the first trip with Serena in 2006 has been an invaluable resource for AFE | Kids line up for a good solid meal during VBS | Palmeras Village surrounding the mission.
Ecuador is a country that is constantly changing political leaders and often is in some type of revolt. All of this has contributed to the nations poverty and low education rate. This year I, David was able to join a group of individuals and head to a small town called Palmeras in Ecuador. We have been able to go to the same location for the pat 3 years and have truly received a blessing from the people there. Over the years we have built daycare, a healthy living school, and a playground. This year we were able to begin work on a church and fund the rest of its construction.
David & Kids | David and Andrea who we sponsor to school and may be coming to the states this winter! | Graciella (hanging) is Andrea's sister, and Jose (right in white) were two other kids, amongst others, who made close connections with the group.
Working with Daryl and Juanita is a great experience and their love for the people of Palmaras shines from their love for Jesus. I can't begin to describe the level of connection you have with the kids over the three years we have been going there. They are the best part of the trip. They are sooooo very happy to see you arrive, and want to play with you all day. They show you their coolest trinkets and want hugs and kisses all the time. They are hungry and dirty and full of life and a love that is simple and pure. You cannot spend a week with them and not fall in love with them and want to bring them home with you. The people there are the most kind and caring you have seen and they just need to know they are loved. When the time comes to leave there are long hugs and genuine tears. If you ever have a chance, if you ever thought you might want to do some mission work, if you thought you could be a blessing to someone somewhere in the world....go, and see what a blessing you actually receive and how you can continue to give and give but how you will never give more then you receive. God is good.
The kids throughly enjoyed the VBS program and crafts | This little one is very cold in the wintry 75+ degree temperature | Progress on the new church that the crew made during their week down there.
Thanks, David, for the photo update. God is blessing the group's efforts and His love shining through you folks will draw many. (hopefully here too)
Looks like another productive, successful trip for the whole group. See God CAN do mighty works with few but willing workers. . . dad is looking forward to being a 'worker' next summer. . . pics really speak a thousand words. . .mom/dad
I prayed that you would have a safe trip and gain many blessings. Looks like those prays were answered! Thanks for the update.
~Bridgette~