- Hola from Ecuador! We arrived in Quito safely around 7:00 Saturday night to be greeted by our friends from SIFAT including Nanny and Dr. Roberto. It was so refreshing to be greeted by familiar faces. We arrived at Tambo Hotel Real where we settled down and unpacked to have a good night's rest. This morning we started out our day by visiting the Middle of the World where we learned about the Equator and amazing facts about the hemispheres.
- In the afternoon, we were able to celebrate in worship at Mama Yoli's Daycare Center in the neighborhood of Atacucho. It was so amazing to see all the new additions and changes since we worked there last year. The rooms have been transformed and are now fully equipped with school supplies and are functioning classrooms. The sanctuary had a new floor and was furnished to enhance the worship service. As we toured the rooms, we were reminded of the amazing love that has built this community. Churches from all over the Southeast have come together with this Ecuadorian community to build a place designating for nourishing children and celebrating God. We are truly beginning to understand how important it is for the Christian community to come together and respond to God's calling in our lives.
- After such a busy afternoon, we ate dinner at the hotel and then went to a SIFAT introductory presentation. The presentation began with a video about the facts of Ecuador, including the financial and economic issues that challenge the people of Ecuador. In the video, SIFAT ( Servants in faith and technology) explained its roles in providing different proposals to transform the lives of the people of Ecuador, with a primary focus on the future of the children. Following the video we met several Ecuadorian United Methodist ministers and members of Compassion International who we will be working with over the next week. After sharing their stories and expressions of gratitude, we discussed plans for both the VBS team and construction team. We are so excited about tomorrow, especially after hearing all that we will be doing. Thank you so much for your prayers and your support.
Dios Te Bendiga! (God bless you!)
