Our first day on the job - July 6, 2009

• Today was officially our first day on the different work sites in Ecuador. Group members could choose between working at the construction site in the northern part of Quito, or present Vacation Bible School at a church in the southern part of Quito.
• The construction team's job concentrated on laying a foundation for the columns that will support a new daycare/ church. Most of the day consisted of mixing cement, sand, and gravel and then pouring it into holes where the columns will be placed. While some individuals participated in this endeavor, others were at work with rebar and constructing skeletons of the columns. While we enjoyed the work, we had to remember to take breaks and drink plenty of water due to the fact that the altitude can restrict the air to the lungs of people who are not accustomed to the 9,000 feet elevation. We were very satisfied with our work and we look forward to tomorrow.
• The VBS group worked with toddlers today at a church in the southern part of Quito. Every day of this week, those who volunteer for VBS will work with a different age group each day. There are usually 30 children in the morning and 30 children in the afternoon. The children loved the crafts and listening to the different Bible stories. We have been so blessed to experience the joy of laughter of these children, despite a language barrier. We are looking forward to tomorrow for both the construction site and VBS.