FUMC Tallassee Ecuador Mission Trip 2009

Last Day of Work - July 9, 2009

2009-07-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that today was our last day of work! We will miss all of the people here so much. Each team had special closings as we departed from our sites.
At VBS, we had 65 children between the ages of 10 to 12. At the end of the day, the pastor and all of the daycare workers put on a special presentation which concluded with the children performing songs and dances especially for us. We exchanged gifts with one another and said good-bye. It was so hard to leave all the children and the workers because we have grown so close to them. We promised to remember one another and continue to remember one another in our prayers.
At the construction site, we finished digging several trenches and pouring in cement foundations. At the end of the day, we also exchanged gifts with the workers and they presented us with handmade bracelets. We were so glad to be able to physically contribute to building a part of these peoples' dreams.
Coming to Ecuador has been an amazing experience. We have truly learned what it means to listen and respond to God's calling in our lives. Thank you so much for your prayers and support.

2009-07-07T20:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Ecuador. Today was just as busy as yesterday. The construction team was able to dig three huge trenches and continue building rebar columns. We are getting really good at learning how to mix cement and build foundations for buildings. Hopefully, we will be able to finish placing all of the foundations and the columns in the ground.
The VBS team sponsored 60 kids between the ages of 6-8. The children absolutely love the crafts and the different Bible stories. They are so appreciative of all that they receive and even share their snacks and toys with other children. Your contributions have really reflected God's love to these children.
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. This trip has made all of us realize how appreciative we are of our Christian community. We are so glad that we have the opportunity to share the love of our community to our brothers and sisters in Ecuador.

2009-07-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

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!)

2009-06-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday was our final team meeting as we discussed packing details, schedules, and our entry into Ecuador with less than 2 weeks before we depart. All 14 members of the team were present as we assigned individual team jobs, devotional partners, and roommates. Finally, we prepared ourselves for entering a different country as we discussed the cultural values and distinguishing facts about Ecuador.

Please join us for the Commissioning Service on June 28, 2009 at the end of the 11:00 service as we are sent forth to represent the love of FUMC Tallassee to our brothers and sisters in Quito, Ecuador.