Day 4 started differently than the rest of the week. Instead of breakfast together, our team spent the morning fasting and praying before heading out to serve.
Our first stop was a community center in Quito’s Historic District that provides meals, education, and cultural programs for vulnerable families. After the kids finished breakfast, we introduced ourselves by sharing our names and a few things we enjoy. It didn’t take long before they were trying out their English while teaching us a little Spanish in return.
Daniel and Josué shared the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3 and talked about what it looks like to stay faithful to God when everyone around you is choosing a different path.
Then we split into classrooms. Some of us made masks with the kids, others played soccer and games outside, and another group worked on Promise Boxes filled with God’s promises. Jessica pointed out that watching the leaders get just as into the crafts as the kids was almost as fun as the projects themselves.
The Promise Box activity led to one of the best conversations of the day. Freedom asked the kids why God’s promises matter more than the positive messages the world gives us. Several of them answered, “Because whatever God says will come true.” Brittany said that moment stuck with her the most. Sometimes kids understand things adults tend to overcomplicate.
It was also interesting to watch how each age group responded. The youngest kids had no limits. They just jumped in. The middle schoolers took more time to watch what everyone else was doing before getting started. The high school students were independent and focused from the beginning.
Soccer was a hit all afternoon. Jahkii couldn’t believe how good the younger kids were, while Josué kept talking about the older students’ skills. We definitely learned that Ecuador takes soccer seriously.
After lunch with the staff, we explored Quito’s Historic District, visited Iglesia San Francisco, climbed to the top of the towers, and met a Franciscan monk who shared about his vows of poverty, obedience, and suffering. Before leaving, we prayed over the neighborhood, the city, and the people of Ecuador. It felt fitting to end the day that way after everything we’d experienced.
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Day 5 began with chorizo and cheese omelets and toast. Around the breakfast table we talked about forgiveness and how unforgiveness can give Satan a foothold in our lives. Brittani led our devotional, and on the drive to La Luz, Daniel shared part of his testimony with the team.
Our last day with the children was bittersweet.
TJ shared the story of Jonah before we wrapped up our art projects. We acted out scenes on friendship with the puppets we’d made, and handed out balloon animals. Once again, the balloons were the biggest hit of the day. There were smiles everywhere, but what many of us will remember most are the hugs. Several of the leaders shared that some of these children simply don’t receive much positive attention from adults. Being able to laugh, play, and show them the love of Christ in simple ways was a gift for us too.
We also got to celebrate Jessica’s birthday. The entire site sang “Happy Birthday,” and seeing the kids enthusiastically join in made the celebration even sweeter.
Lunch with the staff turned into an unexpected music discussion as we discovered that Whitney Houston, The Fugees, and Michael Jackson are appreciated in any language. Somewhere between lunch and laughter, strangers had become friends.
Before heading out, TJ shared his testimony with the team and we gathered around to pray over him.
We finished the afternoon by visiting El Panecillo, supporting local vendors, getting a little rest, and then spending time together at Carolina Park before celebrating both Jessica and Gigi’s birthdays with chocolate desserts at República del Cacao.
It’s hard to believe we’re midway through our time in Ecuador. We came hoping to encourage them, but they’ve encouraged us just as much. Thank you for praying with us this week. Please continue praying for these children, the staff who faithfully invest in them every day, and that God would continue the work He has started.
Our first stop was a community center in Quito’s Historic District that provides meals, education, and cultural programs for vulnerable families. After the kids finished breakfast, we introduced ourselves by sharing our names and a few things we enjoy. It didn’t take long before they were trying out their English while teaching us a little Spanish in return.
Daniel and Josué shared the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3 and talked about what it looks like to stay faithful to God when everyone around you is choosing a different path.
Then we split into classrooms. Some of us made masks with the kids, others played soccer and games outside, and another group worked on Promise Boxes filled with God’s promises. Jessica pointed out that watching the leaders get just as into the crafts as the kids was almost as fun as the projects themselves.
The Promise Box activity led to one of the best conversations of the day. Freedom asked the kids why God’s promises matter more than the positive messages the world gives us. Several of them answered, “Because whatever God says will come true.” Brittany said that moment stuck with her the most. Sometimes kids understand things adults tend to overcomplicate.
It was also interesting to watch how each age group responded. The youngest kids had no limits. They just jumped in. The middle schoolers took more time to watch what everyone else was doing before getting started. The high school students were independent and focused from the beginning.
Soccer was a hit all afternoon. Jahkii couldn’t believe how good the younger kids were, while Josué kept talking about the older students’ skills. We definitely learned that Ecuador takes soccer seriously.
After lunch with the staff, we explored Quito’s Historic District, visited Iglesia San Francisco, climbed to the top of the towers, and met a Franciscan monk who shared about his vows of poverty, obedience, and suffering. Before leaving, we prayed over the neighborhood, the city, and the people of Ecuador. It felt fitting to end the day that way after everything we’d experienced.
__
Day 5 began with chorizo and cheese omelets and toast. Around the breakfast table we talked about forgiveness and how unforgiveness can give Satan a foothold in our lives. Brittani led our devotional, and on the drive to La Luz, Daniel shared part of his testimony with the team.
Our last day with the children was bittersweet.
TJ shared the story of Jonah before we wrapped up our art projects. We acted out scenes on friendship with the puppets we’d made, and handed out balloon animals. Once again, the balloons were the biggest hit of the day. There were smiles everywhere, but what many of us will remember most are the hugs. Several of the leaders shared that some of these children simply don’t receive much positive attention from adults. Being able to laugh, play, and show them the love of Christ in simple ways was a gift for us too.
We also got to celebrate Jessica’s birthday. The entire site sang “Happy Birthday,” and seeing the kids enthusiastically join in made the celebration even sweeter.
Lunch with the staff turned into an unexpected music discussion as we discovered that Whitney Houston, The Fugees, and Michael Jackson are appreciated in any language. Somewhere between lunch and laughter, strangers had become friends.
Before heading out, TJ shared his testimony with the team and we gathered around to pray over him.
We finished the afternoon by visiting El Panecillo, supporting local vendors, getting a little rest, and then spending time together at Carolina Park before celebrating both Jessica and Gigi’s birthdays with chocolate desserts at República del Cacao.
It’s hard to believe we’re midway through our time in Ecuador. We came hoping to encourage them, but they’ve encouraged us just as much. Thank you for praying with us this week. Please continue praying for these children, the staff who faithfully invest in them every day, and that God would continue the work He has started.