El Refugio

We're here!

We arrived safely at El Refugio around 12/12:30 last night and started getting settled in. This morning we had a very tasty breakfast (eggs, bread, fruit, and papaya juice), had an orientation to the camp and staff, and started on our work projects.

First, our entire team worked on making concrete steps that will be used around the various camp activities in the woods (ropes courses, zipline, etc.). Then we worked on removing gravel in a couple areas in preparation for new dirt being put down.

In-between projects we had lunch: some very tasty tomato soup, grilled cheese, lemonade, watermelon, and a glass bottle Coke for dessert from the store.

Then we split up, with half the team working on a bridge in the woods, and the other half clearing in the woods for the concrete steps.

Now it's the afternoon and we'll have a snack, free time, and dinner.

It's been a long day, but it's been great serving the camp and getting to know the staff.

Hope tomorrow brings more of the same!

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

It's time!

Our team is leaving from the airport: about to board our connecting flight to Atlanta, then to Quito, Ecuador.

We had a very encouraging group of people meet us at the airport, including family, friends, and pastors. We're very blessed to have such support, and would appreciate continued prayer as we embark on this journey of service.

We're very excited to see what God is going to do in Ecuador, and can't wait to share it all with you on our return!

Adios!

Packing!

As anyone getting ready for a trip knows, packing is a huge (and often annoying!) part of the process.

"Did I remember my toothbrush?"
"How many toothbrushes should I bring?"
"How many books should I bring?"
"Should I bring some snacks?"
"Should I bring my phone?"
"Wait...where's my Bible?!"

It's also where the trip really starts coming together. In packing and discussing supplies, you get a firmer grasp on your future tasks and responsibilities. We discussed VBS supplies, First Aid kits, teaching, etc. It was a great time for planning and prayer.

As we finish packing and get ready to leave, we would appreciate prayer for:

• Our trip there and back
• Our health
• Our goals
• Flexibility and availability
• Relationships and conversations with the missionaries and Ecuadorians
• Our safety
• Our relationships with the missionaries and Ecuadorians after we leave
• The continued growth of the missionaries' camp and the Ecuadorian church well beyond our trip

We appreciate your continued support and prayers, and look forward to sharing everything that God is doing!