Final Days

It's been an amazing 10 days in Ecuador, but our time has come to an end.

We spent the days since Shandia doing work projects around El Refugio, hiking, and spending time together as a group.

The work projects have mostly centered around building a couple of walls around the garden area behind the camp. A lot of cement, rock lifting, and wheelbarrow fun.

One morning a couple days ago, six out of our group joined Kaitlin and Evan (interns at El Refugio) climbing the mountain behind the camp. The camp is at approximately 9,000 feet, and the pinnacle of the mountain is at approximately 11,000 feet. We woke up at 4:30 am (you read that right) for the most intense hiking we'd ever experienced. However, getting to the top was worth it - we got some amazing pictures, saw the tiny, tiny camp below us, read a Psalm, and prayed. The hike down was pretty intense, too! We got back right around 7:30/8:00.

It was also great spending time together as a group. Last night we shared encouraging words about each other, bringing us closer as a team and with the Coryells.

Today is our final day at El Refugio. Some of our team will get on a zipline, some on a rock climbimg walk, we'll pack, and then finish the day with a hot dog roast, complete with marshmallows and smores!

Then we'll head off to the airport with Ryan and Erica, say goodbye, and begin our late night travels.

We've had an absolutely amazing time in Ecuador. We'll never forget the people; youth from Quito, Shandia, and Santa Rosa; spending time with Ryan and Erica; assisting El Refugio; and experiencing Ecuador with our team.

Thank you for your support, and we ask that you would continue to pray for us as we transition back to the US. But most importantly, we ask that you would pray for the Ecuadorians, that God would do a great work among the youth and at El Refugio.

Adios, Ecuador!

Shandia, Jungle, and Santa Rosa

We made it back from the jungle!

We spent the last four days in Shandia, in the jungle of Ecuador, with the Ecuadorian youth group from Quito. It was an incredible experience, with too many moments to share here. However, here are some of the highlights:

On our way from El Refugio to Shandia (a five hour bus ride around the mountains of Ecuador) we stopped in a small touristy town. We rode on a boat in the jungle river, checked out the stores, and had a couple encounters with thirsty monkeys (let's just say we're a couple juice bottles short now).

In Shandia we concentrated on building relationships with the Quito youth and the Shandia youth. A group worked on clearing the jungle around the seminary building while another group conducted VBS (Vacation Bible School) with the youth from Shandia. It was great being able to connect with the town in that way. We also had the chance to connect with the youth from Quito a lot - we taught them English and how to skip rocks, and they taught us Spanish!

One of the days we walked 45 minutes through the jungle (ponchos, rainboots and all!) which was a great - and different - experience. We walked to the town of Santa Rosa, where we put on another VBS with the local youth. The children really enjoyed it, and we loved spending a little bit of time with them.

After coming back to Shandia the youth from Quito invited the local youth (and some youth from Santa Rosa showed up) to a couple of youth services at night. It was great seeing the response and how the Quito youth led it.

We were able to visit Jim Elliot's house in the jungle, which was a neat experience. Our guide was an older gentleman that didn't know Jim Elliot, but he lived nearby and now owns the land.

One of the days the women of Shandia put on a market for us. They brought all the items they made - maracas, little spears, jewelry, etc.

The last day a few of us (Greg, Carl, Nate) were privileged to be able to participate in the service through Scripture reading and testimony while some others helped with the children. Afterwards we visited a museum in the town dedicated to the five missionary martyrs (Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, etc.).

It was sad to say goodbye to the people of Shandia and drop off the youth in Quito, but it was definitely four days we will never forget.

Unity

Hola from Ecuador!

Yesterday was a great day of team-building and unity for our team and the youth team from the local church.

After breakfast (baked oatmeal with milk, fruit, juice) we spent the morning playing team-building games and challenges. While the language barrier was a slight issue, we were able to bond with and enjoy time with the Ecuadorian youth.

After lunch (cream of potato soup (Ecuadorians eat a lot of soup), bread, pineapple; another delicious meal!) we had some intense afternoon experiences on the high ropes courses. And when we say high, we mean high! Each of us paired up with an Ecuadorian, had a harness and ropes attached to us, and walked across a lot of tiny, tiny ropes. It was intense but exciting (cf. picture).

Today we're heading to Shandia, in the jungle of Ecuador. We won't be in contact for 4 days, but we'd really appreciate prayer as our group and the Ecuadorian youth interact with the people of Shandia.

Thanks for all your prayer and support - we can't wait to share everything that's happening with you when we return!