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!