Weekly Wrap Up from Calacali, Ecuador
April 10, 2007
Howard and Jonathan woke up early on Easter morning to get a campfire started on the Mirador, a bald knob on the property of HER (Hacienda El Refugio). From this vantage point a person can see a couple of miles through the valley from where HER is located. We were joined by about 40 people from both the Youth World staff and friends for a time of prayer, praise and then Russ Cline preached an Easter message for us. Following the sunrise service, we gathered at the work team house for breakfast. The kids then had a time of games; well I have to qualify that, because actually the adults were playing the games right along side the kids. What struck me is how “normal” the day seemed with egg hunts and tosses, a completely carbed out meal and kids eating way to much candy. These traditions, I believe are what have made the transition for our family so smooth.
Monday rolled around and with it the start of a Middle School Camp with kids from the local English Fellowship Church. There were about 70 people (counselors and kids included). Our staff provided several hours of interaction with the kids each day. Jonathan wasn’t to sure he would join in, but as soon as the campers started to arrive he was up in his room packing a bag and I haven’t seen him since. It will be fun to get a first hand account of what it is like to be a camper at HER with his thoughts and perspectives.
This week also signaled the start of our kids “store” at the camp. Danielle and Jonathan have the opportunity to run a store for the campers here and earn a little spending money. We want to publicly thank Nathan and Francis Ross’ adult fellowship class for the amazing amount of “stuff” they sent down with Pat for the kids to sell. We sent a list and then they doubled it! Everything was a huge hit, in fact the first night they sold out of all the sour stuff. Now, we just have to figure out how to replenish their supplies for the next camp. They are also selling stuff provided by the Cofan Indians. This is a fun opportunity for the kids to interact with the campers and teach them some very fundamental lessons about money.
The week off from school was really welcomed. We have still continued with our Spanish and each week we change the schedule to meet our learning styles and paces. This is a nice way to say, Danielle needed to progress ahead of her parents!
Pray for us as we learn the distinction of the many words. For example I confuse jovenes, huevos, and jueves, so someday I’m sure I’ll need eggs but ask for either something young or Thursday. My personal goal this week was to actually give the clerk at the Supermaxi my phone number when she asked for it, rather than hand her my phone. I practiced all the way there, and then at the last minute had Bridget say it. So I guess sometimes we succeed and sometimes we don’t. I do know my phone number now….although I have no idea about my address!
Thank you again for you constant love and encouragement,
As God is our Refuge, Mary for the Scholl’s
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