Weekly Wrap Up From CalaCali, Ecuador

Time has truly gotten away from us this month. Although our blog has been silent there has been a lot happening at Hacienda El Refugio. The first of the month found Howard and the workers expanding our guards living quarters. In the past the Cofan Indians have rotated the guard duty, one month on and one off. Starting September first, the camp hired Andres’ full time, which means he and Marlena will live here on the property full time. While the guards quarters were fine for a single man, changes were needed to accommodate a married couple. By the time the project was completed their living space was increased by double. This ended up being a really fun project, Howard let Marlena pick out the paint colors (Cofan orange) and found various pieces of furniture from around the camp to really make it a home for them.

Here is the fun part. Soon after they moved in, we were returning to the camp on a Tuesday evening. Both Andres’ and Marlena came out to greet us at the gate. They were beaming. A group of about six Cofan Indians had just left. They had hosted their first Bible Study. Not only were they thrilled with their new home, they wanted to practice hospitality as a natural response.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon 4-7

Toward the end of the month, the camp hosted a small group from the Mid West who worked on all the electrical needs for the PTC (Professional Training Center). Up until that point the camp had been pretty quiet, so to have the group arrive was a welcomed blessing.

I was able to travel home for a bullet trip to put all the plans into place for Nicole’s wedding. I arrived and we spent the time running. We did in ten days, what I am sure most people do over the course of months. Kevin and Bridget were able to join me for a good part of it, and I soaked up the time with them. God is so good. Although I know we are exactly where we are supposed to be, the tension of living so far away from our older kids is always there. I am really proud of all three of them as they find exactly where God wants them to be.

As always we covet your prayers and appreciate your partnership with us as we minister. We also love hearing from each of you and news from your lives.

As God is our Refuge, Mary for the Scholl Family