English Class

This last October we were able to start our first English class here at El Refugio.  We can not even begin to describe to you how much we enjoy this time.  We meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00 pm.  Howie helps me out each week with our conversation and game time.  This has been such a fun thing for us to do together.  I  tell you these twelve students of ours are faithful, week after week we learn, practice and build.

I (Mary) wake up each day of class, anticipating our time together and when I arrive home I can not go to sleep as I think through what worked and what didn't.  Really, my journey of learning Spanish has greatly influenced how I teach the class.  I am just so thankful to God for this opportunity.

English Class in Calacali, Ecuador 

For nine of the students, english will be their second language.

Our "class time" has been modeled after our language school in Guadalajara.

For three, english will be their third language.

The Grace Center has been such a great setting for our class.

We told them, "Let's do something silly, this is what they came up with :)"

Let me demonstrate how difficult it is for these second and third language learners, and how one lesson can go off track pretty quickly, when I tried to explain the word "up".  I said a simple little phrase, "OK class, let's open "up" our english books...."   I have no idea who the author is,  however, thought you would enjoy viewing the english language from their vantage point for a minute.

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP?

Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends.

And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.

We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning.

People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.

A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary.

In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used.

It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP.

When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP.

When it rains, it wets the earth and often mess’s things UP.

When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP,

For now my time is UP,

So...it is time to shut UP!

Ministry Video

Grace Chapel of Lancaster, California sent Shelbey Hunt, their Media guy, to capture on video what our ministry, El Refugio does and more specifically what it is Howard and I do. We are so thankful that Shelbey has chosen to use his talents and gifts in this way.

Scholls-Vimeo from Shelbey Hunt on Vimeo.

You know you're a Missionary when...

... you hoard things.  Some things can not be bought in country and you have to either bring them from the states or have someone bring them to you. "Pam" cooking spray is something that comes and goes from the shelves of our local grocery store.  We haven't been able to buy it now, since the first of the year.  Then, miracle of miracles it magically appeared at the grocery store.  When it did,  I didn't just buy one, although quite frankly one would have lasted us for at least 2-5 years.  Oh no, I bought three!!!  Because, who knows, it may disappear again.  And I learned from the first time that of all the products that has disappeared, this is one that is hard to get, because you can not bring something aerosol in your luggage.  

I was joking with a friend of mine, that unfortunately, being a missionary has taught me to be a great hoarder.  Note I didn't say "good",  I said "great".  For example, a couple of years ago, a friend from Quito called me to see if I had a can of green chilies she could have.  Notice the verb I used here is "have" not borrow, because she knew as well as I did that she can not replace this item because they can't be bought overseas.  And I'm not proud to admit it, but I lied.  Although at the time I had at least eight, yes eight cans of chilies in my pantry, I said, "No, sorry".  Why oh why did I do it?  Are you interested in the justification that took place after that?  It was going to be months before we had someone coming from the states, I use at least one can a week in a recipe I make and I was already going to run out....I like seeing that nice little stack of cans, it makes me feel secure.  Does it help you to know my friend called me on it, and I did give her one of my cans of chilies, bringing my inventory down to seven?

Have you ever noticed the symptom of the physical is actually a refection of the spiritual?  Really aren't we all just a little adapt at hoarding things in our lives?  During the time of the, shall we call it "the green chili" incident, God was convicting me about some attitudes I was holding on to, that needed to go.  The conversation went something like this..."you know Lord, really I am justified in having this unforgiving spirit, because the person really hurt me."  Or, "seriously Lord my feelings of anger are justified because..."  Because, because, because.  Those things in my spiritual life were like those little cans of green chilis, stacked nice and neat in my heart and I wanted to hoard them or hold on to them.  And God said, "No".

Recently, I heard a speaker make this statement, "You can not hold on to anything with nail pierced hands".  From first John 2:1-2, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.  but if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Quinceanera

You would think that after living here for six years, we would be done with all our "firsts".  Like the first time we ran out of water with a group, or the first time a cell phone was flushed down the toilet, or our first wedding (in fact we've had three).  Oh no, yesterday Aurelio our guard hosted a Quinceanera for his youngest daughter and her older sister, who turned eighteen.

From the vast resources on the internet, "In the Latino culture, the Quinceañera is the tradition of celebrating a young girl's coming of age upon reaching her fifteenth birthday (or Quince Años). The special day may include a Catholic Mass of Thanksgiving and a reception afterwards, or simply a 15th birthday party with all the frills. Either way, it recognizes a young girl's road to maturity and there are many different traditions that are very important in the planning of this special event.

The Quinceañera, as the birthday girl is referred to, has traditionally worn a pink dress to symbolize the purity of her youth. Recently, it has become much more common for the young lady to choose a white dress for the same symbolism, mimicking the beautiful white gowns of Western brides, or to choose a vibrant gown in a color she simply enjoys. 

A popular tradition is for the young lady to wear flat-heeled shoes to her ceremony and for the Changing of the Shoes to take place at the reception after Mass. The Quinceañera's father (or male filling the role) changes his daughter's shoes from the flat- heeled shoes of a child to the high-heeled shoes of a young lady, symbolizing her transition on this day.

Nathaly, the older daughter asked Jonathan if he would be her escort to the event.  For the last month the two couples have been practicing the waltz so after the traditional changing of the shoes they could dance their first dance as a young woman.  He did an outstanding job and made us very proud.

Diana, Jonaton, Rebecca (in front holding the shoes for Diana), Aurelio,
Nathaly, Jonathan and Amy (holding the shoes for Nathaly) 

Aurelio the Father changing Nathaly's shoes from flats to high heals

Head table

Amy and Rebecca
future Quinceaneritas
If their parents only knew how fast the time will fly!

Think you know us :)

Campamento de Aventura Sobrevive

Operations Staff showing their support for our first Adventure Camp.  We had two girls from Germany come and help us out (far left).  They are here interning and were such a blessing to our ministry.

Programming Staff - these are the people who really made it happen.
Byron at the top with his arms out was the Camp Director and he did a fantabulous job

All the youth who attended the camp at the end of August

The kids were challenged to learn to live and grow in every area of their lives.  They learned by the end of the week how to live a life committed to Christ.  To move from just surviving to thriving in their relationship with Christ, their families and their churches

Camp isn't complete without a little water....

...or a little mud :)

Lest you think the whole week was work work work, this shows we can have a little fun too.  Pame on the left and Angelica on the right wondered what Senor Howie would look like with hair!

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Dr. Suess

Danielle and Jonathan both were able to come home for the summer and help us out with groups.  I thought you might be interested in seeing a re-cap of some of the things they did when they weren't working.  (All quotations on the photos are from Dr. Suess "Oh, the Places You'll Go!")

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
Danielle was able to tutor Deanna and Natali with their Algebra, something I could not do in English, much less Spanish

“Oh the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.” 
Danielle made an aphgan for Dany and Katy's wedding gift

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. 
Painting the pink room tan

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.”
Jonathan helped with the painting project

“Things may happen and often do to people as brainy and footsy as you”
Danielle and Jonathan figured out how to make home made pretzels!

“Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!” 
Jonathan was taught by Howard how to weld a bell for the camp

Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
A view of the bell from the other side

“You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!” 

La Boda de Dany y Katy ~ Dany and Katy's Wedding

Howie, Mariana, Katy y Dany

First I have to tell you about Dany and our history with him.  When we first came to El Refugio, Dany came about the same time as an Ecuadorian facilitator/intern for one year.  We had absolutely no communication with him for two reasons, our lack of Spanish and the way he spoke Spanish using slang and how fast he spoke.  Over the course of time, we learned Spanish and he learned English.  Howie and Dany developed a close relationship, and we have come to view him as our "Ecuadorian son".  

To give an example, when we were preparing for our furlough Howie decided to make wooden magnets for our supporters.  Eighty of them.  They were little discs and he wood burned the Refugio logo on each one.  Dany found out and each evening he would show up at our doorstep with his wood burner and help Howie out.  They would talk and you could tell by their conversation, they shared many common interests.  

One evening Dany was telling us that he was going to propose to Katy his longtime girlfriend.  So we started brain storming with him about what that would look like, conspiring with Israel (another Ecuadorian friend) and two other missionary friends we put together Dany's proposal day and evening. 

After that we were busy preparing to leave for our furlough, but before we left Dany and Katy asked Howie and I to be their Padrinos at their wedding.  While they were asking us, I was very aware this was a matter of great importance and honor and I think our question was, what does this mean?  Basically, they want us to be their spiritual mentors and encourage them in their relationship with Christ and each other.  Absolutely, that is something we can do, in fact would love to do.  

So on July 7, 2012 Dany and Katy were married here at El Refugio and Howie and I were honored to be their Padrinos, which meant much to my dismay that we were walked in after the parents and we got to sit at the head table.  What a blessing to be a part of their wedding day and to witness them commit their lives to each other and to serving Jesus as their Savior.

Dany y Katy as husband and wife

First dance

Seated at the head table while Israel acts as Master of Ceremony

Los Padrinos!

"Rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents" Luke 15:7

Zip Line at El Refugio

     This last weekend El Refugio hosted an Ecuadorian church for a weekend retreat.    After the weekend was over, I asked one of the facilitators how the weekend had gone.  The following is what he related to me...

     The group arrived early Saturday morning, even before they arrived we knew this group had some particular issues they wanted to address.  Really, they were no different from many of the youth in North America, had the same struggles with sex and alcohol.  The leaders wanted to be very proactive in dealing with these issues because they were affecting the group and their behavior.   

     After dinner, Byron who is on staff with El Refugio took the group to the outdoor chapel and preached to them from 1 John 4:13-15.  These verses say, "We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.  and we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.  If, anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God"  Basically he challenged them by asking a couple of questions, "Would they acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God?" and "Did they want God to live in them so they would be in God?".  He then gave them some time to pray and think about what their response would be.

     After some time had passed, Byron and the facilitators proceeded to take the group up to the zip line.  Remember this is at night, no full moon, completely pitch black.  As each person landed on the other side of the valley, they were asked if they wanted to commit or recommit their life to Christ as their personal Savior.  

     22 people from the group said Yes!  Oh and did I mention it was raining?  What was great about this is, many of the young people were crying and their noses were running, but with the rain you couldn't tell.  So they had complete freedom to repent and confess and not worry what the others from the group would think.  

     Santi, the facilitator I talked too said the difference between the group on Saturday compared to Sunday was like night and day.  We know, as believers that is because of what verse 13 says, "because he has given us of his Spirit."  This was a group that had responded to the call of God in their lives and therefore been extravagantly redeemed.

Morning Devotions

One of Howard's goals was to be able to start a Bible Study with the workers here at El Refugio.  As a result of our time at language school, he came back feeling confident enough with his Spanish to be able to do this.  While we were at school, each of us were responsible for a short devotional and then time of prayer.  After seeing this modeled morning after morning, Howard realized rather than a deep inductive study, this actually would be perfect for his time with the guys.  

Starting with the first morning he returned to work,  Howard gathers with the guys, they take turns reading a devotional and then have a time of prayer.  He has been so encouraged by their response,  many times during the day while they are working, something from the devotional will come up and Howard has been able to use this to speak into their lives.  When he first started this time, at the end he would just pray for the day etc. but as time has gone on, the guys have become more comfortable sharing prayer requests and then have even started praying for one another.  

Howie, Holgar, Pedro, Aurelio and Enrique behind

Holgar's turn to read on this particular morning.

Kindergarten Graduation-Ecuadorian Style

Six weeks.  We have been home for six weeks.  In that time El Refugio has hosted three work teams.  A team of almost fifty from Illinois, one of about twenty-five from Wyoming and we currently have a family team here from North Carolina.  Needless to say we have been running a bit crazy.  Danielle and Jonathan have been a huge blessing to Howard and I,  helping wherever we need them too.

Even though we have been crazy busy with work and day to day operations, we have managed to have some very fun times where we were able to celebrate the normal traditions many of us celebrate.

Although we have kids the age of our Program Director Juan Carlos and his wife, Courtney, we have become very good friends with them.  We have loved doing life and ministry with them here in Ecuador, part of that includes attending many of their kids events.  One of those events was their second daughters graduation from kindergarten.  

For Howard and I this happened to be another marker in our journey.  The Cevallos children attend an Ecuadorian school near El Refugio.  Last year when we attended Marlis graduation (oldest daughter) we didn't understand much of the ceremony and what was being said.  I am happy to report that this year, at Lily's graduation it was as if someone had hit the "translate" button and we were given access to the speeches which were made.

Over and over we are so thankful for our time spent at language school and daily reap its benefits.

Danielle, Mary, Lili - the Graduate and Howie

Marli, Lili's big sister and Mary watching the graduation

Lili's class performed a song and she had a solo

Proud Dad and Mom, Juan Carlos and Courtney with Lili, along with Lili's teacher

Howie had "Caleb duty", (Lili's younger brother) I think he actually looks like a body guard

Caleb explaining to Howie why it is okay for him to go play in the fountain :)

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

Before we returned home to Ecuador, we were able to spend one final weekend with all our kids and grandkids at Pismo Beach.  One thing we have learned by living so far away, is that when we have family time, we are intentional and fully present.  As a family, we simply spent time together, we played, built a campfire, flew some kites and savored every single moment.

People have said to us more than once, "I could never do what you do and leave my kids, family or life."  Unintentionally, they are suggesting the decision to choose the life as missionaries is easy.  That some how we have detached ourselves or simply have a dead, stone cold heart.  They don't mean to imply that, but in reality that is the pink elephant in the conversation.  

Goodbyes are the most difficult thing we have to go through.  Our hearts are split, truly cut in two.  We would love to be near our kids and daily engage in their lives.  We love what we do here in Ecuador. We love the ministry, we love the roles we play in the lives of the people here.  We get to see God do amazing things on a daily basis.  And that is why we are able to do what we do.  God.  Through His power and provision, through the work of His spirit in us, not of our own accord.  

That makes some people nervous.  If I choose to follow God will He "make" me leave my family and serve in a distant land.  The answer quite frankly is, maybe yes, or maybe no.  The point that needs to be understood is "it is worth it."  You can trust God with your heart, more importantly with your life.  So often, we observe people exercise a control over their lives that they simply do not possess.  We have watched our kids grow fiercely independent and even though it's been messy at times, they are figuring out who they are and working out their own salvation.  Our daughters are amazing Moms, tears come to my eyes when I reflect on how completely different they are and yet such good Moms.  They love their children, more importantly, they love their husbands.  We have watched God provide over and over for our kids who are single, and even though as the song says, "Everybody knows it sucks to grow up" they are doing an awesome job of figuring out who they are and what role they need to play within God's plan.  

With all that said, we are now home in Ecuador.  Here we go...below are some pictures from our final weekend with our family.

Do you know how hard it is to get twelve people to all smile at once?

Anchor, our grandson (Bridget and Steve's boy) was in constant motion the entire time

Maemae, our granddaughter (Nicole and Jay's girl) loved the sand

Danielle and Mackenna (Bridget and Steve's daughter) loved the water, even though it was freezing

So, see the cup in Jay's hand? (Nicole's husband)   Well, he had just pranked me.  I won't go into details but suffice it to say,   I  fell hook, line and sinker and all of us laughed 'til it hurt.

Nothing like a day at the beach

Nicole with "baby Larry" as we affectionately call him.   What a beautiful reminder that there is always new life, new beginnings and new seasons.  Instead of mourning the close of our time, we look to the future expectantly.

A family tradition of ours is to "salute the sunset".  God blessed us with a picture perfect sunset.

Now the Real Learning Begins!

Have you ever felt like you have fallen off the grid for a bit?  For the last two months that is what we were able to do and it was such a wonderful experience.  On April first we flew to Guadalajara, Mexico to take an intensive language course in Spanish.  Probably one of the hardest, best things we have ever done.  We had a supporter ask us if we thought seven weeks would really make that big of a difference.  Absolutely.  Now though, the real learning begins as we head back to Ecuador and implement the many things we learned.  Our goal really was quite simple, we wanted to learn how to speak without sounding like cavemen.  I think as time goes on we will see we now have the tools to accomplish our goal.  Our days were filled with grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, interpretation and translation.  Howard and I both had our "a-ha" moments where something became clear which we had clearly muddled up.  We are thankful for the time spent in Guadalajara and for the people who made it possible so we could participate in this language school.

Devotionals started each of our days while we studied at the Harvest Language Center.  This time included our language teachers and all the students who were studying at different levels.  In this picture five different mission organizations are represented.

On Mother's Day our whole group got together and ate at one of our favorite taco stands.  

Jasson, Kim, Kaleb, Noah and Micah Farmer are with UIM Aviation (United Indian Mission) and graciously took us along with them whenever they went sightseeing.  This photo is at Lake Chapala, Mexico

Deb Duncan and our paths crossed very briefly at school, but we were touched by her courage to quit her job in Texas and attend seven months of language school so she would minister in Autlan, Mexico.  As we continue on this journey, we are amazed at the people we meet who have answered the call of God on their lives, in order to impact the kingdom for His glory

Howie just liked this sign when he was out touring the city of Guadalajara, simple message but true.