Grace Chapel Lancaster

We had the privilege of hosting our sending church, Grace Chapel of Lancaster, California.  They were here for a whirlwind vision trip, so that meant we did a little bit of everything.  The idea was to show them a variety of the things a group could possibly do, so they could then plan for future groups to come visit, work and minister here at El Refugio.  We were so encouraged by their time here and felt completely blessed by each of them individually and by Grace Chapel.

We travelled out to Otavalo, an indian market where you can buy amazing Ecuadorian things.  We stopped for lunch and the price to pay to eat our picnic lunch at this amazing spot, was to pay to have our picture taken with this young boy and his llama.  Deal :)

The whole group, plus our interns at Mitad del Mundo or "The Middle of the World"

Fun day of programming.  This was the first time I had ever done the programming, I was challenged and saw first hand what a great job our programming director, Juan Carlos Cevellos does, we are really blessed to work along side him here at El Refugio

Dean Spoelstra, one of our Pastor's at Grace Chapel, trying out first hand our programming wall

Touring downtown Quito, taking a break in the Presidential Square.   While we were there we had some excitement as the military moved in with their full riot gear on.  We found out later that the president was there and getting ready to address the crowd.  Howard was in the van waiting to pick us up as I tried to round everyone up and get us out of there.  I kept thinking to myself, "How did I become the one in charge and in some alternate universe, this is probably hilarious!"

The men installed additional water tanks for us, and I am pleased to announce we haven't run out of water since then.  "Gracious a Dios"  Thanks be to God!

Billy Cox, (he and his wife Bernice are very close to my parents) and I enjoying a cup of coffee at the Basillica.  It meant so much to me to have Billy come visit, on the final day during worship, he and I couldn't even look at each other without starting to cry.

Brad, Suzanne and Shelbey.  God made sure this side of heaven would be bearable by providing friends like them :)

Outdoor Chapel Dedication

The Amphitheater was completed shortly after the New Year. El Refugio hosted one of our weekly Youth World meetings and we had the dedication ceremony.  The Amphitheater was officially re-named "The Outdoor Chapel" 

Walking toward the Outdoor Chapel

Closer to the entrance

Brad Miller (right) praying a prayer of dedication over the Outdoor Chapel 

The Youth World team praying during the dedication

The prayer and dedication was for thankfulness for the generosity for the individual who donated the funds for the Outdoor Chapel and for the future ministry opportunities it will provide.

A Birthday, A Celebration and A Wedding

Before our summer really gets going I just wanted to share some pictures from events "non work" related during the month of April and May.  While we are so far from home, we feel very blessed to be able to share different occasions with our friends here.  Although holiday's are sometimes the hardest days for us, it helps to have a team who shower us with support and love.

Celebrating Howie's Birthday with our team

All the workers came to celebrate Howie's Birthday, by the end of the day he had three cakes made for him.

Celebrating Easter with some of our favorite people

Sandi, Mary and Courtney at the cake table for the wedding

Celebrating the wedding of  Miguel and Desire

Because I know Bob is interested...

Juan Carlos and Howie on the front face of the wall.

Side of the wall clockwise from the front

Wilmar on the back of the wall, the most difficult one as I understand it.

Introducing Bryce Reimer (guy at the top of the wall) our operations summer intern.  He is from the great state of Kansas and a graduate of John Brown University on his way to Physical Therapy School in the fall.

Saying goodbye to Andres'

     Four years ago, when we arrived at El Refugio, Andres and Marlena had just gotten married.  If memory serves me well, we arrived on February 26th and they had gotten married February 14th.  Andres served as our guard and the family lived in the guard house on property.  Over the 4 years they had two baby girls, Katerine and Jaris.  Marlena is originally from Peru and with their growing family they felt like it was best for them to live closer to her family.  We will miss them very much and pray for God's blessing on their lives.

Marlena y  Andres as newlyweds

Katerine, Andres', Jaris and Marlena

     The whole family went to Peru this last Christmas.  Marlena and the girls stayed and Andres came back to get all the paper work in order.  On his last day in the country we threw him a "Despedida" (farewell party) with a full lunch and time of encouragement and praying for he and his family. 

     As I said in an earlier blog, people come and go through our lives.  This is the first, full time worker to leave and it was hard on everyone on property. For me, saying goodbye has become something that I would prefer to avoid, like the plague.  This is my hope for heaven and what I cling too, "No more good-byes!"

Andres' and family

Enrique, his wife Alicia and Andres'

Lunch of Arroz con Pollo with staff