Aire Libre - Peru

Peruvian students with their certificates of completion with Juan Carlos Cevallos, our Program Director (far left) and Rich Brown, Inca Link Director (third from right)

Claudia, Roberto, Juan, Carlos and Joca

Juan giving his part of "Aire Libre" Peru's presentaion

Teachers on the left, Carlos and Joca during presetation

Jonathan, Claudia and myself

The beginning of February we received a group of five Peruvians involved in a camp which belongs to a partner ministry of ours called Inca Link.  Through our outdoor leadership program called "Aire Libre" we set out to train and teach them about all aspects involved in running a camp.  During the four weeks they were here they received classes in everything from camp administration, group dynamics, property management, climbing, outdoor leadership and experiential education.  When their time here at El Refugio was completed, each member on our staff could see how these five people grew together as a team.  Now that they have returned to Peru they will be working together at camp in Trujillo, Peru. Howard and I are always amazed at how quickly people move in and out of our lives.  Even though it was four short weeks, we came to enjoy and appreciate these five people.  We shared meals, movie nights and even four on the couch, which you might be surprised to learn, there was cheating in both English and Spanish! 

Introducing New Staff at El Refugio

Ryan third from right with team from 2008

Ryan and Erica Coryell 2011

We have two new members to our El Refugio staff.  The Coryell's arrived at that end of January to work with our Programming Director Juan Carlos Cevellos.  Ryan actually came down with a team three years ago to build our swing set that many kids (and adults) have enjoyed since then.  They come from North Carolina and have many gifts to offer to our team.  Erica lived in Mexico for several months and is fluent in Spanish, Ryan is now in intensive Spanish classes to acquire the language as quickly as possible.  They will primarily be working with and mentoring our facilitators.

It is a testimony to God and His work in the lives of His children.  As with us, the Coryells first came down to serve with a team and during that time God got a hold of their hearts.  Three years later, they are now living and working right along side us to further the kingdom of God. 

"Waguar Sholl"

When we first arrived to El Refugio I was having a hard time remembering all the names of the workers.  At the time, we had a team here on property, and one of the women was trying to help me with our head workers name.  His name is Holgar pronounced "olhair", but she told me just to think in my mind "Old Hair".  It took me quite a bit of time to get that out of my brain every time I talked with him.  

This last Christmas we had a similar thing happen in reverse.  We received a letter from the local barrio "Santa Maria Magdalena".  Basically, the letter was inviting us to a celebration and would we donate some fireworks.  The letter was addressed to "Senor Waguar Sholl".  We got quite a laugh at how they had translated Howard's name.  We have known since our arrival here that "Howard" is a hard name for Ecuadorians to pronounce.  The letter was just evidence.  I told him I thought it was quite dignified and he might just want to seriously think about changing it permanently from Howard to Waguar. 

Sincerely, Waguar or Senor Waguar or Abuelo Waguar yes quite fetching I'd say old chap :)  The letter was signed "Cordialmente"  Yes indeed.

Navidads! Navidads!! Navidads!!!

Very serious little Ecuadorianita

There is an Ecuadorian tradition where children are given a "navidad" (small toy or candy) before or on Christmas.  For the past three years, we have given navidads out with the Cline family on Christmas day.  As Christmas approached this year we had two problems, first the Cline family had moved back to the states and second we were out of navidads. Along with this, Howard and I also felt God leading us to distribute food bags to the families who were in need.  

We witnessed first hand God provide for both these needs in a huge way.  First, Extreme Response donated 60 food bags left over from their Christmas parties.  Then, Danielle was part of a group who won a contest and those college students decided to donate the money for toys "navidads" for the children in our local barrio, Ryocucho.  She arrived home for Christmas with 2 duffel bags full of toys.  Since we had witnessed God showing up in a big way, Jonathan and Danielle decided to go one step further with the navidads and they wrapped over a 100 gifts.  On Christmas Eve with Howard driving the camp truck, Danielle, Jonathan, Enrique and I got the privilege to play "Papa Noel". 

Duffel bag full of "navidads"

Jonathan and Danielle with all the wrapped gifts

"Papa Noel"

Danielle and our favorite local couple

Enrique and his Grandma (he said she is between 90-100 years old)

Jonny-boy

The navidads had ribbons to tell if it was for a girl or a boy

Children who were waiting for us along the road

Hacienda El Refugio Annual Christmas Party

Juan Carlos, Courtney and Facilitators 2010

On December 18th, we hosted our annual Christmas party. There were over 60 in attendance between the workers, their families and the facilitators who help during the year with our Ecuadorian groups.  The day started with a round of paint ball and "Ecua- volleyball".  We then enjoyed a great meal of fritada an Ecuadorian meal which is fried pork, llapingachos (potato pancakes), and mote (won't even try and explain :)  We set up an ice cream sundae bar for dessert and everyone loved it, especially picking their own flavors of toppings etc.  In an effort to combine both sides of our ministry, operations and programming, this was a great time for everyone to connect and celebrate the past year of ministry.  Thought you would enjoy looking at some of the pictures from the day.

Ecadorian Facilitators

   

Three Generations:  Mecedes, Lorena and Pedro

   

Holgar, our head worker.  Angelica, head cook and family

   

Andres our guard and family

    

Anita our new cook and family

   

Ice Cream Bar - Huge Success!!!

   

Paul Reichert our new Director enjoying "fritada"

   

Marli - besitos (kisses)

   

Vladimir and Kenard

  

"Ecua-Volleyball"