Catch up Part 2.
After an amazing dinner and worship with the Purdy’s, they offered to host teams that were interested in staying in Banos.
For the next three weeks, we stayed at the Purdy’s home and we had an incredible time. Part of our mission during our time there was to bless the Purdy’s in anyway we could. However, they blessed us beyond what we could imagine. They cooked amazing home cooked meals for us, allowed us to do laundry at their house, gave us the grand tour and allowed us to stay in their home and wanted nothing in return. They just wanted to serve us and they loved us so well.
So who are the Purdys?
Check this video out, they can tell you better than I can…
Left to right…
Bella, Donna (Mrs. Purdy), Quinley, Sterling (Mr. Purdy), Hayes, Israel, William
The Purdy’s introduced us to two of their friends during our stay. Israel, traveled with them as they explored the possibility of living in Ecuador. He is an excellent translator and such a funny dude. Once we discovered our mutual interest of quoting Nacho Libre all seriousness went out the window. William, was the Purdy’s person of peace. Israel introduced him to the Purdy’s. William is the man to know in Banos. He knows pretty much everyone and owns an excellent burger business called Hickory. Talk about great food… He told the Purdy’s they were his mission. He helped them anyway he could.
During our time in Banos, we got plugged in with a local church. We met Patricio, the pastor who was a big time swimmer in Ecuador and a very quotable guy. He welcomed us with open arms. We ran a couple youth nights, in which we had to plan games, and give a word. Alex and I had the opportunity to share our testimonies with the youth. We also got plugged in with the basketball and soccer ministries. These ministries allowed us to get to know members of the church in a different way which was a blast.
Another part of our ministry during our time in Banos was being present in the community and getting to the people. The first couple of days we spent prayer walking and praying over the city. We prayed for the families, the streets, those who came through this beautiful town and against the evil and witchcraft that also occurs.
The soccer plaza was not the only place I became a regular at. I spent a majority of my meals at a fast food restaurant called Poper’s. As I write this blog I long for their signature double burger and fries. For $2.50 I could get a double cheese burger with a side of fries and it never disappointed. We were operating under a $4.50 a day food budget and it was always a $2.50 well spent.
As my visits became more and more frequent, I got to know the owner. Franklin, the owner opened Poper’s several months ago. He is a programmer, but enjoys his burger business because it is 100% his. My teammates and I would rave to him how good his food was. He asked if we could write reviews for him on his facebook page and trip advisor. We were so happy to because he served us so well. We got to know his family and were able to tell him about our race and what we were doing in Ecuador.
It was difficult saying goodbye to a new friend and his excellent food, but I told him I’d be back and that I’d be praying for him and his family and his business. Would you consider praying for Franklin, his family and business?
Muchas gracias!
Banos overlook…
The Purdy’s and Team Zeal…
Best beard in South America…
Nacho Libre Appreciation Association…
