Ciao for now, Ecuador

We're just a day and a half from leaving Ecuador.  It's so hard to believe our time here is almost over and we, as a team, are anticipating great sadness on the day we have to tell our ministry contacts and hosts goodbye.  Yesterday, we visited For His Children, an orphanage down the street, for the last time and that last visit was a difficult departure.  Everything within me wants to stay, work with VMF (our ministry contacts) to reach the people of Carapungo and spend the rest of my time loving on those precious children we've so quickly grown to love.  

Things I will miss:

1 – VMF
What a precious fellowship of believers!  From day one, we've felt like family.  They've comforted us when we were scared, loved on us when we were missing home, showed us the heart of the Father in the way they love one another and love the community around them.  From visiting the members of this precious group of people in their homes to worship and prayer, to the numerous times they treated us with coffee and delicious food – I was constantly reminded of the fellowship described among the early church in Acts.  

Please pray for continued unity, growth, and perseverance of our new family in Carapungo!

2 – For His Children
We spent only a few days at For His Children, but it only took moments for us to fall head over heels for all of the children there.  Playing, holding, and feeding the babies and toddlers melted all of our hearts.  During our last visit, I consciously tried to soak in each moment holding and hugging little -S-; I have a suspicion my fellow teammates did the same.

Pray for restoration of families (as some of the children's parents work to gain custody once again) or adoption for each of these precious souls into loving homes, whether within Ecuador or internationally.

3 – IncaLink/Casablanca
As my previous post mentioned, we have been overwhelmingly spoiled by our hosts this month.  They've provided such amazing hospitality, not just in the providing of our living quarters, but in building relationships with us and loving us well.  I've greatly enjoyed chatting with and getting to know two of the interns here, Kayla and Jenna!  Mabe and Fabian have consistently cooked us delicious meals and served us with a smile at each mealtime. And Gustavo, who always has an encouraging word, a smile, and is willing to assist us in any way we need.

4 – Food/Fruit
Where to begin!  Ecuador is known as the paradise of fruit (and flowers).  Everything we've tried is incredibly fresh and most often delicious.  Admittedly, there have been a few here and there that weren't necessarily a favorite.
Our team often jokes about the 4-5 meals we eat daily; wherever we go, it seems someone is feeding us something tasty.  Couple delicious food with a culture dripping with hospitality and you have a World Racer's dream come true!  

5 – The Views