Well, I arrived safely in Quito on Wednesday night and have been busy since! I have loved my time so far and cannot believe what a wonderful place For His Children is. My living arrangements are very comfortable... (kitchen, my room, the living room, we live on the second floor of the building in picture 4).
In my first day, I helped feeding some of the babies in the "baby house" which is the first floor of the building we live in. There are 11 "babies" ranging in age from a couple months to 1.5 years. In the "toddler house", there are about 10-12 kids ranging in age from 3 to about 7 years old. There are 16 "tias" or caretakers who work in shifts and take care of the children. There are also many volunteers who come throughout the week to help wherever needed.
I also attended a bible study that Jen attends, with 7 other girls most of whom are from the states or Europe. It's fascinating to see how many Americans and Europeans are here in Ecuador doing various missions and volunteer work. Lots of English speakers. Doing a Beth Moore study on Daniel.
Came back from the Bible study and began the annual "Spa Day" for the Tias. Jen has prepared this event for the Tias for the past few years and I was so glad to be able to be a part of it. The Tias do so much for the children, and this event is one way we tried to bless and thank them. It was a great way to begin to get to know each of them. Spa Day was done in three or four different shifts over a few days in order to include all 16 Tias. We had snacks, facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and gift bags for each. So fun!!
Saturday afternoon, there was a local church group that came to do a little puppet show program for the kids. Here are just a few pictures from that event. Just take a look at those cute faces, and I dare you not to fall in love!!
We also went to Papallacta on Saturday night- a town about 2 hours southeast of Quito that is known for their natural hot springs- with a few friends. Had an intersting time getting there since we were able to use the orphanage's van, but due to the steep inclines it was having some difficulty including some smoking and lots of back-firing. Lets just say there were lots of prayers said that night! It was so relaxing, however, once we arrived. They have lots of pools of differing depths and temperatures that are all fed by natual hot springs.
Thanks for your prayers. The Lord is faithful. Romans 8:15 "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father". Being here at the orphanage where many kids are awaiting adoption, I have been reflecting on the wonderful grace of our Lord, who adopted us- in our sin and messiness- to be sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. What a miracle.
