May Update

Sorry that I haven't written sooner! Life has been very busy the past month, and it is getting even busier now with the school year coming to an end. Here is a recap of what has been going on lately:

Trip to the coast with Mark and Cheryl:
The beginning of May, I drove with Mark and Cheryl to Portoviejo, which is on the coast of Ecuador. We left at 6 am on Friday and arrived there around 1pm. It was a long, bumpy ride, but Mark did a great job driving. It was a beautiful drive through the mountains, then flat farmland, and then into the humid coastal jungle. We stayed in the home of a family that is good friends with Mark and Cheryl.
On Saturday morning the phone rang to say that their grandmother had passed away. The rest of the weekend the family was at the memorial and funeral service. Our trips purpose quickly changed. We spent time comforting them and spending time with them at the memorial. On Sunday we went to visit a small church in the outskirts of town. Cheryl and I helped with Sunday School and I taught the kids some songs. Sunday night we went to an amazing church service at a church named El Shaddai. Meylin (the Nicaraguan missionary living/working with the Shafers) preached and did an incredible job. At the end of her sermon she asked youth who want to serve the Lord to come forward and many came! We had a time of special pray for them. On Monday morning we drove back to Quito.

Santos Pamba School/Bank Update:
Praise God! The money transfer finally arrived to Quito. Thank you for praying! I had to have a check sent to the US Embassy here, which took a long time. The block on Ecuadorian banks is still on, so this summer I have to work on another way to get donations to Ecuador besides wiring it. Any ideas??
Today I had the teachers over for lunch and we had a nice time together. Many of the kids are doing very well and are still loving school. Their school year will end the end of June. There are only 5 kids who are struggling and still not reading, but that has to do with not having support at home. The teachers shared with me today that in the Santos Pamba neighboorhood the level of physical abuse (men to women, and parents to children- beating, hitting with belts/cords) is increasing. 3 of the students at school come from abusive homes and there is nothing you can do in Ecuador to intervene. Please pray that God's protects the precious children in Santos Pamba from harm. Mari's heart is still hardened against Christianity (the teacher who became a Mormon). Please pray that her heart will be softened and she will return to Jesus. Please also pray for Pastor Pedro Pablo and I as we plan for next year. On Tuesday, I am interviewing a possible teacher for next year. We need 2 or 3 new teachers. We are not going to renew Mari's contract because she is not a Christian, and also does not have an University degree, which the government is requiring now. Please pray for wisdom for when to talk to Mari and that she will respond well and not be angry. I am taking my 3rd grade class to Santos Pamba on June 8th for our last time this year, and a time to say goodbye to their buddies. I will be sure to post pictures!

Health Update:
I went to the eye doctor again a week ago because my eyes are still red and infected. I was prescribed the strongest antibiotic eye drops to use 3 times a day, plus having to wash out my eyes every night. My vision has not been affected, thank God. I have an appointment again this Wednesday to see if the infection is better. I think they are less red now. Please continue to pray that they heal completely! I'll let you know what the doc says on Wednesday.

My roommate, Laura, is getting married to an Ecuadorian on June 20th. Wedding craziness will begin soon. Her first guest arrives next Saturday! I am helping her entertian/translate for her guests from the U.S. I am sad that Laura will be leaving me, but am very happy for her and Jorge. Please pray that God will provide a new roommate for me by September. It is difficult right now because there are not very many new missionaries coming to Ecuador now, and Ecuadorian girls live with their parents until they get married. I am trusting that God will be faithful.

Thank you for your support and prayers! May God bless all of you. I am coming back to Gig Harbor on June 25th and hope to see many of you!! Muchos abrazos.