Dear Friends,
The school year started a month ago, and life has been busy! I have 16 students in my class this year and they are wonderful. I’m thanking God for them. I have 2 girls who don’t know very much English, but they are bright girls and are learning quickly. This group is much easier than my challenging group last year that had many special needs students. My friend Courtney is the other 3rd grade teacher and this is her first year. We are having a great time collaborating together and are working well together. We decided to try something new this year for 3rd grade- I would teach science to both classes and she would teach social studies. It is going very well. I’m loving being able to focus on my science lessons. We are planning to go to Santos Pamba every other month this year- our first trip with these new 3rd graders will be in a couple weeks and they are very excited about it. Courtney is too, which is a blessing. Every day at least one student asks me if it is time to go to Santos Pamba yet. I’m excited to be able to expose a new group of students to Santos Pamba and what it means to minister to others.
Besides teaching, I too have started back to school- GRADUATE SCHOOL! I decided to pursue a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I am doing an online program through Seattle Pacific University. I am only taking two classes, but wow, it has been a hard adjustment. My whole schedule has changed. It is hard to be working full time, be in ministry, have a boyfriend, and be studying at the same time. Please pray that I will be able to balance my time wisely, and be able to handle my stress. I really need prayer right now.
Pablo has also started to study. He is studying Contemporary Music at the Universidad de San Francisco here in Quito. He is also adjusting to studying. His schedule is full time at school so he isn’t working at my school anymore as a guitar teacher. We hardly see each other now. It’s hard, but we are trying to take advantages of the few moments even if they are short. Please pray for us during this transition time.
I have a new roommate! Thank you for praying with me because God answered prayers. Her name is Hannah, and she is a study abroad student at the same university that Pablo is studying at. She is a Christian and is from Canada.
The rainy season is about to begin here in Quito, and many people are getting sick at school. Please pray that God protects my health…I’m starting to feel that I’m getting a cold.
Thank you for your faithful prayers, support and encouragement. God bless you!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Back to school soon
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you so much for your prayers for my health. My cold is now gone and I have adjusted back to having to take allergy medicine and use eye drops often. My body does not like Quito, but I know God wants me here!
The past two weeks have gone by very fast. I have been catching up with friends here in Quito, and spending time with my friend from home, Lindsay Harkson, who has been here visiting. I have been able to invest a lot of time at Santos Pamba since I’ve been back, which I love. It has been nice to be back early before the school year starts. This summer I made a lot of ministry goals for the year, and I have already been working on them. I have been meeting with the new Santos Pamba teachers and helping prepare for the new school year. I now have a separate blog just for information and pictures of Santos Pamba. (www.santospamba.blogspot.com) I will now be posting information about Santos Pamba on that blog and this blog will be my personal blog.
Please continue to pray that God provides a roommate for me. It’s lonely living alone! I’m trusting His faithfulness and that He will provide someone soon.
On Friday I started work again at Alliance Academy. It was great to see colleagues again and meet the new staff. This whole next week we have a conference about Biblical Integration in Education. I’m looking forward to learning new things and applying what I learn to my teaching. I found out that I will be having 16 or 17 3rd graders in my class this year. This week I’m working on getting my classroom set up and planning for the year. The first day of school is September 7th. Please be praying that God prepares me for this school year and equips me to be the best teacher I can be for my students. Thank you very much!
The Lord has been reminding me about how I need to fall more in love with Him so that He is the one who overflows from me. I cannot do anything without Him. I am going to be starting a new Beth Moore Bible study soon with some women from school and am looking forward to it.
Thank you for your prayers and faithful support. Make sure to check out my Santos Pamba blog for more updates and pictures of my ministry. God bless you all!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Back in Ecuador
I arrived back safely to Quito last Monday night. I loved seeing many of you when I was home. This summer went by too fast! I was able to relax, enjoy time with my family and friends, show Pablo more of the beautiful northwest, and be refreshed to return to Quito. I am excited for what God has in store for me this school year and for what He is going to do. Thank you for all your prayers, encouragement, and support. You are each very special to me. Please pray for me right now because on Tuesday morning when I woke up, I had a bad cold and my eyes are hurting. I'm back to the pollution and altitude...my body doesn't like Ecuador :( Please pray that the Lord heals my body quickly. Thank you. This week I will be spending time at Santos Pamba helping get the classrooms ready and planning for this school year. I will write again soon and send updated pictures. Blessings to you all!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Last Santos Pamba Trip Pictures
This is what the school looks like now- we have windows!We are hoping to raise money to paint the second level green
and also to make a sign for the school.
Singing songs with our buddies
Pablo led our worship time. My girls helped him.Thursday, June 18, 2009
Summer is here!
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for praying for me. I have felt your support. Here's an update about what has been going on...
MY HEALTH
My eye infection is finally gone! Thank you for praying. I still have UV damage though that will never go away. I have to continue to use eye drops many times throughout the day. I have a cold right now that I got last week. Please pray that my cold will go away quickly and that I will be able to get needed rest.
VISA UPDATE
Last Monday I met with the visa lawyer and he said that I should get my visa back TOMORROW! Please pray that the process will go quickly and the authorities will give me 2 years.
ALLIANCE ACADEMY UPDATE
Two weeks ago I finished our school year- my third year of teaching at Alliance! Time has gone by fast. We had a fun last week together as a class. On Monday I took my class for the last time to say goodbye to their amiguitos at Santos Pamba. We had a wonderful time together. We sang songs- I told them to sing as loud as they could so Jesus could hear them in heaven- it was precious to watch them all sing their hearts out to God together. We then turned the cafeteria into a movie theater and watched a Veggie Tales movie about loving your neighbor. The Santos Pamba kids loved the Veggie Tales movie. Afterwards we made puppets and then played games outside. The mothers from Santos Pamba made a special cake for my students to thank them for being amiguitos. My kids ate every bite and were very thankful to them- I've trained them well :) We then ended by having lunch together and then my students prayed for their amiguitos. I love how my student's hearts have fallen in love with their little buddies and how they desire to help them know that Jesus loves them. It is what makes my heart beat- my passion and reason for being here. I am so glad that the Alliance Academy lets me be a bridge between the rich and the poor and allows me to take my students to Santos Pamba. It is a life learning experience that I hope they will never forget. Many of the parents have thanked me for the experience and said that it is their child's favorite thing about 3rd grade!
On Friday I had my students over to my house for a pancake breakfast together and a time of closure. I will miss them, but I'm glad summer is here! Next year I will have a new partner teacher in the other 3rd grade class. Her name is Courtney and it will be her first year as a classroom teacher. This year she taught ESL and we became good friends. We are excited to work together next year.
THE SANTOS PAMBA SCHOOL UPDATE
I was great to be with the Santos Pamba kids last week. I love every time that I can spend with them. They have grown so much this year and every one of them can read now! Parents are already lining up to register their children for next year! How exciting! Thank you for your prayers and support for our little school.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote up a project proposal for the Ministry of Education for Ecuador about our school becoming legalized, which we turned in on Monday. Right now Santos Pamba is still not an approved school by the government. They have so much paperwork and requirements to meet that it is a long process. This was one of their requirements and now we are working on the next requirements. Please pray for this process and that it will go quickly. Pray that God leads us to the right connections and that they will fall in love with Santos Pamba and help us be approved quickly.
Right now we are in need of 3 new teachers for next year (1 preschool, 1 kindergarten, and 1 1st grade!) Please pray that God provides 3 wonderful Godly, qualified teachers for next year. He has been faithful in the past, and I know He will continue to be, however I get worried often and just need to rest in Him and trust Him. A couple of weeks ago I interviewed a possible teacher for the preschool class next year. She has her degree in Early Childhood and was very professional, friendly, etc., however when I asked her about her faith she said she didn't know what she believed. I asked her more questions and she was very open. I told her that the main priority of our school is that the students learn about the Lord and receive Bible class daily. She told me that she would be open to do anything we wanted her to do, and would love to learn along with the students. I was impressed with her openness and honestly. I left feeling burdened for her and have been praying for her- her name is Esperanza, which means hope. My prayer is that she will come to know the only True One that can give her the hope she is looking for. Please join me in praying for her. I need prayer that God will give me wisdom about whether or not to have her be a teacher in our school. Is the Lord leading her to Santos Pamba so that she comes to know Him? Do I need to present the Gospel to her? Pray that the Lord gives me wisdom about Esperanza. Also, please pray for Pastor Pedro Pablo and I as we meet with Mari to tell her that we are not hiring her back next year. Pray that she receives the news well.
Pastor Pedro Pablo, the Pastor of Santos Pamba and Director of the school was hopitalized last week. He almost had a heart attack due to high blood pressure and stress. Please pray for him as he is at home recovering now, that he will rest and that I will know how to best support him.
I am very excited to share with you that this summer's VBS at Fox Island Alliance Church has chosen to help fundraise for The Santos Pamba Schoool! I will be sharing with the kids about the school on July 20th and hope to get them excited about helping other kids in Ecuador.
OTHER THINGS...
My roommate Laura got married on Saturday! Our home was wedding crazy the past month, but very exciting. Pablo and I helped entertain her guests from out of town this past week. Their wedding was like a dream wedding- it was beautiful. I was an honorary bridesmaid. I will post pictures soon.
Please pray that God will connect me with a new roommate by September. I am trusting His faithfulness because I really don't want to live alone.
I am coming back to Gig Harbor on THURSDAY and will be there until August 10th. I hope to see many of you! Please give me a call if you would like to get together (253-853-3829) Thank you for your constant support, prayers, and encouraging emails. I appreciate each of you!
God bless you!
Thank you so much for praying for me. I have felt your support. Here's an update about what has been going on...
MY HEALTH
My eye infection is finally gone! Thank you for praying. I still have UV damage though that will never go away. I have to continue to use eye drops many times throughout the day. I have a cold right now that I got last week. Please pray that my cold will go away quickly and that I will be able to get needed rest.
VISA UPDATE
Last Monday I met with the visa lawyer and he said that I should get my visa back TOMORROW! Please pray that the process will go quickly and the authorities will give me 2 years.
ALLIANCE ACADEMY UPDATE
Two weeks ago I finished our school year- my third year of teaching at Alliance! Time has gone by fast. We had a fun last week together as a class. On Monday I took my class for the last time to say goodbye to their amiguitos at Santos Pamba. We had a wonderful time together. We sang songs- I told them to sing as loud as they could so Jesus could hear them in heaven- it was precious to watch them all sing their hearts out to God together. We then turned the cafeteria into a movie theater and watched a Veggie Tales movie about loving your neighbor. The Santos Pamba kids loved the Veggie Tales movie. Afterwards we made puppets and then played games outside. The mothers from Santos Pamba made a special cake for my students to thank them for being amiguitos. My kids ate every bite and were very thankful to them- I've trained them well :) We then ended by having lunch together and then my students prayed for their amiguitos. I love how my student's hearts have fallen in love with their little buddies and how they desire to help them know that Jesus loves them. It is what makes my heart beat- my passion and reason for being here. I am so glad that the Alliance Academy lets me be a bridge between the rich and the poor and allows me to take my students to Santos Pamba. It is a life learning experience that I hope they will never forget. Many of the parents have thanked me for the experience and said that it is their child's favorite thing about 3rd grade!
On Friday I had my students over to my house for a pancake breakfast together and a time of closure. I will miss them, but I'm glad summer is here! Next year I will have a new partner teacher in the other 3rd grade class. Her name is Courtney and it will be her first year as a classroom teacher. This year she taught ESL and we became good friends. We are excited to work together next year.
THE SANTOS PAMBA SCHOOL UPDATE
I was great to be with the Santos Pamba kids last week. I love every time that I can spend with them. They have grown so much this year and every one of them can read now! Parents are already lining up to register their children for next year! How exciting! Thank you for your prayers and support for our little school.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote up a project proposal for the Ministry of Education for Ecuador about our school becoming legalized, which we turned in on Monday. Right now Santos Pamba is still not an approved school by the government. They have so much paperwork and requirements to meet that it is a long process. This was one of their requirements and now we are working on the next requirements. Please pray for this process and that it will go quickly. Pray that God leads us to the right connections and that they will fall in love with Santos Pamba and help us be approved quickly.
Right now we are in need of 3 new teachers for next year (1 preschool, 1 kindergarten, and 1 1st grade!) Please pray that God provides 3 wonderful Godly, qualified teachers for next year. He has been faithful in the past, and I know He will continue to be, however I get worried often and just need to rest in Him and trust Him. A couple of weeks ago I interviewed a possible teacher for the preschool class next year. She has her degree in Early Childhood and was very professional, friendly, etc., however when I asked her about her faith she said she didn't know what she believed. I asked her more questions and she was very open. I told her that the main priority of our school is that the students learn about the Lord and receive Bible class daily. She told me that she would be open to do anything we wanted her to do, and would love to learn along with the students. I was impressed with her openness and honestly. I left feeling burdened for her and have been praying for her- her name is Esperanza, which means hope. My prayer is that she will come to know the only True One that can give her the hope she is looking for. Please join me in praying for her. I need prayer that God will give me wisdom about whether or not to have her be a teacher in our school. Is the Lord leading her to Santos Pamba so that she comes to know Him? Do I need to present the Gospel to her? Pray that the Lord gives me wisdom about Esperanza. Also, please pray for Pastor Pedro Pablo and I as we meet with Mari to tell her that we are not hiring her back next year. Pray that she receives the news well.
Pastor Pedro Pablo, the Pastor of Santos Pamba and Director of the school was hopitalized last week. He almost had a heart attack due to high blood pressure and stress. Please pray for him as he is at home recovering now, that he will rest and that I will know how to best support him.
I am very excited to share with you that this summer's VBS at Fox Island Alliance Church has chosen to help fundraise for The Santos Pamba Schoool! I will be sharing with the kids about the school on July 20th and hope to get them excited about helping other kids in Ecuador.
OTHER THINGS...
My roommate Laura got married on Saturday! Our home was wedding crazy the past month, but very exciting. Pablo and I helped entertain her guests from out of town this past week. Their wedding was like a dream wedding- it was beautiful. I was an honorary bridesmaid. I will post pictures soon.
Please pray that God will connect me with a new roommate by September. I am trusting His faithfulness because I really don't want to live alone.
I am coming back to Gig Harbor on THURSDAY and will be there until August 10th. I hope to see many of you! Please give me a call if you would like to get together (253-853-3829) Thank you for your constant support, prayers, and encouraging emails. I appreciate each of you!
God bless you!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Easter Pictures
Santos Pamba Easter Mission Trip with my 3rd graders
Egg Hunt!
The Resurrection Egg Story
Pablo and his student Ignacio
Hiking in Mindo at the Cloud RainforestTuesday, April 14, 2009
Happy Belated Easter!
Dear Friends,
Happy belated Easter! He is risen, praise the Lord! I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family on Sunday. You won't believe what I did- I sang at my church in the Easter choir. We had to sing for 3 services and finished at 2:30pm. After church we had lunch with Pablo's family. Here at Easter time they make a special soup called Fanesca. It is a soup made with 12 grains (1 for each disciple), milk, and fish. It is delicious! Thank you so much for your prayers and continued support. I thank God for each of you. Here is an update of what has been going on for the past month:
School:
My student teacher has finished her time in my classroom. We had a goodbye party for her last week. I'm excited to have my classroom back and be able to teach again. I missed teaching! Things are going well at school. We just had our spring break vacation, which was very relaxing. Pablo and I went to the cloud rainforest and went hiking to 5 different waterfalls. They were beautiful! We had a wonderful day together, but it rained on the way back and we got soaking wet!
Santos Pamba Mission Trip:
On April 8th my class went to Santos Pamba to celebrate Easter with the students at the Santos Pamba School. It was a precious day. We arrived and they reunited with their little buddies. Smiles were on everyone's faces. We then had a time of worship led by Pablo, and 2 of his guitar students who are from my class (see the pictures). We then broke into small groups and my students used the Resurection Eggs to teach the Easter story to the Santos Pamba kids. The Resurrection Eggs is a kit of 12 plastic eggs, and inside each egg is small toy to symbolize the Easter story. The first egg is a donkey and then the last egg is empty because Jesus rose from the tomb! The Santos Pamba kids loved opening the eggs. My students explained each egg and did such a great job. I was very proud of them! Afterwards, we had a chocolate Easter egg hunt outside! The Santos Pamba kids loved this American tradition and went home with baskets of eggs.
Please continue to pray for the Santos Pamba teacher, Mari, that her heart will be soften and she will come back to Jesus.
Ministry Update:
Thank you for praying for my talk with the Bible study girls. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do. The Holy Spirit gave me the words to say. Thank you for your prayers! I had to speak the harsh truth and confront them, and now I am trusting that God's will will be done in them. They have heard the truth, and now they have to choose to respond.
Health Update:
Thank you for your prayers for my eyes. I went to the eye doctor yesterday. Ahhh! So many things are wrong with my eyes. He said that I have very sensitive eyes and that the yellow spots are damage from the high UV rays here. Also, my eyes have been very red and watery, which is due to a viral infection in my eyes, and clogged tear ducts, as well as small growths in the bottom of my eyes due to pollution! I have medicine for the infection, and he had to numb my eyes and open my tear ducts. Please pray that my eyes heal quickly.
Please continue to pray for the bank issue with RCE. There is still a block and no money in our account. Thank you for joining me in prayer about this issue. I hope that it will be resolved soon!
Thank you very much for your continuous support, encouragement, and friendship. I miss you all and hope you are doing well. Let me know how YOU are doing! God bless you all!
Happy belated Easter! He is risen, praise the Lord! I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family on Sunday. You won't believe what I did- I sang at my church in the Easter choir. We had to sing for 3 services and finished at 2:30pm. After church we had lunch with Pablo's family. Here at Easter time they make a special soup called Fanesca. It is a soup made with 12 grains (1 for each disciple), milk, and fish. It is delicious! Thank you so much for your prayers and continued support. I thank God for each of you. Here is an update of what has been going on for the past month:
School:
My student teacher has finished her time in my classroom. We had a goodbye party for her last week. I'm excited to have my classroom back and be able to teach again. I missed teaching! Things are going well at school. We just had our spring break vacation, which was very relaxing. Pablo and I went to the cloud rainforest and went hiking to 5 different waterfalls. They were beautiful! We had a wonderful day together, but it rained on the way back and we got soaking wet!
Santos Pamba Mission Trip:
On April 8th my class went to Santos Pamba to celebrate Easter with the students at the Santos Pamba School. It was a precious day. We arrived and they reunited with their little buddies. Smiles were on everyone's faces. We then had a time of worship led by Pablo, and 2 of his guitar students who are from my class (see the pictures). We then broke into small groups and my students used the Resurection Eggs to teach the Easter story to the Santos Pamba kids. The Resurrection Eggs is a kit of 12 plastic eggs, and inside each egg is small toy to symbolize the Easter story. The first egg is a donkey and then the last egg is empty because Jesus rose from the tomb! The Santos Pamba kids loved opening the eggs. My students explained each egg and did such a great job. I was very proud of them! Afterwards, we had a chocolate Easter egg hunt outside! The Santos Pamba kids loved this American tradition and went home with baskets of eggs.
Please continue to pray for the Santos Pamba teacher, Mari, that her heart will be soften and she will come back to Jesus.
Ministry Update:
Thank you for praying for my talk with the Bible study girls. It was one of the hardest things I have had to do. The Holy Spirit gave me the words to say. Thank you for your prayers! I had to speak the harsh truth and confront them, and now I am trusting that God's will will be done in them. They have heard the truth, and now they have to choose to respond.
Health Update:
Thank you for your prayers for my eyes. I went to the eye doctor yesterday. Ahhh! So many things are wrong with my eyes. He said that I have very sensitive eyes and that the yellow spots are damage from the high UV rays here. Also, my eyes have been very red and watery, which is due to a viral infection in my eyes, and clogged tear ducts, as well as small growths in the bottom of my eyes due to pollution! I have medicine for the infection, and he had to numb my eyes and open my tear ducts. Please pray that my eyes heal quickly.
Please continue to pray for the bank issue with RCE. There is still a block and no money in our account. Thank you for joining me in prayer about this issue. I hope that it will be resolved soon!
Thank you very much for your continuous support, encouragement, and friendship. I miss you all and hope you are doing well. Let me know how YOU are doing! God bless you all!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
God is Good
Santos Pamba Update:
Last Thursday all of the students at the Santos Pamba School went to the doctor and dentist. A team from the United States was here and they saw every student! They each received parasite medicine and lots of vitamins, as well as any other medicine they needed. No one cried, yeah!
The windows are now all installed! The classrooms are much warmer now. I will post a picture soon of the windows.
Please continue to pray for Mari. Please pray that the Holy Spirit works in her heart and that she comes back to the Lord.
BIG PRAYER REQUEST-
The bank that my organization (RCE) works with has put a block on wiring money to Ecuadorian banks. This means that the donations in my RCE account for the Santos Pamba School cannot be wired to the bank account here. Please pray for this situation to be resolved quickly! RCE is working on a solution. This affects me being able to pay the final payment to the window man, as well as purchasing the desks, and paying the teachers. Thank you for praying!
School Update:
My student teacher has 2 weeks left. I get to start teaching again full-time next week! I’m very excited. I have missed teaching and am looking forward to having my class back. We are planning an Easter trip to visit our amiguitos at Santos Pamba on April 8th!
My Health:
Thank you for praying for me. My cold is gone now, but I am having problems with my eyes. I have yellow spots in the whites of my eyes and they are constantly watering. I am going to make an appointment with the eye doctor. I am hoping it is just allergies. Please pray for healing for my eyes. Thank you.
Ministry Update:
Last Sunday, Pablo and I went with the Shafer's to visit Santa Maria Alliance Church. We had a wonderful visit. Pablo played the guitar for worship, while the Quichua women led (the music was on key thanks to Pablo!) Cheryl sang a beautiful song for the special. Mark didn't know it, but he was going to preach that morning! He did a wonderful job. I led Sunday School for the children. I taught about Joseph- they had never heard the story of Joseph and the colorful coat!
I continue to lead a Bible study for the new teachers. We just started a new Beth Moore study called Believing God. Please pray for our group. Many of the women are dealing with baggage and Satan is attacking hard. The issues have begun to affect our study time. This Sunday I am going to address the issues and challenge each one to examine their hearts with God. Please pray that the Lord will give me the right words to say. I'm learning that being a leader isn't always easy!
Thank you for your constant support and prayers. May God bless you!
Last Thursday all of the students at the Santos Pamba School went to the doctor and dentist. A team from the United States was here and they saw every student! They each received parasite medicine and lots of vitamins, as well as any other medicine they needed. No one cried, yeah!
The windows are now all installed! The classrooms are much warmer now. I will post a picture soon of the windows.
Please continue to pray for Mari. Please pray that the Holy Spirit works in her heart and that she comes back to the Lord.
BIG PRAYER REQUEST-
The bank that my organization (RCE) works with has put a block on wiring money to Ecuadorian banks. This means that the donations in my RCE account for the Santos Pamba School cannot be wired to the bank account here. Please pray for this situation to be resolved quickly! RCE is working on a solution. This affects me being able to pay the final payment to the window man, as well as purchasing the desks, and paying the teachers. Thank you for praying!
School Update:
My student teacher has 2 weeks left. I get to start teaching again full-time next week! I’m very excited. I have missed teaching and am looking forward to having my class back. We are planning an Easter trip to visit our amiguitos at Santos Pamba on April 8th!
My Health:
Thank you for praying for me. My cold is gone now, but I am having problems with my eyes. I have yellow spots in the whites of my eyes and they are constantly watering. I am going to make an appointment with the eye doctor. I am hoping it is just allergies. Please pray for healing for my eyes. Thank you.
Ministry Update:
Last Sunday, Pablo and I went with the Shafer's to visit Santa Maria Alliance Church. We had a wonderful visit. Pablo played the guitar for worship, while the Quichua women led (the music was on key thanks to Pablo!) Cheryl sang a beautiful song for the special. Mark didn't know it, but he was going to preach that morning! He did a wonderful job. I led Sunday School for the children. I taught about Joseph- they had never heard the story of Joseph and the colorful coat!
I continue to lead a Bible study for the new teachers. We just started a new Beth Moore study called Believing God. Please pray for our group. Many of the women are dealing with baggage and Satan is attacking hard. The issues have begun to affect our study time. This Sunday I am going to address the issues and challenge each one to examine their hearts with God. Please pray that the Lord will give me the right words to say. I'm learning that being a leader isn't always easy!
Thank you for your constant support and prayers. May God bless you!
Monday, March 16, 2009
God' Faithfulness
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. I praise God because the exact amount of money was donated from a faithful sponsor to purchase the desks and chairs! Praise God! God continues to surprise me with His faithfulness. We are now in the process of getting the desks made. Yeah! The windows are almost done being put in also! I will send pictures when they are finished.
Last Thursday I took the day off of school and spent the day at the Santos Pamba School. I had a wonderful day. I was able to spend one-on-one time with each student, which was very special. Many of the kindergarteners are reading now, which was exciting to see and hear. Everyone can write their names and are advancing well. I am impressed. I played with all of the kids at recess and read a book to each class, which was special. The day went by very fast. At the end of the day when I was saying goodbye to each student, a group of them came and hugged me and told me to stay and be their teacher and never leave. That touched my heart :) Above are many pictures from my day at the Santos Pamba School.
When I was there, I observed a child who the teachers have been concerned about. He is new this year and is in kindergarten. This little guy is very aggresive and unwilling to work. He refuses hugs and never makes eye contact. He comes from an abusive household. Please pray for Diego Querido. I am going to talk to the psychologist at my school to see if he can talk with him sometime.
After school I took the three teachers out for lunch and we began to talk about how their families are doing, what God is teaching them, etc. It was then that something very unexpected happened. Mari told me that she had become a Mormon. She was very defensive and told me not to say anything about it to her and that she was proud of her decision. My heart broke. The only thing I did tell her was that I still loved her. My heart is burdened for her. Please join me in praying for Mari, that the Holy Spirit will convict her and show her the truth. Please pray that God gives me wisdom for my next conversation with her. Prayer is powerful. Help me surround her in prayer!
Please also continue to pray for the legalization of the school and that the process will go quickly. It is taking longer than we expected. We continue to be in prayer for the personnel for running the Compassion International project. Thank you for joining us in prayer also.
Please pray for my health because I continue to get sick. Thank you for your constant support, friendship, and prayers. May God bless each one of you.
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. I praise God because the exact amount of money was donated from a faithful sponsor to purchase the desks and chairs! Praise God! God continues to surprise me with His faithfulness. We are now in the process of getting the desks made. Yeah! The windows are almost done being put in also! I will send pictures when they are finished.
Last Thursday I took the day off of school and spent the day at the Santos Pamba School. I had a wonderful day. I was able to spend one-on-one time with each student, which was very special. Many of the kindergarteners are reading now, which was exciting to see and hear. Everyone can write their names and are advancing well. I am impressed. I played with all of the kids at recess and read a book to each class, which was special. The day went by very fast. At the end of the day when I was saying goodbye to each student, a group of them came and hugged me and told me to stay and be their teacher and never leave. That touched my heart :) Above are many pictures from my day at the Santos Pamba School.
When I was there, I observed a child who the teachers have been concerned about. He is new this year and is in kindergarten. This little guy is very aggresive and unwilling to work. He refuses hugs and never makes eye contact. He comes from an abusive household. Please pray for Diego Querido. I am going to talk to the psychologist at my school to see if he can talk with him sometime.
After school I took the three teachers out for lunch and we began to talk about how their families are doing, what God is teaching them, etc. It was then that something very unexpected happened. Mari told me that she had become a Mormon. She was very defensive and told me not to say anything about it to her and that she was proud of her decision. My heart broke. The only thing I did tell her was that I still loved her. My heart is burdened for her. Please join me in praying for Mari, that the Holy Spirit will convict her and show her the truth. Please pray that God gives me wisdom for my next conversation with her. Prayer is powerful. Help me surround her in prayer!
Please also continue to pray for the legalization of the school and that the process will go quickly. It is taking longer than we expected. We continue to be in prayer for the personnel for running the Compassion International project. Thank you for joining us in prayer also.
Please pray for my health because I continue to get sick. Thank you for your constant support, friendship, and prayers. May God bless each one of you.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
February Pictures
My students with their Santos Pamba buddies.
Singing songs
Journal entry from a student. CLICK on it to enlargeand read. Remember they are learning English :)
Journal entry from a student. CLICK on it to enlargeand read. Remember they are learning English :)
Sunday School class at Rancho de los Pinos Church
Hugo, Solomon, Anita, Daniel, and Noemifrom Quitocucho
Quitocucho friends with their new wool hats
Pablo wants a guinea pig to eat!
Pablo leading worship for the church serviceFebruary Update
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your love, encouragement, and support. I appreciate each of you and hope that you are doing well! Here is an update about what has been going on lately:
Ministry:
Pablo and I went with Mark and Cheryl Shafer to visit one of my favorite churches in Quitocucho. Quitocucho is a very special place for me because I lived there with a family for a week and fell in love with my brothers and sisters there. We went to encourage them and have a time of prayer with them. It was a very special time. Pablo saw the guinea pig farm, but sadly he didn't get to eat one for lunch (lucky!) Over Christmas, my mom and some of her friends made wool hats for me to give to kids who live in the mountains. I was able to pass out the hats and they loved them! If anyone wants to make hats, contact my mom. :)
Last Sunday I went to visit some churches here in Quito with Mark and Cheryl. In the morning we went to one church in Rancho de los Pinos. This church is without a pastor right now and is really struggling. There are hardly any members. The church is mostly made up of children! This is why I went :) When we arrived there was only 1 little girl, but soon more and more children came and I had almost 20 by the end. I led a Sunday School lesson on the Good Samaritan and how we can love our neighbors. We sang songs, played games, and did a craft. It was a precious time with them (see the pictures above).
At the Alliance Academy:
I have a student teacher now. She is from Cedarville University in Ohio. She is teaching in my classroom until April. I feel like just yesterday I was a student teacher. It has been a great experience having a student teacher so far. I have needed the extra hand with my needy students.
For Valentine’s Day we went to the Santos Pamba School. (See the pictures!) Thank you for praying for us. My students planned a full day of activities to do with the students there. They led songs, did a drama about the Good Samaritan, taught them a Bible verse, did a Valentine’s craft, and played Valentine’s games. We then ate lunch together. My heart was so content watching my students interact and love their little buddies at the Santos Pamba School. I know that the Lord has me at the Alliance Academy so that I can continue to be the bridge between the rich and the poor, and to build future leaders who will love all, even if they are unlike them. When we returned to school I had them journal about their experience. I will post some of their entries soon for you to read. :)
Santos Pamba School:
We are currently working on getting windows installed on the 2nd floor of the school. We are also working on getting the school legalized this year and being an official school in the Ecuadorian government. Please pray that this process goes quickly! Our next project will be having 30 desks and chairs made for the kindergarten and next year’s 1st grade class.
*Please be praying that God provides the funding for having desks and chairs made ($1300)
Compassion International Update- Answer to prayer! We have been praying for God to provide the personnel needed to run the Compassion site. The main concern is finding a Director who has a University degree. God provided one! His name is Manuel. Manuel is going to be the new Assistant Pastor to Pedro Pablo and will be working with the youth and Sunday School program. He has agreed to be the Compassion Director also. Praise God! Manuel has studied Communications in the University, and also went to the Alliance Seminary here and has a degree in Theology. Thank you for praying! I am very excited for him to start working with us in Santos Pamba.
Please continue to pray for the following personnel to come:
*3 Tutors (graduated from high school)
*1 Health Director (graduated from high school and has basic first aid knowledge)
*1 Accountant (graduated from high school and studying accounting)
*1 Christian Education teacher (graduated from high school)
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please pray for me because I have a bad cold right now and need to get better! Thanks!
God bless you,
Kim
Thank you for your love, encouragement, and support. I appreciate each of you and hope that you are doing well! Here is an update about what has been going on lately:
Ministry:
Pablo and I went with Mark and Cheryl Shafer to visit one of my favorite churches in Quitocucho. Quitocucho is a very special place for me because I lived there with a family for a week and fell in love with my brothers and sisters there. We went to encourage them and have a time of prayer with them. It was a very special time. Pablo saw the guinea pig farm, but sadly he didn't get to eat one for lunch (lucky!) Over Christmas, my mom and some of her friends made wool hats for me to give to kids who live in the mountains. I was able to pass out the hats and they loved them! If anyone wants to make hats, contact my mom. :)
Last Sunday I went to visit some churches here in Quito with Mark and Cheryl. In the morning we went to one church in Rancho de los Pinos. This church is without a pastor right now and is really struggling. There are hardly any members. The church is mostly made up of children! This is why I went :) When we arrived there was only 1 little girl, but soon more and more children came and I had almost 20 by the end. I led a Sunday School lesson on the Good Samaritan and how we can love our neighbors. We sang songs, played games, and did a craft. It was a precious time with them (see the pictures above).
At the Alliance Academy:
I have a student teacher now. She is from Cedarville University in Ohio. She is teaching in my classroom until April. I feel like just yesterday I was a student teacher. It has been a great experience having a student teacher so far. I have needed the extra hand with my needy students.
For Valentine’s Day we went to the Santos Pamba School. (See the pictures!) Thank you for praying for us. My students planned a full day of activities to do with the students there. They led songs, did a drama about the Good Samaritan, taught them a Bible verse, did a Valentine’s craft, and played Valentine’s games. We then ate lunch together. My heart was so content watching my students interact and love their little buddies at the Santos Pamba School. I know that the Lord has me at the Alliance Academy so that I can continue to be the bridge between the rich and the poor, and to build future leaders who will love all, even if they are unlike them. When we returned to school I had them journal about their experience. I will post some of their entries soon for you to read. :)
Santos Pamba School:
We are currently working on getting windows installed on the 2nd floor of the school. We are also working on getting the school legalized this year and being an official school in the Ecuadorian government. Please pray that this process goes quickly! Our next project will be having 30 desks and chairs made for the kindergarten and next year’s 1st grade class.
*Please be praying that God provides the funding for having desks and chairs made ($1300)
Compassion International Update- Answer to prayer! We have been praying for God to provide the personnel needed to run the Compassion site. The main concern is finding a Director who has a University degree. God provided one! His name is Manuel. Manuel is going to be the new Assistant Pastor to Pedro Pablo and will be working with the youth and Sunday School program. He has agreed to be the Compassion Director also. Praise God! Manuel has studied Communications in the University, and also went to the Alliance Seminary here and has a degree in Theology. Thank you for praying! I am very excited for him to start working with us in Santos Pamba.
Please continue to pray for the following personnel to come:
*3 Tutors (graduated from high school)
*1 Health Director (graduated from high school and has basic first aid knowledge)
*1 Accountant (graduated from high school and studying accounting)
*1 Christian Education teacher (graduated from high school)
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please pray for me because I have a bad cold right now and need to get better! Thanks!
God bless you,
Kim
Friday, January 2, 2009
Home for Christmas
I had a wonderful time at home for Christmas with Pablo. I'm very happy that many of you were able to meet him. We were busy touring Seattle and seeing all the sights, as well as playing in the snow! Pablo saw snow for the first time. We also celebrated my birthday with friends and family. For New Year's Eve we went to see the fireworks at the Space Needle. Tomorrow we are returning to Quito. I look forward to seeing you again this summer. God bless you and Happy New Year!!
Compassion International update
On December 6th Pastor Pedro Pablo and I had a meeting with Compassion International. Pablo came with also. A representative for Compassion came to visit Santos Pamba and evaluate our site. Our building was approved, however we do not have the personnel to run the program. Compassion requires 10 personnel who have graduated from high school, and the Director needs to be graduated from college. They need to be from the community and be members of the church. Of the Santos Pamba church, there are only a few people who have graduated from high school. Many have not even completed elementary school because they have had to work instead. We were very discouraged when we received this news, however we are trusting that this is in the Lord's hands and in His timing Compassion will begin. In the meantime, all we can do is pray. I ask you to join with us and pray for these specific needs:
- 1 Director (gradute from college, passion for children)
-3 Tutors (graduated from high school)
-1 Health Director (graduated from high school and has basic first aid knowledge)
-1 Accountant (graduated from high school and studying accounting)
-1 Christian Education teacher (graduated from high school)
Thank you for joining us in prayer. Your prayers are powerful!
- 1 Director (gradute from college, passion for children)
-3 Tutors (graduated from high school)
-1 Health Director (graduated from high school and has basic first aid knowledge)
-1 Accountant (graduated from high school and studying accounting)
-1 Christian Education teacher (graduated from high school)
Thank you for joining us in prayer. Your prayers are powerful!
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