Ecuador

This was part of our group in front of a church.

Beautiful Mountains

This was my "home away from home." :)

My precious children!!! :)

So, many of you know that I went to Ecuador this summer on a mission trip. It was the most amazing experience of my life. The Ecuadorian people impacted me in a way that I cannot explain. While we were there, we conducted Vacation Bible Schools with the local schools. We would do this in the morning time. After lunch, we would begin construction work on the schools. :) They have been on my heart lately. Steve & Carol Thompson are permanent missionaries in Patate, Ecuador. They have established a camp where groups can come and serve, and it is also used as a pastor retreat center. Please pray for them as they continue serving God in this amazing country. It is my heart's desire to go back this summer...yes, I probably will not get to go because the baby will only be 2 or 3 months old. So, I've decided that if I can't go this time I want to make people aware. Many of the children in this country only go to school (if they are lucky enough to even afford to go to school...their schooling is not free like it is here in the US) until they are 8 years old...then they are sent to work (either for a family business or on the farm). They have no medical attention for the most part. And, the saddest part of all is that many have not even heard Jesus' name. Please pray for the missionaries serving there and for the hearts of the Ecuadorian people...they they will be soften to the word of God.