Update

Here’s an update from the past 2 days that will give you an idea of what goes on around here!

Two nights the police came and brought three more children whose mother had been acting dangerously (swinging knives) towards the neighbors and possibly also to the children. She hasn’t been found yet. Technically the doors are closed, but how can they turn any children away? I don’t think they’re sure how long they’ll be here or what is going to happen. It is very sad, and this type of thing happens often. I know I already put on the website of the orphanage, but it is www.arkchildrenshomes.com and it shares many of the stories of these children.

There have also two children leaving this week! They have been adopted by Ecuadorian families. The family comes to visit and spend a couple days here with them, and then near the end of the week they go home. I watched one of the couples who were picking up their first child, and I couldn’t help thinking of when we went to China for Haley and Eli, and how nervous we were. (Not to mention the fact that Haley screamed for 2 weeks straight!) Adoption is a wondering thing, and to see the joy and this new family coming together was special.

Last Thursday night there was an earthquake that didn’t make news, it was a 4.8. No one is sure where the epicenter was, it only lasted for a couple seconds, but we all heard the roof shake and two of the walls have small cracks in them.

God bless you all!

Riobamba

Hello everyone!
I have been in Ecuador for about 5 days now! I started working the day after I got here and settled. I’ve been taking care of many babies and toddlers, as you know they need so much attention and care all the time! I have also helped with a “class” that is for some of the preschoolers before they enter school.

I am amazed at how this place is run. The children are taken care of and loved all the time, they receive schooling, all physical needs are met. The Allan family has committed their entire lives to this home, and the love for these children is evident. Some of the children are in and out, they either go back to their families or they are adopted. Two are leaving this week to new homes! God is at work here, and I feel honored to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to continue to be broken for the things that break the heart of God. The stories of these little ones are incredibly sad, and just remind me how broken our world is.

I will admit that I’ve missed my family a lot! I love them, and it has been a challenge not seeing them every day. Skype is amazing, and I have talked to them often! It is difficult for me to put my weakness out there and say that it is a difficult transition, but I am choosing to be open and honest in these blogs!

More details to come!

Ready to go!

Hello everyone!

I want to start by saying thank you for all the financial supporters, as well as prayer partners I have. THANK YOU! Your help has allowed me to take this time in Ecuador, and it is appreciated.

I am packed, and ready to head out tomorrow (Monday) morning at 7:24am. I'll have a layover in Houston, and then land in Quito at 9:11pm. I hope everything goes smoothly and my luggage makes it there.

Please continue to pray for the peace of my heart, it is very difficult leaving my family. They are everything to me and are my lifeline and I am stepping out in faith in saying goodbye to them. (You can pray for them as well!)

I will keep you all updated at the next chance! God bless!

Preparation!

Hello everyone! This is my first blog entry with some basic information about the upcoming trip. I will be leaving March 22 to fly into Quito, Ecuador. Then I will be picked up from the airport and travel to Riobamba. I will be there until October 1. I am not sure what to expect, and I believe the culture is different from that of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, but I am very excited! I will be working at an orphanage called The Ark Children's Homes with a missionary family that lives there. These children are either orphaned or taken out of the home due to neglect or abuse. Their goal is to show these children and teenagers the love of the Father; a love they might not have felt before. Their website is www.arkchildrenshomes.com.

I am praying for peace, that the Lord will work out all the little details of this trip. He has called me outside of the US, and I hope to follow where He leads me every step of the way. He is amazing and has been taking my life on a journey I never thought possible!