Dios es Fiel

What an incredible day! First day of VBS at "the dump" here in Quito. This group of 14 women waited with great anticipation for our first kiddos to arrive at the gate.....and then they came! Faces pressed hard against the chain fence anxious to see what was waiting for them on the other side. Children 2-13 years old running down the sidewalk of a very busy street to hear about Jesus.....shouldn't we all be so eager to run to Him!

VBS started with all the leaders and children in one room to hear about Moses and the burning bush. Gretchen telling the story of Moses with Marla on puppet duty, with the help of our wonderful translator Daniella (aka "Dani"). We all participated in demonstrating the song "I will not be afraid" with motions....in Spanish none the less! Followed by breakouts into 4 stations:

Games (on the hill!): Sherri, Jessica, Carrie; assisted by our fabulous (and much needed) translator Paul. Fun time playing Crocodile Catch and Pato,Pato, GANZO! (aka Duck, Duck, CROCK).

Crafts: Angie, Barbie, Sandi, and Sandra.....kids loved their key chains!

Snacks: Shelley, Sue, and Dianne.....served world popular PB&J sandwiches.

Bible: Marla, Karen and Mikel.....doing what we most wanted to do....share straight from God's Word!

We were sad to say "adios" to the kids, but happy we could say "hasta manana."

Once cleaned up, we sat together to have lunch there at the "dump" day care and were able to hear from Pastor Jose who shared his heart for the people that work at the dump and the FIVE ministries that he is spear-heading there. We sat amazed!

Then, it was time to get more paint on ourselves at the cabins......cleaning, painting, window cleaning (yes, even Dianne does windows!) etc... Much work still to be done, but we've gotten off to a great start!

Back for dinner....YEAH, Rosa! Rosa even baked TWO cakes to celebrate Carrie's birthday (you'll have to ask her which one). Group devotional led by Jessica (Malachi 3:10), followed by prayer. We were able to share the day with each other and here are some of the comments:

*Impacted when told of the living conditions of the VBS kids and their families.

*How the children would wrap up their sandwich at snack time to take home with them as if they were rationing food for later.

*The intent listening to the Word during Bible time....so eager to hear and learn more.

*Happiness, confidence and seemingly contentment of the children.

*A few mothers accompanied their children and were just as eager to participate in all the activities.

*How the children seemed to so carefully look after each other....holding hands, helping with crafts, helping put on their new t-shirts.

*Ruth (administrator of Extreme Response and Pastor Jose's translator for us) shared with us how we were an "answer to prayer".....US! They had been praying for a team to do a VBS at the dump this summer and other groups had fallen through.....thanks to the Swine Flu outbreak at the school where we were originally going to do this VBS, we were available......God answers prayers in such unique ways!!!

*Pastor Jose shared the needs of the people in the community around them and it broke our hearts and put such a perspective on serving our Lord. He seems to be a tireless servant and an inspiration to us all.

What an incredible day!!! God is Faithful! (Dios es Fiel)....even as we write this blog (almost lost in cyber space, but God found it!)

This team loves and misses our families and sends bunches of hugs and kisses to them all!

Bloggers of the day: Dianne and Shelley (unless you find an error, then it was.......Gretchen!) :-)