Thursday, June 25, 2009

Women's Prison and Orphanage Visit

Buenas Tardes, Amigos! Wow! What an amazing journey this week. Yesterday we visited the women's prision in Quito and had the opportunity to join a Bible study with a few of the English speaking women in the prison. Probably one of the most interesting things about the women was that they weren't just from Ecuador. These women are also from Nicaragua, Romania, Lithuania, and in trying to find a better life for their family, turned to drugs or protitution. These women were so open to listen to the Bible and hear about Christ, it was wonderful. We also learned that our intern Gustavo is an amazing singer!

Today we visited the orphanage where the women's children live. Another fantastic day, but we are leaving pieces of our hearts here in Quito. The children loved to sing songs and color. They especially loved playtime! We brought a football and the children had so much fun learning how to kick it and play the game. Sidewalk chalk was also a new found favorite among the children, the amazement of something that actually writes on their sidewalk was simply wonderful to the children. Our students have stepped up on these visits and explained the Eternity bracelets to the children.

This morning we visited the equator. So cool, my new name is Bill Nye the Science Guy because they have science experiments that can only be done at the equator. It is really cool! Their toilets flush the opposite way in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere. Go flush the toilet, ours at home will flush counter-clockwise, down here it's clockwise - that's awesome!!!!

Words can't begin to describe our time here in Quito. Getting past the culture shock and the simplistic sewer system, we are realizing the impact this is having on our lives and the lives of others- and it is fantastic. The students on our trip have amazed us with their grace and compassion while visiting the orphanages. Apparently "playing" is a universal language that children and adults speak.


We'd like to say thank you to Matt for writing our last blog - Thanks Mateo! Sadly enough, we are still not roughing it - except for the fleas, and covering a wood house with gasoline and wax. The food has been exceptional every day and the women are starting to wonder if we will remember how to cook when we get home. We are missing our families and we can't wait to see everyone.

Love you all, Kristen

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