I am grateful for safety on the roads. Our ride over the mountains to the coast only took us past great precipices for the first hour and a half (and I did get spooked a bit ) but the rest of the way was quite interesting and I was recognizing lots of similarities with the area of Colombia I lived in so many years ago (Barranquilla, Colombia is a coastal city)
Going back…
We left Cayambe early Friday morning, arrived in Quito just before lunch and drove into the old city. Our first sightseeing target was a statue of Mary on a hill overlooking the city – a rather unique version – Mary with wings, a foot crushing a serpents head – a nit of misinterpretation of scripture, I would say). It was pouring hard when we were up on that hill so we sat in the bus and ate the lunch we had brought along. Then we drove down into the centre and explored the old city. It is very reminiscent of European city centres, with Cathedrals and other ornate buildings. It is evident that that funds are more restricted her though, as much repair was left undone (such as bits of stained glass windows). Jenell told us about the conquering Spaniards who by force would baptize groups of indigenous people en masse and then cruelly slaughter them. After meeting the gentle Quechua people I am horrified and saddened y the way people like them were treated. And yet, it is happening in our day – on African soil and other places, over and over again cruelty, greed and excessive pride surface and people pay with their lives for the ignorance of others.
Speaking of the Quechua…
We spent a very special final day with them on Thursday. (originally we were going to work up there on Friday morning as well, but got as much done as we could, and the rains made the roads more and more difficult to access). We managed our way up the slippery slope of mud to the top where the Tres Lote Church was located. For the first time all week I was able to make it up without having to stop for breath ! We continued working on rebars – Logan was surrounded by 5 – 6 children and a very attentive little dog. He was able to communicate very well with them through body language and many encouraging smiles. He was bending the connecting pieces for the rebars. The rest of us were wiring them onto the long bars with the help of a number of Quechua men and women. Eva and Julie kept all of us well supplied with the prickly wires and lots of encouraging comments and smiles. Eva dubbed the way we had to twist the wires “Jesus Cross loop” (? I think) Shortly before 11:00 am we stopped and got ready to go to Cuatro Lote to do our children’s program. Most of the team walked over carrying a lot of our gear while Fernando, our driver, and I stayed with what was left and caught a ride in the car with Jenell, Paul and Joan. It was a bit of a slippery slope winding our way into Cuatro Lote but boy, everybody was excited to see all of us there. Word had spread and children were coming from everywhere – bright colorful dots moving over and down the hills. 82 children along with moms with babies on their backs and several teachers from the school gathered in the Cuatro Lote Church. The program went off without a hitch, the children were wide-eyed and enjoyed every minute of it and SO DID WE!!! Under Jenell’s leadership we sang spanish choruses with lots of actions which the children happily imitated, then Jenell read them stories of Jesus wanting the children to come to him (acted out by Logan as Jesus, Julie and Ann as disciples and Joan who drafted a little child from among the children and brought him to Jesus. Then Jenell told the story of the loaves and the fishes and toward the end of it we all distributed a lunch to all the children (sandwiches, cookies, apples and juice) it was very fitting and they loved it!
Then our 5 team members performed two songs with puppets. I’m told the children followed with wide eyes and much enjoyment (I was behind the curtain – enjoying ever moment of it!) Dave had prepared two rope tricks and with Andy as a translator they fascinated and amazed the children and emphasized God’s love for them in yet another way. Then they all received crayons and a page from a coloring book and every last one turned around and on their knees so they could color on the bench they’d been sitting on. Even some of the moms quite intently colored a page. We were amazed at how even the youngest ones stayed within the lines and did just an awesome job. They all very proudly took their papers home afterward. Babies were being nursed and everyone seemed quite content. Dave and I went around with a puppet on our hand shaking the children’s hands and saying “Buenos Dias” and they seemed delighted. We finished our part of the program with a couple of choruses – and then it was their turn. 
They had prepared some special things for us! Their constant gratitude and appreciation was overwhelming, I was choking down tears from then on for the rest of the afternoon, at times not very successfully. A group of young girls performed a dance for us – the cd messed up in the middle so the teacher started them all over and patiently they did it all again. A group of children with the help of a teacher had made a picture frame for each of us with a heart cut out of the center so we might remember them. WHO COULD EVER FORGET??? Because we had made 60 goodie bags and we had over 80 children our bags were left with the 2 pastors to distribute, they decided to give 30 per church.
Then we were informed that lunch had been prepared for us. Several women started sweeping an area clean to put tables and benches there for us to eat. Each of us received a plate of barbequed chicken, boiled potatoes and a delicious onion sauce (they grow fields and fields of onions here – I’m sure they could compile a whole cookbook of “how many ways to cook onions” . They also served Qui, which is Ginny Pig, a delicacy here. I’m glad I had the choice of chicken, eating what I consider pets just doesn’t quite sit right with my stomach . Eva had brought two great soccer balls as well as a pump and some extra pins, these were presented to the two churches and the men immediately went into a kind of volleyball game expressing their delight at this precious gift. Dave and Cornelius were right in the middle of it all, having a blast.
Then we went back to Tres Lote to work some more on the rebars. Around 2:30 – 3:00 pm it started to rain. We had used most of the material and nearly completed the 4th rebar. It was decided that we were done (by the Quechua Maestro). We all gathered in the little Church with one window, one door and a mud floor, and as we all squeezed onto the benches with the men women and children of the Quechua, they began to say their good-bye’s to us. There was no holding back the tears for me anymore and some of them also were crying. After several days of working together the women had finally lost some of their shyness and started to talk with us, and all too soon it was over and we were leaving. The Pastor presented Andy and Jenell with farewell gifts, a great poncho for Andy and a women’s Sombrero for Jenell. A sacrifice for them, I’m sure. Then a group of women gathered up front and sang a couple of farewell songs. The Pastor assured us that if we were not going to meet again on this earth we would for sure meet in heaven – I FOR ONE WILL BE JUMPING FOR JOY WHEN I SEE THEM THERE! As well as when I see all the members of our TEAM – THIS AWESOME BUCH WITH A HUGE SERVANT HEART! What a privilege it has been to work, pray and have this adventure together. So much laughter, so much learning, tons of pictures – soon that’s all we’ll have – pictures and stories. BUT – as the Pastor said – whether here or there, WE WILL all meet again – and IT WILL BE A PARTY!
We navigated our way down the slippery slope for the last time, Dave nearly ended up in the deep, dirty creek, phew! Then after wiping the mud off our shoes as best we could we piled into the bus and off to Cayambe, the Hotel, hot showers, yeah! Then off to our final meal at Café Aroma.
Now Café Aroma was an experience to remember as well. Each night they had a list of specials, but… the special soup for tonight is cream of asparagus, but… we don’t’ have any, but we have cream of mushroom, but… what actually came was a different kind of broth altogether… There always was a choice of chicken, beef, fish or vegetarian dinners, but… they only had 3 of the chicken, 5 of the beef, a couple of different fish, and the vegetarian lasagna was all gone, so sorry… As you can tell, I’m sure, ordering a meal was an adventure all it’s own. The food we got was good, though, and we tasted many different local fruit juices. Getting soup, main dash, salad and dessert for around $4.00 was a pretty good deal! The owner of Café Aroma turned out to be an Austrian, immigrated 35 years ago. When Dave discovered that he connected the two of us and we had a little chat in german. Turns out he grew up not too far from where I grew up. Who would have thought…
So now back to the beach and Atacambes…
Saturday night we went for dinner along the boardwalk and the beach and it was a “happening” place. Loud, party atmosphere, music blaring, horns honking, people speaking loudly with each other, little taxis (motorcycles pushing a bench seat ahead of them with a little canopy roof above it) were winding their way in an out of the crowd. We sat at an upper floor of a restaurant overlooking the street and taking it all in. Latin Americans throb with rhythm. We’re all trying different seafood as it is plentiful and fresh around here – though last night we began to wonder if they were still out catching it after it was ordered – it took a long time to come to the table. Everything is served with rice, one can also have fries, or those delicious platanos, a type of green banana, sliced an deep fried. Diet Coke is my drink of choice on the coast as we’ve been told not to trust fruit juice here. (you’d be right at home with this, wouldn’t you, Tina?!)I’ve been in and out of the ocean a lot – the marvelous, warm, Pacific. The waves are stronger than I had anticipated – I got knocked over and roll a few times already, which can be a bit disorientating, but I’m close enough to shore to stand up and maneuver wherever I want to. There a lovely pool to swim in when one wants tamer waters. At night the palm tree by the pool lights up with little Christmas lights around the trunk (you’d love this, Karen!)
At lunch (Sunday) we walked along the beach into Atacames and ate at a small restaurant along the beack. Dave and I had Concha with Platanos, a type of Conch. After buying some buns and ham for supper (Dave and I decided to stay in tonight) it started to rain heavily again and we sought refuge in the local flea market. I admired the many items of jewelry, they also had some lovely blouses, just may have to go back with a bit of money on me…
When we came back we enjoyed the pool and some games of “Mexican Train” – Dave was learning on the first game and then proceeded to win 4 out of 6 games. I left after the 3rd game. Sometimes one has to know when to quit. Last night Eva brought out an interesting game called Sequence. It’s a type of card game – I just might have to find it when I get homeWell, friends – the ocean is calling me and then the pool. My hair is getting frizzier by the minute, the only way to tame it is to keep it wet Playing in the waves is just so delightful – especially when I realize that in just a few days I will be walking into March weather and my body is going to have some major adjusting to do. In a little while we will be hopping on the bus and have lunch up the beach at yet another nice seafood restaurant – yummy!!! I have more to tell, a couple of people stories, may not get them up till I get home, but I promise they are a must to read – God is doing such wonderful things through them it just must be shared!
Hasta luego, amigos y amigas! Be in touch again soon! T
It’s a six plus hour trip down the mountains. I think everyone is tired cause as we traveled all of us (except Fernando our driver) had some shut eye. As we traveled the windy roads down the mountains, the scenery began to change. There was a lot more trees and taller vegetation. We began to see palms and banana plants and the dress of the people became more and more western. The creeks became bigger and turned into rivers. Then I looked up and there on the horizon was the Ocean.
We arrived at our home for the next few days (our Hotel Rogers) on the southern outskirts of Atacomes. We are staying in the main building a big old looking mansion of a house with rooms everywhere, a nice outdoor pool and the ocean less then 100 yards away. After finding our rooms Trudy headed for the ocean and found the rest there. 
I was up early as usual and after spending time with the Lord took a last walk to downtown Cayambe. I walked through the market as the shops began to open and the place started to come alive. Men and women were carrying large bags of produce to their stands and setting things out for the day ahead. As I walked the rain began to fall again. This rain has been bad all over the country with all kinds of flooding and people being evacuated especially along the coast. We plan to head that direction on Saturday. 
After breakfast we headed for Quito. We had some time so we went on a bit of a tour of the old city. We visited a large statue of Mary overlooking the city from a high mount in the center of the city and went through a couple large cathedrals (one relatively new but it looked old, and one old). The feel reminded me of Europe. 
We walked past the Presidential palace in the core of the city and as we did a very hot sun came out for a few minutes. This was the most blue sky we had seen but it didn’t last long and on our way to the Guest house it poured harder then we had seen so far.
Most went to Tres Lote to work on the reinforcing for the beams and Cornelius and I walked across to Cuatro Lote to try and finish the painting we had started. With some creative efforts (wiring a brush to a broom handle) we were able to finish the cutting in on the gable end. And then finish rolling the walls. Just as we finished (praise the Lord) just about 11 a.m. and started cleaning up, some folks started arriving and we found out we were going to do the children’s program in the church.
Soon everyone was there and the children started flowing in. We had planned for 60 kids that is what we were told might be there but 82 came, praise the Lord, but that created another challenge as we needed extra supplies and we wanted to give gifts to them all so we had to do some adjusting. The program went extremely well. Under Jennell’s leading we sang some choruses, Jennell told the story of the five loaves and two fish and as part of the story each child received a sandwich, some fruit, cookies and juice. Several of us put on a puppet play, and I with Andy interpreting used some rope to share God’s love with the kids. The kids had some time to color a picture (even some of the moms joined in). Fernando our driver talked to them about brushing their teeth and then we concluded with a couple more choruses. Things could not have gone better. The kids loved it and so did all the adults that were there.
What an emotional time. They expressed how much they appreciated our help and the work we had done. They sang us some songs and gave from their hearts in appreciation and thanks.
Otavalo has a huge open market where people sell their crafts. This is a large city and some of the merchants travel all over the world selling their crafts, blankets, hats, scarves, paintings, musical instruments etc. They have wonderful things to sell and all at reasonable prices. The people here in Otavalo and all over this are of Ecuador tend to wear their traditional clothes full of bright colors. Not for tourism but it is just a way of life to them. They are proud of their heritage. It is also not because they are behind the times as a large number are using cell phones and are modern in their approach to business etc. A more western style of dress is starting to come into the younger ones but it is still predominately traditional.
In San Antonio de Ibarra we found a town half asleep for siesta but here we found a town full off wood crafts which I enjoyed a lot. Then on to Cotacachi were the shops were full of leather goods. It was a day to pick up some memories of our time here and have a break.
Under the direction of the Maestro some cut lengths of steel to be made into squares that would tie the long rods, that travel the width of the building, together. 
Others started bending these squares and others started wiring it all together. Each had a job to do and learned quickly so the work progressed well. After a while a few of us traveled over to Cuatro Lote to continue painting. We were going to work on the white but when we got there we discovered what we had done with the white on Mon had done nothing. Then we discovered the white we had been painting with wasn’t white but a glue additive that is used to help the paint stick to the concrete walls. So on to plan two. The work we had done with the gold was good and so we were able to finish the first coat on the walls we were doing and get the wall that already had the first coat on second coated.
During the evening one of Jaime’s son’s who plays in a traditional folk group came and played for us. There were nine in the group, one (a son of one of the members) just three years old helped play the drums. This group, are all Christians and go to a couple of the Covenant churches near by. They play traditional music and with it tell there testimonies, praise God, and share the Good News. What a joy it was. 
At one point they lead us all dancing with them praising the Lord. What a tremendous way to celebrate the joy of the Lord with these people we could not hold a conversation with yet with the same Spirit within us we could praise our Lord together.
While we were painting Andy was able to help unload the parts for the iron beams for the other church and carry them uphill – yikes, I can barely make it up myself – have to stop time and again to catch my breath.
One of the challenges was there were no ladders so we worked on a scaffold of a table with a bench on top of it to be able to reach the top of the walls. One poll ladder appeared in order to get at the top of the gable end walls but safety was not a priority as the wetpoles of the ladder were sitting on a wet ceramic tile floor. We didn’t go up it but one of us stood at the bottom to keep it from slipping out. Work progressed and they were thrilled by the work we were able to complete during the day.
I was drawn into worship gently by the evident yearning of the worship leaders for God’s presence, their recognition of their need for Him, their desire for Him. By the passionate involvement of the congregation singing, by a picture of a dove above the pulpit area – a recognition of the Spirit’s presence. 
Our trip to the hot springs of Oyachachi took us over the divide into the Amazon side of the Andes. We had been riding roads paved with stone but now we wound our way up and around on dirt roads with deep precipices to the side, lots of ruts and bumps that set the bus rocking from side to side. This awakened old fears in me, the ones I struggled with while in Colombia where travel got quite treacherous at times. I prayed intensely and sensed others praying at home. The rest of the team seemed much less affected by the ride. Unfortunately it was a rainy day so much of the majestic view was hidden in mist but it was obvious that the countryside was changing into more rugged terrain, more trees, waterfalls coming out of the side of the mountains. As we reached the town of Oyachachi we noticed wood house construction with peeked roofs rather than the cement block with flat roof we had been seeing. The Covenant Church in the town is a growing, active group with an ambitious building project that will become a multi-purpose community hall with kitchen for all sorts of activities. They even have a guest house so that when meetings go too late people can stay overnight and travel home in daylight.
Two young men one on guitar and the other on keyboard started us off leading us in a singing prayer. He called on the Holy Spirit to join us and for us to prepare our hearts for the Spirit to work in us. The Spirit was there and powerfully at work in lives and hearts and in mine as much or more then anyone.
Just as the disciples were ordinary men, fishermen, so they were ordinary men farmers etc. and God wanted to use them for His work here in their corner of the world. After the message and many greetings, 
a children’s choir, each church’s choir and more greetings some Gideon Scriptures were given to the pastors for each of their congregations then the service came to an end. It was just a wonderful time of worship together.
No need to worry about frost here so a thin layer of concrete over the rocks and gravel base is all that is needed. We worked hard all morning and then just at lunch ran out of rocks. 
During lunch it was decided we would work on some beams on Monday so a couple of men from the church went to town to get the material that was needed and because we had run out of rock we went over to Cuatro Loti to see what work we would be doing there and meet the people. It is a good sized church and after we couldn’t find a way for the bus to get there we ended up walking across a small valley to the church. After a brief visit we traveled back to Cayambe for supper and make plans for the children’s program. Saturday night in Cayambe was a busy happening place with the streets full.
with yummy passion fruit juice, moraberry syrup, fresh pineapple, and a new fruit to us - pitijaya(?) we spent time getting to know our team members a little better – round table questions, laughter, some – sharing about what we are expecting from this experience. It’s normal to have varied expectations, uncertainties, fears – but bottom line is we’re here because God has drawn us – and we look for how and where he is working – and it will come in unexpected ways so we need to be open to what he has and loosen up on our driven, result oriented cultural thinking. Jenell and Andy informed us of some important tidbits about this country – like relationships are more important than tasks – people will rather be late than rush past someone without finding out how they are doing. They will stop a meeting to personally greet everyone – people are important! (unless, of course, you’re the driver of a vehicle – then guess what – drivers have the right of way and pedestrians beware – you will be hit if you’re not careful – yikes!) The weirdest tidbit to get used to is – don’t flush the toilet paper – it must go into the waste basket – hello – I could just see Canadian moms rise to this occasion – where is the hygiene in that, we could all get deadly diseases, you know! 
Must rise up and lobby on that one!) But as I was able to observes on the way to Cayambe (our home for the next week and a half) children play on roof tops – they’re flat roofs to be sure, the family dog hangs his head over the side of the roof and observes cars go by, chickens, pigs, cows freely follow their owners around (we’re in the countryside now – driving up into the Andes Mountains, not in Quito)
I was so surprised be the campus. It was wonderful, a true honor to our Lord. I have now visited two of the campuses. It was the most meaningful time of the day for me, overwhelmed with the feeling of how many have been touched by the Lord through their experiences at CBC. I also praise the Lord as He continues the work He began in their lives and what He continues to accomplish through them for His kingdom. Praise the Lord. 
Today we explore Quito a bit (take a gondola up the vulcano) Pinchito Mountain(?), have lunch out and then this afternoon take the bus to Cayambe, the town we will stay at for the next 10 days. It was amazing to hear the birds sing as I woke up this morning, looking out the window - which was open all night!!! (are you envious up north?) I saw flowers in full bloom and green grass - wow, a feast for the eyes! Our busride (we get to have our own small bus) promises to be an adventure in itself - driving around here is alot more of a challenge than at home. 