Unexpected Blessings

On Monday morning we woke up and began finishing repairs on the bridge that we started last week. The bridge that we are fixing here is so important to this community. The town of San Jose is split by a river. In order to get to school children have to cross the bridge everyday. When we arrived the bridge was in such bad condition that we were afraid to cross it. Random pieces of wood, even a window shutter, were laid across the rickety frame. The handrails were weak and did nothing to protect small children from falling in the water. Multiple children have almost drowned because they have fallen from the bridge. Yesterday we completed the bridge repairs. We added a new frame, new planks, and two handrails, the shorter one to keep toddlers on the bridge. Now the kids can run across the bridge and even ride their bikes.

My friend Karen, the pastor's wife, was out of town this week, so I was asked to lead the children's programs in San Jose and Curia. I was very nervous because my Spanish is not very good. However, Hana, one of my GT CCF friends, translated as I told the story of Jonah. We played red light, green light and made a fish craft with old cds. The kids glued a cd with the shiny part out to a construction paper fish, added a wiggly eye, and drew a little Jonah in the center of the cd. Thanks for the cds New Hope! We had so much fun! A cool thing about kids is that they love and have fun even when communication is limited.

I am learning a lot about the importance of body language and attitude. I can't understand a lot of what I hear and I usually have trouble communicating with the locals here, but with a positive attitude, a smiley face, and a few memorized phrases, I have made friends and fallen in love with a bunch of kids!

Wednesday night the Wawzryniak's, a Polish family that served with Savannah Christian Church for a year, came to visit Carlos and Jeanette's ministry here in Ecuador for a week. Immediately, the kids, Natan and Natalia, and I became friends. The parents, Daniel and Edyta, are an incredible example of a couple seeking God with their lifestyle, their occupation, how they raise their family, and even their vacations. The family lived with us, ate with us, and helped us as we taught in the schools, repaired the bridge, and led the kids programs.

I came to Ecuador expecting to serve others and do whatever was needed. I am doing that, but I am already getting so much in return. I have gained friends, mentors, and Godly examples to learn from. I've even learned a little Polish.