VBS

Luke, Jordan and Molly got to go to Vacation Bible School this summer at our new church, La Luz.  We were sad to leave Dios es Fiel because it is a wonderful church; however, our kids did not enjoy going to Sunday School.  It is a big church and is continuing to grow.  Praise God!  They are at 4 worship services every Sunday.  We have nothing but great things to say about Dios es Fiel and highly recommend going to this church.  We also wanted to go to the church where the house parents of Casa Elizabeth serve.  David is the youth pastor at La Luz. 

The greatest confirmation on changing to La Luz church was one day at Vacation Bible School.  We received a call that Molly had thrown up.  By the time we got there, both Luke and Molly were outside sitting on the curb with bags to throw up in.  They were not sitting alone.  Mandi, one of Inca Link's interns was sitting by them, Liz, a volunteer of Inca Link and sweet friend of mine, and the pastor of the church and his wife were all there taking care of my puking kids.  Now that is love and that is community.  That was when we decided to make La Luz our church home. 

T-bone loves his Molly and stayed by her side when she was sick.  We all had the pleasure of having this horrible stomach bug except for Casey.  Honestly it was a miracle that he never got sick as much throw up as he cleaned up from the kids.  Okay moving on from that subject... Luke, Jordan and Molly loved Vacation Bible School!

There was one day that the kids were to dress like their parents.  Going to a spanish speaking church, sometimes things get lost in translation.  It did not mean for all of us to be twins but for the kids to dress up like their parents.  Oh well, it was still fun for our kids.

For the final day there was no misunderstanding - it was costume day. 

Luke - baseball player, Molly - cowgirl and Jordan - Ecuador soccer player

I love this picture and I love this crazy girl.  Alexa Brown rocking it on costume day!!  The look on Molly's face cracks me up - she looks like quite the serious cowgirl.

So thankful for our new church home with La Luz and for a wonderful week for the kids to learn more about Jesus and to have a blast getting to know Him better.

Making New Friends

It was fun to help lead short term teams this summer.  We got to spend time with some amazing people and make new friends.  Luke and Jordan had a great time with Max who came down to Ecuador with his dad to serve on a short term mission trip.  One of the construction days at Casa Blanca, these boys played soccer there ALL day.

Pastor Tim from South Carolina and Molly became good friends.

When serving with short term teams, we had the opportunity to make new friends with ministry partners.  This is a sweet family from an Alliance church in Conocoto (South Quito).

Making new friends with Ganas kids.  The Ganas ministry is a home for boys and girls whose parents are in prison.  Our family really connected with this ministry and these precious kids. 

Jordan and Antone became the best of buddies this summer.  They were always side by side.

And of course, we became close to each one of the summer interns.  Here are Molly and Mandi (aka Panda).  During the summer months, lots of people go home to visit family, friends, supporters, and home churches.  We thank God for all the new people He placed in our lives this summer.  We were so blessed by all the new friends we made.

Thankful

Isaias

Benjamin

I love these precious babies and their beautiful moms.

I am so thankful for Casa Elizabeth.  We have lots of fun with the girls and their babies at our house.  We eat dinner together, have a bible study, and sometimes play Uno.  One of my favorite memories this summer is L singing a song for us.  We miss her so much.  Her lawyer said she had to return to her province and is now living in a girls home.  I think of her often and pray she is still laughing and singing and is not scared or lonely.  We still see Miriam and Maritza because they live here in Quito.  They both are doing well and are great moms to their sons. 

The laws changed this summer and we have been waiting for our lawyer to complete the paperwork so we can house minors again.  There are two girls waiting to make Casa Elizabeth their home.  We are praying that all of our legal paperwork will be completed this month.  A foundation from our hometown, Paris, Texas, generously donated enough money to buy a car for Casa Elizabeth.  We are so thankful to see how God continues to provide abundantly for this ministry. 

I love Ecuador!

After spending a fun day at the zoo with my family, we were leaving and I saw two young ladies selling avocados.  We stopped and asked how much they were - 11 avocados for TWO dollars.  I love Ecuador!!

Birthday Girls

The night after we celebrated the Casa Gabriel boys birthdays we had the Inca Link interns over for dinner and to celebrate Bri and Reese's birthdays.

This summer we got to know the interns serving in Ecuador well.  It was such a joy to serve with short term teams alongside Julianne, Mandi, Reese, Bri, Stan, Ben and the Byer family.  Thanks for coming - you are missed here in Ecuador.  Reese is the only one still left in country and she leaves in October. 

Birthday Boys

We had the Casa Gabriel guys over for dinner and to celebrate the summer birthdays. 

Jesús

He has the biggest and most beautiful smile.

Ricardo

After 9 years, he found his mom and siblings this summer.  Praise God!

Even though we are not a part of the Casa Gabriel ministry, these young men will always have a special place in our hearts.  It was a year ago that we left the ministry after serving there for 2 years.  That was one of the most painful and difficult experiences for our family.  God has been faithful to show us that the deep relationships we have with the Casa G boys did not end when we left.  We love each one of these guys so much and pray for them.  Thank you God for these incredible young men.  We wait in expectation of what You are going to do in their lives.



Never Say Never

These awesome kids recorded a great hit borrowed from Justin Bieber, Never Say Never.

Meet the stars **Molly**Jordan**Marina**

They had the most fun practicing for the recording and Marina was the make-up artist for the girls.  I love how they play and laugh together!

Here is just a short clip of the video.  Gran and MaMaw, I have the full version I will send to you:)

We thought this would be a good picture for the cover of the video.  What a fun night!