August Newsletter / Amy

Insane is the only word that comes close to describing the ride home from Banos.  Apparently, these guys are on the clock and it takes 3.5 hours one way.  Our driver must be a clever fellow.  If he exceeds the speed limit, he gains enough time to stop for a leisurely lunch at the roadside stand in Puyo. It did allow us time to converse with the local vendors and meet a traveling textile salesman from the coast.  A fellow evangelical believer, he was thrilled to practice his English and invited us to meet his family in February.  I am amazed at God’s provision, His faithfulness, and His willingness to use those that are willing, even when we fall so short.

It is beautiful and wet here, and we are looking forward to serving the people and seeing what God has in store for us to do! The day after our arriving in Misahualli, a team of 20 college age volunteers arrived. They were such an encouragement to us.  Watching them work, laugh and play as they embraced our family was such a help as we began our transition to life in the jungle.  With their help, we have almost completed the building of a small swing-set for the school as well as making progress on the cabin that we will eventually live in.

We have had the opportunity to visit several villages and have had our hearts pricked every time. Some things transcend language barriers: laughter, the love of a mother,  fear.  More than once, I questioned bringing our children into this environment.   Now, I see at least a glimpse of how the Lord is blessing them and using us. 

We see small children around the age of 6 carrying their infant siblings around in a sling; so they are unable to play. I see Madeline’s heart as she struggles with seeing children with no childhood.   I saw her willingness to abstain from play, for an hour holding an infant without any thanks, so that the other child could play unhindered.  The older women exchanged glances and gave me a look of approval.  I see my oldest child becoming a woman of strength and integrity as she learns what it is to have and to give, and I am blessed.

Taking a bus sounds so easy.  Unless you can’t read the signs at the terminal!  Fortunately, it is extremely cheap and the people here are so patient and kind to us.  We have made trips into Tena for groceries and a 3 ½ hour trip down to Banos to escape the stiffling heat and see a bit of Ecuador.  Once in Banos we located our Hostel, grabbed a map, a headed out.  We were rewarded by meeting Senora Mercedes and her daughter Claudia in one of the booths. Claudia had met a missionary before, and looks forward to us visiting again and bringing her Christian literature in Spanish. 

At the cafe where we had breakfast we met the owners, an Ecuadorian man, his Danish wife and two children. Without inhibition, Abigail and Elijah join the children on the playgrounds and sidewalks.  With a smile, they join in, not even knowing what the game is.  Abigail and Emma became quick friends, and Elijah and Olver played quietly at legos while to rest of us had time to talk and visit. They have promised to come and visit us here in the jungle in October, and extended an invitation for us to spend Christmas with them in Banos. The best part? They are unbelievers.  We are so thankful for this opportunuty.  We will be praying that the Lord guides our steps and words with this family, so that they might become part of the family of God.