As we sat on the bus waiting to go into the Compassion office, I don't think anyone uttered a word. We didn't know what to expect. We walked into the office and up a wide staircase where the children were waiting. They had us wait there and started calling names to match up to the kids. They called Jeremy first, and didn't even have to call his kid's names! A little boy rushed over and jumped into his arms and his little girl was right behind! It was like that every time they called one of our names. They called my name last. As I cleared that last step, a little 6 year old boy with the most beautiful smile came running over. I scooped him into my arms as tears were flowing down my face. I looked up and his mother was crying too. Any sense of anxiety instantly left all of us. There was nothing but love and open arms in that room.
We then boarded the bus and headed over to a beautiful park in the downtown area of Quito. When we got there, we went to a pavillion where we gave our kids the backpacks full of gifts that we brought. It was like Christmas!!! The kids absolutely loved it! We brought them toys, clothes, dolls, and we gave each one a childrens bible printed in espanol. What a glorious time. I think we enjoyed this as much if not more than the kids.
We then had about 45 minutes to play with the kids. Some of us kicked a futbol (soccer ball) back and forth. Others played on the swings, monkey bars and slides. Ray-Ray got his boy a nerf football and was playing catch. I looked up just in time to see him get hit in the eye trying to catch it! It was a pretty funny sight. IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES TILL SOMEONE LOSES AN EYE--THEN ITS HILARIOUS!!!! Just kidding- he wasn't hurt.
Just before lunch, one of the translaters organized a game of paco-paco, gonzo. (duck-duck, goose) It was muy loco! Us gringos hadn't played that game in 30+ years.
I picked a gray-haired lady thinking she would be slow---she almost beat me! Craig picked Ray-Ray, and RR can fly!!!! He caught up to Craig half way around the circle!
Then we ate lunch. It was very authentic Equadorian cuisine- KFC and fries! It was served picnic style on the lawn at the park--very relaxing. Some of us then rode some paddle boats. Mine would only go in circles.
We then boarded the bus and headed up the mountain to the Vulqano (volcano) amusement park. We were given credit cards with $12.00 each on them. Each ride costed between $1.00 to $2.50. (several years ago the government here switched to US currency) The rides were very clean and modern- you just swiped your card at each ride. We were there about an hour and a half. Very fun. Then we headed back to the Compassion offices.
I think this was the toughest part of the day - saying goodbye. None of us wanted to let go. We were all in tears, holding and kissing the children. It was also hard knowing the distance some of them had to travel back home. My little boy travelled nine hours on a bus each way, and I know he wasn't the only one. He whispered in the translaters ear and she repeated, when are you going to write me? Thru tears, I told him Monday! As he walked down the hill, he would turn around about every 10 to 15 feet and wave. It was almost heartbreaking.
After about an hour rest back at Extreme Response, we went to eat some authentic Equador barbeque. Nothing that would win a good old Canton ribs burnoff. After dinner, Craig, Ray and myself stopped for some frozen cappucinos. I think it was the best tasting thing all week!
Jonathan
Craig and Pepe (by the way ladies-Craig's single)
Heather, Monica and their interpreter.
Myself, Robin and his mother
Ray-Ray, Bryan, and his mother and sister
Jeremy, Juan and Elizabeth
Bruce, Jose, Katiuska, their mothers and Compassion directors
---and now some random photos of the day---
ps. thanks to our fearless leader Ricky for taking pics while we played with our kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 comments:
Wow that's awesome---your description made me tear up at the office!!!! You guys have been truly blessed to be a part of this!!
Hi Jon,
I am so glad that you all had a wonderful time with "your Kids"!! My heart aches since I couldn't be there. I can't wait to go in December! I am so proud of you! We can't wait to see you tomorrow!!!! God Bless you and everyone in the group!
Love, Michele
Jon,
your thoughts and ricky's pictures were truly moving. joel and i have been praying for all of you guys. we can't wait to go down there and help minster as well :). ellie
Jonathan,
Glenda and I have been watching your blogs the past couple of days.We know it will be hard to leave the kids behind when you leave. We remember what it was like after our "Flight Christmas Parties" in Hof, Germany.
We will see you and Jeremy in a few days.
Jon
Jon,
It is really wonderful reading and seeing what you are all doing! It is great to share such joy and love with children who really need it! God be with you all as you travel home safely, to your families. We will see you when you get back!
That's cool about the amusement park, but I'm not so sure about the whole "Duck, Duck, Goose" thing...}:}~
You are all truly Blessed to have been part of this mission. I praise and admire your efforts. I also hope to be able to someday join a group to Bolivia.
God Bless!
Ken
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