Ecuadorian Olympic Pride
What do you have when you combine Christians passionate about Jesus and children with Ecuadorian young people passionate about their country? One amazing day!
Jesus periodically took his disciples aside to rest. This morning began quietly while we slept in and recharged for the finally week in Ecuador. For team devotions we gathered on the roof of the restaurant and shared a very special time in God’s Word and in singing. Then we split into small groups and spent time praising God for His abundant love and care, and praying that we would grow deeper in our relationships with Jesus and be even more focused on Him.
In the afternoon we enjoyed visiting again with the teenagers at the academy for children of naval personnel. If my Spanish were half as good as their English, I would be overjoyed! We mingled among the groups of students and conversed with them in English on topics of all kinds (i.e. the beauty of Ecuador, school, driving, careers, and politics). One group asked about my reasons for coming to Ecuador and I shared about my relationship with Jesus. At the end there was an informal large group and Christina, Chris, and Elizabeth shared testimonies. This week and last we have had the privilege of interacting with the up and coming generation of Ecuador. These children will be the next leaders. I am praying that they will turn to Christ and in turn impact their country through the power of God.
Tonight we did not have an official children’s meeting, but unofficially we did a game night with the children who came with their parents. Playing soccer in flip-flops was a blast! I am so glad we played with mixed teams of our group and the Ecuadorian children. Had it been the children versus us, the children would have whipped us. Later we played basketball in bare feet. Sports are a great way to overcome any language barrier. We taught them “Electricity” and they taught us “Tingo, Tingo, Tango.”
Being here we have been somewhat oblivious to the Olympics, but that changed this evening. Towards the end of the night I sat in the middle of a bunch of charged children enthusiastically cheering on Jefferson Perez, the Ecuadorian speed walking Gold medallist of 1996. As he raced tonight in Beijing, we all sat in the dark watching him race on TV in the large group room, waving bandanas, clapping, and chanting “Vamos ecuatorianos que esta tarde tenemos que ganar” and “Ecuador Ole, Ole”(Go Ecuadorians, today we are going to win). Ecuadorian patriotism ran high among the enthusiastic children. Together we cheered him on to a silver medal.
Following the time with the kids, we went to the church for a late supper. As I walked off the bus, I was told to help delay Chris, as the room had been decorated for his birthday. Chris was greeted upon entrance with cheers, balloons, and the explosion of party cannons filled with confetti. As always, we enjoyed great food and fellowship.
Jessica, for the Team
That was quite the candle on Chris' cake!
Molly playing with kids during our "game night."
Ruth playing electricity with the kids.
Hanging out on the playground.
Hot, sticky, sweaty - we love it!
Photos courtesy of Christina Dickson and Laura Clawson.