Balloons, Sandwiches, and a Yellow Bus

Treasure each moment. See God’s majesty in the beauty of the mountains. Take part in Christ’s hand touching the lives of the poor and the lost.

Today’s opportunity was to travel to a small mountain village. As we drove up the winding road, we saw houses but very few people. Every once in a while we would see a little child catch site of the bus approaching and quickly run into the house as if to hide. When we finally arrived, we pulled over and looked around for the kids. There were none to be found. Jacob and Pastor Salazar began yelling at the top of their lungs for the kids to come. Realizing that they were probably scaring them off more then encouraging them to come, we walked along the hand-laid stone roadways, up and down hills, inviting children and adults alike to hear His story and enjoy a meal. They finally started arriving: first two or three shy kids came up, then more would approach as they saw the balloons, until eventually we had around 45-50 kids as well as women.

The people of the area were reserved and cautious, responding with suspicion to us, in vivid contrast to the typical warm South American welcome. We made many balloons and passed out lots of candy to the kids. As Jacob told the story about the little boy with his five loves and two fish, we gave fresh bread and drinks to all that came. It was such a beautiful sight to see God’s love being freely given and received. From the oldest wrinkled grandmother to the smallest dirty child, lives were touched by Jesus! By the time we left all suspicion was gone and the kids darted after the bus, waving excitedly as we drove down the mountain. The same kids that hid in their homes now ran outside with big smiles on their faces to pick up the candy thrown from the crazy people hanging out the windows of the big yellow bus!

After our two-hour drive back into Quito, the day was spent with securing supplies for the nursery-painting project, drinking a delicious latte, enjoying group devotions, and bonding with each other around an enormous bonfire.

Breanna, for the team

Ben handing out food to the kids.

The contrast between Jacob's Converse and one of the kid's Converse says volumes about the needs of this area.

Christina has done a fabulous job of recording not just the moment, but the spirit of the moment.

Kathleen making friends with little mountain kids.

A simple story told to simple people of a great Savior.

Soda: the international beverage.

Putting bread in the hands of poor, dirty little kids - what a privilege!

Our sandwich-making crew.

Many of the women still wear the traditional garb of the mountains, including strands and strands of beads.

The whole group of us: Americans, chicos, grannies, moms, and balloons.

The bonfire... our Ecuadorian friends enjoyed the smores. Apparently they're not made here in Ecuador.

Pictures courtesy of Laura Clawson, Christina Dickson, Elizabeth Fox, Loriann Hodgdon, and Jacob Matchak.