Experiencing Ecuador-Life on the River

With Compassion Blog month right after I returned from Ecuador, I haven't had much of a chance to post about my trip. So now that I have a chance to get caught up, I thought I'd write a little bit about our visit to the village of Anchayacu in Esmeraldas, Ecuador.  This small village is on the river and only recently has gotten a road that reaches to the outside world. Our group of sponsors was the first group to ever visit this remote Compassion Center (EC399).  

The children loved to have their photos taken and made some of the funniest faces! We spent time with them playing and serving them lunch.  We also had a chance to visit some homes along the river.  We loaded up canoe taxis and learned how these families raise different types of food.  The group I was in planted peanuts.

 We all decided we made the task take WAY longer than it would have without us! 

 Once we returned to the student center we celebrated the graduation of 2 of the young ladies from the project and enjoyed time worshiping with and loving on the kids.

  

Welcome New "Family" Members!

I am very happy to announce the addition of 2 new correspondent children to my Compassion Family! In July, Marinelis joined the crew and just 2 weeks ago Miss Laura joined us!

Marinelis

Marinelis is 10 years old and lives with her mother and 1 sibling in the Dominican Republic. She is above average in school and enjoys playing with dolls, playing house, group games and singing.  Her chores are running errands, making beds, and helping in the kitchen.

Laura

Laura is 5 years old and lives with her mother and 2 siblings in Honduras. She is in kindergarten where her performance is average. She enjoys playing dolls, playing house, and playing hide-n-seek.  Her chores are cleaning and running errands.

***For those of you who are unfamiliar with correspondent sponsorship, they are children who have a financial sponsor who, for some reason, does not write to them.  Compassion finds correspondents to take over this role of sponsorship.  I am very excited to add these two precious girls to my Compassion Family!

Major Mail Day!!!

Today I received 3 beautiful letters from 3 beautiful young ladies! 

Aida, Ecuador, Age 6

I had the privilege of meeting Aida last month in Ecuador.  This letter was written before I met her.

Dear Brandilyn,

I greet you with the love of God hoping you are healthy and doing well.  I thank you for the letter.  This is the first letter I write. (her mother has been writing for her) I am doing great at school.  I am happy and I have new friends and I play a lot with them.  I thank you for your drawings and the stickers.  Please keep praying for me and for my family.  We'll be praying for you and your family.  I say goodbye with the love of God.

Sincerely,

Aida

Daniela, Colombia, age 7

Daniela is the first child I sponsored. She recently began writing her letters on her own. I hope to meet her next November!

Dear Brandilyn,

Hello, God Bless you

My favorite color is: Pink

My favorite friend is: Sofia

My favorite school class is: math

My favorite hero is: God

Question-Answer-Gratefulness:

Madrina, I would like to know: How is your family?  Have you had a beautiful experience with the Lord in these past couple of months?  Madrina, I thank you for writing me, caring for me, and giving me a place in your heart.  I ask God to guard and greatly bless you.

Request and/or something to tell your sponsor/verse:

Madrina, I want you to pray for me and my family.  I want to share this verse with you: Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3.

With Love,

Daniela

Dayana, Ecuador, age 11

I also had the privilege of meeting Dayana last month in Ecuador.  This letter was written before I met her. She also included 2 new photos of herself for me! (can't get one of them to load)

Dear Brandilyn:

I am grateful for the card you sent me and you came in a good moment because I was sad but now my heart is happy to know we are the best friends.  I appreciate it.  The puppies are also my favorite.  I appreciate your concern for me and I am feeling better thanks to God's blessing.  How is your family?  What sport do you like?  How is the weather out there?  The is the last line and I want to say good bye.  Blessings.

With love,

Dayana

Dayana at a dance celebration for her school's anniversary.