Experiencing Ecuador: Time With My Angels

It has been a while since I've written about my trip to Ecuador, but with my trip to Colombia in just over 2 months, I thought I should share more-and the best part-of my Ecuador trip.

When we got our itineraries we were pleasantly surprised that we would have extra time with our sponsored children! Not only would we spend all day Tuesday with them, we also got a dinner party Monday night with them as well! AND on top of that excitement, my Aida's center was on the list for our group to visit, meaning even more time to visit! 

Aida and her mother

Even though our group was visiting EC594 for the Child Survival Program (Mother/baby), Aida and her mother were invited to come.  Aida was shy at first, but informed me (in front of her mother) that she wanted to come live with me in Indiana. She opened up a little more each time I saw her.  

First meeting with Dayana and Aida together

When the girls arrived at the dinner party we were able to chat and dance.  This time together broke the ice and got out a lot of our jitters. We had our faces painted and enjoyed just being together.

Dinner Party fun 

Tuesday morning we loaded our buses to meet the children and their families at a Family Fun Complex.  We had fun swimming, boating, and bouncing in the bounce houses.

We had some cuddle time at the complex. The girls and their mothers had me in tears by their sweetness and gratitude.  I can't explain in words how it makes me feel to know how loved these girls are by their mothers and how much they love me.

Dayana, Aida, their mothers, and I

 Saying goodbye was so hard. I hope that some day I will be able to return and spend more time with these 2 amazing girls.  Dayana and Aida will forever have a special place in my life!

A Dayana Kinda Day

I've felt like I have been in a little bit of a letter drought.  It's been a few weeks since receiving any letters from any of my kids and I have been feeling kind of antsy!  (Fellow sponsors understand this feeling, am I right?)

Well, I came home from work today to find not 1, but 2 letters! AND one included 2 photos! They were from my 11 year old Dayana in Ecuador and my 5 year old Dayana in Honduras!


Dayana, Ecuador

Dear Brandilyn,

I want to thank you for your letters, are very interesting.  I am always excited when I write letters and I also pray for you and your family, especially for your grandma. (I don't know if she got my latest update on my grandma or not, she passed away while I was visiting Dayana in August) What is cantaloupe? I have never heard of that fruit but sounds delicious-my favorite food is corn and fried pig, potatoees and guinea pig, feet soup, trout and much more.  My favorite colors are light green and green, blue and sky blue.  I want to thank you for the photos, (I sent several photos from my visit to meet her) God bless you. 

Many hugs, 

Dayana

Dayana, Honduras

My Appreciable Brandilyn,

Dayana is dictating this letter to me, her mother and she has a big smile with excitement.  On December 1st she had her closing ceremony and she looked as beautiful as a princess and sisters and I were very happy to prepare a special meal for her and we took lots of pictures.  She is very happy to have somebody to share her happy times with.  She asks you to pray for her and her family that her mother can finish building their house because there is only one room and it is not enough for all of us and pray that the Lord provides everything for her siblings and her to continue in school.  She was happy to share this special moment with them.  We have two dogs called Muñeca and Boby.  There are trees like lemon, avocado, plums, coconut, and mango.  Dayana says goodbye dear Brandilyn. Wishing you blessings for you and her family.

With much love, 

Dayana.  

She is attaching some pictures of her graduation. 

I am so blessed by such sweet children! :)