Hola! Mi Amigos! Amanda here, typing to you from the great land of Quito, Ecuador. Today was our final day in Quito because tomorrow we head off into the jungle! How exciting! Along with this excitement, some of us are feeling a little down because we had our last day at Ganas, the orphanage we have worked at for the past 4 out of 5 days that we have been here. We were able to accomplish a lot in our short time; we painted their dining hall and clothing room (and organized all the clothes and bought some new shelves) cleaned the boys and girls rooms a couple of times (think of 2 giant rooms, one for girls, one for boys and these 2 rooms house at least 40 children. Yeah, it get’s messy fast!) and most importantly we got to know some of the children. I have to say it has been quite the experience. Some of the children we have gotten to know are Anna-ye (3), Valentin (3), Israel (4 and my stole my heart and the one in the picture with me), Steven (4 and loud), Wendy (5 and a bit of a trouble maker), Antony (5 with the biggest smile), Daniel (6 whom Feyan mentioned in our last post), Paulo (6), Andy (7), amongst a few others. It was a whirlwind adventure getting to hang out with these kids and attempting to understand their Spanish. And because it was so great, it made it even harder to leave them today. In my short time here, my opinion on whether or not working at an orphanage, short-term, is truly beneficial has been challenged. Yes, we were able to accomplish some things and love on those children but does the good outweigh the bad? How healthy is it for the children to get attached to us just in time for us to leave? We have been wrestling with this concept however, we have found encouragement in seeing God’s work at Ganas; the tia’s (Spanish for Auntie: the caretakers at Ganas) who are not Christian, have told us that they have seen a change in the children after interacting with mission’s groups and therefore love it when Christian groups come in. Though it has been hard, wondering if our visits have been beneficial since these children already come from unstable environments, we are still able to see God's hand at work in this orphanage.
Please pray for the children named above, as well as the other children at Ganas, that the right people would come into their lives and that they can see God’s love in the missionaries that come to see them. Also for us as we wrestle with the concept of working at these orphanages for a short period of time (especially since we still have 2 more we are going to be working at) and for safe travels as we head into the jungle tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time to check up on us and for all your prayers. And Mom and Dad if you’re reading this, I love ya J
Guess what Natasha? Our neighbour has the same name as you and you pronounce it NADASHA! It made my day, so I thought I'd tell you. I love you all and I'm glad you are doing well. - Steven
ReplyDeleteThe Vollmer family wishes you all an amazing time in Ecuador. May God richley bless all of you and keep you safe on your adventure!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Jenna stay healthy and safe...Momma :)
Baby Bear, the Good Totally out weighs the Bad :) You have had the opportunity to befriend and bond with these children, not to forget about them after you leave but to be burdened (in the best sense) to lift them up to Jesus often. No matter where you or they are in the world. Prayer travels! :) You have left an impression on them with your visit, and being their physically, but keep them in your heart. Never forget, that God makes things work out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Blessings on you, dear team Equador! xoxo I hope you are having a blast in the jungle! And Sted, have you wrestled any animals to the ground with your bare hands yet? Hope that goes well! ;)
ReplyDeleteHola beunos dias senoritas!
ReplyDeleteSorry to take so long to find out how to use this blog! (Amanda you know how anything with a “cursor” and I get along.)
From where we sit at home we can only imagine the dilemma you all must face first hand with the kids.
I just wanted to share some of my thoughts and a few words of encouragement along with the other posts.
Remember as you continue your missionary work there, the love you so freely and sincerely give affects all the people you come in contact with, not just the brief and melancholy moments with the kids.
We cannot express in words how very proud we are of all of you! Y ou have taken thoughts and prayers and put them into actions and deeds. That love compounds and inspires all of us here at home and comes (full circle I’m sure) back to you.
We will try to share this blog with as many family and friends as we can and continue to send our thoughts, prayers and love along with you!
Amen
Love-ya mom and dad Van Horn
Great to read your soul-searching post. A 1980s tune by Keith Green comes to mind: "just do your best, pray that it's blessed and God will take care of the rest." Our responsibility is to serve with the gifts and abilities we've been given. The Lord will fill in the gaps,...you can take it to the bank!
ReplyDeleteYou're experiencing an initial taste of ministry to some of the world's desperate little ones. May your hearts be forever bent to continue to meet the needs presented to you; whether for the moment or for the long haul.
Can't wait to unpackage all the other stories in person. with love,
the Osterwalder family