In partnership with Samaritan's Purse and For His Children Ecuador, we will be building a playground at a large orphanage in Latacunga. We will be staying near the orphanage while we build and staying in Quito for a few days to see the sights. Come join us on an exciting trip to beautiful Ecuador!
For the kids...around the world,
Jim Rosene
President
*Click to View Photos*
Update 4
Last Friday was the dedication for the playground we built at For His Children in Latacunga, Ecuador. The team was excited to see the kids use the playground they worked so hard on. Since we got to know most of the kids and staff, the dedication was a perfect way to end a great trip! They had a small program that showed their love and hope for their children. They also introduced our team and recognized our efforts during the week. After the ribbon was cut, they had a short skit on how to use the playground and play safe with others. Then the kids were able to go on the playground!
Most of the kids were small so we were able to help each one of them enjoy and play on the equipment. You could see their excitement as they explored the monkey bars and the rock wall. The swings were also a big hit!
Once it was time to leave, we realized how great the week went. We made great friends and really connected with everyone we were in contact with. We had a final prayer for the kids and the ministry and then we were headed back to Quito. Once in Quito, we had fun at the equator, Panecillo, the Basilica and touring old town.
We had a great time ministering to the children in Quito and partnering with For His Children and Samaritan's Purse. We appreciate the 5 volunteers who joined us and all their hard work. We also appreciate your prayers and hope you will continue to pray for us as we minister to children all over the world.
Click on the link below to view pictures from our trip.
For the team,
Chris Marshall
Kids Around the World
Ecuador pictures - SmugMug
Update 3
Today we had a day off because we finished the playground early. We travelled to Shell, which is on the other side of the volcano, in the jungle. We visited the MAF house, shot blow darts, visited an orphanage and met missionaries there that we are working on a project with. After that, we went to Banos which is a tourist town next to Tungurahua, the active volcano. We went on a little hike and had a relaxing time.
We are back now and preparing for Friday's dedication. We are excited to see kids on the playground after all our hard work. Thanks for your continued prayers.
For the team,
Chris Marshall
Kids Around the World
Update 2
The team in Ecuador is doing well. Yesterday we worked hard on the playground until dark. We finished installing the unit and pouring the concrete. The volunteers worked extremely hard to get it finished before dark. Today we finished spreading the sand and worked on the perimeter wall. All is set now for the dedication on Friday at 8:30am!
Today we also started our Sunday School Training in Ambato with Samaritan's Purse. There were 38 excited students ready to learn from Neptali Chacha and Marty DeRoche. The training will teach these students how to teach the Bible to children. Tomorrow the training will resume and finish in the afternoon. Already it's been a success as 3 of the students prayed to receive Christ at the training! Normally the students are all Christians, but this class really teaches them to evaluate their faith and they come away with a new sense of their commitment.
Please continue to pray for our team and the training for tomorrow. Thanks for your support of our ministry to the kids in Ecuador.
For the team,
Chris Marshall
Kids Around the World
Update 1
We arrived late Saturday in Ecuador and headed down to Lata-cunga for our playground build with a ministry called For His Children (FHC). Latacunga is 2 hrs. south of Quito and from the orphanage we can see Tungurahua, the volcano that has recently been active.
FHC is a beautiful orphanage that takes at risk children and cares for them until they are paired with foster or adoptive parents. Many of these kids have special needs and FHC has an incredible staff that cares for them. They also have specialists that frequently come in and provide expert care for the children.
We have a small team of 7 volunteers who have committed their time to help these children. We are building a very nice recycled playground and everything is going well. Our biggest surprise was having an auger to help dig the holes in ground that is very soft! Today we dug all the holes and put up most of the main unit and the swings.
Later in the week we have a Sunday School Training with Samaritans Purse in Ambato. Part of our team will be involved with that as well as our Ecuador Country Director, Neptali Chacha. We will also visit several of the playgrounds we have built here and look for more opportunities.
We appreciate your prayers for the team as we continue to work for the children here.
For the team,
Chris Marshall
Kids Around the World
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