We had a beautiful and life-giving week with our supporting church from New Community Bronzeville, lovingly known here as “Tio Pete’s team” (if you want to know the story, we can catch you up later!). We also had volunteers from Willmar, MN who joined this team and are seeking out if short-term mission and partnership is something they should pursue.
Although we were SO looking forward to them getting here, because of spring break traffic in Florida, their flights were delayed for two days. Once they arrived, one member was sick and another didn’t have her bag. Yes, we know these are things that happen with mission teams, but also a huge blow for them and us. They were so great and flexible with all the things that happened and we feel that is for sure the Holy Spirit’s presence with us; we are so grateful!
The team engaged in a lot of work together with the different areas of the project. The main thing they were involved in was shucking 1,300+ pounds of fava beans to contribute to making the largest pot of Fanesca in all of Ecuador! It was quite the undertaking and aside from arthritic-feeling fingers, everyone survived to try the Fanesca on Good Friday. FANESCA
We all participated in a soccer game of Ecuadorians vs. Americans. The Americans lost in a very intense game, but VERY fun!
The team was also able to tour all the different projects the Santiago Partnership has and was able to participate in two different weekly events the projects do. On Thursday they were able to participate in a home visit and on Friday they were able to partner and encourage the women of SUMAK. It was beautiful to see the engagement with our Ecuadorian partners in collaboration and service.
Another fabulous way the team helped was by painting the entrance to the Casa Hogar from a very pale Jesus to one with a tan. An outside painter from the area painted the original mural, but we thought it was time for the kids of the home to see themselves represented better in the mural.
They also helped put a base coat of paint in the space for the Women’s Artisan studio.
Eliot, one of the teenagers from the teams turned 15 and was able to experience it all in pure Ecuadorian style, receiving roses from the Forever Flowers farm and a cake which his face made it in to and lots of Happy Birthdays!
It was also a special team and week for us because our kids had off from Spring Break so we were able to be together as a family with the team all week!
The week was amazing and challenging, full of life and laughs and stretching and flexibility. All the things a week-long mission trip is. We are SO grateful for the encouragement and life-giving care given to us through them.
THANK YOU NEW COM!
The Santiago Partnership