More Pictures Of Precious Children From Oregon Group's VBS

These pictures were supplied by Rick Ikeda.  Thank you, Rick!

Lauri, Kelsey, Bethany, Irene, And Susanne Corral The Children
While The Children Surround A Dog, Nicknamed "Pastor"

The Direction By Susanne Was Really Effective In Spanish

Working Hard

Such Intelligent Eyes, And Such A Precious Little Girl

Oregon Mission Group In Cachiviro, 2014

The group of eleven people on a mission trip from various congregations in Oregon arrived at 11:00 pm July 10th.  They cleared customs pretty fast, and were in Otavalo by 2:00 am.  No matter how fast they cleared customs, it had been a long day for them.  They had had to get to the Portland Airport by 4:00 am that morning.  Adrenaline put smiles and laughter on their faces when they arrived.  Thirty minutes into the bus ride to Otavalo, everyone was zonked.

Below are some pictures of the first few days, with some Facebook comments of team members and any additional info I can add.

On Sunday, we went to church in Cachiviro, a village where the folks from Oregon would work on a new community center throughout the week alongside people who live there.

Congregation of Nueva Jerúsalem Worshipping

Part Of The Oregon Group (Duane, Irene, Alex, Doug, Bernice) Clapping With The Congregation

Bernice Rivera Translating David Eggleston's Sermon

Blanca Puma Introducing Doug Wirt

Oregon Group And FEDICE Team Singing For The Congregation

Congregation Enjoying(?) The Group's Singing

After church, it was time for a little sightseeing.  A favorite stop is Peguche Falls.

The Cascada Was Still Flowing Well,
Even Though Otavalo Is Entering A Dry Season

Monday, of course, was the beginning of work.  It continued throughout the week.

"Gathering at the worksite blessing of the tools for the project." - Rick Ikeda

Oh, Myyy Goodness!  Will You Look At That Job!?

Don't Jump, David!

"Break time!" - Rick Ikeda  (There Was Hearty Food Every Morning When It Was Time To Take A Break.)

"Tea break by the lake during work." - Lauri Morris
(How Tough Could The Work Be?)

Well, This Tough...

...And This Tough...

...And This Tough!  "When all the ladders are being used, we find a way to get 'er done!" - Lauri Morris

In the afternoons from Monday to Wednesday, Bernice Rivera led a workshop for indigenous women.

Bernice (In Yellow) Conferring With Blanca As She Leads The Empowerment Workshop

One Activity Was A "Trust Walk",
Where A Woman Closed Her Eyes And Had To Walk Where She Was Led

Empowerment Workshop Completion Certificates

A Vacation Bible School was conducted every afternoon from Monday to Thursday taught by several members of the group from Oregon.  There were four classes: drawing, art, bible story reading, and outdoor games.  The children were split into four groups and rotated through each class during the afternoon's two hour session.

Hard At Work Making Cats, With Irene Instructing

Cats Come Alive For Precious Niñas!

Hmmm! This Looks Sort Of Like A Devil Cat.  Wonder If He Understood VBS?

All Of The Kids In A Grand Circle After Classes

Susanne Starting A Game In The Grand Circle

There was also time for side trips.  The group visited Cuatras Esquinas one afternoon and the Caluquí Violet Groth Vaca Daycare Center the next morning.  Both of these communities have been past projects for Oregon groups.

A Group From Oregon Helped Lay The Foundation Of This Church In Cuatras Esquinas

The Inside Of The Church In Cuatras Esquinas

Irene Got To See Her Godson, Eddie, In Cuatras Esquinas

Photo Op With The Children Of Caluquí's Violet Groth Vaca Daycare Center

The Children Soon Went Back To doing What They Do Best - PLAYING!

The road to Caluquí had been torn up because a new sewer line was being installed.  Surprise!  The bus couldn't negotiate it.  Not to worry.  Twelve people piled into the back of a covered pickup and set off on an adventure.

"You can easily fit 12 people in the back of a pickup when needed, but boy is it a dusty ride." - Lauri Morris

And then there were the random, beautiful moments.

Bernice Rivera Holding A Cutie

"My two sweethearts, Natalie and Alison." - Lauri Morris

Rick Ikeda With Dena, His Goddaughter, Who Is Now 13 Years Old

The Oregon group would like to stay until the job is completed, but that's not feasible right now.  They will need to stop on Friday, joining the community to celebrate the work that has been accomplished this week.

Then, on Saturday, we and representatives of many communities in this area will get on a bus and drive south of Quito to a very special celebration in San Francisco.  It will be the 20th anniversary of FEDICE!  And an Oregon group, our long-time supporters, will be there to celebrate with us.

[Thank you, Rick, Lauri, and Bethany, for providing pictures.  Rick and Lauri may not have been aware of their donations, but that's what they get for being friends with me on Facebook! ;-)]



--Glenn Hebert