West to Chillanes

Last weekend we travelled the 5 hours to Bolivar province to see Martha and Linda. Martha is the longest-serving member of community development and has been working in the small town of Chillanes for over 30 years. She has taught heath promoters, supervised the construction of water projects and  she helps the local hospital with health education , all of which have given her the relationships and trust for her busy spiritual ministry with girls clubs, women’s bible studies and a 24-7 open door to those who seek her. She showed us a wonderful example of true holistic community development.

 we had to pass Chimborazo mountain on our way, and it was beautiful!

 view down to the coast

Linda with Camila, Martha pointing out communities she's worked with

Martha with the pastor's wife in Santa Teresita

 

 

 with Martha and Linda in Chillanes

trip south

this month we've done lots of travelling... we went south to Cuenca to see our new nephew and then further south to visit Loja and Vilcabamba... then north to Esmeraldas to visit Tia Rosie and the 5 beaches she promises Benjamin... and finally west to Bolivar province to see Martha and Linda in Chillanes. Here are our travels in photos. 

 River at Vilcabamba

Benjamin, the family photographer

 The Leon boys = Eduardo with Mateo, Alfredo and Benjamin

 in Loja main square

Mateo

August praise and prayers

The big news is that I (Alex) have accepted the job of Community Development Director for the next year. I am only doing it part time and still teaching part time and being Mum, but I hope I can give enough to the department to make a difference.

Why only committing to a year as director… well, we have decided that next year we’ll take a home ministry assignment/study leave so Alfredo can study for a masters.  We are applying for Wheaton College, USA, looking at some courses in UK universities and Alfredo already has a differed place in a good postgraduate institute in Quito. We will remain missionaries and return to our work in Ecuador after completion.

Other news… Alfredo has two opportunities for training, if we can raise the funds to go. Water Missions have a base in Iquitos, Peru where the Shell water projects team wants to go at the end of the month and get trained in the water filters that are used in disaster relief work. The second trip is to Texas in November to be trained in well-drilling. For the two trips Alf needs about £1500. If you’d like to help us, get in touch!

We had a fun few weeks with the summer interns. The final week we had all 17 of them in Shell and Alf and Wim took a group into the jungle and almost didn’t make it out because there was constant rain!

We went to Cuenca and Loja for our anniversary and to see nephew Mateo out of hospital!

We’ve said good bye to our good friends the Mead family, and Benjamin’s best friend Jonathan. Hopefully they’ll return to Shell soon.

I (Alex) am teaching ‘sustainable production’ and ‘alternative energy’ courses at the university next year… EDAT guys, can you help?!

Praises for the month… fun holidays, encouraging time with the student interns and that Mateo is out of hospital

Prayers for the month… for the money to go to the training courses, for wisdom as I lead community development, for the children to enjoy their holiday out of nursery and for Alfredo’s English study.

Thank you for your interest and care for us

 Many blessings

Alex and Alfredo, Benjamin and Camila

Us with the summer interns (and Wim and Nienke) in Papallacta

B's Graduation

last friday Benjamin has his graduation from nursery. They had gowns and sweets and books of all their artwork. This was more ceremonious than actual, Benj was back at nursery as normal on monday! He will change schools in september (if we can get him a place in one) to start pre-kinder.

 Maggy and Jonathan

 Proud papi and Benjamin

 Benj with his book of artwork

 the class

Benj, Lucy and Andres

Dia del Nino

the 30th June is the day of the child, and it is celebrated in Ecuador, especially in the government nursery Camila and Benjamin attend.
The older classes had prepared dances to present to the parents and there was clowns and cake.
There is a video on Facebook of Benjo dancing!

 Camila's class

 Jennifer, the 'Brava' bumble bee

 Camila

Tia Clelia, the wonderful lady who looks after the baby's room

 Sarah, the daughter of one of the football team

Best friends, Andres, Benjamin and Jonathan

 Benjamin's class with Tia Lucy

cool dude Benjo

gift from the jungle

When Alfredo came out of the jungle last week, he came with a friend!

Camila was fascinated by the live bird and learned to say 'Cock' and Benjamin spent the car ride to the Aunt's house trying to look at the bird tied up behind him.

Alfredo received the bird when he visited Iniayua as payment for a list of things (soap, salt, matches) they want us to take in for them when the team visit next week. We don't mind helping them when they don't expect it for free, even if the payment is a bit active!

Luckily Benjamin didn't notice that the nice 'chicken' we ate at Aunts house as the same bird!

9th May Flo and Pete's Wedding