As I sit here and reflect on all that has happened this past week, I can’t help but be astounded by everything God has done through our kids.
Time and again they have selflessly given themselves to serving the kids of San Jose and Curia.
Noah and Ryan have been absolute kid magnets, every time we went to recess they were weighed down by 6 or 7 kids each.
Emma and Seth are a couple of budding artists and drew some great mural pieces at the daycare center just around the corner from the community center.
Ryan and Justin created a human ladder to let Cody get up to where he needed to paint.
Carly has been the babysitter extraordinaire taking care of Karen’s (the wife of Luis who is the pastor of the church in San Jose) baby so she could teach and prepare for kids group.
Thank goodness for Taylor and Kaleigh without whom we may have never been able to make the Jiffy Pop right, but apart from that they have both loved on the kids like they have known them for a lifetime.
Brantley has shown a side of himself that I had never seen before and jokingly asked if he could bring a few of the kids home with us.
Caitlyn and Raegan were so good at including everyone in the activities and finding more kids to join.
Kip can hit a home run with his eyes closed, but when he led our baseball group he didn’t use this time to show off his skills but really lit up when he got to teach the kids about the game.
Jacqueline unquestioningly served wherever needed and was constantly encouraging others.
Ashleigh came up big and helped me figure out a craft idea in a super short amount of time with the leftover craft supplies we had.
Destinee was selfless on the field, passing the ball and high-fiving kids on both her team and the other team. She was one of the few girls to brave the soccer field.
Maddie stepped it up and sang and served communion in today church service.
Carlee didn’t let a little sinus pain hold her down, she got some rest and rallied right back.
Stephane’s paper flower craft went over great.
Lauren has kept the girls laughing and has been great with them.
And last but not least Uncle Rondo has been awesome, constantly translating for everyone, running kids back and forth to the Tiendas to buy cookies and soda, and inviting kids from the neighborhood to be a part of what we are doing.
I am so thankful for the team that Jesus has put together to serve Him. It is bittersweet while I type this, thinking that while this has been an incredible week, it is almost over and afterward this exact team will not likely ever be all together here again. It has truly been like we are a family. We have had our moments of being annoyed, like all families, but we have grown so close. Thank you for trusting Jesus and sending your kids on this trip, I know they have all been touched by the people of these two sleepy little towns in coastal Ecuador and I pray that the work Jesus has started in them here will continue when they return home.
Thank you for allowing your children to be a part of something much bigger than themselves, part of the Ecuadorian family.
We love you and we thank Christ for you. God bless, we’ll see you Tuesday.
– Ed Udvadia
Ed, Thank you for sharing these stories with us. 🙂 I am so happy that Carlee got to experience the Ecuadorian missions trip! Sorry to hear she was under the weather but glad she was able to rally back! She is a strong willed young lady. I cannot wait to hear all of her stories. Thank you for supporting our kids while in Ecuador. It takes a special kind of person to do what you do, make the sacrifices you make and I just wanted you to know that we feel blessed that you are a part of our lives. God brought each and every one of you to Ecuador and each of you played a key role in accomplishing his work. Thank you for being the person that helped guide our children! I know it is bittersweet but you will all walk away with lifelong memories. You will all now pray for the same Ecudorian children and people you met and for each other. This will be your lifelong bond. 🙂 Thank you again for the wonderful blog! It sounds like you guys had a blast! I cannot wait to see you all! Praying for safe uneventful travels. Asking God to put his hand on the flights and lead the way! Love to all of you and am too thankful to Christ for each of you. God Bless!
Tell Kip MaMa & PaPa are so proud of him allowing God to use his talents. We love him so much! Praying for all os you. Diane Turner
What wonderful kids we have been blessed with, I am so glad we could share them with the people of Ecuador. It sounds like each one of them had a special part in a special mission. What blessings they all are . God is so good. Safe travels home. Tonya and Kenny Gorlesky ( love you Kaleigh)
Thank you Ed, Ron, Catrina, Lauren and Stephane for taking on the responsibility of taking care of this amazing, but loud and active, group of middle schoolers. I am sure your patience has been tested at times, but I am also sure that our children were blessed by you in many ways throughout the week. Our children are very fortunate to have such wonderful adult examples of selfless service to follow. I am looking forward to hearing EVERYTHING when ya’ll get home tomorrow morning, well maybe in a few days after you are rested.
We are praying for safe, hassle-free travels.
Love to all,
Kathy King
One thankful parent here that Taylor had the opportunity to go to Ecuador, even though it was a stretch of faith to send our baby out…so worth it! Thanks so much to Carlos and Jeanette for all you do in Ecuador and we will continue to pray for you! Ditto Kathy…what an amazing group of leaders! Thanks to each of you!
Love you and praying for your return!
Meredith Page
I blame the late hour that I penned this blog, but somehow I left out Catrina.
Catrina has been a fantastic member of our family. From day 1 when she heard Natalie couldn’t be with us, she stepped up and offered to be on the team. She went as far as to say that she would be ok going even if her son Brantley (who was on the team) couldn’t end up going. Catrina was awesome, serving wherever needed and her attitude was always positive.