Bricks, Burns and Soccer

Well...we successfully completed our second day out here at Montanita Verde!

We started the day out with devotions on the beach and then Christian and I were beaten by a crab (short version - it went in a hole, we tried to dig it out, it ended up with us sitting in a large hole very confused as to where the crab had gotten too)!

Then we headed up to the orphanage where we hung out with the kids all morning. It was a great time for me to get reacquainted and for the others to get to know these kids. House 2, which our team in July helped get ready, is now occupied with two new little boys, Leiton (8) and Justin (1), who were rescued from a pretty rough situation.

We then enjoyed one of Wanita's (the mother of House 1) famous lunches (HUGE) with soup, fried beef, rice and mashed potatoes. Amanda was a little shocked because the portion size was so big but was a trooped and was able to finish more than half.

After lunch we began some of the work projects which we will be engaged in. Danielle and Amanda helped Susan sort through clothing donations and were able to find some stuff for the new boys, who came to Montanita Verde with nothing. They also began sanding a key box that will be used in House 2. Christian's skills as a carpentar were put to good use as he began build a frame and a door for a new tool shed/work room that will give a more secure place to store the tools. I got to start leaning the new skill, for me, of brick laying. A wall needs to be finished and another needs to be built totally around this new room. It started off a bit rough but I quickly got the hang of it.

After working all day we finished things off with an awesome game of soccer with the kids (girl's included which is rare). It was a good time that effectively tired us out.

The only casualty of the day was my poor white winter Canadian skin. I got burned bad on my shoulder's and neck. We could only find the 15 SPF lotion which, needless to say, was brushed off with disdain by this strong Ecuadorian sun.

So here we sit at La Cueva listening to the ocean with full bellies ready for bed. It has been such a blessing staying here, a nice respite at the end of the day. Certainly not roughing it!

Tomorrow will be another work day and we will solidify the rest of our schedule which will include a lot of day trips with the kids (including camping) which we are tremendously excited about! It is such a priviledge and an honor to be here once again with these kids.

We will keep you posted (oh and tomorrow someone else will write here so you don't have to always read my ramblings)!

J