A Day in Quito

 

We spent today wandering around the sprawling city of Quito (population about 2 million). Our favorite part was riding on the teleferico (gondola) up the side of one of the mountains. The view from the top was breathtaking with the city stretching out as far as you could see. Here are a few pictures –but they don’t really do it justice.

We took a taxi to and from the teleferico. Here in Quito you have to take a good look at the taxi before you get in (otherwise you very well may be robbed). What to look for: yellow vehicle, number on the window, taxi sign on the top and an orange license plate –then the driver should be legitimate . We were very carful watching for these things, but unfortunately the drivers don’t hang a blinking sign out the window that says “I’m a great driver” or “I whip around corners like a mad man”. We definitely got one of the “mad man” drivers on the way home. He also didn’t know where our guest house is located (which he failed to mention when we showed him the address). But, between our knowledge of the city and what the driver was able to glean from other drivers while on route we made it home -in one piece (but not before lots of wrong turns and a few queasy stomachs). All a part of the Quito experience ;0)

Jus one more picture: the classic Benson family hiking pose.

We made it to Quito!

We arrived safe and sound in Quito last night with all of our baggage. After a good night’s rest and some breakfast, we are headed out to do some site seeing and get ready for Emily’s visit with her sponsored child tomorrow.

You know you’re in Quito when there are roses in the airport!

Colorado…………to Ecuador

If only it were that easy!!

We are now sitting in the airport in Houston waiting for our flight to Panama where we catch another flight to Ecuador. Our itinerary today is not quite as direct as the photo :0) but we will be there soon.

Praises

- all our suitcases were under the weight limit!

- we found a security line at DIA that allowed us to avoid the new body scanners.

- although Sara’s bag got pulled aside at security, the problem was quickly resolved when we realized that the questionable object was the electric teapot. oops!

- we got to sit together on our last flight and it went smoothly. We even had the entertainment of the loud family sitting behind us.

Almost there….

As time draws near for us to step on the airplane, our house has been a beehive of activity. We are packing all of our clothes, cosmetics, snacks, art supplies, and game supplies. Plus we are taking care of the million little things that need to be settled before we leave the country. 

Our favorite kind of prep work has been brainstorming ideas for crafts, games, one-on-one activities, and themes that we can use while we are working with the kids. Every time we go over our list of activities we get more and more excited to see the kids! 

The latest word on our lodging is that we will be staying in the 2^nd floor apartment of a missionary who is on furlough. We are happy to hear that this house will be a lot closer to the orphanage than we had originally thought.

Our daily schedule will vary, but it will probably look something like this:

• 7:00  Wake up and get ready for the day
• 7:30  Fix a quick breakfast
• 8:00  Walk to the orphanage
• 8:30  Lead morning activities for the kids or help with construction
• 12:00  Eat a sack lunch or go quickly to one of the restaurants
• 1:30  Afternoon activities with the kids or construction
• 5:30  Head home for dinner

In the evenings we may have special activities for the kids like movie and story nights, or just take time to relax at home.

We have not heard yet if we will have internet access in our house, or if we will need to find it elsewhere. But we plan to post frequently to let you know how we are doing.

24 days and counting!

Everything is coming together for our trip to Ecuador. We have our plane tickets and are counting down the 24 days until we leave. Is it possible to wish that something would come faster and yet slower at the same time…

First and foremost we want to say thank you to the many friends and family members who have partnered with us as we prepare to minister to the children at Casa de Fe. Thank you for believing in us. Your commitments to take the time to pray for us and the children, and your willingness to give of the money that you worked for will make an eternal difference in the kingdom.

            • We have raised over 75% of the money we need for the trip!

            • We posted a new list of prayer sidebar--->

Right now we are in the final throws of all of our spring activities. Sara graduated last week from Regis University and immediately started her final class which will finish right before we leave. Luke will be completing high school in the next few weeks and Emily will be graduating from Pikes Peak Community College on the 21st. Erin left yesterday for a 8-day tour that promises to keep her and her company members jumping from one activity to the next. Have I mentioned that we are all looking forward to having a little bit of a break in Shell.

In the midst of all the busyness we are finding creative ways to make time and prepare for the trip. Last week, for example, on the way to Sara's graduation ceremony we made a huge list of games and fun activities that we can do with the kids. Some of our ideas included a week of lessons about how God

made everyone unique (followed by a talent show to showcase their abilities), and a F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God) themed VBS with lots of wet activities to keep everyone cool.

We never know what will exactly be needed when we get to Shell, so we always try to have a big assortment of ideas that we can use. And that is where you come in. Can you be a part of our next brainstorming meeting? The theme is children's songs (in English) and arts and crafts. Ready… set…GO!

(psst…leave a comment below)

Ministering in Ecuador

Dear Family and Friends,

We (Erin, Sara, Emily, and Luke) pray that you are doing well and that the Lord has been with you. We have all been doing well. Beyond the busyness of preparing for graduations (Sara, Emily, and Luke) and organizing multi-state tours (Erin) we are so excited to have the chance to return to Ecuador this summer to work with the children at Casa de Fe (house of Faith) children’s home. We are especially looking forward to having Emily join us this year!

While we are at Casa de Fe in Shell, Ecuador this summer we will be working with the children one-on-one, teaching classes, leading games and activities, helping with therapy and tutoring and working on the construction of the new school building. We will also work with the toddlers and babies, giving them as much love, touch, and smiles as we can. Most of all we are looking to deepen the relationships that we have developed over the last two years.

The dates of our trip are June 8^th - July 13^th, with Sara staying longer and returning on August 17^th.

In order to make this five week trip a reality we need raise about $1,200 per person for a total of $4,800. This amount, which averages $28 per person per day, will cover the cost of airfare, lodging, food, and other expenses. Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring us for a portion of the cost of this trip? If you would like to make a donation, please make checks out to "Sara Benson" and send to the address listed on the right.

A lot has changed at the children’s home since we were last there. The biggest change is that the new house on the edge of the jungle has been completed and all the children are now living there! We can’t wait to see the kids using the finished building and to know that Luke had a hand in the construction of the house last summer.

We also ask for your prayers as we prepare for the trip and minister to the children. We are currently working on the details of the trip including travel and lodging. Please pray that all of the arrangements will fall into place, and that God will guide us while we are there ministering to the children.

While we are in Ecuador we will again be updating our blog with pictures and stories. If you want to receive automatic email notification when we publish a new post, enter your email in the box on the left.

Thank You!!

Our Kids

We miss the kids sooooo much….

So....

....we are going back!!!

Please pray for us as we finalize plans to minister once again to the children at Casa de Fe.