Update 07/30/06

Dear Prayer Warriors,

On Friday, July 21, we had the opportunity to experience some REAL Ecuadorian culture when we were invited to ride on a Chiva, which is not a female goat as the Spanish dictionary would translate it to be. The Chiva is a double decked, open, & brightly colored bus with a loud speaker on the front and back which blares Spanish music as it transports you through the city. With a whistle in one hand and a balloon in the other, you make as much noise as you want. The bystanders are enlightened for the moment in the midst of their everyday business as they wave and cheer with you. We were celebrating the final day of the ministry team from Texas that came to work on the guest house.

Tuesday morning, we experienced the bus station for the first time as we made our 5+ hour journey to Pallatanga for OMS missionary retreat. What a beautiful camp in the quietness of the Andes Mountains. We spent five days with fellow OMS Ecuador missionaries and a team from North Ireland who came to minister to us during this time. The week was definitely a mountain top experience as we sang praises every morning and evening, had daily devotions, prayer time, preaching from Philippians twice a day, fellowship, and food. It was all done in ENGLISH!! Jonathan was thrilled to have the opportunity to catch bugs and to play with some very young puppies.David enjoyed finding a nice bundle of bananas during a hike to the area water falls.

Many thanks to Emmanuel Baptist Church from North Ireland that sent a team that blessed us greatly as they obeyed what God called them to do which was to minister to missionaries that have been ministering to others for the past year. With every song, every message, every activity, and the sweet fellowship, we couldn’t stop thinking of you and how you all could do the very same ministry that they did. We’re praying that God will touch the hearts of those that He wants to be at next year’s retreat July 31 – August 4. Check your calendars as it may be YOU!!

We have a vehicle but no license to drive it. We should be getting our license, but it is a rather lengthy/complicated process, so it may be a while before we get to actually drive. We also have to take a written test in Spanish. We bought this vehicle from another OMS missionary leaving for Home Assignment. It was simple and blessed both parties. Doug is thrilled as he now has something to tinker with…. he just can’t drive it.

Cindy has been to the Alliance Academy and will begin preparing for the 2006-2007 school year this week. August 25th is the first day for new hires and the boys will begin on August 31st.

We are especially thankful for a couple from Forrest, Illinois who are bringing one of our suitcases when they land in Quito for a short-term ministry trip in southern Ecuador.

Thank you so much for your continued prayer support.

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy