Update ~ One Year Anniversary

Dear Prayer Warriors,

June 27th will mark our one-year anniversary serving in Ecuador!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! Thank you for allowing us to serve here. Your giving and your prayers are what enables missionaries like us to stay on the field. We look forward to the next year of our five year term.

Here are 5 ways that we know we have been in Ecuador for one year:

1. Salchipappas have replaced our American staple of peanut butter and jelly.
2. Cindy enjoys doing laundry on the roof.
3. It's a must to have mayonnaise with our French fries.
4. We haven't experienced winter yet.
5. We miss our family and friends so much!

Our school year is finished and what a wonderful year that we have had. The boys were promoted and Cindy will repeat first grade again next year. We were greatly surprised and encouraged when she was awarded "Teacher of the Year" at the Alliance Academy. She has always loved teaching, but teaching in Quito seems like a "special" assignment delivered from the hands of God. Cindy plans to continue with leading the Bible study this summer. The ladies have completed the book of John, and their summer schedule is yet to be determined. They will begin the book of Acts when they start again. Another Ecuadorian lady, Lorena has joined them. Please pray as they try to blend all their summer schedules and join together to study God's word. Cindy has been visiting an Ecuadorian Christian school in South Quito. It's been quite interesting as she learns about the Ecuadorian school system. It's quite different from an American system, and it is all in Spanish. She has a vision to outreach to Ecuadorian teachers with educational ideas and activities that they can use in their classroom.

(Click any photo below to view an enlarged image)

Doug had a small 2 week reprieve from language school due to scheduling. However, he was using all his Spanish skills when our computer crashed and had to purchase a new one with the Spanish version of Windows Vista. However, we were quickly back up and running, and he has been back in language school. In fact, he has only 3 more weeks! This will conclude "this year's" Spanish requirements. Once he is completed with his language studies in July, he will be meeting with the national District Superintendent of OMS affiliated churches, to plan our their schedule for the coming year. He is excited about moving into his full-time work with the national pastors and churches. Please pray for Doug as he moves from his language studies into his full-time role.

In other news, we have celebrated both of the boy's birthdays for the first time in Ecuador! David turned 15 in May and Jonathan turned 12 in June. Jonathan complete his basketball season and his team received 3rd place in the local tournament. He also continues to enjoy his 5 birds. In early June, David had the opportunity to minister in one of our house churches during their Children's Day, where over 60 children and parents attended. We always knew that he was quite a clown!! He also recently returned from a week at the beach, where he attended a youth camp through the local English Fellowship Church. In July, an OMS family friend will arrive on the 6th, and Cindy's mom will arrive on the 10th. Please pray for our time together, and the for the health and safety of both.

A week ago, we were provided with an awesome opportunity to share with a group of 19 short-term missionaries from Bloomington, IL. Before they began their time ministering in the Cuenca area, we were able to join them for breakfast and share how the Lord had brought us to Ecuador and about the ministries that He prepared for us.

One additional pray request is for our good missionary friends - the Chambers, who operate the OMS guesthouse here in Quito and coordinate short-term mission teams. The Chambers had originally raised support to be here for 15 months, but have been here for over 24. Just recently their support account went into the red, and it appears as though they we will be returning to the states at the end of this summer to raise additional support so that they can return back to Quito. Despite this situation, they rejoice over the way the Lord has continued to provide for their ministry and that they were able to be here for 10 more months than planned. Please join us in prayer for the Chambers, as they seek to raise additional financial support that they need.

Thank you again for all of your support over the past year. We could never be here without your support, and you have all blessed us greatly. "From the fullness of His grace, we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:12

Blessings to You!
Doug & Cindy

(left) Cindy helping with face painting during the recent Children's Day activities.

(right) Doug and Jonathan enjoying a camp fire during Father's Day.