A few days left in Ecuador

Our last full day at Escuela de Amor y Esperanza was yesterday (Friday).  I'm in the music group and we worked with the 7th graders to make sure all three groups were ready to play their choir chime song on Saturday.  After school, we traveled a couple hours to swim in hot springs off of a volcano.  It was awesome!  The temperature outside was cold but the water was soothing and relaxing!  We were there for awhile and gathered around in a circle talking about God's creation and things that were on our minds.  Pancho and Pity led and we prayed for each person in our group and something they wanted to pray for.  This took awhile but it was really powerful and I'm so glad we got to do that.  Pancho and Pity are such a blessing to our group and their teachings have taught us a lot.  

Today we attended the fair at the school.  Each grade and classroom had something prepared and the families of the students could come into the classroom in shifts to see what they have been working on at school.  It was a little crowded but it was good to see many families come to support their children.  I visited the classrooms that I have been working with all week to see their presentations (5th A, 5th B, 6th, and 7th grade).  I stayed in the 7th grade class the most to help with the choir chimes.  They all did very well playing their songs and I was impressed how quickly they learned!  They played a few wrong notes here and there, but overall it was wonderful for learning the music and how to play the choir chimes in less than a week.  After the fair, we went to a smaller market similar to the one we went to last Saturday and then to a mall.  The mall was big and all the stores were really expensive.  It's crazy to me to see such a poor area in the beginning of the day and then go to a richer place where people are spending large amounts of money.  It makes me sad that we have so much and still want more when many people have hardly anything at all.  Let's just say from Pancho and Pity's teachings as well as our experiences on this trip, God is opening my eyes!  I'm very thankful for what I have and I want to serve Him more because I'm seeing that these kids just need to feel loved and that is something we can all easily accomplish without much work.

God bless!  Lindsay Meece

june 3rd by Joe Hannis

hey everbody today was a great day.  the kids at the school are great.  i mostly play games with the kids and they are so fun to play with even though i hardly understand a word that they are saying. i also worked in the arts today they learn pretty quick and love to be around us. we finished painting some rooms today and alot of the kids stayed around untill we were done just to be with us, so we could play around with them. they are so full of love they just run up and hug you it is really great. i was almost tackled by how many kids just run up and hug you all at once and it takes forevor to get them off of you but thats probably because we love them being around us and dont really try to get them off. i really like everything here the scenery is great with the volcano mountains everywhere it is great. are hosts are really great they are so nice and loving. well thats pretty much it thank you for all your support and for making this trip possible. thanks Joe Hannis

2nd Day at Carmen Bajo

Our second day at Carmen Bajo has passed and we are all winding down in the living room now. First, I must apologize, there may be times in the blog where I begin to blog in 'spanglish', I'll try to correct everything before posting but I can't promise anything. Second, I would like to thank everyone who made this mission trip possible for all of us. Third, I would like to ask all you to keep all of us in your prayers (if you don't already), a couple girls were sick today, but in the name of Jesus they are healed! I know this is devil attack our group because God has some amazing things planned for the remainder of our time here. Okay, so the reason I am blogging: to tell you what happened today!


During the morning, our group broke up into smaller groups doing crafts, music, games or teaching English, which is the group I was in. These past two days that I have spent with the children has been life altering. Every class we walk into, before we can get a word out, the children stand up and say "Good morning, God bless you, Teacher", without fail, even in the afternoon. The looks in their faces as we walk into their classes always causes my heart to soar. They are so happy to see us and spend time with us, I am just in awe. A couple of the classes my group worked with today were the same we worked with yesterday which in my opinion helped a lot! Not only did we not have to go through the long introductions but I saw even the little bit of work we did with the students yesterday helped them. There was a class we went to yesterday that I just wasn't sure if I was getting through to them at all, the whole entire time they looked bored and disinterested, not paying any attention to me, and then when we returned to their class today, they knew the vocabulary we went over yesterday and were kind of competing to see who could get the word right. It was such a humbling experience.


After our sessions with the classes, our groups got a much needed break (most of us slept during this time, on mattresses they provided for us, Thank you Lord!) before moving on to painting the classes on the top floor of the school. In my personal opinion painting those two rooms--which we did not complete--was harder than the six rooms, hallway and staircase we painted at Alliance Academy International...but just as fun. Part of painting job included painting the bottom half of the walls with an oil-based paint. Oh man. Oil-based paint does not smell good, think of a gallon of gasoline in a small (very small) classroom with little circulation and voila! You have the room we were in for an hour, needless to say, we were getting a little loopy at the end. 


To top off a fun day, we were invited to eat dinner with a future Greenville College student and his family. Where we played signs, which has become the choice game of the group, after eating pizza--from Domino's nonetheless.


Okay, if you make all the way down to the bottom of this post, I am sorry for the extremely long length but I hope what I have written was sufficient for you. God Bless.
-Maria Rodriguez :)

June 28 from Kim

Hello everyone.  We were so tired after yesterday that we all just went to bed when we got back.  We finished the stairwell we were painting.  We had to get more paint twice because it took so much to get in the texture of the wall. After lunch Dr. Sanders had arranged for us to tour the radio station that we just across the street from the school. I did not get to go.  A few of us were asked by one of the 6th grade teachers to help with the musical the students were putting on. The students did so good.  Their musical is about Pirates and how to be a thoughtful Christian. One of the volcanos stated spitting ash in the morning so when we were getting ready to leave it started raining.  When we got back to the apartment a lot of people took naps and we just relaxed.  Then after dinner we went to the movies.  Pity and Pontco came with us.  The movie we were going to see was sold out for the first time so we went to the 9:30 showing.  It gave us a little time to look around the mall and shop a little.  I am not much of a shopper but the other girls enjoyed it.  The shops were closing at about 8:30 so we just waited by the theatre until they let us in. We saw Prince of Persia.  It was really good! We did not get back until about midnight. But it was a fun day and we finished the work we were asked to do at Alliance Academy so we all slept well with that.

See you soon.  Love,
Kim

Update from the other leader!

Hello parents and friends!  You haven't heard from me because I didn't have the access information to post on the blog.  My name is Sandy Schmidt, and I organized the trip to Ecuador.  I had been here two years ago with my husband as consultants to both the schools in which we are working.  I was incredibly impressed by the Alliance Academy International's school facilities and curriculum.  However, I was even more impressed by the wonderful job the folks are doing at the Carmen Bajo school called Colegio Amor y Esperanza (The School of Love and Hope).  With little resources, those people are giving the children on one of the poorest neighborhoods in Quito a wonderful, transforming, and Christ-filled education.  I wanted the GC students to have the experience of working at both schools. 

So, here is my update:  Paint, paint, paint--that's pretty much what we have been doing for the last three days.  Yes, we took a break to help with chapel for the elementary school children at AAI, but other than that we painted.   This group of GC students are amazing!  Parents--you have done a wonderful job training these kids.  They have worked hard but never complained.  We worked with somewhat unorthodox materials, but we did it!  We painted 6 dorm rooms, a long (really long) hallway, and the stairwells of our side of the building.  We broke up in small groups, and each group tackled one room.  If one group finished sooner than another, they joined whoever needed help.  Then another mini-crew came around and cleaned up the drops of paint and whatever managed to get under the tape we used to protect the woodwork.  Some kids were "abused"--the tall ones like Bobby, Christina and Lindsay--they were always called on to give  an extra hand in hard to reach places.  There was even singing,(in harmony no less!), while all this painting was going on. Kim, Joey, Chelsea,Joey and some others became the paintbrush and paint tray cleaning crew.  At the end of the day we were exhausted but happy we had done such a wonderful job.  The maintenance director at the school was so impressed; she said ours was one of the best crews they have had work at the school.  We were neat, used our time well, and cleaned after ourselves.  She said she felt blessed by the group and their great work.
    Tomorrow we head out for some sightseeing.  We are going to Otavalo, the largest indigenous artisan market in the world!  OK, so do you hear the ca-ching?  Yes, this is probably where the kids will spend money.  Sorry parents, but it's an experience we didn't want them to miss.

Last Day at Alliance, visit to HCJB Radio

We have been at the Alliance Academy International school, the famous school in Quito for the children of diplomats, missionaries, and well-to-do Ecuadorians, for three days now. We have painted a dormitory wing, conducted four chapel services, are doing Bible Quizzing demonstrations today in two or three classes, and will visit the HCJB (Voice of the Andes) radio station today at 1:00 p.m. It has a tremendous place in missionary history, and still has a vital ministry. I'm excited to be able to go there; it's right across the street from where we are serving now at Alliance.

Tonight we go to the movies in downtown Quito, then tomorrow we head north for a field trip to the mountains, and to visit the largest artisans market in the world. All cameras will be on ready alert!  I know the kids will enjoy this great field trip! Next week we will work all five days in the Amor & Esperanza (Love and Hope) school in a poor neighborhood. Dr. Sandy Schmidt and I will be running three teacher's training workshops, and the rest of the time we will be helping to teach music, art, English, and recreation, along with help from our marvelous students.  Have a marvelous day!  Greg Sanders

Thursday, May 27, Second Day at Alliance Academy

Dear Parents and Friends,
Today has been a very good day. We had three chapel services for elementary school children this morning at the Alliance Academy, and we were in charge. I decided to utilize all of the students, so we proceeded as follows. First, I gave a team greeting, and then each student introduced himself or herself. Next, we led the audience in some songs - Allelu/Praise Ye the Lord (the children's version, with a little jazzing it up at the end), Lord, I Lift Your Name on High, and a chorus that fit the theme of the serve, Love, Love, Love, Love, the Gospel in a Word is Love.

Then I gave a 3-5 minute talk about how LOVE is the essence of being a Christian, but love takes practice - you can't just decide overnight to be a great lover. We start with small acts and work up to those that are bigger and harder.  Then the G.C. students came up, one group at a time, first the Football Players, then the Artist, then the Language Learners, then the Musicians. For each group, they would pantomine an activity (such as throwing a football around), and the children had to guess what the college students were acting out. Then I would interview the students about how to get good at that particular activity. Finally, at the end I gave a conclusion which incorporated Jesus' two greatest commandments (Love God, Love your Neighbor), and we talked about how to apply that to parents, fellow students, teachers, and then enemies.

While the students were painting, I worked this afternoon on finishing a summary of the NSO (New Student Orientation) evaluation that Norm Hall and his office want as they start their Fall planning.  Several classes also requested a few minutes of the students' time, so the students had fun visiting those classes and getting bombarded with questions.

Our hosts, Pancho and Pity, have been outstanding. They are warm and gracious Christian hosts, and our meals have been delightful. We almost always have fresh-squeezed juice of some kind, and not always of the standard juices either. Tonight, I think we had Passion Fruit juice, which they call "maraguiyo," I think. We had two different kinds of ice cream, one that looked like vanilla but was a fruit flavor called "guyabano," and then raspberry-chocolate, both topped with a swirl of chocolate syrup. Right now the students and Dr. Schmidt are playing a game in our spacious living room, the "sign" game, where each student tries to pass his or her "sign" (maybe flicking the hair back on one side, rubbing one side of the nose, etc.) while one person tries to guess who "has" the "sign" at any particular moment. They are enjoying themselves!

We have a fairly active itinerary. Tomorrow we go back for our third day to the Alliance Academy to paint the stairwell (we have already painted several bedrooms and hallway), and perhaps to give a demonstration of the Bible Quiz chairs to a class of Bible students. Tomorrow night our hosts have planned to take us out to the movies, a large Cineplex in the center of Quito, where they typically show American movies but with Spanish subtitles. Saturday we are going to a very large market for artisans, the largest in the world I am told, and then to church on early Sunday morning and then to "Mindo," a subtropical area where the equatorial line passes.  At least, I think that's the plan.  I'll let you know later how much of that transpires!

God is working in our group.  First, there were several "break-throughs" with Alliance students this morning, where, to give one example, a child with autism was actually persuaded by one of our girls to come up and sing and dance as part of one of the skits (with several other Alliance students as well), and a little boy from Russia who never opens his mouth in class gave an answer to one of my questions right in front of everything.  The way God used us to reach the kids brought visible tears to the eyes of several teachers.  It just goes to show you the truth of the Proverb, slightly paraphrased, "In our hearts we plan our course, but the Lord determines our steps."  We act out our plan, but God does the real work!  Peace to all.

Dr. Greg Sanders

First things first, a little late.

Hello friends and family,
Here is a picture of our group at the Miami airport where we experienced a 7 hour layover.  Luckily, we arrived here in Quito safely, and are enjoying our time at Alliance Academy! Today we were in charge of three chapel services, finished painting, and got to help and observe the 6th grade play entitled 'Pirates of the I-Don't-Careibbean.' Keep checking the blog-- you're not going to want to miss the next round of pictures that will be posted later tonight!
Adios!
-Nicole

Painting at Alliance Academy

Good morning, parents and friends!  Today our Ecuador group is painting dormitory rooms in the 3rd floor of one of the many buildings at Alliance Academy International in Quito.  We arrived late last night, exhausted from our travels, but were met by some wonderful hosts, Pancho and Pity (pronounced with two long "e" sounds).  Pancho's father recently passed away, unfortunately, but in God's timing, this opened up the father's apartment for all of the girls to stay in, and the boys stay up two levels in the same apartment building, also owned (previously) by Pancho's father.  To enter the apartment, you come through a large iron gate that is secured at night, and walk up several short flights of steps.  Everything is done in ceramic, but with tasteful colors and many plants and open-air spaces.  The apartment is beautiful, and is adorned with red brick archways set against white stucco walls, with a small flower garden right in the center.

After a restful night, we had group devotions.  We sang (learned) two Spanish songs, a song for "grace" before meals (Padre Nuestro, te damos gracias) and an old but rousing praise chorus called Allabare (I will praise).  Dr. Sanders (me) then passed out one pocket-sized Bible to all group members, so that each person might donate the Bible on the trip to some Ecuadorian whom God might place in our path. He then gave a devotional over Hebrews 4:12, The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.  Then it was time for our first true meal in Ecuador!  Pancho & Pity had arranged for a marvelous breakfast of eggs, fried potatoes, bread, and believe it or not, fresh blackberry juice (wonderful!).  We then took a private bus to Alliance Academy.

When we arrived at Alliance, we were met by Dr. Deb Anderson, a 20-year veteran of Quito, who is the school's Assistant Director.  We met in her office to store our things, and then took a 45-minute tour of the school with Dr. Anderson, at first, and then another teacher/administrator, Lois Wells, also the wife of Dr. David Wells, the school's Director.  She finished our tour with us, so that Dr. Anderson could attend to other duties.  Most of the students then went to paint the dormitory rooms, and one student, Valerie Ellsworth, went with Dr. Sandy Schmidt to work with some ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.  While they are busily engaged in those activities, I am in the school's conference room, utilizing the conference wireless service to write this blog to you all!  But I have to hurry.  In 14 minutes, a group will be using this conference room for a birthday party or celebration of some kind for a staff member.  The school is fairly humming with activity, and if you stand still too long, you will definitely be in someone's way!  Alliance is one of the best-equipped schools I have ever seen, in Ecuador or elsewhere.  They even still have a fully equipped kitchen for home economics classes, and a shop for wood working, another for auto mechanics, classrooms for science, language arts, history, and virtually every subject, a digital media room, band and choir room, several language rooms (some for teaching English, some for teaching Spanish, French, or German), and even a whole floor for Special Education, which includes education not only for students with special needs, but cognitive enhancement activities for all students in the school.

This afternoon, students will still be painting or doing ESL, but I will probably go to the other school, Amor & Esperanza (Love and Hope) to conduct some music classes.  However, I need to write some music first, or adapt some music I already have, so I better finish this blog and get busy!

Thanks for your prayers.  The Lord is good, and it is fun to see what His hand is doing in Quito through this wonderful school.  By the way, the school has about 450 students, who speak 27 different languages!  This truly is an international school.  More later ... Dr. Greg Sanders

We're in Miami!

Hello, Ecuador fans!  It's 3:30 p.m. local time in Miami.

OK, so we've been here in the Miami airport for 4 hours already, and we have about another hour to go until the plane leaves.  Everyone is excited to take the next leg of our journey, but we're also very tired as well.  Some of us slept a little bit last night, and a few people didn't sleep at all.  But, God is with us, and we are thankful for your prayers!  We practiced some different activities for some chapel services we are going to conduct on Wednesday and Thursday, and Mariah Phillips gave an oral report about the history of Ecuador, and some facts about Quito.  She did a good job!  For our chapels, Dr. Sanders (me) is in charge and will give the basic message, but all of the students will be on "teams" to present some short dramatic presentations which fit with our message of "spiritual fitness."  We have teams for recreation, art, ESL (English as a Second Language), and music.  The presentation will start with the recreation squad marching into the chapel from the back with a 1-2-3-hiya!, and getting the kids' attention.  Each group has a similar way that it will engage the audience.  The point we are trying to make is that any endeavor in life takes practice and preparation, and the Christian life is no different.  Excellence doesn't just happen!

I have an airnet card with me, which is why I am able to create this blog post en route.  It won't do me any good in Ecuador, however, since I don't want to pay $2.79 a minute for the air time!  Thanks for your prayers.  We'll make another post when we arrive.  Sincerely, Dr. Greg Sanders

A Letter From Our Leader.

Here's a note from Dr. Sanders explaining why he chose to lead a group to Ecuador--

I love taking groups to Mexico, and have done so several times, but I have never been to S. America.  Ecuador sounds like a wonderful country to visit, and I know that because of favorable radio transmission, there has been a strong Christian missions presence there in Ecuador, and specifically in Quito, for many decades.  The Alliance school where we will minister is only a short distance from the famous Christian radio station, if I understand correctly.  I'm excited about our group of 17 that is going, and I pray that God will use us in powerful ways, and that we ourselves will be changed in powerful ways as well!  Everyone, pray a lot!  Unless God builds the house, the laborers (us) labor in vain.  So let's put HIM in charge! 

 Sincerely, Dr. Sanders

Get to know the Ecuador 2010 team.

Hello all,
The time for departure is coming soon, and I think I speak for all of us when I say that we cannot wait! For those who are wondering we leave at 6:00 in the morning on Tuesday which means it will be an early morning! I just wanted a way for all of you to know a little bit about each of us, so here it goes:

Lauren Brewer

Age: 20
Year: Junior
Major: Double majoring in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? I have never been out of the country. After hearing about the Ecuador trip last year I became very interested, especially being an education major. This was an amazing opportunity to work with children in a different country and fulfill the needs of people with backgrounds different from my own.
What are you most excited for? The 6 hour layover in Miami..haha, kidding. :) I cannot wait to experience how another country lives. I am most excited about teaching english to young children.
Fun Fact: I love to listen to oldies and show tunes. :)


Valerie Ellsworth

Age: 19

Year: Sophomore

Major: Elementary Education

Why did you want to go to Ecuador? I have always wanted to go on a missions trip.  It didn't really matter to me where I went, but when I got the e-mails about the Ecuador trip, I told my parents about it, prayed about it and decided to go for it.
What are you most excited for? I am most excited to get the opportunity to witness a different culture.  I have always been interested in different cultures, but have never gotten to go to another country.
Fun Fact: My favorite movie is The Lion King.

Lindsay Meece

Age: 22
Year: Senior
Major: Media Promotions
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? I wanted to go to Ecuador because I have been on one mission trip before and loved the experience I had.  It was great to show God's love and spread His message to others. I thought this was a great opportunity and it will be my first time out of the country!
What are you most excited for? I think I'm most excited about interacting with the kids. I love music and sports so it will be fun to teach the kids some new songs and games.
Fun Fact: I have never climbed a tree.  I wouldn't be scared climbing up, but coming down would be a disaster.

Joey Furman

Age: 19

Year: Freshman

Major: Criminal Justice

Why did you want to go to Ecuador? I love to serve.

What are you most excited for? Getting to interact with people in Ecuador.

Fun Fact: I was born at 9:12 a.m. and I weighed 9 pounds 12 ounces

Mariah Phillips

Age: 19
Year: Sophomore
Major: English Education
Why did you want to go to Ecuador?: I just got an email about it and immediately said "I should do this" (but really I think it was God who made that decision for me, because I never make decisions about important things that quickly).
What are you most excited for?: I don't really know what specifically to expect, so at this point, I'm just looking forward to being there.
Fun Fact: More people are killed annually by donkeys than die in air crashes. (If this isn't really what you meant by a "fun fact", then something about me could be... I've never dyed my hair.)


Kim Stolze

Age: 21
Year: Junior
Major: Special/Elementary Education
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? Do what I love to do, Teach.
What are you most excited for? Going to the schools and seeing how they teach in another country.
Fun Fact: I went to the Czech Republic 3 years ago on a mission trip.

Joe Hannis

Age: 20
Year: Sophmore
Major: Criminal Justice
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? It sounded fun.
What are you most excited for? Being in another country for 2 weeks.
Fun Fact: I like to ride motorcycles.

Chelsea Smith

Age: 22

Year: Senior
Major: History Education

Why did you want to go to Ecuador? The Lord lays on my heart different regions of the world to pray for and the last region He laid on my heart was Latin America, specifically Spanish speaking peoples.  I wanted to go on the mission trip the college was planning last year, but was unable due to being in a wedding.  That mission trip was canceled or I guess postponed until this year. When I received the email about the Ecuador mission trip this year I felt compelled to learn more.  The Lord has made a way for me to go financially, physically, in terms of my schedule, and is preparing my spirit as well. I am so thankful to be a part of this group and this ministry.
What are you most excited for? I am most excited to plant seeds of the Word of God into the children's lives, to help meet some of their educational needs, and experience the joy of the Lord in their lives.

Fun Fact: I am from the very small town of Brownstown, Illinois-population 750.  I am outgoing. I love music, specifically worship and gospel. I love trees....well all of the created world. I can make an interesting noise that has been compared to that of a dolphin or Velociraptor.

Nicole Graham

Age: 19
Year: Freshman
Major: Special Education with a minor in Music.
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? It was actually my friend's idea, but I have a heart for missions and jumped on this opportunity. I've never been on a missions trip and thought this would be the perfect way to start because of the education aspect of the trip.
What are you most excited for? I'm just excited to see what South America holds for me. I'm pretty positive that God has huge things in mind for all of us while we're there, and I can't wait to see His plans unfold.
Fun Fact: I'm terrible at skipping rocks, and my spanish skills are limited. I usually end up creating a language that's a mixture of english, spanish, and italian when I try to speak it.

Ashley Feezor

Age:19
Year: Freshman
Major: Digital Media
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? Well, I have always wanted to go out of the country. I am just really interested in different cultures, and it sounded fun!
What are you most excited for? I am most excited to just experience a different culture. I think I will have a lot more respect for things back home when I experience this. I am also really excited and hoping to grow closer to God through this experience.
Fun Fact: Well my fun fact is that I suck at fun facts about myself, but I know that a platypus can kill you!

Maria Rodriguez

Age: 19
Year: Freshman
Major: Biology Major, Forensic Science Minor
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? I have never been on a missions trip before and I saw the flyer for the Ecuador Trip and I thought this would be an amazing opportunity to experience first hand what so many others have told me about on their past mission trips.
What are you most excited for? I am most excited about working with the children and just seeing what God has in store for not only them but our team as well. The fact that we are going to a South American country has its perks too. :)
Fun Fact: I love learning random tidbits about different events, people and places.

Bobby Jones

Age: 25
Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Why did you want to go to Ecuador? I really want to experience not only God's creation, but how the people live for God and help me grow to love Him more.
What are you most excited for? Getting involve with outreach, with community, at school, and changes lives.
Fun fact: I’m very outgoing and down to earth.