marsha helping out with the victory banners.

A Few More Photos

Margot at 12000 ft.

this was anna's first "go-ahead" to give the kids some candy.

the lady in orange is Micah's newest fan....err....oldest?

chalk drawing

Tis is Holli, doing a little chalk drawing.

Victory

So, we did a lesson about Joshua defeating the Amelakites, and our "craft of the day" was a victory banner. Pastor Mejia stepped in waving the Ecuador flag to help with the relation. (It did help that Ecuador played Mexico in soccer that night...and won, of course.)

Days like These...

As I metioned before, Monday, we got right to work on painting the nursery area and mudding the walls of the dining hall. In the afternoon, the Pastor's wife and son took us to a nursing home that they regularly visit. We gave out some clothes and toothbrushes to the abuelos and Micah and Anna sang a few songs for them. They enjoyed it like crazy. Then we simply sat around and just listened to stories that we did not understand (because of language). Micah walked around and serenaded several of the ladies. "Muy Linda" they would say, which means you're so beautiful.
After the nursing home, we went to the Teen Challenge program. We gave them all new toothbrushes as well. Micah and Anna sang again, and Anna gave a little testimony/encouraging word to the guys that was very moving.
While neither of those afternoon visits were on our original agenda, we were very blessed to be a part. Everyone on the team has been great, and very flexible.
Stephanie

Buenos!!!

On Tuesday we started off our day by climbing a Volcano, Gua Gua Pichincha at Volcano Park. We took a gondola and ended up being about 14,000 ft up. When we reached the top it was a view unlike no other. We all were in awe at God´s beautiful creation. It was amazing to be above the clouds and look down and see planes flying below us.

Hola!

We had a little delay in getting some images posted, but hopefully we´ve fixed our technical problems. The team arrived safely Sunday night and this is a shot of us in front of our hotel, La Vieja Cuba. We went right to work on Monday at Foundaccion Elohim. The girls mostly painted and Micah and Kyle did a little mud-slingin´.

Final Pre-Trip Entry

I just wanted to say to all of the folks at THE ORCHARD a huge THANK YOU for your support, your donations, etc. We are leaving with a bunch of "goodies" to share! We asked for toothbrushes, and we got, like, a thousand! We have a generous supply of warm coats for the kids to protect them against the chilly and somewhat rainy season. And, we have some black shoes that they will be able to wear with their school uniforms.
Thanks for looking and please check back on a daily basis. We will begin posting Monday night. I'm sure the team would appreciate your comments and encouragements! (Especially those who have never been this far away from home!)
Stephanie

Checklist

Just be sure....
1. to be at the Orchard by 7.30am on Sunday. We'll pack and leave by 8am.
2. to pack your personal bag around 40lbs to leave room for any purchases you make in country
3. to have your passport easy-to-get-to at the airport (always know where it is!)
4. to make three copies of your passport
5. to come by the church and pack your second bag
6. to pack clothes you can get dirty
7. to pack at least one fleece or sweater for the nights
8. to bring enough money for suverniers and calling home
9. to bring your own toiletries
10. to bring a bible, pen and journal
11. to journal everyday - even your basic thoughts
12. to participate in every team time
13. to encourage each other - even when you're down
14. to be flexible, flexible, flexible
15. to have a blast and love people!

FLIGHT INFO

you should be able to click on the itenerary and print it off! Let me know if you have problems!

Save the date!

Our last team meeting has been moved to MONDAY, MAY 26! It will be at Stephanie and Juan Carlos' House, 912 George Ave at 5:30 pm. We will have a little cook-out and end the evening with a time of prayer for each other and the trip. This is our last opportunity to get together before we leave, so please make it top priority. OH! And bring a lawn chair if you have one!

VACCINATIONS ECUADOR

Here is what the CDC is recommending as far as vaccinations go - see the below or you can check out their website http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEcuador.aspx#vaccines.

I found that the best place to go for these shots is the Health Department. Some of the shots are pricey - last time I checked these were the prices: HEP A (series of 2 shots) - $30, HEP B (series of 3 shots) - $41.00, TYPHOID - $55.00, YELLOW FEVER - $80, RABIES (series of 3 shots)- $157.00 (yikes!!) - then you would have to pay a $15 administering fee . Your doctor can prescribe the doxycycline to prevent Malaria, which is $6 at Wal-Mart.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Vaccination or Disease
Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Routine
Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination requirement for travelers to Ecuador:
If traveling from an endemic zone and >1 year of ageCDC recommendation:
For all travelers >9 months of age who are traveling to the following provinces in the Amazon Basin: Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Sucumbíos, and Zamora-Chinchipe, and all other areas in the eastern part of the Andes Mountains, NOT including the cities of Quito and Guayaquil or the Galápagos Islands (see Updated yellow fever risk map for Ecuador). Updated May 5, 2008Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10 year intervals if there is on-going risk. Find an authorized U.S. yellow fever vaccination clinic.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map), especially those who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).
Typhoid
Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Tropical South America, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
Rabies
Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites.

Malaria
Drugs to Prevent Malaria (antimalarial drugs)
If you will be visiting a malaria risk area in Ecuador, you will need to take one of the following antimalarial drugs: atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine (primaquine in special circumstances and only after G6PD testing).
Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Ecuador and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.Malaria risk area in Ecuador:
Risk in all areas at altitudes below 1,500 m (<4,921 ft). No risk in the cities of Guayaquil and Quito, the central highland tourist areas, and the Galápagos Islands.

Thank You,
Margot

Spiritual Preparation

I want to bring to mind a few things that might help you  prepare spiritually for the trip, so that you make the most of the time. I encourage everyone to take time to prepare.  You wouldn't rush down to the airport at the last minute just in time to make your flight, leaving your suitcase and all other things you need for the trip. There is a lot of time and thought put into deciding what to take, what to leave, how much spending money, etc. etc. 

Well, this trip is not just another week of your life. You will face challenges, strange food, discomfort, and maybe even some disappointments. In a place where you can barely say "Hello, how are you?" in the local language, it will be vital that you are able to communicate Christ's love in a different way to people who desperately need it.

So. Here's an assignment for you this week. Begin to take pre-field preparation seriously. Begin to ask the Lord, "What would you have me to do or change in order to best represent YOU on this mission trip?" And allow Him to reveal anything in your heart that needs attention before you set foot on foreign soil. 

If you are serious, God will begin to give you new perspectives, purposes, and a deeper understanding of God's heart for the lost and hurting people of the world. 

PLEASE LOG-INTO THE BLOG AND LET ME KNOW THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS. LEAVE SOME FEEDBACK AS WELL!

TEAM MEETINGS SCHEDULED

The mandatory team times have been scheduled. Mark your calendars!

1. May 4 at 7 p.m. at The Orchard

2. May 18 at 5 p.m. at The Orchard

3. May 29 at 6 p.m. at Stephanie Rhea Photography, 212 W. Main St.

Here We Go!

Well, the plane tickets have been purchased! This year's team includes:

1. Peyton Harbin

2. Anna Benefield

3. Micah Hood (2nd Timer

4. Kyle Groover

5. Marsha Williams (2nd Timer)

6. Matilda Moore

7. Suzanne Abedi

8. Margot Carter

9. Holli Robinson

10. Sandi Whitlock

Juan Carlos and I (Stephanie Rhea Barcia) will lead the trip.

This year will be very exciting and different than any other year. We have 4 high school students, a teacher (to keep them in line) and some young professionals on this journey. 

I am touched when adults give a week of their yearly vacation to go to a remote location and "give their life away". I am equally touched when students have the desire to spend a portion of their summer break doing something meaningful that will have eternal rewards.

Check back for posts describing the mission plans, posts and photos and thoughts from other "Trippers".

Please leave encouraging comments as well!