Here we are on the way to buy the shoes!

Shoe Shopping

After visiting the Santa Isabel Daycare in south Quito and seeing the horrible conditions of some of the kids´ shoes, Byron suggested going shopping! So a week later we took 18 kids out shoe shoppping. It was a hectic adventure but well beyond worth it. All the kids were excited not only to get new shoes but to pick out ones they liked. They were adorable as they looked at themselves in the mirror and danced around in the new purchases. They took off the old and put on the new, something they could be proud to wear without shame.

Graduation

Here are my kids from La Bretaña who graduated this past Saturday. They did a great job standing up there the whole time and singing the song "Old MacDonald" Soooooo cute!!

I was very excited to be with them in the service and watch them. I was also grateful because I was able to praticipate in the days events. The director had asked me to sing two songs. So in the middle of the program I sang two of my original songs. I was also excited because before I sang them I was able to share why I was in EC and how God brought me here (so a mini testimony). It was awesome!

My little friends at La Bretaña

These are three little girls from the school I voluteer at. they are introducing themselves to you guys! Aren´t they just adorable?

14 days left

I was sitting in bed with a philosophy book in hand as birds were chirping in the background (which let me say is a rare occurrence here). I began to reflect on my time here in Ecuador. I wondered how would I ever be able to express all I have seen and experienced here. How could I capture the joy a child shows when he or she has received food and toys from a person who has traveled over 3,000 miles to give it? How can I describe the look on a woman’s face who has been beaten by her husband, does not have food for herself or her kids but cannot leave for the consequence of only becoming more impoverished? How can I convey the power of compassion, the depth of love or the richness of relationships I have experienced here?

I honestly do not think such a feat is possible. There are too many things that can only be understood by living. But I have the hope in knowing that I will carry these images in my heart and mind. Though they hold a certain sadness, it marks a point of change. They have impacted me to a depth in which I know I will not leave the same. The value of life has a new meaning.

My hope is that this change will not only remain inside of me but will reach the lives of those I come into contact. I know not all will see, not all will have the same opportunity to come here. But through my life that has been imprinted by these stories, these children and these faces I pray others will also be imprinted. I cannot capture it all; there is no way to summarize. But I if can bring just a glimpse of what I have seen I know that others may also be changed.

God Bless,
Breana

More Kids for Sponsorship

Thankfully there is another supporter for these kids. Therefore we were able to add three more kids to the sponsorship list.

Here are their pics (plus a newer photo from one of the other kids (he was just too cute to not take another pic :)

Game Day with Youth at La Libertad

THANKS for all the prayers! Game Day (or night rather)went awesome. The kids had fun and did a great job. They were absolutely adorable too!! We played one particular game were they had to dress a particular theme with random objects I put in a bag. It was great to see their creativity.

This next week will be the last week before the point store. (which means it is my second to last week :( I will be giving a heart to heart with the kids just sharing some life lessons and encouraging them. I am praying God will lay on my heart the things that they need to hear.

Thanks again for the prayers! God Bless.
-Bre