"Winter" Vacation!

Hi again!

What a FUN week we had with the kids! This week marked the beginning of a 2 month vacation for all of the kids. Sort of like "summer" vacation. But we get to enjoy it during winter. Because the kids don't have homework, we've changed summer program to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The kids come at 10:30 in the morning and we have different activities planned each day. This week on Wednesday we played games to celebrate the kick off of vacation. We started off playing a few traditional ecuadorian games, but in a few minutes the boys were distracted by a soccer ball and beeeeeegged for a game of soccer (which NONE of the girls were excited about.) :)Instead, I grabbed a few t-shirts and decided to teach the kids capture the flag. We divided into teams and got going! It was rather entertaining to watch as at the beginning of the first three games as each team took turns running to the other side, while screaming and laughing as they were chased down and ended up and jail. Quickly one team learned to stay on their side and while they tagged almost all of the other teams men, they became too focused on "jail" that one of the two members of the other team ran across and grabbed their flag before they noticed. They had a great time learning a new game. In fact, I said "Okay, one more game and then it's time for lunch!" And several kids responded "No! Seven more games!!"

On Friday we bought two mini pools so the kids could take a dip. The kids LOOOOVED it! One pool was for the girls, and one for the boys. Glad we thought of that.. The boys were splashing and wrestling and jumping and throwing balls around and trying to annoy the girls by spraying them with the hose, while the girls spent their time giggling and seeing who could hold their breath the longest under water. We all had a good time and they can't wait for the next time we dig out the pool. :)

For those of you who pray for us and/or support us financially, I want to thank you for your help. Like I said, this week is vacation. Most of these kids live in small houses with very little to entertain them- maybe a tv or a radio. It would be easy for them to hang out in the streets to find fun, a place that's not only dangerous, but has a very negative influence on the kids. With Foundation Restoration we can provide the kids with a safe place. Not only can they have safe fun, and a good healthy lunch, but they're surrounded by positive influences, as well as people who pray for, and care about them. We definately wouldn't be able to do any of this without you! Thank you!!