Compassion Project in Quito

After arriving at our hotel in Quito about 1:30am, Dylan and I were glad to learn we were going to leave an hour later in the morning than originally planned.  It is amazing how quickly two overly tired guys can move into a hotel, unpack, and get ready for bed! 

We were up and around about 7 as our bus to EC-103 a Compassion Project in a church in a section of Quito about 40 minutes from our hotel.  It was a rather small church in a poor section of the city.  The bus driver impressed us as he managed to squeeze our bus around sharp curves and down the narrow street where the church was located.  The church has been partnering with Compassion for about 1.5 years and has 130 sponsored children and another 40 awaiting sponsors.

We arrived to find the children's church in full swing and quickly discovered that worship at this 4 square congregation is an aerobic exercise.  There was a worship band of some of the older kids leading the music.

Dylan (who plays bass) was impressed with the skills of the bass player especially given that the bass was bigger than he was!  Though we did have trouble keeping up with the children and there moving/dancing to the music!

After the children's service, the adults arrived for their service while we first served a breakfast to the children and then took them to a park a few blocks away to play.  Dylan mostly taught his assigned group of five students to throw a frisbee.  My five and I along with some others tossed a soccer ball around. If you missed the catch, you had to go the center of the circle, crouch down and do 10 bunny hops with your hands behind your head.  Yes, it tested my flexibility when I missed a toss!  :-)

We also played a Latin American game called "Gato y Raton" - similar to Duck, Duck, Goose in the US.  As the Gato, I first had to chase Angelina and managed to catch her just before she safely returned to the circle.  In the next round, I had to chase Christian (who was the drummer in the worship band).  He was very quick and could change directions on a dime.  Eventually another "Gato", Jake who was also on the trip, helped me track down Christian.  But it took both of us to do so!  :-)

Back at the church we then served a lunch to the children of the project.  Baked chicken leg, rice, vegetables, and some small yellow potatoes of a local variety.  I helped on the assembly line in the tiny kitchen crowded with helpers as we tried to feed about 150 kids in a small space in a short amount of time!  It was a delight!

After the kids were fed, it was our turn to enjoy the same menu.  Finally, the church pastor and Compassion Project coordinator shared with us how their ministry works in partnership.  It was a good learning experience.

Finally, we boarded the bus back to our hotel. I took advantage of the hour long break for a power nap while Dylan was gaming.

Tomorrow, we're off to Banos - about 4 hours away by bus - for 3 days of mountain biking, hiking and white water rafting in the rainforest!  We're looking forward to it!

Will do our best to update the blog as our internet access allows us to do so!