GRATEFUL!! Photo Journal Day One "Outreach with CFC and Casa G"

A group of six friends from our home church and Casa G joined together for one week to build relationships and God's kingdom.  The team was diverse with varied ages (2 to 50+), three languages, different cultures, different walks of life, and different places in our journeys in Christ.  By the end of the week we had become family.  We served others and one another.  We told Jesus that first day, "We need you to come and meet with us."  God answered our prayers.

The first morning started with breakfast at the Douce house and an orientation to Youth World International and Ecuador.  We are privileged to work with a global organization that is passionate about reaching the oppressed and seeing God transform lives and communities.

Next stop was Casa Gabriel. Several of the boys joined us for our trip to visit Old Quito.

Johanna (on the right) talks with team member, Julie.  Johanna is from Norway.  She spent her final Saturday and Sunday with us before heading back to Norway. She was such a blessing to the boys and us during the past three months while she volunteered at Casa G.  

Close to where we got off the trolley...

Just days before the group arrived, a young mom and her two year old daughter came to live at the Douce house temporarily while trying to get on their feet.  Phil bought a toy from a street vendor to give to the two year old.  Yeah, we are pretty much "smitten" by little Mikenya who calls us "Pelipe" y "Gaby."

The streets were filled with sellers and buyers.

We walked past the presidential palace... 

and stopped for lunch at a small plaza.

Our trek continued up a long hill to a famous church called the Basilica.

Dario, Juan Miguel, Johanna, Carlos, Joel and Jackson

The view from the Basilica -- you can see the Panecillo where the guardian angel overlooks the city.

It was a long way down!

All of these photos were taken by Josiah (Thank you!!) who was part of the Christian Fellowship team and who happens to be in love with the girl in this picture, also part of the team.  She is Rachel Prevette, sister to our son-in-law to be, Nathan Prevette.  "She IS pretty adorable, Josiah!"

The view of the Basilica from outside a tienda where we bought ice cream, our next stop.

Dinner was at Casa G.  One of the boy's aunts fixed us delicious chicken and rice.  Our team ate a lot of chicken over the past week!  :)

Desi, Miguel and their sweet little Janoa joined us for dinner and an orientation of Casa Adalia. They shared about their jewelry project which provides friendship evangelism and employment training for girls rescued from the sex trade. 

The day ended with everyone sharing one word that described their day.  Our young teen mom said that her word was grateful.  She told us that she was grateful we would trust  her enough to take her into our home and treat her like she is our daughter.  Phil and I were so very grateful as well, grateful for God's sweet presence and His expression of grace.  He gives us faith to live life for Him.