This was our last weekend here. God really blessed us because all of Manuel and Elvia´s family (and ours too) were here!  On Sunday we took pictures of all the family, because they hadn’t done that for years. It was hard to say good bye but we know we are coming back

It also was  very interesting because  we also had all the kids from the Saturday morning Oansa program sleepover too!  What a wild night!

It was a fun and a sad weekend and we are now working on packing, which is kind of hard because it reminds us that we are leaving and saying good bye to our Ecuadorian family.  Please pray for us during this time of saying goodbye.

We will are leaving for MN at 6AM from Quito, on July 2nd.  We look forward to connecting with you guys, please contact us if you want to get together!

Here’s our flight info for anyone who wants to follow our journey to MN:

Quito to Houston – Flight CO654
Houston to Minneapolis – Flight CO2950

We have received a couple of requests for some more pictures, and I wanted to let you guys know that our only internet connection is dial up right now, so we have not been able to upload any photos.  We could go to an internet cafe, but their computers usually have mor viruses than a children´s daycare.

I was working with Manuel, and we found out that he can get broadband internet here, and actually save money, as he has to pay per a min of phone charges while on dialup.  It should be installed this week, so photos will be up on our Photo Page soon!  Thanks for hanging in there!

Last night we met with Manuel and Elvia to talk about the tasks we have before us this upcoming month.  There are plenty of things that can be done, but we wanted to focus on what the Rosero´s specific needs are, and what we can feasibly help with in 5 weeks.  Here is what we landed on:

• Translate letters and documents
  The “Child Care” program is run by the Free Methodist church and gives people in the states the opportunity to sponsor children all over the world.  The task of translating the letters falls on the directors of the programs, which in this case is Elvia.  We are happy to help with this, and save Elvia precious time and money.
• Teaching and Children’s Programs
  Manuel and Elvia help tutor public school students for free.  We will help them by joining the tutoring, and helping with the Awana program that follows.
• Youth Group for the Church
  I was not so sure about this one to start with.  When they asked us to help out with starting a youth group, I thought there was no way that we would have enough time.  Then we found out that they have had a youth group, but they have been on break.  They would like us to meet with the leaders and help put a program/curriculum together.  There is a great guy named Santiago who is ready to lead the group, they would just like our input and guidance over the next 5 weeks.
• Worship Team for the Church
  The church has a youth led worship team that is very talented.  Manuel would like me to work with them on becoming more than individual musicians, but a worship team.  The leader of the group is named Danilo, and I have spoken with him, and we are both excited to see how God can use and develop the team.

There are a few other small tasks such as a web page design and clerical work we will help with.  We are also seeing a wide variety of opportunities to serve, and are discussing future projects with Manuel and Elvia.  We are extremely anxious to see what God has in store, and we are listening for our next steps
Please pray specifically for the above mentioned tasks we have set, and for God´s continued guidance.

We are very excited for this weekend. We will be traveling to Quito, to spend time working with the our friends Manuel and Elvia Rosero. Manuel and Elvia run a church in South Quito (Which is the poorest part of Quito) and also run a program to help public school students with their homework.

We have enjoyed our time in La Concordia. Rob has been working creating 3 websites, including a site for sponsoring the tuition for the poorer students of the school. Kirstie has been absorbing the culture, and working on her Spanish (which is coming along great).

With Rob spending 10 hours a day with his website ministry, and Kirstie at home with Bela, we have not had the opportunities to serve here in La Concordia that we would have imagined. The school has rock solid leadership, a knowledgebale computer teacher, and a great English teacher. We have not seen any area that can really utilize our gifts, talents and abilities. The church is also doing well, and we cannot offer anything to help them that they do not already have.

It is much different in Quito. In the one week that we spent there in April, our eyes were opened to the possibility of working in Quito. Manuel and Elvia Rosero have a desire to start a Christian school in South Quito, and are only lacking the help to get it going. The have specifically voiced the needs for a computer lab and teacher, English teacher, and people to aid with students with special needs. (Sound like anyone you guys know?)
Their church is also growing, and they many youth, and a desire to start a youth group, which is a huge passion of ours as well.

We are seeking the Lord’s guidance. If he calls us to Quito, we will be thrilled, but we are preparing ourselves to hear His plans for our next steps, not make our plans first. Please continue to pray for us in this! Thanks all.

We have been trying to upload some pictures for you guys, but are having some Internet connection issues… We will try to get those photos up for you ASAP!

Bela is 1 Year Old! Wow….. Life travels fast. Friday we had a big party here at the school, and were blessed in the company of our Ecuadorian friends. Bela had a great time, and was all smiles, especially when she got to dig into her own cake!
The theme of the party was “Finding Nemo” which has been a favorite movie for Bela (Lots of Colors) We showed a slideshow of the first year in pics and video, lots of “awwwws” and some tears form us. (We will try to upload the video for you guys too…)
All in all, a great party, and great year for the Doars! We pray that God will continue to bless us, and guide us as we raise his precious little creation.