Malone Service Learning - Ecuador

Today was our last day of teaching in Rey Sabio Salomon. Our goal was to finish with a big bang and from what I heard we did just that. Unfortunately I was unable to join the team this morning. It was so great to hear about everyone's lessons. I was able to vividly imagine the expressions of the children through my team's descriptions and excitement. God has been so good this week. I can see his presence growing everyday in my team. Tonight we had an appreciation dinner with the teachers from the school. The team spread out and sat amongst the teachers. Tonight was so great to just relax and attempt to talk to each other in our broken languages. We were able to laugh with each other at our attempts in speaking each other's language. God was present tonight (as always) as we had the opportunity to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ. The love and appreciation the teachers showed us as we came into their school and messed up their schedule was amazing. It was compl...

Today we had the opportunity to teach the students of RSS for the very first time. Despite the language barrier, everyone's lesson went extremely well. We all felt like God was with us from the beginning to the end. He gave us a peace of mind by calming our nerves so that we could present our lesson to our best ability. I am so thankful for the patience of the students, teachers, and translators. God has allowed us to learn so much from each other. The diversity that we face throughout the week will prepare us for the future as teachers. We are very excited that we have the chance to teach and inspire these young minds again tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing what God has planned for the days remaining. -Mackenzie

Today was our second day of observation in the classrooms.  The kids and teachers were more engaging with us.  Our language barrier is, of course, still there but not inhibiting us from forming friendships.  Lorri and I helped the 8th grade class work on learning a worship song in English. That was a great honor for us to help them learn proper pronunciation. What struck me most today was the sense of God I felt.  Everywhere we go, His presence is felt around us.  I am constantly in awe of our Creator here.  I see His hand on the kids and staff at RSS and He has given me such a love for this city and the people. Blessings, Melissa

Today was the beginning of getting involved in the school. We started the day by getting up by 6:00am. We did our morning routine of breakfast and a devotion by our team member, Mason. We then were on our way! Once we got to the school we got settled in and met the faculty of the school. The teachers and other faculty were just as excited as we were for us to be there.  Each of us introduced ourselves and then we headed into the classrooms. We experienced recess with the students and were able to become childlike with them. The school day ended by 2:00pm, and then it was time for lunch and professional development. We finally finished our day by going to a bakery and convenient store. The people of Ecuador are so kind and loving. It has stood out to me the past two days. Today, though, working with the students amazed me; they will come up to anyone and just hug and love him or her. Coming from the U.S. where we all have to have our own personal space, it was a shock to experience it. ...

Today was our first day to truly experience the culture of Ecuador. In the morning we had the opportunity to experience worship at a church in Quito. The people were extraodinarly welcoming and kind. The worship was cheerful and upbeat. Even though songs were in Spanish, it was clear that everyone was able to feel God's presence during this time. They graciously provided us with a translator for the sermon so that we could continue to feel included in their service. We were also given the opportunity to participate in communion. Overall, church was a great experience. It allowed us to see God at work in the community of Quito. After church, we ate lunch with a few church members at a local restauraunt. Despite the extensive language barrier that we faced, we enjoyed attempting to get to know each other. God was definitely at work, as he gave our new companions great patience as we communicated through our limited Spanish! We all enjoyed creating these new relationships with brother...

This post is very short yet long enough to let you know that our day of traveling was uneventful (thankfully!) and everyone is asleep in bed. Sweet dreams, to All, near & far. -Dr. Hamsher  

We have been "busy bees' pulling together the final details and securing and understanding our roles while in Quito. We have been preparing to become teachers, mentors, roommates, community members, tourists, friends, and God's vessels during our busy week.  I have seen how acquiring these roles has been challenging, especially since we have had only a few months to prepare.  But, I have been a witness to the fruits of the challenges as we are melding together, seeking the best interests of the team.  I have no doubt that our actions will be God-centered and will speak volumes to those who we meet.  And, I know that our actual words to the children and staff at  Rey Sabio Salomón school will be an encouragement as they echo Proverbs 16:14, which says, "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul & health to the body." And, truthfully, as I look out on the snow and experience the cold, I also look forward to milder temperatures at the equator! ...