EMT current group photo

EMT current group photo
June 2023 Ecuador Mission Team

Thanks 2012 Team!


I want to extend sincere gratitude to you on behalf of the students and chaperones of the Ecuador Mission Team of 2012. I trust that everyone who returned from this year’s trip feels like they are all caught up on sleep, family and friends by now. I think I am getting there, perhaps by the weekend. I got a chance to connect with just a few parents on our return but I know that Dr. Bracher saw everyone else.


On Sunday morning, our last morning in Quito, we had church at the apartment with Pancho delivering the sermon from Matthew 13 (The Parable of the Sower). In short Pancho expressed that the choice is ours what kind of heart we choose to have because we belong to one of the four categories of ground Jesus referred to in the parable. It was a time of reflection and spiritual and emotional bonding. It was a special time as well because the ladies who cooked and cleaned up for us were among the congregation in this intimate setting. Everyone expressed gratitude to someone else present in the room. I was pleased to hear the expressions of gratitude from each member of the team. The rest of the day went smoothly. There was rarely a dull moment as we spent the rest of the time out and enjoying this last day. 

Parents, I first want to thank you for all of your efforts this year. Without your partnership and sustained support, the EMT would not be possible. Special thanks to Dr. Lindsell, Dr. Farrar, Dr. Banke, Mrs. Brostrand, Tom Wood and the advancement team, Michelle Durrett and the accounting staff, Cordie Swift and Debbie Breault, Jason Bilotti and the Vinings Chick-fil-A team, Sage Dining, Linda Simpson, Stacy Rutter and Heidi Wight, Jan and Chris LeCraw, and faculty members from all three schools, Pancho and Pity Sola (and their beautiful children), EMT members and of course, Jackie Tolford and Dr. Bracher! If I have left anyone out it was not intentional because the EMT is truly grateful for all the prayerful support and gifts in cash and kind this year.

This year’s group enjoyed working and building relationships with the kids and family at FAE as much as they enjoyed building relationships with each other and their chaperones. Praise God that some of our members elected to sponsor children at the school on the last teaching day. For me this trip was bitter sweet as the story of Sarita and her little sister Camila, who lost their mom on Father’s Day, still lingers with me. We crave your prayers for Fundación Amor y Esperanza and for this young lady. She is in the eighth grade and is currently staying with her uncle and grandparents.

Thanks a million for your continued partnership and belief in the Christ-centered and service oriented mission of Whitefield Academy and the Ecuador Mission Team. Until next school year, blessings to you all!

Opal

Home Again

Saturday, June 23

Dear EMT parents,

I wanted to write you a note to let you know some thoughts that have come to my mind as I’ve been telling others about, and reflecting upon the Ecuador trip. I had a rewarding time serving the students, faculty, and administration at the Amor y Esperanza school, and I am so thankful for the incredible amount and quality of planning and leadership provided by Opal Anderson and Jackie Tolford.  Yet, the overwhelming thoughts I have keep going back to our Whitefield students.

I have been working with children ever since I was a child myself (over 30 years now) in a variety of contexts – schools, camps, field trips, VBS, city playgrounds, as a dad, etc.  I know what they are like, and I know how they typically respond in various contexts. Our students responded to the demands of this trip in a way that was different and extraordinary. I cannot say enough how impressed and pleased I am with how our Whitefield students conducted themselves. This was not an easy environment for them – far away from home for a long period of time, a demanding schedule of work and serving, sickness for some of them, functioning in a country speaking a different language, sleeping difficulties due to noise, high altitudes, different foods, long bus rides, etc. etc. etc.  In the midst of it all, they demonstrated extremely positive attitudes, maturity, and servant hearts – not only toward the children of Ecuador, but also toward one another.  For example . . .

·     I don’t remember having to intervene once to handle any kind of    conflict between any of them.
·     I did not see any kind of leaving others out, making fun of others, or anything of that nature
·     I don’t remember having to correct any of them once on an inappropriate comment.
·     They didn’t bother with a bunch of practical jokes/pranks with one another.
·     They seemed to have genuine fun together.
·     They were encouraging to one another.
·     They flexible and didn’t complain when changes in schedules were made.

I could go on and on. I know if I were in your shoes I might be thinking that I was exaggerating or that I wasn’t talking about your child. I am not exaggerating, and I am talking about every single one of them who went on the trip. You have great reason to be proud and thankful for how the Lord is working in your children. I was blessed tremendously by having the opportunity to spend some time with them. 

I have to mention also that I am particularly thankful for the leadership provided by our two college-bound young men – Tommy & Brent. I think a lot of what I described above was fostered by them and how they carried themselves. Whitefield will miss them, but we look forward to seeing them impact the world for Christ. At the same time, I see many others in the group who I anticipate will provide similar leadership in the future.

One of the devotions we had in Ecuador had to do with the parable of the sower and the seeds, and I realized that sometimes I get distracted and don’t notice the fruit that is growing around me. I was blessed to see a lot of fruit on this trip, and I thought you should know about it. Be encouraged, and may the Lord use each of these young men and women in mighty ways for His glory!

Thank you so much for your prayers and support in making this trip such a success.

In Christ,

Kevin Bracher

The Great Shepherd



Hola! It's the eve of our return to Atlanta and it was also a memorable time for the team. The hacienda (farm) that we visited today was quite a treat for each of us. We benefitted from a few activities such as horseback riding, biking, hiking, and most of all...a devtion/reflection on Psalm 23 by the pond. A few words come to mind when I think of Psalm 23: shepherd, sheep, still waters, green pastures, restoration, rod/staff, comfort, cup overflowing, and eternity.

Sheep are well known for being dumb animals. Apparently they do some dumb things. Well these same dumb animals profoundly trust their shepherd, they rely on him completely for guidance, protection and sustenance. They know that he loves them and cares for them tremendously – so much so that if one of them does get lost, that sheep and the others know that the shepherd will stop at nothing to find him. How do the sheep know where to go? In the time of Jesus, the shepherds would use their staff to hit the rocks in the way to alert the sheep of any danger.  The sheep paid close attention to these sounds so that they knew exactly where to walk. I hope that we too will practice daily this complete reliance on Jesus our Good Shepherd.

Where does he want to lead us? In green pastures
What does he want to give us? Restoration, protection, comfort and sustenance
How do we benefit? Abundant blessings and eternal life with Him

Pancho expounded on this message quite a bit today. I prayed that the team clearly saw the connection between us and the sheep or whatever the message was that God intended for them.

The fun that ensued later included a soccer tournament. Whitefield played well and you will see the medals to prove it. Some of the team wanted to milk cows today but soccer, bike rides, horseback riding and roasting marshmallows by the bonfire somehow trumped that. Jordan, who is on crutches, was made an honorary member of the soccer team.

We returned to the apartment to see Sydney, who stayed behind to get some much needed rest and recovery, looking much better and Mrs. Tolford who stayed with her beaming as we all walked in.

There is still much to pray for here. The Foundation, the kids there, the staff, administration, the community and of course our safe return home are among the priorities at this time. We will have church in the apartment on Sunday morning then go for a cable car ride over Quito. Last year Pancho and Pity set aside some time on the last day to connect individually with each EMT member, I pray that is on the agenda for tomorrow as well. Please pray that God will be revealed to us even on the last day.

Saying Goodbye

Friday, June 22

TGIF - Some say Thank God It's Friday, some say Thank God I'm Forgiven...I say both. This evening as we ate at the famous Rusty's Burger (Rusty is an American who now has about five brances of this fast food joint here in Quito), I got the idea that the team is looking forward to the weekend and the rich experience we will have at the hacienda. Harrison told me that he is looking forward to enjoying the countryside without the focus being on shopping in an outdoor marketplace. We appreciate your prayers as we pass these last two days.
Acts 20:35 states “…it is more blessed to give than to receive." Parents, I have to say that in three years your giving has been bigger each year. Thanks a million. I also want to extend a big thanks to everyone who gave Beanie Babies in response to the collection drive Alice Fugate engineered. We had more than enough to serve the school today but I certainly did not expect that kids, parents and teachers would be so excited about these little “stuffed animals." As soon as the Beanie Babies made an entrance, they were gone again.

Kids cried for the one they preferred, held it tight when they got it and asked for more even if they had more than one. The teachers, who thought they were for the kids only, gleefully smiled at the prospect of getting a few to use in their classes as incentives or to share with their kids who don’t attend the school. Even Pancho and Pity’s four-year-old daughter Maria Victoria got a green rabbit that she immediately loved so much that the two became inseparable all day. Thanks Whitefield family! Your giving made our goodbye ceremony a little less painful for many kids today.

The teachers and staff entertained us and prayed for our two seniors, Tommy Keough and Brent Hildebrand,  the team, and Caitlin Hessee who wasn’t feeling very well today. We enjoyed watching the youngest to the oldest sing and dance in praises to God this morning for how we touched their lives all week. A few sad faces appeared at the end but it was more blessed when we returned the favor and gave the teachers and staff an appreciation party. There was not a dull moment in the room from the moment the EMT stepped in to decorate and prepare the area to the last minute when the attendees gave us their parting hugs and words. They were all truly grateful and content about the time we spent honoring them.

Please know that you are blessing and partnering with a group of people who at this time are dedicated to what they do for the children of the Carmen Bajo neighborhood. As we support them in their mission to shine a light in this neighborhood, we are lifting up Jesus, we are magnifying His name in this little corner of the globe. In closing, I want to reinforce that I am content to be a part of a community that is purposeful about living its mission. This week has by no means been an easy one. Who said that when we decide to walk our talk that our experience will be serendipitous and idyllic every step of the way? God can make his greatness known without Whitefield Academy and the EMT but he chose us to be a part of His plan to bring others to a knowledge of him. Have a great time this weekend! Much love from the EMT.

Opal 

Finding the Love of God in Fun

Thursday, June 21



Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy on me. Have you ever had to utter those words? How recent was that? There's more..."I have built an altar where I worship things of men. I have taken journeys that have drawn me far away from you, but now I am returning to your mercies ever flowing. Pardon my transgressions, help me love you again."

We sang this chorus and a verse of the song Lord have mercy tonight while we spent time with Pancho and Pity reflecting on God and His goodness. We also had a few personal questions to ponder, Is Jesus just like the guy down the street for you or does he mean more? Do you trust him? Do you like to listen to him? Do you spend time with him and is Jesus your best friend? Best friends are a blessing, we get excited to spend time with them, they know us inside-out, hold our secrets and we feel comfortable around them. The team shared these feelings about their best friends. Pancho then declared that Jesus our brother deserves to be our best friend. The EMT members declared by raising their hands and praying, that they want Jesus to forgive them and we want him to take his rightful place in our lives. It was a mellow time of reflection.
This came after a full day of delightful connection with God’s precious children at Fundación Amor y Esperanza (FAE). The time in the Parque Metropolitano was filled with screams of sheer joy, singing praises to God and games that involved EMT and Whitefield sponsored kids at FAE. I am very certain that we have many great memories from interacting with the kids this week but by far today’s memory is the one that will never be erased from our minds. A lot was taking place simultaneously.

I was watching the soccer game when I heard a voice behind me saying “mas duro mas duro”(harder, harder) mixed with laughter. I laughed because it was coming from the same voice that uttered “empujame hasta que me venga al cielo” less than 10 seconds before. All this came from one of the cutest 5 year olds you could ever run into. He is small but has the energy of about 20 kids his age and what was he asking Caroline to do for him while he was on the swing? "Push me so hard until I reach the sky J." His excitement could not be contained by all the diversions in that park today. It was non-stop movement for him and his buddy who Caroline was paired with. The team was busy catering to the need for fun today. Those children saw today that they are special to the Whitefield community and to Jesus Christ our savior. I absolutely love it. The first shows David (white t-shirt) begging for Caroline to push him harder on the swing and the second with Robby and his buddy climbing the ropes.
Back at the apartment we ended the night with some gift wrapping. Thanks once again for the genuine effort on your behalf to send gifts to teachers and staff who you may never have the pleasure to meet. The gifts are all wrapped, and ready to go. The team planned some entertainment as well to deliver during the party. They sounded good. I pray that we will continue to be well until the weekend when we will visit a farm owned by Pity’s relatives. Pancho promises a soccer tournament, biking, pure air to breathe and an unforgettable time with God. Please pray now that God will speak to our hearts, that we will remove all distractions and listen/obey his words and calling for our lives. As time winds down and we prepare to reconnect with you in the flesh, I thank God every time I think of you! Hasta mañana familia.


Opal

The Gift of Laughter and Joy


Wednesday, June 20


Robby Keough and Alice Fugate aren't feeling well today, so the three of us are staying in the apartment to rest. I mised being at the school today but things went very well there especially during the afternoon, when rising senior Harrison Bradley showed the two cartoons and the feature film Gulliver's Travels that he brought to share with the kids. Pity shared with me that it was precious to see the children laugh so hard at the cartoons. She said that it brought joy to the EMT team as they watched the kids being so entertained, so carefree and involved in the films.

As I stayed in the apartment with Robby and Alice I remembered the chorus of a song I love to sing quite a bit by the group Anointed:

Let me tell you there’s grace enough
There’s faith enough for you
There’s an ocean of mercy
Grace enough
There’s faith enough to pull you through
So no matter how blue your yesterdays were
There’s grace enough
There’s grace enough for you

Plenty of grace and mercy surrounded us today. Pancho prayed for us this morning. It was the missionary’s prayer. Things like this happen on mission trips. But God is still at work perfecting his purpose within us. The important thing is not to lose sight of Him as we endure these hardships. Also, Pity prayed and called to check in on us, the kids made cards and sent them for Robby and Alice and I know you were interceding on our behalf. So I am happy to say that although last night was long, joy came around today! While we were sleeping today, grace and mercy did pull us through. We took a walk in the old town of Quito this evening and everyone was in good spirits. Dinner at Pim’s restaurant was a time of lighthearted chatter and smiles. The rest of the team was glad to know that things were looking better. It is important for them to know the power of prayer as they witness the answers to such prayers.

The apartment is quiet so that is my signal to sign off and join the recharging party. Tomorrow we will have the sponsored kids party and Friday we will have an appreciation party for the teachers and staff. I am looking forward to contributing to more smiles of joy over the next two days. Much love from Quito! 

School, Soccer, and God's Saving Grace


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Dear Heavenly Father, there is none like you in all the earth. I come to you in the mighty name of Jesus asking for your peace, your protection, and your healing virtue to cover the EMT team and the family at FAE. You said in your word that the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. You said in your word that you sent the Holy Spirit, the comforter to comfort us in times of trouble. You said in your word that with your stripes we are healed. So Father, I agree with the team, the families and friends who are all praying and believing your word that says if two of you shall touch as agreeing on earth, whatsoever they ask in the name of Jesus, that it would be accomplished. This day, let it be done on earth as it already is in heaven in Jesus might name - Amen (Prayer sent to the EMT team today by Bryan and Yolanda Allen).

Like you, I believe in the power of prayer. I also believe that answered prayers keep us anchored to God. Be encouraged that your prayers are being answered. We worked and played hard today. It was a healthy and productive day overall. When I inquired about the teaching day at lunch Brent Hildebrand ('12) confidently stated that the day was AMAZING! During Saturday’s devotional time I asked the team to consider and pray about our mission in Quito for these 9 days and for the children we are ministering to as they build relationships with them. I spent an extended time today on the patio and I witnessed the answers to these prayers. 

Dr. Bracher has been fully inducted into the EMT. Today he earned the new status as “caballito” or as we would say “horsey." It was fun to watch him give piggy back rides and play what looked like long range catch with a makeshift ball. The little boys absolutely loved it. The kids also look forward to the afternoon sessions of Math and Science centers that we have done for the second day today. They hypothesized about what objects would float/sink yesterday and made tornados in a bottle today. The Math sessions are keeping them sharp and challenging them to recall Math facts and use reasoning.

Pancho challenged us to soccer again tonight. The EMT did not disappoint. I am overjoyed because we suffered zero injuries, just plenty of laughs and a great time solidifying our own relationships. Tomorrow we will show a movie to the kids after lunch and Thursday we will take the sponsored kids to the park for a big party instead of going to the movies with them this time. They are already talking about these activities with great expectation.

An update on Sarita (student who lost her mother recently): it seems that she has an uncle and grandparents close by who she will be able to lean on for support and nurturing. She and her little sister did come to school today but emotionally they were not ready to spend the entire day. We will continue to pray for healing for them. God bless you all. Much love from the EMT. 

Opal

Comforting in a Time of Loss


Monday, June 18, 2012

I know that you are fervently praying for us. Please don’t let up! We were all excited to go to the school today. The faculty and students were waiting for us on the patio. God was visible in the presence of a bright golden sun. While the sunshine caressed us, we sang Spanish songs of praise. It was absolutely beautiful. Teaching went very well today. As I talked with the team afterwards, some of them mentioned that it was better than they expected. Bonding with the kids took no effort. EMT and FAE were one today and I expect that God will maximize this unity and bonding for his purpose for we are his hands and feet this week. We are teaching English, Math and Science so that He can be lifted up.

The family at FAE needs comfort especially at this time. One of the older students lost her mother just yesterday in an unfortunate circumstance. Her dad has fled the area and cannot be found at this time. Grace Miller (rising junior) attended a viewing service today along with other classmates of this young girl. Although Grace had never met Sarita before, she reached out to her at this time and introduced herself. Grace told me that her younger sibling was visibly shaken at this ceremony. Sarita has 2 younger siblings and I believe that God will provide the protection and love they are desperately in need of as a result of this loss. When we cannot trace God’s hand, it is imperative to trust his heart. God is still in control. I have to remind myself of this regularly in the face of tragedy, loss, and grief.

We have been praying a lot for a healthy team. We are being put to the test on that. We had one or two minor injuries/complaints over the weekend that our well stocked first aid kid took care of. But today our little red kit had to call 911 back to Atlanta where Whitefield's nurse, Michelle Davidson, was our first (and quick) response. She gave us precise directions on how to proceed and help Sydney (rising sophomore). While enjoying a hard game of soccer on a cement surface, Sydney injured her ankle. Among the people who assisted us was Caitlin Hesse (rising senior), “Soccer woman” as Pancho affectionately calls her. When we expressed our gratitude to Caitlin for her help she responded with, “It’s ok, I am just paying my dues. Last year I needed help and lots of prayers and I got it.” Sydney can’t play soccer tomorrow, her ankle is nicely bandaged, iced and she is able to move around.  We are praying for healing there.

Danny, one of Pancho and Pity’s sons celebrated a decade today. We celebrated with them and enjoyed candy from his busted piñata. After that birthday celebration, Dr. Bracher and Pancho were both honored in a foot washing ceremony. Their children did the honors. It was touching to hear the children speak positive things about their dads influence on their lives thus far as they washed and dried their dad’s feet. Please see the pictures for a visual.

We closed the night with devotion from Pancho and Pity. "Why is each member of the Whitefield group here in Quito?" Pancho asked. He encouraged us to give all our efforts and hearts to God. Many times we say we want to give more than a 100% effort in what we do. How exactly do we achieve that though?  Pity pointed out that if we assigned a value to each letter of the English alphabet then we can see where to put our efforts to achieve this. Placing emphasis on KNOWLEDGE and HARD WORK only add up to 96% and 98%, ATTTUDE is 100% but only the LOVE OF GOD is more than 100% effort (101% actually).

We prayed for God to place his whole armor on us as we continue to fight this spiritual battle. Thanks again for your ongoing prayers. 


Opal

Happy Father's Day!


Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father’s Day Whitefield dads! We have had a great time so far today. In church we received a message about how much God wants families to reflect Him and how terribly He wants families to be reconstructed in order to maintain stable characters in our children lives. By living this example in front of our children, they can then, in turn, reflect him. To be created in the image of God, the pastor said, means that we were created with the character of God. Although families are in turmoil everywhere, true healing is possible with God and only in Him can families be made whole and brought back to Him.

After church, our work began. Our kids painted all the hallways in the elementary school today and also some rooms in one of the daycare centers close by. The EMT team descended on the paint supplies Pancho provided for us and like Nehemiah and his friends we worked on those walls. We worked hard and we worked fast. Pancho was amazed at how brand new the walls looked when he walked in to take a look. After the first coat was put on the cafeteria wall, I definitely saw a difference.

I am glad that the school children will have a fresh perspective tomorrow as they sit to eat. As I was on the top floor today and viewing the high wall in the passageway I wondered, "Hmmm...how do we get to that wall with the small rollers that we have?" Well, God always provides and this year He blessed us with plenty of height in the person of David Lemasters (rising junior). The mission for today was accomplished – Pancho was pleased with our workJ.

David's hands were surely hurting badly while painting, but he never once complained. He put two coats on that entire quadrant with pleasure. This evening we will eat at Crepes and Waffles, return to the apartment, then recharge for the work ahead of us this week. Kids, kids, and more kids….we absolutely cannot wait! Much love to you from the EMT team. 

Opal

We've Arrived!


Saturday, June 16, 2012

Seeing all the parents at the airport last evening was very comforting to the whole team. Parents, you truly represent God as the ever loving parent very well. Everything went smoothly for us after the parents left us except I will never leave tissue paper in my back pocket ever again! That resulted in me being carted off to the scan room to be patted down by 2 women who looked as if they had no idea what they were doing and why we were in this room. I had nothing to fear but now I know there is power in a small rolled up ball of tissue.

Our flight got very bumpy but the team landed safely and on time. Our bags came out very quickly so there was much to celebrate about this year. God is good. Pancho and Pity welcomed us and informed us of a change in location for our apartment. We are not in the same apartment from previous years so this is new for all of us. This new place is very comfy and in the same area as the other apartment. There is just a lot more room here to accommodate everyone. As I am typing this, half the group is outside playing wall ball, another group is checking out the view from the balcony and the others are keeping me connected to the youth world.

Today we connected a lot with the landscape while traveling to Otavalo’s outdoor marketplace. Stephen Bracher (rising 11th) and Noah (rising 11th) have the best pants to show from bartering with the locals. Lunch happened at Lago San Pablo on the water where it rained while we were chewing on some healthy and tasty choices from the menu. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament does show his handy work. I know the view all day today was very calming for the team. They are in good spirits! There is some down time now and we are waiting for dinner before recharging for tomorrow’s church service and painting at the school and the daycare next door to the school building in Carmen Bajo. We miss you already. Hugs from Quito! 
                                                                 
Opal