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