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!