Day 7: Final Goodbyes

Jon and Reilly's 5th grade class. 

One of Daniel and Davis' students
presenting his artwork. 

Hey, this is Daniel Johnson taking over the blog! Friday the 17th was quite the eventful day at Amor y Esperanza. Per usual, we got up for breakfast with high hopes for a successful last day of teaching. Once the kids arrived, we sang my lighthouse one last time following a powerful devotion led by Pancho and Pitty. The schedule changed numerous times throughout the day causing us to lose an entire teaching block with the students; none the less, we made the best of our time. Entering the classroom was quite the challenge knowing that this may be the last time I ever teach these precious children. Davis and I have been tasked with teaching the fourth grade an art class this week. From the first time we entered the classroom, our children have brought a majority of the energy to the class. Although I wasn’t able to connect with the children as much as I desired, they grasped all that Davis and I threw at them. In fact, they worked so quickly that we were forced to come up with side projects and activities to maintain their focus and energy. To our misfortune, the children were a little “too” energetic today. In a failed attempt at a fun trivia game, we had a less successful class than the previous days. Block 2 led to a much more successful ending to the week. 

Cake to celebrate the pre-K!

Susan Justice here taking back over ... unfortunately, Daniel wasn't feeling well and was unable to finish his blog post. Our last day of teaching was, as Daniel said, quite eventful. We were supposed to be having the pre-K graduation ceremony, but due to political protests in Quito, the event had to be canceled. Instead, our group treated the pre-K (which is caled Inicial in Ecuador), to a party with cake and "diploma -style" papers with Bible verses. The children were so very cute as they practiced their graduation songs for us!

EMT students with the pre-K or "Inicial" class.

These little ones are absolutely adorable!!

Following the morning assemblies, teaching blocks, and pre-K celebration, we had our final assembly with the students.  There were many tears flowing, lots of hugs, and emotional good-byes.  It is difficult to explain just how close the children at Amor y Esperanza and the students from Whitefield can become in just one short week.  It is a picture of the Lord's love for us and the bonds that we have with our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Many tears during our final goodbyes 
with the students. 

Lots of hugs too!

And of course, the final day at the school would not be complete without some healthy Ecuador vs. USA competition! We started with a short game of basketball where the USA demonstrated our dominance, shutting out Ecuador.  In "futbol" however, the US was not able to stop our Ecuadorian friends and we got down 0-1 early.  We looked competitive in the first half, scoring two goals (the second one was disputed by Ecuador, but Pancho actually had to admit it was a goal since there was video evidence), but the half ended with a score of Ecuador 4 - USA 2.  We couldn't come back in the second half, so Ecuador was victorious with a final score of I believe 7-3.  The US was quite skilled at launching the ball over the walls of the school, sending it into the street or neighbors yards and requiring a few stoppages.  

Reilly was not happy about Mrs. Justice subbing him 
out after he ran the lead up into double digits. 

Maria Victoria taking the ball up the court.

Daniel defending against Jesus.

We were definitely outmatched in soccer!

Nolan and Matteo going up to compete 
for a header.

After a little more work on the mural, the team headed out for dinner.  We were not able to go to Pim's due to the unrest and political demonstrations in that area, but we found a wonderful spot closer to the school called Lucia's and enjoyed a night out.  We have been blessed with the Lord's protection this week and have enjoyed celebrating His goodness together.  

"Taste and see that the Lord is good."  Psalm 34:8