Serving in Ecuador by Natasha

This past February I had the privilege as one of the Board Members of the Santiago Partnership to take a team of 14 members from the Evangelical Canadian Covenant Church and to spend a week working along side the Santiago Partnership projects in Ecuador. We served at the Casa Hogar in particular, spending time with the 14 children that are currently at the home. With the children, we taught about God, did face painting, playing what time is it Mr. Wolf and doing crafts. Some of the other team members painted the home and cooked! One of the highlights of this time together was on our last day when we were invited to join the children and all the amazing staff on a river adventure! We traveled by trucks up a large mountain then climbed down the mountain to the most amazing beautiful spot. We went swimming, eating fresh trout and chasing each other with water – as it was near Carnival time! The rest of our time was spent at our little sister church up in San Antonio. While there, we created a fun VBS for over 60 children and helped with building a wall that they need around their church. We were also invited to share during their lady’s bible study time and made some unique jewelry with them. I also had the privilege to do some pastoral care counselling and spent time with over 15 woman and men and had the honor of doing a house visit as well. Our time together, sharing stories and life is a gift. Our time there was a one of building relationships and connecting with our Covenant churches in Ecuador. We leave knowing we are all connected by a gracious loving God and look forward to seeing each other again, God willing. By Natasha Westerhoud.