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7/15/2023
SATURDAY, JUNE 15th
Hola again!
Today was the first day of English camp! We woke up bright and early and got to church at 8:30 AM to set up. Originally, four students were supposed to join us, but one of them sadly couldn't make it. The same students plan on coming tomorrow as well, and there'll be a couple of new students too.
Day One of English Camp
Day One of English Camp
We started with introductions before moving on to icebreaker games, which included charades (acting out hobbies, sports, and instruments), Jenga (answering fun questions before every turn), and Pictionary (trying to guess what animal someone was drawing).
We also went over the story of creation in Genesis and had a discussion about it, answering comprehension questions as well. The students were so eager to learn and answer questions, and they quickly opened up to ask us questions of their own.
After a little more than an hour, we took a break, where we had snacks while chatting and practicing conversational skills. The students told April and me about the must-visit places in Guayaquil (the place we went to on our 3rd day) and their favorite local food (fish soup and sausage with fries).
The students soon became more comfortable talking, and our conversations became a mix of mostly English and a bit of Spanish—Google Translate came in handy, as always. Again, I couldn't help but admire how they could transition seamlessly from one language to another. Most spoke Spanish and English quite well, along with Cantonese and Chinese, even though they only took Spanish (and some English) at school, which is so impressive to me.
After going through our lesson plan, we showed the students the first episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender, which they all seemed to enjoy. A few were already familiar with the series, so they found it easier to follow. We also introduced them to Bobtutor, where they can learn English through weekly online lessons. It was then time to go, but we'll see them again tomorrow for day two of camp!
For lunch, we headed to a restaurant called Aisha's Night Market, which was offering a set lunch for only $3.50. The meal came with an orangey, tropical drink, soup, and a main course, and everything was delicious.
After lunch, we returned to the Airbnb for a well-needed nap. We rested for around an hour and a half before visiting another mall for dinner. We checked out the stores, which were pretty similar to ones in the US, including the price. It's strange to think how $3.50 can get you an entire meal, but a shirt might cost you $20+. Dinner was at the food court, and the portions were absolutely massive but delicious.
Our daily devotional was led by Auntie Connie, and we read Psalms 19
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
We had a fruitful discussion about true freedom and making the right choices with God's help. Our team also talked about the majesty of God's creation, the perfection and value of His instructions, and the importance of seeking His guidance and cleansing. All in all, our second to last devotional was enlightening and helped to remind us of how we can do what is right in God's eyes.
Thank you so much for reading! Today is Auntie Connie's and my last day in Ecuador; we'll be leaving tomorrow, so this is my last entry. Hope you've enjoyed following us along on this amazing journey!
God bless!
Elaine
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