Reflections on a Rainy Day

Today is one of those bone-chilling, raw days....you know, rainy, gray and down-right cold!   It never stays this way for long though; the winds blow away the gray clouds, escorting in those huge, white fluffy ones that move around and allow the blue sky through.  No doubt about it, we are, as one St. Louis friend said, "Children of the light!"  We love the warmer days here, and when the sky is blue, it is azul!

On the past few Friday afternoons, we have visited Compassion International, which ministers to about 150 children in the area.  The children meet at the Nazarene school from noon-4pm on Fridays for a hot lunch, Bible-based lessons, songs, activities and lots of love and compassion shown from those who do the cooking to those who teach and play with the children.  Most of the children are from the surrounding neighborhood and look very impoverished.  They gratefully eat one, two and sometimes three plates of rice, potatoes and meat. Then, they are ready to learn and play.  Last Friday, about 150 children gathered in the auditorium to hear a lady dentist explain the importance of dental care.  Her presentation was very interactive, and the children listened for one whole hour!  We wished she had had a toothbrush and toothpaste for every child, something that is so commonly distributed in the states after presentations like this. 
Compassion International also has a program on Saturdays at our church, beginning with breakfast and continuing until after lunch.  We see so much dedication by the volunteers, many of whom have taught or worked at school before adding this to their busy schedules.  They are laying a foundation that will reap untold blessings.

Last Saturday, we caught a bus and traveled about one hour north to Ambato, Ecuador, population 180,000.  It was a beautiful day to explore this more-commercial-than-tourist town.  The streets and sidewalks were well-maintained and clean and invited visitors into very upscale boutiques.   We took time to visit several museums that honored Ambato's artists, writers, and composers.  We especially enjoyed the Jarden Botanico La Liria (The Botanical Garden) that surrounded Juan Leon Mera's 13 hectare (our acre) estate.  It was serene and we were unhurried. The planning of the criss-crossed paths throughout the park was evident. The perfectly ordered cobblestoned paths, although laid decades ago, are now serving their purpose of showing others the way...


"He does not lead me year by year,
  Nor even day by day;
  But step by step my path unfolds;
  My Lord directs my way."   (Ryberg)