The Manglaralto family picture!!

Dustin and Ellie after a good long swim in the Pacific Ocean at Manglaralto Beach Baptist Camp!!

Beach for year end retreat off the coast of Ecuador.

Ellie and Hannah, best friends at the beach!!

Sitting by the fire watching poor SAM the missionary!!
Dustin,Luke and Andrew- the three "amigos"

End of Year Retreat

Andrew,Dustin, Hannah, Sam the missionary, Luke, Ellie and Joseph (Quin and Christian not shown are still in bed in this photo). Sam the missionary was burned in the fire which is the tradition for New Years- burn the viejo which is the old. SAM stands for South Amercia which we no longer are called b/c we have merged with Central Ameria and now we are the "Americas"

Our Table for Christmas Lunch!!

My first Christmas lunch, turkey and ham prepared by myself!! I was so proud!!

Ellie,Dustin and Rio on Christmas morning!!

Ellie and I making sugar cookies!!!

A Miracle of a Day

Maria and her grandchildren!!!

This little girl is the grandchild of one of my dearest Quichua friends, Maria. On this day, Maria prepared the traditional "Plato del dia"which was potatos and cuero(pork fat) with rice. She only prepared enough for about 50 people. Over 80 people were served that day and not one man,woman or child was left out. We even had leftovers- imagine that!! I truely witnessed the story of "Jesus feeds the five thousand" What a miracle of a day!! Praise God!!

Culto- baptizing leaders of a new house church

This was one of the many miracles that day- Juan and his wife, new believers, leading a house church and being obedient in believers baptism.

Our Christmas photo for 2008!!!

FUNDITA PROJECT FOR CARCELEN BAJO

Ellie and Dustin put together over 100 fundita bags (bags of candy and cookies with a gospel track in each) to give out to the street children who beg for the Christmas season.

RIOS ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY IN DECEMBER!!!

Gingerbread village

Ellie and the 3rd grade class made a gingerbread village.

Ellie and Belen, her buddy in Santos Pamba

Ellie's 3rd grade class went on a mission trip to south Quito to a "barrio" called Santos Pamba. Each child had a buddy for the day. They brought them "funditas" which are the traditional candy bags during the Christmas season and they played games with them. What a great day in the Lord and what a blessing it was to see the children's faces.

Ellie's piano recital at Alliance Academy

Ellie and her two Korean friends at the recital.

Bullfighting During Quito Days

Dustin, Luke and Jonathon

We all went to our first bullfight except Ellie. She said she would never want to see a bull die and indeed that's what happens. I want give any details. It was an experience one in which I will wait awhile to do again.

The emphamis "Chiva"

Dustin and his buddies on the Chiva. It rides around the city with a band on top playing really really loud music according to Dustin.

ELLIE, AJ, AND LIZA at Quito Days at Alliance Academy

December 6th is known as "Dias de Quito" where the city begins to attend bullfights and parades. All the schools and area organizations participate with street dancing and riding around on open air buses called "chivas" - see above. Ellie and Dustin's school had a festival to celebrate "Quito Days."