Happy Thursday Texoma!

Today´s favorite question heard at the equator museum, ¨What is the spanish word for equator?¨ The answer, much to somebody´s chagrin was ¨ecuador¨.  We took a little time today to go to the equator museum. It was very interesting, all outdoors, except for the indian huts with the naked indian displays.  I guess people just get crazy at the equator.  Brady, wearing all of his clothes, was the only one who balanced an egg on the head of a nail, which apparently can only be done at the equator as well.

This morning we taught and shared at another preschool with students and teachers.  Suzana, our clown, does a fine job with the young kids. Lorrie and Sue have told Bible stories, and today we took advantage of our God given stature and did a David and Goliath story.  Danny was Goliath and a tiny little 4-year-old got to be David.  Everybody clapped and laughed when ¨David¨ hit ¨Goliath¨with a cork and he fell down dead.  Goliath has forbidden displaying any photos of this event on the blog.  Although you can ask to see them when we get back home.  After 4 consecutive days witnessing to pre-school teachers and younger children, we have begun to accept that our actual team name for this mission trip is probably ¨Team Giganticus¨.  We have heard it now over and over and have come to accept our non-quichuan appearance as a positive attention-getter.

We have had very good impact again today in opening up discussion for Bible studies that the teachers can have or visit.  These above- average preschool/daycares cost between $12 and $18 per month. This includes 4 meals a day and is about 10% of a parent´s monthly salary.  The teachers make about $125 per month.  These ladies have consistently been exceptional, loving, teachers who are truly gifted by God with the ability to educate and care for these young children.

Today we met a 4 year old named Jeremy.  Jeremy was born with encepholitis (water on the brain) and has had many surgeries.  The preschool took him in to try and help him and they have done a good job. However, across the street is a preschool for special needs children.  Jeremy´s parents have tried to get him in, but they cannot afford the $50 per month cost.  For the first time all week, a school teacher or director asked us for something.  Our director today asked if there was any way we could help get Jeremy into the special needs school so that they could help him advance in his learning and physical skills.  We told her we would pray on it.  Will you, or you and a friend, or you and a baptist church on Southwest Pkwy, pray on it?  The tuition, approximately $600 per year, would be sent directly to the preschool managing foundation, which is run by a mission organization.

Tomorrow is our last day with a school. This one is a little further out towards the edge of town and includes 1st through 7th grades.   These classroom discussions for the oldest students will be much more gospel driven and include discussions on drugs, alcohol, and sex.   Be in prayer that we can help these young people depend on Jesus for the choices they will be making, and are already making, in their lives. Thanks for your prayers. They are truly making a difference.

In Christ,

Danny