Welcome Maggie Paige

On our way to worship services this morning Tammy got a call from Connie. She & Jimmy were on their way to the hospital. Around 11:30am Connie gave birth to Maggie Paige. Mother and daughter are doing great.

Praise God for a safe delivery and a healthy mother & daughter.

The Girls Are Home

"Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love. If I do not love a person I am not moved to help him by proofs that he is in need; if I do love him, I wait for no proof of a special need to urge me to help him." - Rolland Allen


Sunday afternoon the FCC mission team returned. Everyone was very tired from working and travelling but all spoke with excitement about the kids at the Hacienda of Hope. The picture above is at a waterfall about an hours drive from the house. While in Ecuador the mission team and Hacienda of Hope family enjoyed watching Ecuador defeat Poland 2-0 in World Cup 2006 play.

"Abba, Father I thank you for the safe return of the FCC mission team and for blessing their efforts. I thank you for the work in Ecuador and pray that your love was revealed through the actions of the team. I pray that you will contine to bless the team members lives through their experiences and shape their lives to your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

DAY 7 - Word from Ecuador

Well, we heard from Amanda & Ashley Wednesday night. They said they were having a great time. We should hear from them next on Sunday once they arrive at the Houston airport.

Tammy & I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesdsay. We have really been blessed over the years. Some friends, Dave & Yvette, from Kenner, La are visiting. Their oldest daughter is on her Senior trip to Europe while their youngest is in Orlando with her high school drama troup. We figured the parents would get a taste of life without the kids around.

DAY 3 - Where in the world is Tubacunda

"God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try."

"I want you to be concerned about your neighbor. Do you know your neighbors name?"
-Mother Theresa of Calcutta


Source - http://www.vivecuador.com/html2/eng/pichincha_en.htm#map

The Hacienda of Hope is located outside of the small town near the equator called Tabacunda (0.0500 degrees latitude, -78.2000 degress longitude) which is to the northeast of the capital Quito. Nearby is a mountain called Cayambe which is over 18,900 feet in elevation. From what I can gather from the Internet the river basin between Cayambe and Tabacundo is one of the largest producers of greenhouse cut flowers in the world. From reading it would also appear that the current usage of pesticides is controversial.

FYI - I do not expect to hear from the girls until Saturday when they get back in to Quito.

DAY 2 - The Journey Continues

Well, I recieved a phone call from Adam the FCC Youth Minister around 1:15am. The FCC mission team did not make it to Quito, Ecuador as planned. Their aircraft diverted to a city, I believe Guayaquil, to the southwest due to weather. The airline was putting the team up at a Hilton and they would fly to Quito later in they day.

The Hacienda of Hope has a blog that is pretty neat. There is a good entry about them being able to purchase an addition 34 acres adjacent to the existing 12 acres. God is good!

UPDATE 8:00pm - Tammy and I were next door visiting with our neighbors the Bass' who will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this Wednesday. When we returned home we had a message on our answering maching from the girls. They had made it safely to the Hacienda of Hope and had a great day.

DAY 1 - The Journey Begins

Hacienda of Hope 2006

Today around 1:30 pm Amanda & Ashley depart Pensacola Regional airport for Quito Ecuador. They are heading to the Hacienda of Hope along with about 20 other FCC family members. They both had such a great time last year and are really excited about getting to the home and seeing the kids again. Please keep the girls and they entire team in your prayers.

Father your love is perfect and your grace sufficient for all things yet I confess that a small part of me struggles to let go of the control that I never really have had over the girls. Father I ask that you would watchover and protect the girls and the mission team. Help them to honor and glorify you in all they do. Protect them as they advance your kingdom in Ecuador. In the name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN.