Long happy day

Hi folks,
We had a wonderful day with our Compassion kids today!  We met them at the center of the world and had an official tour with them.  It was really beautiful.  The tour guides are indigenous to this area and give so much history and cultural insight.  None of the Compassion children or their parent or even their accompanying tutors had seen it.  What a nice exchange.  We then took them to visit in the shaded area at the equator monument and we visited and played and loved on them for hours.  After sharing a picnic lunch, we shared their gifts with them and then said an emotional goodbye.  It is really impactful for them to have us come and see them each year.  One of the older students, Luis, confided to our Compassion leader that the only reason that he stays at home and continues in the Compassion program is because we are faithful to him and he doesn't want to let us down.  He has a very difficult situation at home.  An alcoholic father who forced him to quit school to work to support his brothers and sisters.  He at least can attend the Compassion program for teens on the weekends.  He says that the only reason that he has not run away from is family is our support.
Zoe's group of ten arrived safely tonight.  We now await the arrival of our dentist and his wife, Doug and Diane Cloud who will help with the dental clinic starting this weekend in El Coca and Sardinas.  Please pray for them and for Perry Floyd who travels tomorrow.
I love you all!
Julia