The Story, Part I

I had to leave you

for the land of Sweet 'n Low

and Post-It Notes

and Times New Roman Font,

but I have not forgotten.

                                                                         ~From Mijo, a Poem for Josue and Jonatan

      At the age of seventeen, I was blessed to spend three beautiful months in Quito, Ecuador. Chief among the memorable experiences of that trip was the time I spent volunteering at Campi de Yoder, a home for kids who had been removed from their families due to unsafe conditions or inadequate care. The children were troubled and beautiful. (Watch the trip video here.) Several wise and experienced sages in my life tried to warn me, but it still happened: two of them quite thoroughly got my heart. 

   Josue (left) and Jonatan David (right) are twins. They were five at the time, and it didn't take them long to win me over.The first time I met Josue, he ran up to me and jumped into my arms. When I went for my last visit to the orphanage, Jonatan whispered, "llevame contigo a tu pais" (take me with you to your country). I had to whisper back, "No puedo, Mijo, no tengo espacio en mi malleta para ti" (I don't have room in my suitcase for you).      
       The boys have been at the back of my mind since I returned. It was while writing a poem about them for a World Missions day that I realized I would, in fact, be coming back for them, not just as some vague eventuality, but as soon as possible. (Listen to the poem here. Note: for poetic reasons, I merged memories of both of them into one 'character'; it's about both of them.) This Summer, from June to July, I'm finally going back to find them and do whatever I can for them.     
        I can't do it alone, though! The trip will require a lot of logistics, energy, God-Math, and about $3,000 dollars. More details are definitely on the way, but please consider joining my support team by offering prayer, encouragement, and/or financial help. To ensure frequent updates, comment, email, or Facebook message with your decision and email address.


God bless and be with you,
~Ely Rhea

(619) 993-1841 ~ elizabeth.rhea@eagles.cui.edu -- http://www.facebook.com/events/535788359773744/