Our lives have certainly been full.  On the 2^nd February we were to leave NZ for our planned trip back to Yantzaza, Ecuador.  Three days before our departure, Owen fell from scaffolding suffering concussion and several broken bones! The trip for him was definitely off! ! Owen is recovering well with just a few aches and pains still lingering.

Through the turmoil Avalon went as planned with the team of NZers, Americans and an Irish member. Irene from NZ went to Camp Pallatanga, while the others travelled to Yantzaza, over the Andes, into the Amazon.  The heat, humidity, bugs, unusual food, coupled with the language difficulties for many, made it an adventure out of their comfort zones.  We were fully occupied in children’s programmes in various Saraguro communities, teaching music, and practical help.  The team spent 2 nights sleeping rough in a remote Saraguro community. They looked through one of the guinea pig production sheds, which Owen had built.  All in all a great experience had by all and God used each one in different ways.

Our desire to remain part of the lives of the Saraguro is still there and I trust we can visit regularly especially with teams. Everywhere I went people expressed their longing to see Owen and commented about the impact he had on them.

 We know times are tight and praise God for you and your generosity.  Thanks!  It enables us to continue to serve God here in NZ and Ecuador.  Avalon continues with Administration in the office with OMS and Owen as Short Term Teams Coordinator.

For the coming year, Owen is at present preparing teams to Taiwan, Hungary and Ukraine. Later we have teams planned for  Japan. Looking further ahead we are planning on teams to the Philippines and Ecuador.

Was all the work in sending these teams worthwhile? 

The team members were themselves impacted and Avalon gained confidence and encouragement in leading a team.

• The people they went to were impacted.

• The Saraguro people in Ecuador were encouraged by the team and asked for further teams.

• We received a lot of positive feedback from the team members.

• Several were greatly impacted to make changes to their lives on returning home.

• Some have expressed a desire for further involvement in missions. 

• We were encouraged when Jenny on the Ecuador team sensed a confirmation to apply as a career missionary.

You cannot go on a mission trip and come back the same! Yes, yes it is worth it!