Well guys...my journey has come to an end for the summer. I realize it has been a while since I updated so let me update you on a few things. Well my last post talked about how I was a little homesick but that feeling quickly passed and my week was very busy and crazy last week! I really became close with the new missionaries down here and went out to the orphanage almost every afternoon with them. There are now 12 kids in the home!!! Right after I left to come to Manta they got 4 new ones! Craziness but absolutley wonderful!! These kids have a really crazy story...they were found by the police in a dump living in cardboard houses...apparently their father just left them there and took off. They have never been in school and the oldest is almost 12. They have attachment disorders and are very introverted so it was very fun to just love on them as much as I could every day I was there! The other four bros and sisters that came when i first got here are going to be leaving in January. Their mom got out of the hospital after trying to commit suicide and ended up finding where they were at and coming out to the home to try and get them back. She has until January to get back on her feet and then she gets them back....its really sad though because they are in a much better environment at the home but they cant just keep them away from their mother regardless of what she tried to do. Yesterday I went out to the home to say goodbye to everyone...it was really sad...we took lots of pictures and everything but they were all begging me not to go and climbing all over me! LOL. It was crazy because some of them who were hesitant to open up to me at first 3 1-2 weeks ago where now all lovey and affectionate. The hardest thing for me was knowing that I wouldnt ever see the 4 that were leaving in Janurary again. And they realized that too. As we drove off they stood at the door and waved bye and I of course cried...Times like that I know I could stay here forever and just play with those kids. My heart is here in Ecuador and I know that when I get home I have alot of work to do to try and get some fundraising started for them at the home. I just pray that God will bless them daily and provide for them always. Today at around 5pm I head to the Manta airport to start my journey home. I will fly to Quito and wait in the airport over night there until around 4:30am I can check in and flie to Miami at 7am. I will get to Miami around noon and hopefully get through customs in time to make my 2 o'clock flight home to ATL by 4!!! This summer really has been great! I have learned alot more with my spanish and have really got back closer with God. I was able to meet incredible people and hear amazing stories of their lives...I got to try tons of new things and hopefully was able to leave a little bit of Christ with everyone I met. This summer was a blessing from God and I know that I have been very blessed to have been able to experience the world yet again! Thanks to everyone whose prayers were lifted up daily for me and my travels, and for the words of encouragement when I was down and discouraged. I love you all so much! Oh and I will put the rest of my pics up from Ecuador when I get home...See you all soon!