Currently,
we have 5 children in our care (all of whom are siblings) and plan to take in
~45 more children as we finish up the orphanage in 2-3 months. Although I’ve only been here a short
time, these kids are already dear to me.
Between listening to them pray before meals or receiving big hugs and
kisses as they go to bed, I’m already in love. 
Although
adjusting to Ecuador is also proving to have its challenges (my stomach is
still losing the battle against authentic Ecuadorean cuisine haha), I’m glad
I’m here. This week I learned that the mother of these children tried to blind
and suffocate one of the girls many times. Her siblings were also extremely
malnourished, packed full of parasites, and abused in a variety of ways. I hate remembering that the sweet kids
I now hold in my arms are the same ones who went through such horrific circumstances…
but it reminds me as to why we’re here! God is so good for giving me this
opportunity and I can honestly say there is nowhere I’d rather be.
I’m currently living
in a lovely little apartment with the two boys, José and Tito. Although my Spanish is still improving,
we do our best to communicate (they don’t speak any English). They recently discovered music on my
computer in addition to the “photo booth” camera, so I’m sure we will keep each
other entertained for quite some time.
Watching these precious Ecuadorian boys dance in their PJs to the Lion
King soundtrack will never get old!!Please keep praying for the children and that our team can accomplish everything quickly to have the orphanage open as soon as possible… the need is too great to waste any time.
Te mando amor de
Ecuador,
Tanya
**To stay
updated with the orphanage, “like” our facebook page: www.facebook.com/blessanorphan. For ways to help the orphanage and the children here, you can visit www.blessanorphan.com or contact me at tanyalayman@gmail.com
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| Some photos of the orphanage... still a lot of work to be done!! |
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The fish room... definitely my favorite :) |
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| The city of Tena |