Just One More Coconut!
Four-year-old Sebastian* had a big and laborious task to complete. With a sense of urgency, he bustled about the beach, hauling and lugging as many of the heavy green balls he could find. He needed to collect all of them, and bring them back to Quito. Then, he saw an opportunity he couldn’t resist. Approaching a palm tree, he began shaking its trunk, trying to make the coconuts fall out. Thankfully, the locals intervened before he was successful, as a coconut falling on his head would have been quite dangerous!
As you probably guessed, it wasn’t the waves, or the sand, or the shells that left the biggest impression on Sebestian. It was the coconuts! The natural basketballs and footballs deposited along the beach fascinated him. How could he just leave them there? Let’s just say the realization that he wouldn’t be able to bring his pile of coconuts back on the bus to Quito didn’t go over well!
Despite his disappointment, Sebastian made lifelong memories at Playa Cojimies, a beach about a five-hour bus ride from FHC in Quito, along with twenty-three other children from the home and their caregivers. YOU have made it possible for Sebastian and his friends to have the unforgettable experience of seeing the ocean for the very first time. They were awestruck at first, hesitating before jumping in. Once they made the plunge, however, they giggled and screamed in delight playing in the waves.
They loved collecting shells, jumping over the waves, and building sand castles. Playing in the sand was an opportune moment to remind them of the importance of building one’s life on the rock of Jesus Christ, as opposed to a shifty and unstable foundation. They were also reminded of God’s beautiful and amazing creation, and how He made places like the beach for them to enjoy. Along with spending hours on the beach, they enjoyed trying fresh seafood for the first time—encocado de pescado (fish in coconut sauce) was a favorite with all of them—and swimming in the pool at the hotel.
All these beautiful experiences and memories would not have been possible without your generous support. It is so important for children’s emotional and cognitive growth to experience “family” vacations, where they can engage in tangible, fun, and educational activities outside of their normal routines. Even though Sebastian couldn’t bring his stash of coconuts back to the home, we are confident he will treasure his time in the years to come. Thank you for making that possible!
*Child's name has been changed to protect her privacy.
