Morcks Update: June 2009

Dear friends and family,

In the beginning of May the refugee project that Trish coordinates had a visit from Bishop Suffragan Jim Curry of Connecticut.  The Diocese of Connecticut donated the money the project is using for the microloan program.  We were blessed to spend a Saturday with him, in which we had a Mother’s Day program, a time in which people who have received microloans and benefited from the business administration and finance workshops spoke about how the microloan program has enriched their lives and businesses, and an exhibition of products that the various refugees sell and produce.  We were then able to visit two small businesses who have received loans.  It was wonderful to have Bishop Curry with us, and it helps those who are being served through the program to know that there are people around the world remembering them, hearing them, and praying for them. 

In June, World Refugee Day was celebrated through an ecumenical church service with the Episcopal and Mennonite Churches, and then an exhibition and sale of Colombian food and artisan handicrafts, plus a volleyball and a soccer game.  It is always wonderful to see everyone relaxed and simply spending time together.  And not only did we remember the refugees themselves, but also the Ecuadorians from the two churches that have opened their doors and their hearts to them.

The truck that was donated for our work has been an invaluable resource:  from Trish hauling hundreds of pounds of food for the food program of the refugee project, and transporting a hot dog cart that people have borrowed for employment; to Chris working in many parts of Ecuador, like the communities of La Maná and Ambato, and this past weekend traveling with the bishop elect, Rev. Luis Fernando Ruíz, his wife Tania, and the archdeacon of the Diocese, Rev. Raul Guaillas. Because of the truck, as with the other much-needed support that we have received, this work has been made possible. Thank you.

Much peace,

Trish, Chris, Claire, and Isabel