We are in Manta right now! which is a beautiful coastal city!  we left our village yesterday around 1pm...we thought we were taking a taxi but realized we could 'catch the bus.'  so we all ran to the bus as he stopped right before crossing the river!  we made it to the bus and then took the ferry across....i have pictures but basically the bus drove up on a wooden flat boat and they chained us down and off we went across the river!!!  it was exciting and fun!  Then, we took three buses to get to Manta (the last bus ride was 11 hours and started at 8pm last night) we arrived early this morning!!  We were able to go to the beach today which was a lot of fun.  We had lunch with Bennie, Patty, Ashley and Trinity. 

Yesterday (Sunday morning) we were asked to help with the church's baptisms.  We helped the pastor, Enrique with a total of about 25-30 baptisms in the river.  Many were from the village we had been staying in and the other half were from a neighboring village.  It was really honoring to be a part of this amazing celebration. 

On Saturday- the students and staff helped kill three chickens that were served for Sunday's lunch!  The brave souls to slit the throats were Zach, Michelle and Melissa.  It was definitely an experience!!  Again, we have plenty of pictures to later post.

**Health Update**
Right now we have a pretty healthy team.  Most people were healthy by the time we left last night for our venture to Manta.  We truly believe the "schedule change" that Bennie sent out in his email update was definitely a God thing.  We stayed in the jungle for 10 days (not the original scheduled plan) and it really tested us as a group to push through the difficult times, yet it made us fully depend on God and each other through it all. ThAnK yOu for all your prayers!!!!  

We are all wanting a good night's rest for our last day in Manta tomorrow.  Thank you for all your prayers.  
**Thanks to Patty for letting me use her laptop!!**