Category: Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday: Sojourners
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A rather young looking Downing family waiting to be let into the Sojourn Academy for thier first day of classes. Sojourn was the school that Tim, Esperanza, Ezequiel, and Elias attended during our year of Spanish studies in Costa Rica. 

Have you you listened to our podcast yet? If not, click here! 

Blessings,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a Boy And a Butterfly
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A few years ago our mission path took us to the butterfly sanctuary in the cloud forest of Mindo. Mindo is a convenient halfway point between Quito and our churches in Tonsupa. We enjoyed watching the kids try to get the butterflies to eat out of their hands. Elias is holding a butterfly with clear wings. He was so proud of himself.

We invite you to click here to learn more about our story. 

With sh much love,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a Selfie
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We travel a lot on our mission path! This is one of our favorite selfie shots that Tim 2 took a few years ago on one of our journeys. We were on the country road going through an eucalyptus lined areas. We were on a trip to the Cangahua church located in the country side. Cangahua is one of the oldest rural parishes in the Cayambe canton. In the southwest of the parish of Cangahua is the inactive Pambamarca volcano, in whose wasteland, pucarás (military, municipal and religious stuctures) were built, possibly by the Caranqui Indians or by the Incas. Every 29th and 30th of June the celebrations of the Sun or Inti Raymi is celebrated in this area.

Have you heard our podcast about Hot Culture and Cold Culture? If not please click here!

With much love,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a Visit To Cuenca
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Early along our mission path Timothy, Patricio and Irma visited the Church of God near Cuenca. This is a happy picture of Pastor Patricio and Irma. Timothy has fond memories of this trip. Patricio and Irma must have been so frustrated with Timothy’s horrible Spanish! He is better now but those early days were troublesome.

Have you heard our podcast yet? Our Friday posts always focus on pithy short shareable missions thoughts. Click here to check it out!

With much love,

The Downings

 

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a Last Time
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We fondly remember the last time that we saw Uncle Logan and Aunt Hazel. During our time of transition from language training in Coastal Rica to arriving in Ecuador we spent a month in the U.S. We ran around fundraising, gathering fresh documents that we would need for our residency in Ecuador, and purchasing a few items that are not available in Ecuador. We also had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. We are grateful that Uncle Logan and Aunt Hazel made time to spend an afternoon with us. We did not know it at the time but this would be the last time we would see them on this side of Heaven. Both have passed away over the past three months. We regret that we could not physically attend the remembrance service for either, but we certainly mourned from afar. It has been said that a missionary leaves their family for a short time so that other people can be with their families for an Eternity. Eternity is the key. We know that we are all passing through this life. We should enjoy, help, love, and live life to the fullest but our hope goes beyond this life into Eternity. 

With much love,

The Downings

 

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a View Over Quito
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Quito is a significant city. Here is a young Esperanza taking a break about 13,000 ft. The city below is about 12 miles long and nestled on an outcropping of Mt. Pichincha. The valley below the city is where we live.

Have you heard our podcast yet? If not click here to hear one Esperanza voiced. 

With much love,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To Mt. Pichincha
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This photo was taken October 4th, 2017 on Mt. Pichincha. This active volcano overlooks the city of Quito. It provides the backdrop of some of the most breathtaking views of the city. It also took our breath away as we slowly climbed the peak. This was one of the two Timothy’s favorite dad and son times here in Ecuador.

Have you read one of our ministry stories yet? If not please click here! 

With much love,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To Missionary Training
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This small blurred photo is the only photographic evidence that we went through missionary training at H.E.A.R.T. This training was in central Florida and we thought at the time that the sun was brutal. We have since found out that the Florida sun was just gently kissing our skin compared to the intensity of the Equatorial rays we currently endure. Any UV radiation above 11 is considered extreme according to the world health organization. On average in Quito the UV index is over 24! Those cowboy hats do come in handy here!

Please click here for more information about H.E.A.R.T.

One more throwback: one of the training instructors that we sat under at H.E.A.R.T. use to set under Timothy’s teaching in North East Ohio when when he served as the Christian Education Pastor at the Newton Falls First Church of God! Small world!

With much love,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a Beautiful Veiw
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Rainbows are not only a biblical promise they are also a common occurrence here in Ecuador. This photo was taken from our backyard. This particular day was the 9th day in a row that we had the privilege of seeing a beautiful rainbow!

Have you listened to our podcast yet? If not please click here! 

With much love,

The Downings

Throwback Thursday

Throwback To a Family Adventure
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Before we moved to Ecuador we had the opportunity to visit as a family! During this visit our calling was made even more clear. Everyone was ready to move to Ecuador from the beginning of our mission path but this visit brought more urgency to each of us as we thought about our upcoming move.

We encourage you to participate in our ministry. We need your support! Please click here to find out more. 

With much love,

Timothy, Angelita, Tim, Esperanza, Ezequiel, Elias and (not pictured) Adelena.