Ever since I left home to start the next phase in my life, it's been an adventure. On my way to our launch location, Miami, American Airlines lost my luggage in Detroit! On my first official day in ecuador, I got sick because my body was trying to adjust to the elavation, and it rained all day long. But despite all that, I'm in Ecuador, with my teamates and my squad, on the world race to share the gospel! God is good all the time!
The very first picture of my team in Ecuador. From left to right: me, Glenn, Sam, Steven, Emily, and Jamie
Since we got here, we've had great times of preaching, praise and worship, and bonding with our teamates. If I could sum up these past few days it would be this:
1. In order to have an impact on the world and change it, we must first change ourselves. I have learned that I rely on others to tell me who I am, what I am good at and what I bring to the table. I also constantly try to seek others approval. The only approval I need to seek is God's and He already has. I need to look at myself through God's eyes. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. While it's easier said than done, I'm willing to do this.
2. I need to be open with my teamates. I know that they will not judge me, but there are times when I'd rather them not see my flaws and faults. But they are my brothers and sisters in Christ and if they can open up, I can too.
3. This is going to be funny and and have a good lesson to it as well, I learned how to catch a monkey! You take a coconut and put treats in it. You then close it up, leave hole big enough for the monkey to put his hand in it, and tie it to a tree. The monkey will see the coconnut , climb up the tree and notice the treats. He will then put his hand inside grab and a fist full of treats and try to get his hand out! The moral of the story is that we often get stuck with a fist full of stuff, no matter what it is. If we truly want to be free, we need to let go and give it all to God.
My first meal in ecuador, pad thai: eggs, chicken, cilantro, noodles, and veggies. Yum!!
My team and I have also gotten a chance to eat new things and explore the city. It' a beautiful city. While there are alot of poor areas, there is some beautiful architecture and scenery!
Looking down on Qito from a beautiful moutntain. The view was wonderful!
All in all, it has been an amazing experience thus far. I wouldn't change it for the world. On Sunday, we go to the city that we will be working in and minsitering to. Please pray that the peoples hearts, minds, eyes and ears will be open to the gospel. I'm excited to see what God's going to do! Blessings to all!!
