Ecuador was a great month full of exceptional people and experiences. Being in Quito has been an amazing experience. This month was jam packed with ministry and fun. I wish I could capture everything, but I hope this video can give a glimpse of the great month we had in Quito, Ecuador.
As you know from my last blog we helped at a school for special needs, Camp Hope. Aside from working at the school we helped every sunday at church and taught English classes every night for two weeks.
Every sunday we went to church in Carapungo. Ashley jokingly said I could play the drums in Sunday worship. I was not there at the time and when I saw the pastor, Efren, he did not take it as a joke and I was officially signed up to play the drums in worship sundays, while Derek and Sarah sang.
I have never played in front of people let alone in a band. Needless to say I was always super nervous. Every Sunday, though, I was able to play my best and did a great job and had a blast in the process. My team was super encouraging. The last sunday was my favorite. I just let loose and had fun. I even got a drum solo. I love the DRUMS.
To prepare for english classes we handed out flyers advertising for it. The community was very excited to be getting free english classes. When the classes started Justin, Rach, and Ash headed the intermediate class. Derek and Sarah had a basic class and Linda and I had one as well. The basic classes were very difficult to teach. The students know very little to no english and we have to teach them knowing little spanish ourselves. Needless to say, my translation app saved my butt.
In just those two weeks we were still able to form relationships with some of the students. We were invited to eat at their homes, they gave us gifts, and threw us a party on the last night of english class. It was very hard for some of us to say goodbye. What an awesome month.
The best part of this month was my birthday. First off, thank you to all of you who helped my friends Rach and Linda make their deadlines. It was an awesome birthday gift to see their smiling faces and dropped jaws from all the outpouring of God’s blessing.
We spent the day in a hostel in Mindo, Ecuador. It was pretty much a treehouse in the rainforest. We then spent the day swimming in waterfalls and walking rope bridges. Best birthday ever!!!!
Now our whole team has made it past the October deadline. Thank you Jesus. Crunch time is upon us. There are two ways I am needing funding. I still need just under $2,000 to be fully funded for the rest of the World Race. You can help me in that by clicking SUPPORT ME. This covers my basics. (Travel, lodging, food, insurance, etc.) If you would like to help me towards some personal finances (New Clothes, Toiletries, Souvenirs, Touristy Stuff) please go to PAYPAL and click SEND at the top. Enter my email address – [email protected] – and enter the amount you would like to send me. That is the best way to get money to me.
Again thank you for all the Love and Support. GOD BLESS.
