You get all squad month!
Remember that thing I said about my squad? They are the people traveling to the same countries as me, and they won’t change all year. I am living with every single one of them this month.. and its awesome! The purpose of this month is to bring unity to our squad, allow deeper relationships within the group, and bring us together for worship and intentional times with the Lord. This month we are living together at a place called “Casa Blanca” in Quito, Ecuador. (See below picture)
“Casa Blanca” is owned by Inca Link, a non-profit organization that is focused on reaching the 300 million youth in Latin America with Christ’s irresistible love.
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And although we live together as a squad, our teams are all working with separate ministries this month. *teams are made up of 5-7 people from within the squad..these are the people you typically live with but most importantly these are the people you do ministry with, and spend most of your time with.
My teams ministry for the month is high in the mountains, and it takes us a 3 hour round trip each day filled with buses and hikes to get there. (see picture below)
While in the mountains, we work at a nonprofit called Ecuasol. (See picture below)
Ecuasol is a French based organization that provides before and after school care for kids in poverty. It is not affiliated with any religion, and is run by French volunteers.
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While here my team and I have been helping kids with homework, painting murals, helping in the kitchen, and doing anything that is needed. (See pictures below)
Giving a piece of my heart away has been easy here because the kiddos are so eager to love
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Meanwhile, Jesus gives me supernatural strength to carry children around for a longer time, and in more positions, than my arms can bear. (see picture below)
If you would like to pray specifically for my team this month pray that we can leave a lasting impact here. Ecuasol is not a religious affiliated organization, so please pray that we can establish lasting friendships with the French volunteers as well as interact with the kids in a way that clearly shows them Christ’s love. My prayer warriors and faithful supporters back home have such an impact on the work we do here, and I am so grateful for every.single.one. of you! From the sincerest bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do. Christ’s name will be heard around the world because of you.
Fun facts about Ecuador:
- They use American currency, but dislike it when you pay with bills. They prefer one dollar coins.
- They are the world’s leading export in bananas
- Most women carry their babies everywhere rather than using strollers.
- Their bread is REALLY good. You can buy it on nearly any corner, usually for about 30 cents.
- However, a package of granola bars is $10
- Soup is the most common food
- Stray dogs are prominent in the mountains… we pass approximately 40+ stray dogs each day (I counted)
- Most people dress for comfort here…fashion is not really a thing.
Fundraising Update: I am still $3,934 away from being fully funded, and my next financial deadline is February 28th. Every $5, $10, or even $50 donation helps me stay on the race to share the sweet love of Christ with these people. Can you or someone you know donate today? Every amount helps! All donations are tax deductible. You can do so by clicking “donate” in the upper right hand corner.
As always.. if you have any questions at all or would like to talk to me feel free to send me an email at [email protected]
Much love,
Xxx
and God Bless!
