Debrief is over. We are pumped and ready for what God has for us in Ecuador. We arrive at Casablanca four hours after leaving Banos. All 37 of us unload at a beautiful white house overlooking the city of Quito. I can already tell this month we are going to be spoiled. It’s all squad month, and we are all together in one location. Is that a swing I see? I’m so excited about this month. I can’t wait to spend a month of my life on the race here. Tent and sleeping bag, you get to stay all comfy in the bottom of my big pack.
We walk into the house, one by one. Mabe, Fabi, and Patrick greet us at the door. We learn the rules and get settled into an organized, beautiful and spacious home.
Each chore is evenly distributed among all of the teams. Each team has a “clean the bathroom day,” a “clean the floors and living area day,” “do your laundry day,” and a “dish day.” We all get thick blankets, beds of our own, sheets and even pillows! We have a full living room with books to borrow for the month and sofas at our disposal! Keep it clean and enjoy! We are spoiled.
Over the course of the next several weeks, we learn so much more about Mabe and Fabi. One day, I wake up sick and Mabe and Fabi help take care of me while everyone else is away at ministry. I spend time in the kitchen with them, enjoying their playful back and forth. Every day, they pray together before preparing meals for us. They pray for us when we don’t even realize it. Their hearts are to serve completely and wholly. They have hearts like Jesus. I can only hope that we served them and loved them with the same heart. They prepare three meals a day for 37 people for an entire month. God is their strength. We may eat soup for dinner every other night, but it is healthy soup that gives us the energy we need for each day!
“Wash it like this,” I hear Fabi say. He instructs me on how things should be done at Casablanca in the most loving way possible. “Only use the mop that says, “Solo Cocina.” Fabi says. Dually noted. Will do. “Never waste food!” I hear him telling me every meal, even still. If food is left in a bowl or on a plate, he is sure to tell us in the most loving way possible, “Who is the culprit behind this? I will do a DNA test to find you!”
“Dinner is ready! Line up at the door! Who is going to pray?” Brittany speaks up and sings our favorite prayer. Then, we file into the kitchen for dinner. “Wow, this is really good,” I tell Mabe. “It is Fabi’s secret recipe! I don’t even know how to make it!” Mabe tells me.
One full month of Mabe and Fabi meals. One full month of organization and relaxation in our comfortable beds and sofas in the living room. One full month of love and service later, it is time to leave. I don’t want to go. I love Mabe and Fabi. I give part of my heart to Mabe by having her choose a page in my coloring book for me to color for her. She chooses an owl hiding behind a lattice of color. “I will keep it always,” she tells me. “It’s going right on my refrigerator!” I get a picture with Mabe and I. Right before the picture clicks, Fabi ducks in behind us and pops his head out with a mischievous, yet pure grin. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
