Update Month three! Wow! I am just in awe that the Lord has brought me this far. I am about to enter into month four of the World Race. First, I just want to say thank you so much to all my supporters and the awesome family and friends that got me here!! My time in Ecuador was incredible. My team and I have been living in and working with an orphanage for kids with both normal and special needs. It has been a wonderful time of seeing Gods redemption in these kids and their stories. Many of these sweet kiddos come from sad and extremely devastating backgrounds. Many of them came to this orphanage with mental or emotional problems. I am overwhelmed by Gods goodness of seeing children that would bite, spit, and cuss me out, to calling my team mates and I amigas and amor! I particularly fell for one little boy with cerebral palsy. That kid could light up a whole room with his smile. Everyday we would play with the kids outside, go on walks, and help with all three meals.
Christmas was great! Being away from home can be difficult around holidays, but God showed me what it’s like to celebrate him from around the world. We watched the kids open presents Christmas morning. It brought me so much joy to watch them and it definitely made my Christmas. We continued to not only work with kids and tias but also went to a local soup kitchen once a week! These elderly farmers know how to party! We would spend hours dancing! And I mean hours! One day they played a song that was 45 minutes long. (Not kidding) I was out of breath, but as someone who loves to dance, I enjoyed it!! Saying goodbye was extremely difficult. We were told that we were always welcome! Saying goodbye to kids was rough! Most of them didn’t understand that we were leaving. Or for how long. I’m so thankful that God brought me to this place. My heart has definitely changed for special needs and I’m so grateful for the experience of working with them. In this case, I’m sure that these kids made more of an impact on me than I did on them! Jesus was shown through these kids everyday. I love them and miss them already! Right now I am sitting in Canada for a three day layover/debrief on the way to India. This time has been good and given me the time to reflect on everything that I have experienced and also given me the opportunity to prepare my heart for India. We fly out tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited! We will working in villages to share the love of Jesus. Please pray for my team and I as we travel into a new place. Thank you all once again for the support and prayers! INDIA HERE WE COME!!! ????
