If you were to go to the local garbage dump in Portoviejo, you would find a community of people living in very difficult conditions. This garbage dump is their home. The parents provide for their families as much as they can by sorting through and selling the garbage that gets dumped off there. The effects of poverty make it nearly impossible for the children to attend school, for the adults to get any work outside of the garbage dump, and for them to afford any sort of health care. The ministry partnering with the community is lacking in sponsors, so they can’t help to the extent the people need. These people lack clean water and sometimes don’t know how they’re going to get their next meal.
These people are my friends.
I’ve been able to go to this garbage dump, a few times a week, for a month. The stench makes me physically nauseous, but I’m always so excited every time we step out of the car when we arrive. We sing songs with the kids, play games with them, teach them some English, and give them lots of hugs. The people possess such a visible joy despite the circumstances that surround them.
The cycle of poverty in the garbage dump creates hopelessness and despair, but Jesus fills that darkness with His light. He is ever present and is fighting for these people–His children. I’m so thankful that He chose me to be a part of that this month. I am going to miss all those smiling faces so much. 
