For some of us, the flight to Ecuador went smoothly. Others not so much, our flight to Bogota, Columbia was overbooked so we split up into two groups. Eventually, we all made it safe to Ecuador.
The truth is, many of my teammates were ready for a change after a demanding schedule in Costa Rica. Personally, I was sad to leave. I will miss my funny ministry host, the delicious meals from Xina and beautiful beach sunsets. God has taught me to focus on why I am here. Which is to love, encourage, humbly serve my team, manage my attitude and to choose joy.
I have another three months in a Spanish speaking country. Sorry Mom and Dad, I didn’t learn much Spanish in Costa Rica…oops. Ecuador is the most beautiful country I have ever been to; mountains, valleys and beautiful tiny houses that lay across the countryside. The city of Quito sits over 10,000 feet above sea level. You know me, the altitude sickness hit me hard, I could barely carry my bag across the driveway without taking a couple of breaks. The air is thin up here. With the sun so near us, even I got sunburned.
We are serving at a ministry called Dunamis Foundation, a ministry that rescues girls from sex trafficking. The previous team began construction on a wall, to protect the girls. We are filling in the pillars with concrete to give structural stability to the wall. Additionally, we have removed sharp concrete pieces, cement blocks, and other dangerous construction debris from eleven acres of land. Our host family, Daniel and Regina Weston, are the best host family ever because they love us as if we were their own children. They are the best. Our ministry home has two dogs, nine puppies, six rabbits, one nice sheep and one evil one who rams into people. It’s great being around all these animals because I miss my two dogs at home.
I can’t believe this is the last stop of my nine-month trip. God has taught me so much on this journey. I want to thank those of you who have supported me with your prayers. There is still much to look forward to over the next two months.
