Photos in Ecuador

This month in Ecuador I was able to experience Mitad del Mundo or the Middle of the World. My team and I performed experiments on the equator and stand on both sides of the equator.

 

 

This is the view I was able to see EVERYDAY as I walked down the hill to the house we were staying at in Quito. 

 

The first day of ministry, I met this lady right here. I was able to talk with her and minister with her every time the doors would open at Pan de Vida. Her name is Camila and I absolutely loved getting to know her and love on her this month. 

 

This is what ministry looked like at Pan De Vida every Sunday and Wednesday. They would open the doors for people to line up to come into the building for a church service and meal. Some of my team would help prepare the food and the others would help with the children. The best part was either greeting the beneficiaries as they came in or saying goodbye as they left with their food. Each person always had a smile on their face. 

 

This month we found the cutest little town called Mindo. This picture was taken as we rode a cable car on our way to see a beautiful waterfall. True to the weather of Ecuador, it started to rain 30 minutes into the hike so we got completely soaked. 

 

This photo represents Pan De Vida at its fullest. The staff at Pan De Vida are so diligent in sitting and talking with the beneficiaries. They get to know them and their needs. Relationships are built in order to better serve the beneficiaries.

 

This precious little girl sought me out on the first day of ministry and continually came to me every time. I am not sure if it is because of my blonde hair, but it was always a joy to see her face and to receive her hugs. Ironically enough, her name was Camila as well. 

 

If you can’t see in the photo, this is a snapshot of 6 women who climbed for 6 hours; 4 hours up and 2 hours down. We climbed to the top of Ruco Pinchincha. We had no clue what we were getting ourselves into when we started the hike, but in the end, we enjoyed every bit of it. Especially the view from the top. 

 

This month my team and I spent a good chuck of our ministry sanding and painting. I found that I love painting. It was so relaxing, and the end result was always rewarding.

 

One day, we had the privilege of going to a private Christian school in Quito. We thought we were just going to experience an Ecuadorian school, but we soon found out that we were going to teach English. This school was beautiful, and we were received so well. We all enjoyed every minute of the time we had there. 

 

This is my team (plus Lynnasita). We served, we loved, we painted, we organized, we did all the things. We did all the things together, and we did them well.  

 

In Baños, the entire squad went on an adventure… the swing at the end of the world. It was such a thrill. Not only that, I have this photo to capture the moment. I look at this picture and I see freedom. There is freedom the journey that I am on. 

 

 

This was only month 2 and already I have witnessed so much happening. Whether it is on an off day or a ministry day, adventure is always around the corner. 

I am almost one full week into month 3, and I have already experienced joyous times. I am so excited for this month and striving to listen to his voice and pushing forward out of obedience to what he says. 

 

With love, 

 

Aleesa Dawn Byrne