February was such a great month serving the Lord through cleaning, organizing, or serving his people by passing out food or just having a conversation with someone. I have built relationship this month that are going to be so hard to say see you later to.
Meet the people who have captured my heart, taught me to love deeper, and to truly invest my time with them past saying hello.
Please continue reading about the amazing people I met.
1 John 4:19
“Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.” TPT
Mabe and Fabi
From the second we arrived to Ecuador they welcomed us into their home with open arms. Cooking 3 meals a deal for us 5 times a week, showing us around the city and to our ministry sites, helping us with travel plans to Peru, and anything else we needed they were there. They have the gift of service and hospitality more than anyone I know. They truly are like Mom and Dad. I’m going to miss them so much and the wisdom they bestowed onto us.
Oscar
A man with a vision and the drive to achieve it. So humble, so caring, and so encouraging. He doesn’t get tired or stressed because of the work he is doing because he’s doing the Lord’s work! He not only cares for the beneficiaries but the staff and volunteers as well. Everything he does and says is well thought out and prayed over. Every day he would have something very encouraging to say to me.
Jefferson
He was one of our main contacts, so for any of the work we did or questions about it he was our guy. He was so patient and kind with us it was incredible! You can tell his heart is for serving others but God is always number one. He is always joyful and is so caring.
Juan Carlos
He is the social worker at Pan De Vida, so he has more of the interactions with the beneficiaries than anyone else. Every day you will see him intentionally sitting down with family after family hearing their stories and giving them the resources and opportunities to help with their needs. You see him figuring out the logistics of where people will sit, and which families get extra food based off of their evaluation he went over with them. His smile says it all. He does it without complaining or without recognition. We need more men in the big C church like him.
Maria or Marita
You will find her cleaning every square inch of the building, doing laundry, organizing supplies and asking us for her help even though she can’t speak English. Everything she does is with a smile and laugh. The Fathers heart is pouring out from her and I miss her hugs every day. And of course her precious little girl Lucy, full of personality and very fierce! She brought so much joy to our lives everyday.
Janela
She was one of the first people that we met and welcomed us into the Pan De Vida family so willingly. We only had a week together before she ended her time because she’s getting married!! Her devotion and hard work that I got to see for a short time, really made me realize how important it is to put the Lord first in ALL that you do including your work.
Monse
My sweet Ecuadorian momma. You will never not laugh around her. We are pretty much the same person minus the age difference. She loved us with open arms from day one!! She taught me how to truly welcome others into your home and show them you care. She fits Proverbs 31 perfectly.
Joshua and Sharonita
Monse’s wonderful children! They made Quito feel like home with always wanting to help translate and just laugh. Sharon always made our group feel included by inviting us places! Our last day Joshua drove us to the bus station so we didn’t have to walk in the rain! It may seem like small acts of service, but they meant so much to me that we were so well taken care of!
Denis
Wow. This man and his wife exceeds all expectations of hospitality. They took us all over Quito to explore and tell us everything they knew! He went to the bus station several occasions to make sure we made it to the correct destination or bus transfer, they came to my birthday celebration, and just showered us with their love to make sure we had the best experience in Ecuador.
Marco
You would see him helping behind the scenes in the kitchen or with the children outside. Whenever I would struggle with my Spanish, he would step in to help translate. It’s obvious his heart is to serve the Lord
Nelson
Such a sweet friend. He is always behind the scenes helping clean up, taking down tents, translating for someone, taking out the trash and just being kind to someone. He has a powerful testimony and the way he serves the Lord with such grace and humility is inspiring.
Carlos
The first person I met in Ecuador! He makes the best pizza and gives the best hugs. Every day walking back from the bus station, he would always be there waiting for my hello. It made my day seeing him and the joy he radiates.
Mariano
The man at the plantain shop that I would also say hi to every day. We never really understood each other because of the language barrier but we did understand that we both loved hugs!
Every single person in these photos have impacted my life in a very big way that words don’t do justice. I have grown deeper in my relationship with the Lord because of them. My passion for missions grew because of the way they love others with absolutely no limits, with such grace, and patience. I wish you could understand the way they have captured my heart. I miss them more than words could ever explain, but I believe I will be back to experience their love again.
