Ya’ll, I have to admit… it’s only month 2 and I’ve fallen in love already.
Yup.
Now, I had to get your attention, but before you start any rumors, please read on…
As I mentioned in my last blog, my team is in Quito, Ecuador and working with a ministry called Pan de Vida or Bread of Life (check it out HERE). Also, if you read my last blog, you know that I absolutely LOVE the people and volunteers we are working with at this ministry. Just upon walking through the gate, I can already feel the peace in this place! I love doing devotions with the team first thing, hearing the testimonies at the end of the day, and EVERYTHING in between! Whether we are organizing the attic, washing tables, cutting (or rather crying with) onions, preparing for children’s ministry, scraping off paint, washing walls, re-plastering and painting walls (thanks mom for teaching me this skill), handing out food to a beneficiary, hugging a child, singing and dancing in the middle of 50 kids, or struggling through the bit of Spanish we know in a conversation, I have felt sooo much joy in it all!
Before the race, I considered myself a pretty friendly person, don’t you agree? But coming to Ecuador (even in Colombia too) has shown me how “friendly” I really am relative to the people here… as in not that friendly. For example, back home, if I were to walk by a stranger on the street I would often try to make a point to smile at them and would sometimes get a smile in return. Here, more often than not, I would not only get a smile but a, “Buenos Dias” at the least.
Back home, if I were to walk into a room filled with family/friends, I would probably greet anyone who turned their head with a “Hey,” or “Hello,” and maybe get one or two back. Here, it is considered rude if you do not greet each person individually with a smile, “Hola, buenos dias,” hug, and kiss (on the cheek) before doing anything else.
Back home, if I were to introduce myself to someone new, I would often try to say my name, ask how they are, and hopefully shake their hand. Here, when I am introduced to someone (or even if I don’t know their name), I am greeted with a hug AND a kiss on the cheek! That cheek kiss is typically given to friends/acquaintances or family, but I am beginning to expect it even upon my first encounter with a new volunteer or beneficiary (people we serve), and that goes for all ages, either gender, both in your hellos and goodbyes. I have been blessed with more hugs, cheek kisses, and statements such as, “¡Qué hermosa!” (How beautiful) or “Dios te bendiga,” (God bless you) in these last two weeks than I’ve probably had in a year (…Maybe a tad exaggeration, but still too many to count)!
Ya’ll, I’M IN LOVE WITH THE PEOPLE HERE IN QUITO!
Also, I absolutely LOVED playing with and teaching the children today in ministry! My heart was so happy! It’s still overflowing with love and joy! I can’t wait to see them again on Sunday!!!
So, this is my fair warning, at least 10 months in advance… I am falling in love with this ministry, these people, and this city. I might, possibly, potentially, probably, very likely consider moving back here after the race. Please know that this is only my thoughts and emotions running here, I’m not saying I heard from God on this, not yet. But I do know that in signing up for the race, I hoped to get more direction on where the Lord was calling me after this year and very much considering becoming a full time missionary in another country. I have been praying that Holy Spirit would give me peace in the place that I am to return, if that is in His plans.
All this to say, being here is like God giving me a kiss on the cheek. It may have been unexpected, but I’m feeling so loved and enjoying it so much. Don’t be surprised if the next time I see you, it’s with a hug and cheek kiss too!
And if ya think it’s weird to greet with a kiss… Ya’ll! Even Paul recommended to do so…
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
~ 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
