Dear Ecuador,
Hey 🙂 So I’m in Guatemala now, and It’s very beautiful. The sunshine, the trees, and the endless amount of laughter is just enough to fill my heart with endless amounts of joy.
Although I love it here, my heart years go back to you. I guess that’s the great thing about the Lord, huh? That He always knows what you need and will always make life better because He loves you with endless amounts of love. He knows the plans He has for you, so there was no way I could stay with you. I had to see what He had in store for me, and I believe I made the right decision to come. The Lord has been working here in countless ways. Miracles, the people, the nature, his creation… all of it. I would love more than anything for you to come visit one day 🙂
But this letter isn’t about Guatemala and how amazing it is, but what you did for me when I was with you. How special you made me feel. How well you cared for me, and what you taught me. The never ending love. All of the beauty I got to experience by being with you. So I’m going to try my best to write it in this letter, but God knows that I would never be able to put all of my feelings down on this little paper.
When I think of you, I think of endless alleluia. I think of the way that you praise the Lord with your glorious mountains and working people. With the colors and the vibrancy to whoever walks to meet you. You greet people with the widest arms and always tell them “welcome home.” Thank you for being my home for the past 3 months. I have become a better person because I had the opportunity of meeting you. You dug deep into my heart, and pulled out the weeds. You continued to push me with every breath that you took, and never gave up to me. My heart will forever be eternally grateful for what you’ve poured into me.
I remember first arriving to you. I remember looking out the windows on the plane with my best friend by my side, nervous to be introduced to you. But as I was looking at how the Lord shined over you and showed favor for you, I was more than excited to come and meet you for the very first time. your country was sleeping as we arrived, but your heart was more than ready to receive us. I remember flying into your heart and seeing all of the light in your life for the very first time. You welcomed us right away, and gave us such a warm hug.
I remember my first night with you, and everyday in between. You introduced me to two very important people that ended up becoming a few of the most important people in my life. They serve and love your people like no other. They instantly became my parents while I was away from home, so thank you for that. You were always so generous with sharing the people you love most.
Ahhh I remember you bringing me to my ministry the first day. I remember arriving to Dunamis with the BIGGEST yes in my heart! You knew where I needed to be and who I needed to be with without hesitation. Dunamis changed my life for the better. Remember when I got a parasite? Or my stomach infection? And we can’t forget about Sarah, the wild horse hahaha. The girls in the house, and the tomato greenhouse made my days long, messy and hard. But every time I wanted to quit and tell you no, you continued having my back and kept encouraging me to push on. There are so many stories I would love to share in this letter with you, but you and I know that there would never be enough time to share all of the fun I got to have with you at that place. The one thing I will never forget is seeing your heart glow at night when on top off the roof. I would go up there and glance down at your marvelous city, to find peace, comfort and hope. The Lord really created you very beautifully, and loves you beyond measure. Thank you for taking me to Dunamis, and showing me what hard work looks like, what love looks like, and what godly people are supposed to look like. You changed my life. Send them my best wishes, and tell them that I can’t wait to come visit them soon.
Do you then remember bringing me back home to Mabe and Fabi’s for 2 weeks? Haha that time of rest turned into a sick fest!! It was crazy, as you remember. But that taught me to not worry, and just trust. you know that I have a tough time letting go and trusting the plan, but you still continued pushing me and helping me grow. Thank you for building me up, and thank you that you continued putting me in the fire to refine me. It was hard, but beautiful.
Then, if you remember correctly, I went to a wonderful place named El Refigio. I met people that would end up shaping me and pushing me in ways that I would never expect. Even though it was 2 weeks, you knew how much time I needed and what would be perfect for me. Dancing with Luis, laughing with Benji, machetting with Elliot, and ENDLESS cuarenta with Josué, and the other interns. Climbing the perimeter with Anna… these are the stories I’ll tell. Thank you for giving me these wonderful people. this place felt like home away from home, and gave me the belly laughs that I needed. It was hard and uncomfortable, but you were there cheering me on the whole time. Remember the big dance party on the last night? Or the bonfires and the birthday party? Remember going into town and getting to walk the streets?! Remember the incredible sweet bread? How about the fun adventure days? I’m sure you remember it as I do; so incredibly fruitful. Thank you for El Refugio. Give the people there my all, and tell them I love them with everything that I’m able to give.
Well, Ecuador. It breaks my heart that this season has come to a close. As tears flow from my eyes, I like to think that I made an impact on you, and you did on me. Thank you for letting me love you and get close to you. Although it’s hard to love, it’s so worth it. I think that we can both give thanks to our Father for giving us hearts that are able to love. What a wild world and a wild time. I can’t wait to come visit soon. I will never forget the trails/mountains climbed, the laughs, the cries, the pain, and the growth. Thank you for changing me, and for giving me the opportunity to come join your life for the little time that I was able to. I’ll tell Guatemala that you say hi 🙂
See you soon, Ecuador. I love you.
Your friend, Briana
