Today, we are in pastor Wilber’s office doing a radio program with him. It’s crazy being on the world race because one day we are in Ecuador (freezing our buns off) mixing cement and only a short time later we are sweating from every pore in panama.
Let me back up and tell you about my time in Ecuador. I was put with a new team at the end of Peru (month 4). It was kind of scary to not know how things would change, but god was faithful and put me with a group that has been fun but also supportive. We have already been through a lot, and the beginning of Ecuador was spent at an orphanage in Manta, pacoche. The missionaries we worked with are working with Inca Link and this orphanage has been told that if they don’t get some things fixed and cleaned up, then they would be shut down. Basically Will and Amanda took that challenge and we came along side them to help them deep clean and get those steps started. It was a lot of fun and will and Amanda were very big encouragement for us.
After 10 short days in Manta, we then took an 8 hour bus trip to Quito Ecuador and were placed to work with a church called, Dios es amor (God is love). We had a lot of hard work ahead of us as we worked to mix cement most days and helped teach English classes on others. Manta was warm and Quito was COLD! Quito is the highest capital at around 9,000 ft above sea level so walking up the hills was an extra chore as well with less oxygen in the air. Each day started around 6:45 with breakfast and work ended at 4:30 leaving just enough time to exercise, shower, do team time and then we went to people’s houses for dinner (people from the church). It was a lot of work, but we had a great team building month and so many laughs.
I also celebrated my 30th birthday on our travel day to Panama. 30 sounds old, but I don’t feel old. (Some days more than others.)
this thursday we will be going into the prison in panama, which I am really excited about. Wally, John, heather, cliff and all of the guys back home, if you are reading this, know I miss and love you a lot and I think about, talk about, and pray for you all. 🙂
