For the past two months, it feels like it’s been all about me. Since my health and wellbeing were compromised is a significant way, everything around me seemed to be focused on me. “How was I feeling? How was my arm doing? Was I healing well?” Though I was seeking God and growing during this time, and it was a tough situation to be in, I knew that when I returned to the field I didn’t want it to be about me anymore. I didn’t want to be the center of my thoughts. I realized on my flight to Quito that I had been unable to be a part of ministry for two months and that I wanted to make the most out of the time I had in Ecuador and on the Race.
My team and I were with a ministry called Fundación Campamento Cristiano Esperanza or Camp Hope during our time in Quito. This is a foundation/ministry that works with children and adults will all kinds of special needs, including cerebral palsy.
During the two and a half weeks we spent at Camp Hope, I saw something that astounded and overwhelmed me. The men and women who work at Camp Hope gave their all. I saw them stepping far outside their selves. I saw them sacrificing. I saw love in such a pure form. They love those children and adults with everything they have. They know them, care for them, understand their needs. They hope with and for them. They never made it about themselves. It was always about those around them.
I realized that’s what I had needed to see coming back on the field. That’s the example I was looking for. I had needed to refocus, and take my thoughts off myself and start thinking again about those around me. Those people that need help, encouragement, love.
I am forever thankful for the staff and nurses at Camp Hope. They showed me what love looks like and I will carry that with my for the rest of my Race and beyond.
