Cansada or Casada?
The past week in Ecuador has been absolutely amazing. Our squad (all except two teams) was welcomed into Casa Blanca, a missionary hostel founded by Inca Link, located in the greater Quito area. Inca Link is a mission organization that has locations in multiple South American countries. The Inca Link Ecuador team helps various ministries become connected and find volunteers. Gustavo, Andrea, Mabe, Fabe, and the four current interns all welcomed us to Casa Blanca with loving hearts and gracious hospitality. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here.
Our ministry for our time in Ecuador is two-fold. Every Tuesday through Friday morning, my teammates and I serve in Camp Hope (Campamento Esperanza). This camp hosts about 40 children who suffer from wide range of mental and/or physical disabilities. About 17 of the children are orphans. Some of these disabilities include cerebral palsy, severe autism, and mental retardation. However, none of these children seem to suffer from a lack of joy and curiosity. I am personally assigned to the role of “cleaner”. I have been cleaning with Tania this whole past week. She teaches me to clean and to speak Espanol, while I teach her to speak English. J It is a great partnership. I’ve cleaned more cabinets, shelves, desks, and chairs than I can remember now. I’ve also developed a sweet friendship with Tania. I also try to help when I can with the lunchtime feedings. Most of the children cannot feed themselves. It is amazing to see how the Lord is working in and through our team thus far.
This past week, Tuesday through Friday, we have been handing out English classes flyers to passersby near our church home for the month, La Iglesia La Luz. Two of my teammates and I walked with Cecilia to hand out flyers. After we had been walking for a little while, she asked me if I was “casadsa” (married). I misheard her and thought she said “cansada” (tired) and responded “un poco” (a little). It was quite a humorous mishap and we all laughed for a while about it. J I am not a “little married”; I am completely unmarried. How marvelous it is to fumble one’s way through a foreign language. The Lord has been teaching me so much through this humble learning and re-learning of Spanish.
Prayer requests:
One teammate and I have been asked to lead church worship, only in Espanol, on Sunday morning. Please pray for peace and the ability to lead these people into the presence of the Lord.
Some of my teammates have been a little sick recently, so good health would be a great prayer request.
We begin teaching English next week. Please pray for a good turn-out and for minds and hearts ready to teach.
Thank you! Vaya con Dios!
Lorena
