Well, at this point you know I have made it out of Africa, and we are on our last country, Ecuador. We have been here for a little over two weeks now, and I feel like I’m back at home, not home in America but the one in Honduras. In India, the Lord solidified my love and passion for the Spanish culture and people. Being here now, has just revived my heart and lifted my spirits. This is the culture, language, food, and people I love. I know that these last months will probably be the sweetest months for me.
Just to let you know a little bit about what these months have already and will look like. We began Ecuador in The Awakening. It’s a conference type thing where they bring different squads that are in the same area and on different steps of their race for worship, community, and rejuvenation. We joined together with another Gap squad and an 11n11 squad called Fusion. It was a beautiful time, because as our two Gap squads were beginning our 7th month and getting tired, the Fusion squad was beginning their 3rd month still with a burning fire. We got to share the routine and wisdom we had gained so far, while they helped restart our fire even after the jet lag and three days of travel.
We as racers owned The Awakening. It was our time to refuel and dig deeper with new perspectives adding to the span of knowledge. There were five groups that you could choose from to be involved with for the few days: evangelism, hospitality, storytelling, intercession, and worship. Each group decided what they wanted to do and how they wanted their part to look during the conference.
Before beginning The Awakening, I told my squad mentor that I wanted to do either hospitality or evangelism. That was what I thought my gifts would be best in, but also I knew I would be tired from travel, and I didn’t want to have to try too hard. The first night I was praying about what the Lord wanted from me these next two days. It was pretty clear that I was supposed to 1. Step out of my comfort zone and 2. Spend every minute that I wasn’t in session, sleeping, or building relationships seeking The Father. Both of those are pretty big tasks if I do say so myself. So, at the last minute I joined the intercession breakout, and if you have read some of my first blogs, this is a pretty big deal. I haven’t been the most confidant in hearing from the Lord, and so much of my growth on the race has been figuring out His voice and presence in me. This choice was such a sweet one that produced so many fruits in those few days. I got to pray on people’s behalf, listen for encouragement from the Lord, and literally spend every waking moment with Him. Yea, it was tiring but also fulfilling in so many ways. Even though I was there to make relationships with these new squads, I most definitely strengthened my relationship with God and tried to act in obedience to Him, which yielded so much reward. One of which was the sweetest relationship with the kitchen staff. They only spoke Spanish and longed for conversation which was a blessed opportunity for both of us. I would help translate for them, see them at each meal, and laugh while washing dishes. Before we left, the Lord placed on my heart to write them each a note, and I know He was the one giving me each unique message. The whole time He was the one walking with me in the relationships with my squad mates, new friends, staff, and even the ministry hosts that joined, and even better, He has been right alongside me in all my relationships for all of my years.
After The Awakening, the Fusion squad headed to Peru, Gap L left for Chicago then on to India, and we walked over to our house for the next three months. The house we are living in is the nicest house by far I have had on the race. We have beds, a big kitchen, fireplace, closet type thing, a huge bus terminal a walk away, a pizzeria and fruit stand up the street, and even hot showers, sometimes. If they aren’t hot, they are the closest to real showers I have taken. But better than the house, we have the best, sweetest ministry hosts. Fabian and Mabe are the kindest couple ever, and I truly feel like I am one of their children. I get to spend time in the kitchen helping them cook or washing dishes, but it is always paired by a caring conversation. They are both so funny, but also very honest and real with each of us calling us to a higher standard. Even in a few short weeks, they have already became some of my favorite people.
Quito altogether is such a fun city. Last weekend, we got to visit El Mitad del Mundo, the Equator in the middle of the world. While we were there, they had a VW van and bug show. It made the experience so cool to see, and we got to meet some young couples from all over South America who live in their vans. Quito is sort of like a mini-America because there are so many malls, movie theaters, restaurants, and parks. The parks are some of my favorite places. I love buying grilled plantains and the best watermelon and walking around or playing volleyball or fútbol. Even though they are downtown, you still feel the nature and fresh air. There are so many things to do in Ecuador, so I know I won’t run out of adventures.
So, the next three months of ministry for my team is pretty exciting. We get to work in an international school in Quito. The school is called “T.W. Anderson,” and it’s very similar to the school I attended when I lived in Honduras. Every morning we get up at 5:30 to catch the bus by 6:45! We are on the bus for about an hour each way, but it’s a good time to talk with the students, listen to music, or have team times. At school, we do devotions in the morning and help our assigned teachers. My teacher, Juanito, is the youngest and one of the newest teachers. He has sophomore and junior English classes, computer classes for all the grades, and all the IT work in the school. He has so many new technological ideas for the classes and just has a fresh fire for teaching and helping develop the education. When he is in class, I assist him or answer questions. On the frequent days when he is busy doing IT or International Baccalaureate things, I have to run class. We speak English, play games like mafia or spelling bees, and sometimes I make them write stories. In our computer classes, the kids get to play Minecraft!!!! (I’m writing this on the bus, and one of my little students is sitting with me. He lovesss Minecraft days!) During recess and lunch, I get to play soccer or basketball with any kids out there. I have definitely shown them that I’m a cool teacher who can play. Normally, it’s pretty chilly since we live on a mountain in the clouds, so we are finally getting to have more of a fall/winter. Also, I get to help serve the fifth grade their lunches. We chat about things, and one student in particular, Carlitos, always makes me laugh with his perceptions and questions about America. These last two weeks the whole school has been participating in a soccer tournament against grades. The high school boys are the best to watch, but the little ones are just so cute. There’s always a game to watch or a paper to check during my free time.
These kids have already stolen my heart. In only one week, we have already become such good friends. I have already gotten used to being called teacher in class and on the soccer field. These kids need Jesus just as much as the children on the street. Most of these kids and teenagers are privileged and don’t “need” the Lord because it would hinder their fun or because they have everything they could need. Working at this school, has helped open my eyes to how so many of my friends during high school in America, in Honduras, or even dual enrolling need the Lord. I can minister to these students because I’m on a “mission trip,” but I can also minister to people at home too every day.
Over the months of the race, probably the one of biggest things that the Lord is reminding me of is how I can look, walk, and act like Him every day and to everyone. Making it a lifestyle by showing his love to all the people I meet is what He is calling me to do. I know it looks different for each person I encounter, but that’s the point. Jesus met tax collectors in a different way than He met His disciples or the Pharisees. I definitely say that my conversations, actions, and work doesn’t look the same as when I have worked in Africa or with kids from the street, but the love I have for each one is the same! It’s the love the Lord has for His children.
I am so excited to be in Ecuador working and adventuring. It’s such a blessing to be working in the school system, attending church, and getting to play loads of soccer. Sorry family and friends if I accidentally get left in Ecuador…
