N Squad is wrapping up their time here in Quito. The last month has been filled with love, laughter, and tears. It's hard to believe that the first month of the World Race is over. Ecuador has been wonderful to us!
We tell everyone that we are spoiled here at Casa Blanca. We have hot showers, wonderful meals every day, and WiFi when we want it. Although we have everything we need here, I've learned so much from the interns and the people who care for us while we are here. Kayla and Jenna, two interns that are here staying with us, have been just as important as my team. They have taught me what a true servant's heart looks like and they have been an example of putting others before yourself 24/7.
I have fallen in love with Ecuador and it's going to be hard to leave. I have left a little piece of my heart, and I will continue to leave pieces everywhere we will live and minister.
As I ride the bus every day, I watch outside as the people pass. I yearn to know them and their story and to love them. But I know that I have met and loved on the people God planned for me to. I have seen and experienced love and hurt that I've never experienced before. Love and hurt that will allow me to grow.
The other night, Kayla and Jenna got everyone together and told us they had something special for us all. They made us chocolate fondue and pumpkin cinnamon rolls and then sat us down and said they wanted to do a foot washing with us. This was something I had never done before and honestly I was a little skeptical. Kayla and Jenna started with our leaders and then we all washed each other's feet. If you know me well, you know that I absolutely hate feet. I can't even stand to look at them, none the less touch them. But this was so different. It was so humbling.
I'm not here for myself and to fix my "problems". And I'm not just here to "be Jesus to people".
I'm here to love and to serve the people around me. To love them and put them before myself. To love them so much that I automatically think of everyone else before myself. To grow in Christ not by myself, but with my team.
This journey has just begun, and I cannot wait to see what the coming 10 months has in store.
