It’s getting really hot here in Lago Agrio. Also, we only have 5 days left here before we go to our debrief in Banos, which i’m SO EXCITED about. But… it’s slowly hitting me that WE WILL be leaving all the people we’ve created relationships with here in Lago, and it makes me so sad. Seriously, how am I going to do this for another 10 months?!
So people have been asking me some questions from back home…
1. Nancy, how are you on Instagram? (from youth group girls)
2. Nancy, how do you have internet all the time?
3. Nancy, whats it like in Ecuador?
4. Do you like the food?
5. What are you doing there?
So I shall answer some of these questions.
1. I have internet! I usually go on instagram, facebook, tumblr and whatever else when I have down time! I promise i’m doing ministry… practically EVERYDAY except Mondays.
2. I am currently staying at a Pastors house. We are staying in a house that is connected to the church, which is located 10 minutes away from Columbia. & supposedly, its super dangerous to just walk around the neighborhood since this is the city the drug-lords come to rest. Thus, we are gated inside the church majority of time… unless we find an Ecuadorian that can escort us around, we go shopping for food with our contacts, basketball ministry, and church encouragement we aren’t really allowed to go out. It can get a little suffocating at times, but God has a purpose for everything right? I’ve been reading the bible more than I have the past couple of years, prepping for messages, and praying a lot more. (And yes, going on social media… maybe a little too much lol)
3. Currently it’s so HOT. but on most days, the weather is pretty much perfect. It’s like any tropical city. Random down poor for an hour and the greeted by the blazing sun the next. I’ve been getting weird sunspots like everywhere since the sun is super close to Ecuador… so that kind of sucks. Its so so so green, WHICH I TOTALLY LOVE. I’ve been showering in cold water everyday (yes everyday! so thankful). I would consider the area we are staying … maybe 2nd world. The buildings are a little bit more run down, we hang dry our clothes, and it’s definitely not like America in any way… but its enough. The dogs roam the streets, and so do the chickens. I have come to learn that one motorcycle can in fact… hold a family of 4, and bananas seem to be Ecuador’s favorite fruit. But I have to say my favorite part of Ecuador is… the people! They are raw and beautiful. They have such joy and depth, and an openness that is unusual.
4. Um, lets just say that the only thing i’ve actually craved since i’ve gotten here in a bag of xxhotcheetos. lol. Pretty much, food is amazing, and i’ve probably already gained 10 pounds.
5. Our ministry was given to us by IncaLink (check out their website!). We are currently located in Lago Agrio partnering with Pastor Sixto. Pastor Sixto is the president of multiple churches in the neighboring cities… while shepherding his own church here in Lago. TeamJoyousLight this month has had the opportunity to encourage his church by working with the youth, teaching english, sharing messages and testimonies. We have been playing basketball with people of all ages and have been praying for the city of Lago as we walk around. We have also visited three other churches that have been planted by Pastor Sixto. One of his church is also located where Jim Elliot was killed by the indigenous people! God is doing amazing things here through Pastor Sixto’s ministry, and it’s been such a blessing to work alongside him this month. It’s SO awesome to have met people who are actually going into the indigenous tribes to share the gospel.
So there is its,
a glimpse into my life in Ecuador.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12
Friends, lets run this difficult but joyous race together.
