For those of you wondering when I'm supposed to start my journey, I can officially report my departure from the US occurred this Tuesday 7/12. My first flight to Miami, where I was meeting half of my squad (group of 56), departed at 6AM from LAX without me on board. I must have stayed up too late the night before praying with my closest friends, saying good bye and eating "flag" cookies — yes my friend Janice made cookies decorated with a flag of each country I'll be visiting. Janice wasn't the only one to go all out, everyone went above and beyond to cover me with love and support. So missing the cut off to check my 47lb backpack by 4 minutes was worth it because the night before not only gave me a tremendous sense of peace, excitement and confirmation about where God has me, but the heartfelt evening was also so soothing to my Mom's slightly anxious and worried soul. She was in awe of my amazing community of friends and how much support I will have over the next 11 months — thanks to Jami I'll have people praying for me every day of the week.
I did get on a 7AM flight instead, but unfortunately didn't take off until after 10AM due to mechanical difficulties. I can't say I was too upset because 1) I'd rather be on the ground anyway and 2) I was reassured knowing the plane was being checked thoroughly. Landing in Miami at 5:25PM made me doubtful I would be able to get on the 6:50PM departure to Quito, Ecuador, with my team because I had to go to baggage claim, check back in and yes, go through security again. At this point I felt like I was on the Amazing Race not the World Race, running through the airport desperate to make my flight. Well I did and now find myself in the beautiful city of Quito! We spent the day exploring on foot (the weather is 65 and sunny with some showers), enjoying local (extremely inexpensive) fare and beginning the training/debrief process (prep for our ministry work assignments). Here are a few pictures of our hostel, the produce stand and my breakfast – still loving my egg yolks!!!
Our squad will stay in Quito until Sunday when we'll divide up into our 9 teams and head to our various ministry sites across the country. My team, Powerful Whisper, will be heading to El Carmen to work with drug addicts. We don't have any more details but hope to learn more in our next few days of debrief here in Quito. Until then, please pray for the people we'll be working with in El Carmen and for team unity as we venture into our first month together.
Thank you for your love, support and prayers!!
