The Ecuadorian logo is a beautiful rainbow spiral with the words “Love Life.” Just as God would have it, the month of February was a reflection of that logo! My team and I were tasked with creative projects to improve a nonprofit child development center. It is run by the French government and staffed by French volunteers to serve the Ecuadorian children of the Quito district of Pisuli. We joined both the Ecuadorians and the French creating a colorful fusion of people working together to make the program a beacon on a hill. I have been lovin’ life with this opportunity to make friends of many nations all the while making art again. Not only did we create lanterns for every light fixture in the building but we painted murals and played with lots of cool kids.
Throughout the month there was much fun and laughter, on our first day we got into a huge water fight with all the staff, the children were on holiday but we all tapped into our inner kid. Pots, buckets and trash bins were filled and flung as we chased our new French friends around the building. This broke down barriers, we were able to share our testimonies and share our faith. We not only built up the overall appearance of the building but we built up the staff and children with encouraging words and love.
The children would greet us with kisses and smiles but they did not always come into the program with the lightest of hearts. I watched one day as a little girl made her way down the street screaming at an approaching dog, grabbing rocks and tossing them at a pig. Another girl came in balling about her stolen backpack. As I sat at a table with another, she was defending the color of her skin to her playmates, she said “I’m not black but brown.” Another child started sniffing the glue we were using and it went missing shortly after. These kids really need our prayers, they grow up in abusive homes, they are neglected and surrounded by drug abuse. Knowing this it was my joy to show them the love of Jesus. To help them rollerblade around the building in skates that were 5 times to big for their little feet or to swing them around in circles after we jumped up and down the stairs. Knowing that their home lives are challenging I have cherished each loving little exchange knowing it means that much more.
It’s hard to leave each country but because of that I know I’ve done the month well. There was so much of me that made a mark in Ecuador, not just marks on walls but marks on hearts. Ama La Vida, yep!
I am so thankful for each one of you who sent me on this mission. Only $1400 to be fully funded!
