It’s been a month since my last blog post, and I’m struggling to sort through all the thoughts, journal entries, and half written blog posts to communicate to you what has transpired since I’ve last shared. I am sure that I will miss something, or leave out important details, but I’m going to do my best to let you in on what life has been like during the past month in the field.
Travel.
South American bus travel means hours of fun!
When I imagined my 24th birthday, I never pictured a 20 hour bus ride from Peru to Ecuador. Nor had I thought that my squadmates would write me a birthday rap. B-squad sang me happy birthday (three times), people drew me pictures and wrote me notes, and I felt incredibly celebrated!
The scenery is a lot different here in Ecuador
Inspiring.
This month started off with squad debrief in Banos. We spend the week celebrating, learning, worshiping, and adventuring together. It was incredible to hear what God has been doing in everyone’s lives.
When in Banos, go canyoning!
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Made it just in time for Carnival!
The rest of this time together was all squad month, where all 36 of us are lived together in Quito at Casablanca – headquarters for Inca Link Ecuador. Surrounded by so many people who’s hearts are on fire for God has been incredible and life giving.
Disconnected.
I haven’t had a computer in a month. Let alone any device (other than my kindle) that connects to the internet. No posts, no contact, no updates, but no problem! I can’t sit here and say that it hasn’t been challenging. I must rely on others and there are times when I miss out on opportunities to share great stories. Weeks went by since I heard from family or connected with those back home, and my role of team leader has taken on new challenges. In spite of all that, God has used this seemingly crappy situation as an opportunity to pull me deeper into His waters.
No computer means more time to do things like the Cumbre Extrema Duo Adventure Race!
Pictured above: Talia (my teammate), Gustavo (CEO of Inca Link Ecuador), and Fabi (Casablanca Chef/Director)
Revealing.
God is speaking to me. Through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and living among Christ’s community, He is showing me so much about who He is and who I am in Jesus. Sometimes I like what I see and sometimes not, but I’m living self-aware and God-aware. I’ve got more to share about this in a later post. Not only have I experienced God working in my life, but looking around, the evidence of the Holy Spirit is written all over the smiles and tears of squadmates.
Being with all my brothers has been a huge blessing as well!
Challenging.
Although community living is a blessing, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Thirty-six people under one roof means sharing space, time, and sickness. Fighting for quiet time with the Lord isn’t easy either, but worth making the effort for. Part of our ministry this month was with Camp Hope, a center for children and orphans with disabilities. Although I enjoyed working with the kids, I was tested in ways I was NOT expecting.
Day 2 of ministry:
“So, do you know how to change a diaper?”
Promising.
The Worldrace is flying by faster than I imagined. What happened to this month?
I was talking with my friend Mike today and he put it perfectly. It feels like we just launched yesterday, but we’ve grown a years worth in two months. I couldn’t agree more. God is making so much more space for himself in my heart. The growing pains are worth it, and the life I wake up to now is much brighter than ever. With Colombia next on our journey, anticipation, excitement, and wonder fill me with joy. One thing is for sure. There isn’t much time to take a backseat to life here. God is moving, and moving quick. So, I’m pushing forward towards the goal which God set before me!
