Giving Is More
Our experience in Ecuador was amazing. Fabi and Mabe were our ministry hosts this month with the organization Inca Link. I love who they are as a couple and as individuals. Fabi is an extraordinarily unique individual. He has so much life and was always such a help. He is always joking and talking every chance that he gets. I had the pleasure of talking to Fabi multiple times and his love for the organization and every one involved is incredible. Especially his and Mabe’s heart for the teenage moms that also live on the same property. All of our meals were prepared by Fabi and Mabe. The meals were different but with very good and tasty. Mabe is such a sweet woman who is by her husband’s side whenever he needs her. She has such a heart for the people around her and definitely puts her whole heart into everything she does. I have enjoyed everything about staying and building relationships with them. They also made their own peanut butter (which is my favorite :p) so that’s also a plus. Fabi even let me become his “dealer” when it came to collecting money for the peanut butter, haha. There was definitely never a dull moment. It was always filled with love and joy. Before we left, he told me he was going to miss me and we wouldn’t be able to be the peanut butter mafia or gangster anymore. These two will be missed very much but I will never forget their love for each other and for serving the Lord in every way. I’m so happy I was able to also bless them with a painting I did specifically for them and the ministry they are doing.
Right before leaving, I was also able to bless one of the teenage moms and their house mom with haircuts. As much as I love my job in general, there is just something so sweet about doing it to bless someone. It was only two haircuts that didn’t take but a little bit of my time one evening but it brought them so much joy. One of the haircuts was just a trim and the other we took off probably 6 or more inches. The smiles it brought them were so sincere and most definitely worth it. I know very little Spanish so Susan (one of the girls on our other all girls team) went with me to translate and I’m blessed to have had her help. She also was able to enjoy having conversations with them while we were up there which was so amazing. These girls have been through so much. Yes, they’re teenage moms but none of them were by choice. They all have been through so much hurt and trauma. My heart breaks for them and their situations but also relief that they found Inca Link, to help them not only find a better life but also teach them about God. The girls go to church every Sunday and have youth once a week. Lyndsee and I were able to go to youth with them one night and it’s just a great way for them to connect with people closer to their age and build those Christian relationships. Some of our team also went to church with them one Sunday. Even though it was all in Spanish and it lasted three and a half hours, you can tell how much the people in the church love God. Through multiple prayers, songs, and scripture memorization, their love for God was definitely expressed. I’m blessed to have gotten the chance to spend a little bit of time with these young ladies before leaving, although I wish I would have been able to spend a little more time with them. It is important to remember that through our struggles and hard times God can and will bring us out of them. When we pursue Him, He helps us get to the amazing plans He has for our lives. God is working in these girls and I know His plans for them are beyond marvelous.
God has shown me so much this month about just loving and using my gifts to give back to others, whether that’s through a mural, a smile, a paining or a haircut. He blesses us with these gifts so we can then go out and use them to bless His kingdom. Yes, these things are also meant to bring you joy but never pride. Its so much more rewarding when you can bless someone with something that was truly given to you. God is good and I thank Him for the gifts He has given me and also the opportunities He has opened up for me to use them. One thing I have got out of this trip that I also want to take back home with me at the end is to remember to use my gifts and talents to help and bless others around me. What would it cost you to give something that was given to you away? The joy it brings to them is way more rewarding then the money. Not saying I’ll be able to do every haircut and painting for free because I will have to work just like everyone else for a living, but to give back sometimes is definitely worth it.
For the next 9 months I will only be doing these things as blessings but still have to reach my financial goal to continue on this journey. God has blessed and provided me with so much thus far but I could use some partnership with you as well. If you feel called to partnering with me you can donate on my main page above. I am still in need of about $4,000 to reach my final deadline that is due in November! Please consider helping me so I can continue sharing the amazing stories God is blessing me with for the next 11 months.
We have made it to Peru now but don’t have easy wifi access. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you when I get the chance to upload things!
Thanks you all so much for your love, support, and prayers. It’s through God’s promise to providing and your generous donations that I’m able to be here helping others around the world.
Lots of Love, Paxtyn!
