In order to commemorate, remember, and process the past 11 months and 11 counties we’ve now been, I am going to summarize and post about one country each day over the next 11 days.
In February, my team (Papoula Fogo) went to Quito, Ecuador where we got to live at Inca-Link Ministries and serve at Pan de Vida Ministries. To this day, I still tell people that this was one of my favorite months on the race! The people in Quito are soo extremely friendly! I felt so welcomed and loved by the people within the ministries. At Pan de Vida, we got to help the ministry through deep cleaning, organizing their attic, repainting tables in the children’s classrooms, cooking food, teaching the children’s classes, and feeding those in need who came for their regular hunger relief program. I especially fell in love with this place when we had the opportunity to visit a Christian school and share with the children about ourselves, helping them practice English. I immediately fell in love with that school and the city in general and began thinking logistically about what it would look like to come back to live and teach in Quito after the race. A huge part of my heart is still in Quito, and I would not be surprised if the Lord led me to go back there, in fact I pray He does!
One thing that…
- Made me feel alive: When the little girls at the school ran into my arms for a hug, begging me to stay after only visiting for half a day. Also singing songs with the children during their children’s class at Pan de Vida.
- Was difficult this month: Figuring out the best bus route to Pan de Vida and getting there on time each morning. ’Twas a trying month for our team, and exhausting with our days so filled we barely had time for team time and rest.
- Broke my heart: Unfortunately, losing a friendship at the end and seeing them walk away from fellowship and wisdom through leadership.
- Has been revealed about my calling: God has called me to love on people. I hate seeing anyone fall away or choose to step away from friendships that call you higher and point you towards the Father.
- I am thankful for: the amazing food Fabi made, and for the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere at Pan de Vida – because they have cultivated a ministry where Holy Spirit can move on hearts.
To all those who I met in Quito, thank you soo much for your hugs, encouragement, yummy food, inviting us into your homes, taking us around the city, helping us with bus transportation, and just loving us so well! As I said, a part of my heart will always remain in Quito and I truly hope to come back again soon, as the Lord leads! I pray continued peace over each of you and your households, as well as financial abundance and direction into the next steps.
“Y Dios creó al ser humano a su imagen;
lo creó a imagen de Dios.
Hombre y mujer los creó.”
~ Génesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.”
~ Genesis 1:27
