In about 12 hours I will be getting on a plane to go home. So many mixed feelings. I will miss Ecuador and my new friends SOOO much! I hope I can come back soon. However, I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends again.
This week was really good. Worked a couple days at Remar again and said my goodbyes. That was hard. I got to spend time with mi familia ecuatoriana and some amigos from the church which was wonderful but it was also hard saying goodbye.
This weekend I went to the beach with the other interns and mi familia ecuatoriana. It was really refreshing and fun. We got to go tubing, whale watching, sun(burning unfortunately) tanning, and swimming. We also drank a lot of yummy fruit batidos (shake/smoothie).
Today I had lunch with the browns, a good debrief time. Tonight is my farewell dinner. I have to finish up a bit of packing and go to sleep...My flight is at 6:40.
Please pray for:
Safe travels
Time to process
the ministry of Inca Link
Hasta luego,
Michelle
speak life...{hable la vida}
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Eaten Alive
It's official. I am food for the mosquitos. Let's hope and pray I don't get malaria.
Aside from the numerous bug bites, this week in El Carmen was once again fenomenal!
Before we left we did a little bit of turism in Quito with the team as well as help at a couple different orphanages. At the home for children who's parents are in prison I got the chance to teach, Cristian, a 15 year old boy, how to play "Eres Todopoderoso." Cristian is a pretty cool dude he can sing and act really well, yet he lives with the effects of having tuberculosis as a young child. There weren't a lot of kids there because some of them were able to stay with family for the summer.
I ended up taking a little bit too much travel sickness medicine for the ride to El Carmen and was pretty much out the whole way and still super drowsy for the rest of the night. We had a really great worship service at El Carmen Alliance. I really like that church. Elmer (the pastor) was back from visiting the USA so it was great to finally meet him too.
The next day we heard that Mama Nina was healed from her leukemia after we had been praying for her for 3 weeks. Que milagro! What a miracle!
When we got to the work site it looked the same as we had left it...except some grass had already grown. They told us that it had rained so much they couldn't do any work. The whole place was pretty muddy so there was no doubt in that. Some trucks came to drop off dirt but had to leave it at the top of the hill because of the mud. The team had to bring the dirt down in wheel barrels. It was definitely hard work.
Meanwhile the team was getting dirt and sweating their faces off, I prepared for VBS. The first day all I needed to do was get some crafts ready. The next 2 days I had more work to do like picking a Bible story and planning the skit. I also kind of got thrown into being the EMcee of sorts for VBS. It turned out to be a TON of fun. God had just given me this indescribable energy for that. I really LOVED it. It made me realize how much I enjoy getting leading others in worship and the word in a creative way. One of the church members said, "trabajar con los ninos es tuyo," which basically means "Working with kids is for you." So I guess I'm starting to think more about working with kids in ministry now.
On Sunday morning Cassidi and I went with Mark to a church in Reten, a small village outside of Bramadora, which is probably over an hour from El Carmen. Cassidi and I shared our testimony and sang some songs (they asked us to when we got there :) After the service we sang songs and played games with the kids. Reten was one of those places I could see myself for a while. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone in Reten and El Carmen. Only God knows when we'll see each other again.
Back in Quito this week at the women's home. It will be hard to say goodbye to them as well. Spending time with friends from church & mi familia ecuatoriana this week too. Going to the beach this weekend with the other interns. Back to the states next Tuesday. Crazy! I don't really want to leave, but I'm also looking forward to what God has for me at home.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
A good week with a good attitude and that it's not too painful saying goodbye
Con Amor,
Michelle
Aside from the numerous bug bites, this week in El Carmen was once again fenomenal!
Before we left we did a little bit of turism in Quito with the team as well as help at a couple different orphanages. At the home for children who's parents are in prison I got the chance to teach, Cristian, a 15 year old boy, how to play "Eres Todopoderoso." Cristian is a pretty cool dude he can sing and act really well, yet he lives with the effects of having tuberculosis as a young child. There weren't a lot of kids there because some of them were able to stay with family for the summer.
I ended up taking a little bit too much travel sickness medicine for the ride to El Carmen and was pretty much out the whole way and still super drowsy for the rest of the night. We had a really great worship service at El Carmen Alliance. I really like that church. Elmer (the pastor) was back from visiting the USA so it was great to finally meet him too.
The next day we heard that Mama Nina was healed from her leukemia after we had been praying for her for 3 weeks. Que milagro! What a miracle!
When we got to the work site it looked the same as we had left it...except some grass had already grown. They told us that it had rained so much they couldn't do any work. The whole place was pretty muddy so there was no doubt in that. Some trucks came to drop off dirt but had to leave it at the top of the hill because of the mud. The team had to bring the dirt down in wheel barrels. It was definitely hard work.
Meanwhile the team was getting dirt and sweating their faces off, I prepared for VBS. The first day all I needed to do was get some crafts ready. The next 2 days I had more work to do like picking a Bible story and planning the skit. I also kind of got thrown into being the EMcee of sorts for VBS. It turned out to be a TON of fun. God had just given me this indescribable energy for that. I really LOVED it. It made me realize how much I enjoy getting leading others in worship and the word in a creative way. One of the church members said, "trabajar con los ninos es tuyo," which basically means "Working with kids is for you." So I guess I'm starting to think more about working with kids in ministry now.
On Sunday morning Cassidi and I went with Mark to a church in Reten, a small village outside of Bramadora, which is probably over an hour from El Carmen. Cassidi and I shared our testimony and sang some songs (they asked us to when we got there :) After the service we sang songs and played games with the kids. Reten was one of those places I could see myself for a while. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone in Reten and El Carmen. Only God knows when we'll see each other again.
Back in Quito this week at the women's home. It will be hard to say goodbye to them as well. Spending time with friends from church & mi familia ecuatoriana this week too. Going to the beach this weekend with the other interns. Back to the states next Tuesday. Crazy! I don't really want to leave, but I'm also looking forward to what God has for me at home.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
A good week with a good attitude and that it's not too painful saying goodbye
Con Amor,
Michelle
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Outstanding Otavalo
At the Bus terminal on Monday we ran into Meylin her esposo Ignacio, Dorinda, Luis & Flor, and Ulisis so we rode the same bus to Otavalo. When we got there the taxi drivers were charging too much (1.50 instead of $1) to get to the hotel, so we rode in a truck probably meant for pigs, goats, or guinea pigs. It was quite the ride up that hill. What fond memories in El Carmen of attempting to make it up that mud hill in a truck with 20 people in the back. (Speaking of, we're going back to El Carmen with another team on Wednesday - yay!)
We then did introductions and ate lunch where I had the most delicious broccoli of my life. Pastor Pedro led us in a time of worship after that. Some songs were in Spanish, some in Quichua. I didn't know any so it was a shame I couldn't play guitar for him, but he did a fantastic job singing acapella. After worship together the pastors wives and missionary women left to have our own devotion time. Little Meylin is a firecracker of a preacher! I got to lead worship with the women which was pretty cool. I was super nervous at first because I still have a lot of improvement on the guitar to work on.
On Tuesday I had the privilege of leading the pastor's wives in a time of worship and devotion. I chose a a few passages and songs the night before that I thought these women could really relate to. One of the passages was the story of Martha & Mary where Mary was just sitting at Jesus' feet listening to him and Martha was so worried about getting all the household chores done. A lot of these women struggle with being a Martha. Always being so busy taking care of the family and the ministry that it's so hard to just spend time with the Lord. I can relate to them as well so I really think God spoke to them through that passage. It was interesting to hear about how many of them are struggling in very similar yet different ways. I don't think it was a coincidence that Cheryl just happened to pick the same passage to do her lesson on. I could really feel God's presence and affirmation at that time.
That night we had a talent show. The first act was the "One Semester of Spanish Love Song" by Lisa Powell and Yours Truly. It was a blast and we totally won. It was pretty funny because everyone else sang some kind of spiritual song while we made fools of ourselves along with the other missionaries who attempted to do the bunny hop in Spanish. No one could understand what they were saying but they hopped right in. It was pretty hilarious!
After that I spent a long time worshipping with the family who ran the hotel. Their son plays guitar really well. It was a really neat time to connect with them in that way.
On Wednesday we had the closing session. Meylin preached again and she was great as always. Many women shared their testimonies and struggles which was both encouraging and heartbreaking, but it was really great to just lift each other up in prayer. Just about every single person went up to say thank you and how much this retreat impacted them as we were saying our goodbyes. After group photos, exchanging of information and hugs, a few of us went back to the market. It started pouring rain so Lisa and I went to a pie shop and ate the best pie of my life. DeeeLishoos. When the rain stopped we continued shopping. Lisa & I took a bus back to Quito that evening. I'm so glad we got the opportunity to go. It's a shame it was so late in the summer because a lot of the pastors asked us to visit their church and serve in some way but it's just not possible because we're leaving so soon and have a lot going on. Maybe when I come back :)
This past weekend was the Mission's Conference at Alianza Central church. It went really well. I was really surprised because the band invited us girls to sing with them for all of the worship instead of just our special music (Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe & No Greater Love). I felt really blessed because that group has become my friends. I'll miss them a lot.
I've been going back to REMAR (the women/girl's home) this week. I think I ended up giving out almost 20 New Testaments because more and more girls kept asking me for them. Even if they're just excited to receive a gift from someone I'm encouraged that there are that many Bibles floating around in that place that someone's bound to read it!
Today (Wed Jul 21) I'm going back to El Carmen with the team from Florida. I'm excited to see everyone again as well as the progress of the church. I will be back to Quito next Monday until Friday the 30th when we will be going to the beach for a farewell end of the summer getaway. I'll be back in Quito on the 2nd and returning to Wisconsin on August 3rd...there's a countdown if you scroll all the way to the bottom of my blog. It's pretty bittersweet. I don't really want to leave Ecuador, but I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends again back home (and NWC) soon.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Our trip to El Carmen this week goes smoothly and the Spirit works powerfully!
Pray for my brother Grant. He's in Iowa this week on a mission trip (it's also his birthday tomorrow! Big 16!)
That I can "BE HERE NOW" and not get distracted from what God has for me in these next couple of weeks.
GRACIAS POR TODO TU AMOR, APOYO y ORACIONES!
(Thanks for all your love, support and prayers)
En Cristo,
Michelle
We then did introductions and ate lunch where I had the most delicious broccoli of my life. Pastor Pedro led us in a time of worship after that. Some songs were in Spanish, some in Quichua. I didn't know any so it was a shame I couldn't play guitar for him, but he did a fantastic job singing acapella. After worship together the pastors wives and missionary women left to have our own devotion time. Little Meylin is a firecracker of a preacher! I got to lead worship with the women which was pretty cool. I was super nervous at first because I still have a lot of improvement on the guitar to work on.
On Tuesday I had the privilege of leading the pastor's wives in a time of worship and devotion. I chose a a few passages and songs the night before that I thought these women could really relate to. One of the passages was the story of Martha & Mary where Mary was just sitting at Jesus' feet listening to him and Martha was so worried about getting all the household chores done. A lot of these women struggle with being a Martha. Always being so busy taking care of the family and the ministry that it's so hard to just spend time with the Lord. I can relate to them as well so I really think God spoke to them through that passage. It was interesting to hear about how many of them are struggling in very similar yet different ways. I don't think it was a coincidence that Cheryl just happened to pick the same passage to do her lesson on. I could really feel God's presence and affirmation at that time.
That night we had a talent show. The first act was the "One Semester of Spanish Love Song" by Lisa Powell and Yours Truly. It was a blast and we totally won. It was pretty funny because everyone else sang some kind of spiritual song while we made fools of ourselves along with the other missionaries who attempted to do the bunny hop in Spanish. No one could understand what they were saying but they hopped right in. It was pretty hilarious!
After that I spent a long time worshipping with the family who ran the hotel. Their son plays guitar really well. It was a really neat time to connect with them in that way.
On Wednesday we had the closing session. Meylin preached again and she was great as always. Many women shared their testimonies and struggles which was both encouraging and heartbreaking, but it was really great to just lift each other up in prayer. Just about every single person went up to say thank you and how much this retreat impacted them as we were saying our goodbyes. After group photos, exchanging of information and hugs, a few of us went back to the market. It started pouring rain so Lisa and I went to a pie shop and ate the best pie of my life. DeeeLishoos. When the rain stopped we continued shopping. Lisa & I took a bus back to Quito that evening. I'm so glad we got the opportunity to go. It's a shame it was so late in the summer because a lot of the pastors asked us to visit their church and serve in some way but it's just not possible because we're leaving so soon and have a lot going on. Maybe when I come back :)
This past weekend was the Mission's Conference at Alianza Central church. It went really well. I was really surprised because the band invited us girls to sing with them for all of the worship instead of just our special music (Hakuna Mungu Kama Wewe & No Greater Love). I felt really blessed because that group has become my friends. I'll miss them a lot.
I've been going back to REMAR (the women/girl's home) this week. I think I ended up giving out almost 20 New Testaments because more and more girls kept asking me for them. Even if they're just excited to receive a gift from someone I'm encouraged that there are that many Bibles floating around in that place that someone's bound to read it!
Today (Wed Jul 21) I'm going back to El Carmen with the team from Florida. I'm excited to see everyone again as well as the progress of the church. I will be back to Quito next Monday until Friday the 30th when we will be going to the beach for a farewell end of the summer getaway. I'll be back in Quito on the 2nd and returning to Wisconsin on August 3rd...there's a countdown if you scroll all the way to the bottom of my blog. It's pretty bittersweet. I don't really want to leave Ecuador, but I'm looking forward to seeing my family and friends again back home (and NWC) soon.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Our trip to El Carmen this week goes smoothly and the Spirit works powerfully!
Pray for my brother Grant. He's in Iowa this week on a mission trip (it's also his birthday tomorrow! Big 16!)
That I can "BE HERE NOW" and not get distracted from what God has for me in these next couple of weeks.
GRACIAS POR TODO TU AMOR, APOYO y ORACIONES!
(Thanks for all your love, support and prayers)
En Cristo,
Michelle
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Gallivanting Guayaquil
Thursday (7/1) evening we went to a Gustavo’s church and the topic was being a good steward of your money…I think. The pastor was talking really fast. I attempted to translate for Allison who was sitting next to me but I failed miserably. After church we went to Eduardo’s Mexican restaurant for supper. Got to wear a sombrero and dance a little to the mariachi music. Check out pics on facebook.
The 7 hour bus ride that evening was a killer. The road was very windy and the driver was going muy rapido. Gustavo unfortantely got sick…we all had a lack of sleep and waited at the smelly bus terminal in Guayaquil until sunrise (you know, to make sure we didn’t run into any vampires).
We got a taxi ride from there to the Mormon temple. Apparently most of the white people in Guayaquil are Mormon and the driver assumed that’s where we were going when we told him what street. The ironic thing is, two of the interns (Sara & Allison) are sisters from Utah so they know all about Mormonism. The other Sarah just walked right through the gate because she had no idea it was a Mormon temple and thought that was the park we needed to go to, jajajaja.
Sharon from Operation Mobilization came to pick us up and brought us to the OM house to chill until we had to leave for the park/orphanage. Btw, the whole reason for this trip to Guayaquil was that I could meet my sponsor child, Michelle (see above photo) and the rest of the gang came as traveling buddies and served at an orphanage during the day.
We had tuna onion soup (encebollado) for breakfast. Any other time of day would be fine, but fish for breakfast is just not my thing. After that we joined everyone at the OM office for morning prayer. Stan and Gustavo came with me to the park to meet the Compassion International representatives. While we were waiting Gus taught me a cool trick that you could talk into one corner of the Rotonda statue and the person on the other side could hear you as if they were right next to you.
Natalie and another woman (her name escapes me) brought me to "the project" school & chapel where Michelle attends. The kids sang “Quien es el Rey de la Selva” (Who’s the King of the Jungle). They also made a placemat for me with all of their handprints and had me add my handprint as well. Michelle made beautiful maracas for me with water bottles and yarn with the colors of the Ecuadorian flag.
Unfortunately the camera that I borrowed from Sarah didn't work. Thankfully the reps had a camera and said they would be able to send them in the next letter Michelle sends to me.
After I visited her school we left to see Michelle's house. She lives in a poor and seemingly rough neighborhood. Her whole house is made of cement along with all of her neighbors on her street. She & her cousin sleep w/ their moms and her grandma lives there too. Their dog, Cookie, was chained on the roof so he wouldn’t run away. Michelle showed me the rest of her neighborhood at her back door and I saw many shacks on stilts on the polluted Guayaquil river. She had the picture that I sent her from the last time I was in Ecuador on her mirror, gave me a purse she made, and I taught her family how to play UNO.
Later we went to the Mall for Oreo ice cream & KFC for lunch. We went back to the park and played with toy boats, made a friendship bracelet, bubbles, colored, and I gave her a Spanish New Testament. Before the group came to pick me up I taught Michelle the trick at the statue and she really liked it. I was so thankful that some of the girls brought cameras with them when they came to pick me up because they were able to take a picture of las Michelitas. It was hard saying goodbye because I don’t know the next time I will see her.
Before we left we spent some more time with the OM missionaries and flew back around midnight back to Quito. Though it was very late, the flight was much better than that killer bus ride.
It was such a blessing to meet little Michelle. Please pray for her as she continues to grow and experience life’s challenges. Pray that she will grow more and more in her relationship with Christ. I am so blessed to be able to sponsor such a sweet girl. If you’re reading this and are sponsoring a child through some organization like Compassion or World Vision don’t take that for granted. Take time to write letters and if you are able, see if you can visit your child. For those of you who God is tugging at your heart convicting you to sponsor a child, please follow that call, it’s totally vale la pena (worth it)! God can use you in mighty ways and show you his heart for the children of this world.
As always thanks for your prayers and encouragement. Also a BIG thank you to those of you who have sponsored me this summer. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. More on this week coming soon!
Paz,
Michelle
Saturday, June 26, 2010
What?...{Mande?}
In Ecuador, the word "mande" is commonly used as "What? I didn't hear you." It literally means "send it back." This week I have been one of the translators for our short term team and I cannot tell you how many times I've asked people to "send it back" to me because of my difficulty in understanding them.
Last week we had a short term team from Daybreak Alliance church in Harrisburg, PA. They're pretty awesome. They came so prepared for this week and are willing to let God work in and through them in new ways. Their flight got rerouted to Guayaquil so they came a day later than expected. Here's a brief breakdown of what happened in El Carmen.
Sunday: Group of 11 arrived around 9am, we packed our mochilas,3 hour car ride, got situated in our homes, ate supper, went to church. Debrief
Monday: Brandon, a 13-yr-old kid from the church helped me scope out the school for our VBS. We had lunch at his hourse with the whole team. Around 2pm we headed to school to play games with the kids, sing songs, do a Bible story skit, and a craft. I did quite a bit of translating at VBS. It was fun but challenging. Had fun swimming in a river after that. Debrief was full of worship and encouragement
Tuesday: I was supposed to go to Brandon's house to help cook lunch but the ladies only let me squeeze limes for limeade. The rest of the time Brandon & I played UNO and chatted a bit. VBS again at the school, it went well but I was pretty exhausted. Went to a different river that afternoon. Supper & Debrief
Wednesday: Mark & Cheryl finally made it to El Carmen! Team continued digging in the morning, I helped flatten out the dirt that was moved. It was fun because I got to hang out w/ Evelyn & Brandon. They thought it was hilarious when I kept saying "Matalo, Matalo!" "Kill it! Kill it!" to the big chunks of dirt as I stomped on them. That afternoon we went to a parade celebrating the founding of El Carmen. That evening we had supper & went to a church service. Loved worshiping with the church members and got to pray over a couple people who were sick.
Thursday: Last morning of moving that mountain, packed up & headed back to Quito. It was hard for everyone to say goodbye but I'm glad I got to say see you in a few weeks! We have another team coming at the end of the month & will be returning to El Carmen to help some more with building the church. The ladies gave us bracelets and Brandon gave me some of his favorite treasures. They were so sweet.
Friday: We hung out w/ the kids at the home for children whose parents are in prison & did a VBS. Marissa's thinking about going back for a couple weeks to be a "tia" "aunt" where she would be living there and help take care of some young girls. In the afternoon we went to the "Mitad del Mundo" (Middle of the World/Equator) museum. It was cool to be there again & share with some of the team about different experiences I've had here.
Saturday: Marissa & I didn't go with the group to the market because we had to go to Alianza Central church like every Saturday to practice for the mission's conference they're having on July 18th. We had a lot of fun joking around. I'm really glad to be a part of that ministry and hope I can get to know the youth better.
Sunday: Said Adios to the group as they left super early. Sarah from the group is staying as an intern as hopes to find a teaching job here. Went to the Alianza Central church w/ Marissa. I really enjoyed the service. It reminds me a lot of Amistad Cristiana (the church I attend in Iowa). I thought it was funny because the initials for both are AC. Went to lunch w/ Paul & Jemi. I was really encouraged when Jemi said Paul told her that I was really funny. For those of you who have been in an environment where you have to speak a language other than your own you probably understand. It's really hard to get your sense of humor across when you have a limited ability in that language so for him to have said that is kind of a big deal. After lunch we went to Gustavo's to watch futbol but couldn't find the right channel so we decided to go see Toy Story 3 but all of the showings were sold out. Late that night two sisters (Alison & Sara) from Utah arrived. Ali will be here for 3 weeks & Sara for one as interns.
Monday: Had meetings with Mark & Cheryl to discuss our plan for the rest of the summer...this weekend Guayaquil to visit my sponsor child, next week Fundacion Remar & Opcion de Vida, the following week family conference at AC & Otavalo pastors retreat, missions conference, week after that El Carmen again, then VBS (with 200 kids!) in the Quito area valley. I think I decided my creative project will be to make Casa Blanca more "homey" with furniture, encouraging Bible passages, inspiring poems and paintings, etc. in order to make this place more welcoming for the missionaries, and women who will move here for a place of healing and restoration. We started doing devos together as interns and it was a really good time for us to worship, read the word, and pray together. Marissa left for the jungle with Mark, Meylin, Ignacio & Mark back in Lago Agrio.
Tuesday (yesterday!): Went to Fundacion Remar. I enjoyed hanging out with the kids and teenage girls. I heard some of their stories about broken homes which was hard. Some of them also told me it was hard for them living there because a lot of the girls don't get along. Last night we went with Gustavo to a visitation because the father of one of his friends had passed away that morning. In many Latin American countries they hold funerals on the same day so that the family is not alone in their mourning.
Today (finally!): We tried going to the Bible Study at the Women's Prison but they wouldn't let us in with just our passports. Hopefully we can get visitor's cards soon. Instead we went to Opcion de Vida (the street kids ministry) and played futbol & fuseball with the few kids that were there.
Prayer requests:
Pray for Marissa & the gang in the jungle. Pray for health as well as spiritual, physical & emotional healing for the people the minister to.
This weekend all of us (Gustavo, Cassidi, Lisa, Ali, Sarah, Sara & I) are taking a bus to Guayaquil Thursday night (8 hour drive). On Friday I meet my sponsor child Michelita!!! The rest of the gang will be helping at an orphanage. We're flying back to Quito Friday night. Please pray for safety!
Please pray that I am able to connect on a deeper level with the girls at Remar and that God can use me and the other tias for to bring them hope. They need a lot of love and healing.
Please pray for the other SOSers around the world!
Praises:
More funds for interns & Casa Blanca have come in, Gus's wallet was found, having a lot of fun w/ the other interns and the chance to have devotions together each night. God is good!
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYERS and FOR KEEPING UP WITH MY BLOG! YOU ARE SOOO APPRECIATED!!!
Last week we had a short term team from Daybreak Alliance church in Harrisburg, PA. They're pretty awesome. They came so prepared for this week and are willing to let God work in and through them in new ways. Their flight got rerouted to Guayaquil so they came a day later than expected. Here's a brief breakdown of what happened in El Carmen.
Sunday: Group of 11 arrived around 9am, we packed our mochilas,3 hour car ride, got situated in our homes, ate supper, went to church. Debrief
Monday: Brandon, a 13-yr-old kid from the church helped me scope out the school for our VBS. We had lunch at his hourse with the whole team. Around 2pm we headed to school to play games with the kids, sing songs, do a Bible story skit, and a craft. I did quite a bit of translating at VBS. It was fun but challenging. Had fun swimming in a river after that. Debrief was full of worship and encouragement
Tuesday: I was supposed to go to Brandon's house to help cook lunch but the ladies only let me squeeze limes for limeade. The rest of the time Brandon & I played UNO and chatted a bit. VBS again at the school, it went well but I was pretty exhausted. Went to a different river that afternoon. Supper & Debrief
Wednesday: Mark & Cheryl finally made it to El Carmen! Team continued digging in the morning, I helped flatten out the dirt that was moved. It was fun because I got to hang out w/ Evelyn & Brandon. They thought it was hilarious when I kept saying "Matalo, Matalo!" "Kill it! Kill it!" to the big chunks of dirt as I stomped on them. That afternoon we went to a parade celebrating the founding of El Carmen. That evening we had supper & went to a church service. Loved worshiping with the church members and got to pray over a couple people who were sick.
Thursday: Last morning of moving that mountain, packed up & headed back to Quito. It was hard for everyone to say goodbye but I'm glad I got to say see you in a few weeks! We have another team coming at the end of the month & will be returning to El Carmen to help some more with building the church. The ladies gave us bracelets and Brandon gave me some of his favorite treasures. They were so sweet.
Friday: We hung out w/ the kids at the home for children whose parents are in prison & did a VBS. Marissa's thinking about going back for a couple weeks to be a "tia" "aunt" where she would be living there and help take care of some young girls. In the afternoon we went to the "Mitad del Mundo" (Middle of the World/Equator) museum. It was cool to be there again & share with some of the team about different experiences I've had here.
Saturday: Marissa & I didn't go with the group to the market because we had to go to Alianza Central church like every Saturday to practice for the mission's conference they're having on July 18th. We had a lot of fun joking around. I'm really glad to be a part of that ministry and hope I can get to know the youth better.
Sunday: Said Adios to the group as they left super early. Sarah from the group is staying as an intern as hopes to find a teaching job here. Went to the Alianza Central church w/ Marissa. I really enjoyed the service. It reminds me a lot of Amistad Cristiana (the church I attend in Iowa). I thought it was funny because the initials for both are AC. Went to lunch w/ Paul & Jemi. I was really encouraged when Jemi said Paul told her that I was really funny. For those of you who have been in an environment where you have to speak a language other than your own you probably understand. It's really hard to get your sense of humor across when you have a limited ability in that language so for him to have said that is kind of a big deal. After lunch we went to Gustavo's to watch futbol but couldn't find the right channel so we decided to go see Toy Story 3 but all of the showings were sold out. Late that night two sisters (Alison & Sara) from Utah arrived. Ali will be here for 3 weeks & Sara for one as interns.
Monday: Had meetings with Mark & Cheryl to discuss our plan for the rest of the summer...this weekend Guayaquil to visit my sponsor child, next week Fundacion Remar & Opcion de Vida, the following week family conference at AC & Otavalo pastors retreat, missions conference, week after that El Carmen again, then VBS (with 200 kids!) in the Quito area valley. I think I decided my creative project will be to make Casa Blanca more "homey" with furniture, encouraging Bible passages, inspiring poems and paintings, etc. in order to make this place more welcoming for the missionaries, and women who will move here for a place of healing and restoration. We started doing devos together as interns and it was a really good time for us to worship, read the word, and pray together. Marissa left for the jungle with Mark, Meylin, Ignacio & Mark back in Lago Agrio.
Tuesday (yesterday!): Went to Fundacion Remar. I enjoyed hanging out with the kids and teenage girls. I heard some of their stories about broken homes which was hard. Some of them also told me it was hard for them living there because a lot of the girls don't get along. Last night we went with Gustavo to a visitation because the father of one of his friends had passed away that morning. In many Latin American countries they hold funerals on the same day so that the family is not alone in their mourning.
Today (finally!): We tried going to the Bible Study at the Women's Prison but they wouldn't let us in with just our passports. Hopefully we can get visitor's cards soon. Instead we went to Opcion de Vida (the street kids ministry) and played futbol & fuseball with the few kids that were there.
Prayer requests:
Pray for Marissa & the gang in the jungle. Pray for health as well as spiritual, physical & emotional healing for the people the minister to.
This weekend all of us (Gustavo, Cassidi, Lisa, Ali, Sarah, Sara & I) are taking a bus to Guayaquil Thursday night (8 hour drive). On Friday I meet my sponsor child Michelita!!! The rest of the gang will be helping at an orphanage. We're flying back to Quito Friday night. Please pray for safety!
Please pray that I am able to connect on a deeper level with the girls at Remar and that God can use me and the other tias for to bring them hope. They need a lot of love and healing.
Please pray for the other SOSers around the world!
Praises:
More funds for interns & Casa Blanca have come in, Gus's wallet was found, having a lot of fun w/ the other interns and the chance to have devotions together each night. God is good!
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYERS and FOR KEEPING UP WITH MY BLOG! YOU ARE SOOO APPRECIATED!!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
captivating...{cautivante}
My bed and the bathroom held me captive for most of the day on Monday. I was pretty sick and could barely move. I'm not sure what I got sick from, maybe something I ate. I took some medicine in the afternoon and prayed a lot that day because there wasn't much else I could do. I was sad because I missed out on visiting a home for children whose parents are in prison and an indigenous church, but hopefully at the end of next week I will have the opportunity to do so.
On Tuesday morning we took care of some logistical stuff for the summer, and went to the market to buy groceries. I'm going to actually learn how to cook real food this summer. I made popcorn over a stove for the first time and learned how to make Guacamole and some pretty stinking good chicken fajitas. That night I got to see my host family from 2 years ago and it was pretty wonderful. My host mom said it was like I've been with them this whole time.
Wednesday morning Marissa and I went to the Bible Study at the women's prison. We helped lead worship (next time I have to bring my guitar) and went to the English Bible study. There were actually quite a few women of different nationalities there like Russian, Vietnamese, Nigerian. Some of them couldn't understand the leader speaking in English and had a hard time navigating through their Bible in their own language according to what she was talking about. Since the only other language I really know is Spanish it was hard for me to help them too. I've been thinking about a way we can help them follow more closely along. Maybe I can make a list of all the books of the Bible in English, Spanish & whatever language they speak. I'm sad that I can't visit these women more than just on Wednesdays because you have to have a special visitors card, but I'm glad I have the opportunity to go.
That afternoon took quite an interesting turn of events.
As I was sitting in the Cadena's living room watching futbol and laughing at our little mishap of being locked outside la casa in the rain when we got back from the prison, I spied a book I was recently encouraged to read - Cautivante (Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge "revealing the mystery of a woman's soul). At first intimidated by its 236 pages all in Spanish I browsed through it wondering if it was vale la pena (worth it). I thought I'd give it a try and asked Gustavo if I could borrow it. "No problema," he says, "pero leelo pronto porque es de mi hermana," (read it quick because it's my sisters). I laugh. "Gustavo...it's in Spanish...but I'll try!"
So, on the way to "Opcion de Vida" a ministry that reaches out to kids living on the streets, I start reading this book and am captivated, pardon the pun. Never have I been able to read a book in Spanish and understand it like this before...maybe that Spanish lit class did help afterall!
We arrived at OdV and there weren't any kids there, rather a bunch of teens hanging out. They seemed pretty cool and friendly, so I wanted to get to know them some more, but we were asked to pick up trash and rake leaves. Oh joy...oh yeah attitude check. I need to choose joy. Well, as I was raking I was just flooded with all of these emotions, ideas, and convictions that God is calling me to work with girls and women who just need to be loved, and know that they are precious daughters of the Rey de reyes {King of kings}!!!
I started to tear up a bit, not because I was sad, rather, looking back and seeing where and how God has brought me to this realization. As a young girl I had a lot of insecurities about my looks and my friends. As I grew older the insecurities developed into somewhat of a depression. I allowed myself to become emotionally attached to certain people I shouldn't have and was deeply hurt in the process. My youth leaders, pastors, and parents encouraged me to grow in my faith in a lot of different ways. God used me despite my depression, infact he miraculously helped me overcome it. God used me (and is using me) despite a severe back injury to learn more about the type of physical, emotional & spiritual healing that only he can bring and share that with others. As I began college I started to learn more about what it means to be a genuine woman of faith. I began to understand more fully that my King and my Lord is just enthralled and enamored by my beauty and the essence of who I am, because he made me and is molding me to become more like him everyday.
How Satan tries to attack me on a daily basis telling me of all the ways I am lacking is just unbelievable. In some ways those insecurities haven't fully vanished, but because I have grown more intimately to the one who can vanquish those insecurities and conquer the cause of them, I don't have sit in that darkness anymore. Christ has set me free!
Now that is my prayer and the cry of my heart for every woman (& man too) in the world. With all of my Spanish classes and trips to Latin American countries I have grown to love the culture, language and people, but I have also learned and am learning much about the challenges and injustices many people (in particular women) face here.
I have had the opportunity to learn about "trata de blancas" (sex trafficking) and how many women and even young girls are tricked or even kidnapped into becoming sex slaves. I'm just beginning to learn more about how many women are taken advantage of in their vulnerable state of poverty and desperation and persuaded to become a part of the drug trafficking industry. Something else also new for me concerns the problem of teen pregnancy and young mothers being left out on the street abandoned by both their family and boyfriends. Some of you may be thinking, "Well, that's their own fault, they chose that life for themselves." Those of you who are thinking that, I beg you to really think more about these issues. Many women did not choose that life, rather they were forced into it. Some, however, did have more of a choice in the matter, but that doesn't mean we should let them fend for themselves. As Christ-followers we are called to have eyes and a heart of compassion to come alongside those who are suffering, show them the love and gospel of Christ and help them out of their circumstance so that they may live a more abundant life.
When Gustavo came to pick us up, I shared with him this revelation and he told me more about how new ministries like transitional housing were being developed but it might be hard for me to get started with that this summer. He did, however, help me get in contact with some people and ministries that focus more on reaching out to young girls, teens, and women so I'm hoping to explore those more.
This morning Marissa and I went back to COVi (Centro Opcion de Vida) and hung out with some kids before they left for school at 12:30. We colored with them, played games, chatted, and served lunch. It's a pretty sweet ministry that is open almost all the time as a refuge for kids to go to hang out, get help with homework, food, and a place to shower if needed.
As Marissa and I just got off the bus stop some guys in a vehicle tried getting our attention by hissing at us, whistling, honking their horn. We just kept walking, trying to ignore it like we do every other time but these guys were persistant. Then one of them says, "Hey we're going to Casablanca, want a ride?"...We turned and it was two of our staff playing a joke on us...jerks...but I guess it was pretty funny.
When we got back here we met with Gustavo about the short term team coming on Saturday. They'll be building a church in El Carmen next week. It's at the same place where we cleared land with machetes during the amazing race. We also did some cleaning, and unpacking because we just moved back into Casablanca and we're all back together again.
Tomorrow we hope to visit a ministry for teen girls and celebrate Cassidi's birthday (which was on Wed) later in the day.
PLEASE PRAY:
That God opens doors and gives me direction on which ministries to focus on this summer
That God would prepare our hearts to lead and serve for the ministry he has for us in El Carmen in the week ahead.
That Marissa, Cassidi, Lisa & I would be united in love and welcome the new interns coming soon
That our leaders Gustavo, Mark & Cheryl would find peace and rest amidst a lot of stress
That I would find my camera battery charger so I can take pictures again or find one at a reasonable price I can buy
On Tuesday morning we took care of some logistical stuff for the summer, and went to the market to buy groceries. I'm going to actually learn how to cook real food this summer. I made popcorn over a stove for the first time and learned how to make Guacamole and some pretty stinking good chicken fajitas. That night I got to see my host family from 2 years ago and it was pretty wonderful. My host mom said it was like I've been with them this whole time.
Wednesday morning Marissa and I went to the Bible Study at the women's prison. We helped lead worship (next time I have to bring my guitar) and went to the English Bible study. There were actually quite a few women of different nationalities there like Russian, Vietnamese, Nigerian. Some of them couldn't understand the leader speaking in English and had a hard time navigating through their Bible in their own language according to what she was talking about. Since the only other language I really know is Spanish it was hard for me to help them too. I've been thinking about a way we can help them follow more closely along. Maybe I can make a list of all the books of the Bible in English, Spanish & whatever language they speak. I'm sad that I can't visit these women more than just on Wednesdays because you have to have a special visitors card, but I'm glad I have the opportunity to go.
That afternoon took quite an interesting turn of events.
As I was sitting in the Cadena's living room watching futbol and laughing at our little mishap of being locked outside la casa in the rain when we got back from the prison, I spied a book I was recently encouraged to read - Cautivante (Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge "revealing the mystery of a woman's soul). At first intimidated by its 236 pages all in Spanish I browsed through it wondering if it was vale la pena (worth it). I thought I'd give it a try and asked Gustavo if I could borrow it. "No problema," he says, "pero leelo pronto porque es de mi hermana," (read it quick because it's my sisters). I laugh. "Gustavo...it's in Spanish...but I'll try!"
So, on the way to "Opcion de Vida" a ministry that reaches out to kids living on the streets, I start reading this book and am captivated, pardon the pun. Never have I been able to read a book in Spanish and understand it like this before...maybe that Spanish lit class did help afterall!
We arrived at OdV and there weren't any kids there, rather a bunch of teens hanging out. They seemed pretty cool and friendly, so I wanted to get to know them some more, but we were asked to pick up trash and rake leaves. Oh joy...oh yeah attitude check. I need to choose joy. Well, as I was raking I was just flooded with all of these emotions, ideas, and convictions that God is calling me to work with girls and women who just need to be loved, and know that they are precious daughters of the Rey de reyes {King of kings}!!!
I started to tear up a bit, not because I was sad, rather, looking back and seeing where and how God has brought me to this realization. As a young girl I had a lot of insecurities about my looks and my friends. As I grew older the insecurities developed into somewhat of a depression. I allowed myself to become emotionally attached to certain people I shouldn't have and was deeply hurt in the process. My youth leaders, pastors, and parents encouraged me to grow in my faith in a lot of different ways. God used me despite my depression, infact he miraculously helped me overcome it. God used me (and is using me) despite a severe back injury to learn more about the type of physical, emotional & spiritual healing that only he can bring and share that with others. As I began college I started to learn more about what it means to be a genuine woman of faith. I began to understand more fully that my King and my Lord is just enthralled and enamored by my beauty and the essence of who I am, because he made me and is molding me to become more like him everyday.
How Satan tries to attack me on a daily basis telling me of all the ways I am lacking is just unbelievable. In some ways those insecurities haven't fully vanished, but because I have grown more intimately to the one who can vanquish those insecurities and conquer the cause of them, I don't have sit in that darkness anymore. Christ has set me free!
Now that is my prayer and the cry of my heart for every woman (& man too) in the world. With all of my Spanish classes and trips to Latin American countries I have grown to love the culture, language and people, but I have also learned and am learning much about the challenges and injustices many people (in particular women) face here.
I have had the opportunity to learn about "trata de blancas" (sex trafficking) and how many women and even young girls are tricked or even kidnapped into becoming sex slaves. I'm just beginning to learn more about how many women are taken advantage of in their vulnerable state of poverty and desperation and persuaded to become a part of the drug trafficking industry. Something else also new for me concerns the problem of teen pregnancy and young mothers being left out on the street abandoned by both their family and boyfriends. Some of you may be thinking, "Well, that's their own fault, they chose that life for themselves." Those of you who are thinking that, I beg you to really think more about these issues. Many women did not choose that life, rather they were forced into it. Some, however, did have more of a choice in the matter, but that doesn't mean we should let them fend for themselves. As Christ-followers we are called to have eyes and a heart of compassion to come alongside those who are suffering, show them the love and gospel of Christ and help them out of their circumstance so that they may live a more abundant life.
When Gustavo came to pick us up, I shared with him this revelation and he told me more about how new ministries like transitional housing were being developed but it might be hard for me to get started with that this summer. He did, however, help me get in contact with some people and ministries that focus more on reaching out to young girls, teens, and women so I'm hoping to explore those more.
This morning Marissa and I went back to COVi (Centro Opcion de Vida) and hung out with some kids before they left for school at 12:30. We colored with them, played games, chatted, and served lunch. It's a pretty sweet ministry that is open almost all the time as a refuge for kids to go to hang out, get help with homework, food, and a place to shower if needed.
As Marissa and I just got off the bus stop some guys in a vehicle tried getting our attention by hissing at us, whistling, honking their horn. We just kept walking, trying to ignore it like we do every other time but these guys were persistant. Then one of them says, "Hey we're going to Casablanca, want a ride?"...We turned and it was two of our staff playing a joke on us...jerks...but I guess it was pretty funny.
When we got back here we met with Gustavo about the short term team coming on Saturday. They'll be building a church in El Carmen next week. It's at the same place where we cleared land with machetes during the amazing race. We also did some cleaning, and unpacking because we just moved back into Casablanca and we're all back together again.
Tomorrow we hope to visit a ministry for teen girls and celebrate Cassidi's birthday (which was on Wed) later in the day.
PLEASE PRAY:
That God opens doors and gives me direction on which ministries to focus on this summer
That God would prepare our hearts to lead and serve for the ministry he has for us in El Carmen in the week ahead.
That Marissa, Cassidi, Lisa & I would be united in love and welcome the new interns coming soon
That our leaders Gustavo, Mark & Cheryl would find peace and rest amidst a lot of stress
That I would find my camera battery charger so I can take pictures again or find one at a reasonable price I can buy
Friday, June 11, 2010
God is good!...{Dios es bueno!}
I found out about 2 days before I left for the jungle that I would be going. Good to know. I hadn't taken malaria pills and I asked several of my supervisors if that was okay and they said that I would be fine because this area wasn't affected. There are also a lot of military bases there because Lago Agrio is so close to the Colombian border, where drug trafficking and violence are a big problem, but we didn't feel unsafe at all.
When we got to the church there was about 20 people waiting for us with beautiful fish heads for supper. We didn't know how the meal was prepared and if it was safe to eat, but we ate it anyway so we thanked God for our food and prayed that he would protect us from it. They gave us the best of what they had and it would have been rude to reject what was placed before us.
That evening they invited us to join their worship service and I was asked to lead some songs with my guitar and we all shared our testimonies. Afterwards we visited a man and his family whose son was killed about a week ago. We sang some songs, pastors preached in Spanish and Quichua and one of the brothers of the guy who was killed accepted Christ. God is good! All the time!
The next day we left early because we had to take a canoe across a river and hike through some more dense parts of the jungle, across streams, steep, muddy banks to get to a little school in a tiny village just to bring them a marker board. They welcomed us with open arms along with a few gulps of chicha, a fermented drink that is mixed by chewing yuca, and other plants and spitting them out - buen provecho! It took about all I had in me & a prayer to not gag profusely. The next course was even better. Yuca, nuts, and worms. So now if my dad needs a little help speeding up the process with those worm castings, I've got the skills. But really in all seriousness, it was disgusting. These kind of worms look kind of like shrimp when they are alive, but taste nothing like it. Thankfully the church members there said we didn't have to eat all of it if we didn't like it, but at least try it and pass it on.
Before we left we were each given a necklace hand made by the children with nuts from the jungle which was really touching. That night we crossed another large river but in a barge this time to a different community. There we played with some kids, ate a delicious chicken & rice dinner, played the movie Fireproof with a projector and a bedsheet in a cement block church, and had a worship service. We led some songs again and shared testimonies, sang songs in quichua & spanish, and pastors preached on the importance of godly marriages and relationships. There are quite a few couples in that area living together unmarried. It was an exhausting, yet rewarding couple of days.
Last night I went to a prayer service at a pretty charismatic church. A lot of dancing, singing, and some praying in tongues. It was a neat experience and I could definitely tell God was working in the people there.
Tomorrow I'll be going to an Alliance church in Centro Historico to teach some youth some worship songs of different languages I learned at Urbana for their mission conference in July. I'm looking forward to seeing how this ministry opportunity will unfold.
Todo el tiempo, Dios es bueno!
When we got to the church there was about 20 people waiting for us with beautiful fish heads for supper. We didn't know how the meal was prepared and if it was safe to eat, but we ate it anyway so we thanked God for our food and prayed that he would protect us from it. They gave us the best of what they had and it would have been rude to reject what was placed before us.
That evening they invited us to join their worship service and I was asked to lead some songs with my guitar and we all shared our testimonies. Afterwards we visited a man and his family whose son was killed about a week ago. We sang some songs, pastors preached in Spanish and Quichua and one of the brothers of the guy who was killed accepted Christ. God is good! All the time!
The next day we left early because we had to take a canoe across a river and hike through some more dense parts of the jungle, across streams, steep, muddy banks to get to a little school in a tiny village just to bring them a marker board. They welcomed us with open arms along with a few gulps of chicha, a fermented drink that is mixed by chewing yuca, and other plants and spitting them out - buen provecho! It took about all I had in me & a prayer to not gag profusely. The next course was even better. Yuca, nuts, and worms. So now if my dad needs a little help speeding up the process with those worm castings, I've got the skills. But really in all seriousness, it was disgusting. These kind of worms look kind of like shrimp when they are alive, but taste nothing like it. Thankfully the church members there said we didn't have to eat all of it if we didn't like it, but at least try it and pass it on.
Before we left we were each given a necklace hand made by the children with nuts from the jungle which was really touching. That night we crossed another large river but in a barge this time to a different community. There we played with some kids, ate a delicious chicken & rice dinner, played the movie Fireproof with a projector and a bedsheet in a cement block church, and had a worship service. We led some songs again and shared testimonies, sang songs in quichua & spanish, and pastors preached on the importance of godly marriages and relationships. There are quite a few couples in that area living together unmarried. It was an exhausting, yet rewarding couple of days.
Last night I went to a prayer service at a pretty charismatic church. A lot of dancing, singing, and some praying in tongues. It was a neat experience and I could definitely tell God was working in the people there.
Tomorrow I'll be going to an Alliance church in Centro Historico to teach some youth some worship songs of different languages I learned at Urbana for their mission conference in July. I'm looking forward to seeing how this ministry opportunity will unfold.
Todo el tiempo, Dios es bueno!
Monday, June 7, 2010
into the jungle
I finished the Amazing Ecuadorian Race on Friday and was just plain exhausted. It was a good experience and hard to sum up in a blog post but I was stretched and challenged beyond what I thought was possible.
Here are some highlights of the Amazing Race:
Day 1:
Mindo Zipline tour - I decided not to do it because I wasn't sure how safe it would be. (For those of you that don't know, I broke my back almost 7 years ago from a zip line.) It turns out we went to the wrong tour, but the one we were supposed to go to was much safer. Maybe I'll try it before the end of the summer.
At the end of the day we had to score a soccer goal against some church members in Bramadora. I really stink at futbol but after a looong time I scored that stinking goal :) Cory, one of my team members, had to catch a chicken after that.
Day 2:
Used a machete to clear land for building a church in El Carmen. Phew, that's some hard work! Then we ate lunch with a family there, que rico! (tasty)
Day 3:
Hiked up this road that took us an hour to get to the church in the mountains. A couple people had some health issues that they couldn't make it up to the 11,000ft altitude. I thought I wasn't going to make it either, but God helped me keep going! We ended up helping gather potatoes. In that area potatoes are the most prominent agriculture product. We had to ride a donkey back to the church. I fell off because the donkey got scared from some dogs fighting and started running up the hill. It was only a 3.5 foot donkey so I was fine.
Day 4:
Back to Quito. We took a bunch of buses and trollies around the city from churches to parks, to schools. We got a little lost, but found our way with a taxi driver, people on the street giving us directions, etc. We had to make our way to the CMA guest house and count every single step. 108. Then we had to get back home to Casa Blanca. Home sweet home. I went from 2nd to 5th place that day. Bummer. I learned a lot more about getting around Ecuador at least.
On Saturday we went to Papallacta to relax after a crazy week. Papallacta is famous for it's hot springs. Soooo goood!
Yesterday we had our own church service. It was pretty cool. We sang some songs and shared Scripture. We had to move out of Casa Blanca for the week because a short term team was moving in. Last night 9 Inca Link interns left for Peru. They have a 28ish hour bus ride. Pray for them! So right now the 4 of us Ecuadorian interns are at Mark & Cheryl's (Inca Link leaders). Today we'll be talking about our strenghts, spiritual gifts, and testimonies.
Tomorrow Lisa is going to live with an Otavaleno family for 10 days. I'm excited for her because the indigenous culture is so fascinating and she'll get to learn more Spanish.
Also tomorrow Cassidy, Marisa and I will be going with Mark to some jungle communities near Lago Agrio until Thursday. We'll be sharing our testimonies and get to know the people there. They want me to play some guitar, which is exciting, but I'm kinda nervous because I've only ever played for my friends.
Please continue to pray for us as we follow God into the jungle!
Here are some highlights of the Amazing Race:
Day 1:
Mindo Zipline tour - I decided not to do it because I wasn't sure how safe it would be. (For those of you that don't know, I broke my back almost 7 years ago from a zip line.) It turns out we went to the wrong tour, but the one we were supposed to go to was much safer. Maybe I'll try it before the end of the summer.
At the end of the day we had to score a soccer goal against some church members in Bramadora. I really stink at futbol but after a looong time I scored that stinking goal :) Cory, one of my team members, had to catch a chicken after that.
Day 2:
Used a machete to clear land for building a church in El Carmen. Phew, that's some hard work! Then we ate lunch with a family there, que rico! (tasty)
Day 3:
Hiked up this road that took us an hour to get to the church in the mountains. A couple people had some health issues that they couldn't make it up to the 11,000ft altitude. I thought I wasn't going to make it either, but God helped me keep going! We ended up helping gather potatoes. In that area potatoes are the most prominent agriculture product. We had to ride a donkey back to the church. I fell off because the donkey got scared from some dogs fighting and started running up the hill. It was only a 3.5 foot donkey so I was fine.
Day 4:
Back to Quito. We took a bunch of buses and trollies around the city from churches to parks, to schools. We got a little lost, but found our way with a taxi driver, people on the street giving us directions, etc. We had to make our way to the CMA guest house and count every single step. 108. Then we had to get back home to Casa Blanca. Home sweet home. I went from 2nd to 5th place that day. Bummer. I learned a lot more about getting around Ecuador at least.
On Saturday we went to Papallacta to relax after a crazy week. Papallacta is famous for it's hot springs. Soooo goood!
Yesterday we had our own church service. It was pretty cool. We sang some songs and shared Scripture. We had to move out of Casa Blanca for the week because a short term team was moving in. Last night 9 Inca Link interns left for Peru. They have a 28ish hour bus ride. Pray for them! So right now the 4 of us Ecuadorian interns are at Mark & Cheryl's (Inca Link leaders). Today we'll be talking about our strenghts, spiritual gifts, and testimonies.
Tomorrow Lisa is going to live with an Otavaleno family for 10 days. I'm excited for her because the indigenous culture is so fascinating and she'll get to learn more Spanish.
Also tomorrow Cassidy, Marisa and I will be going with Mark to some jungle communities near Lago Agrio until Thursday. We'll be sharing our testimonies and get to know the people there. They want me to play some guitar, which is exciting, but I'm kinda nervous because I've only ever played for my friends.
Please continue to pray for us as we follow God into the jungle!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
humility...{humilidad}
Humility is my word of the day.
Today we did team building activities and a high ropes course at a camp called El Refugio [The Refuge] in Quito. I had to explain to the team that I have some back problems so there were some activities I couldn't do. I really don't like having to do that, but I had to let go of my pride and be honest about my weaknesses. The team was super encouraging throughout the whole day. I felt really accomplished because I completed a high ropes activity that I couldn't on a trip to Colorado when I was 14, but there was another one that I lost my balance and needed a couple of the ropes course crews help me up. The whole experience was super humbling, but I knew God was giving me peace through it all and encouragement through the crew and my team.
Tonight we had dinner with different missionaries and pastors connected to Inca Link. It was great meeting them and hearing some of their stories.
Today was a good day, but I'm exhausted. I'm thankful that tomorrow we have a day of rest before we start the "Amazing Race" around Ecuador on Tuesday. (which I am super pumped for btw!!!)
Thanks for keeping up with my blog and for your prayers.
Dios les bendiga! God bless you all!
Today we did team building activities and a high ropes course at a camp called El Refugio [The Refuge] in Quito. I had to explain to the team that I have some back problems so there were some activities I couldn't do. I really don't like having to do that, but I had to let go of my pride and be honest about my weaknesses. The team was super encouraging throughout the whole day. I felt really accomplished because I completed a high ropes activity that I couldn't on a trip to Colorado when I was 14, but there was another one that I lost my balance and needed a couple of the ropes course crews help me up. The whole experience was super humbling, but I knew God was giving me peace through it all and encouragement through the crew and my team.
Tonight we had dinner with different missionaries and pastors connected to Inca Link. It was great meeting them and hearing some of their stories.
Today was a good day, but I'm exhausted. I'm thankful that tomorrow we have a day of rest before we start the "Amazing Race" around Ecuador on Tuesday. (which I am super pumped for btw!!!)
Thanks for keeping up with my blog and for your prayers.
Dios les bendiga! God bless you all!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Estoy en Ecuador!!! ....I'm in Ecuador!!!
So...after a PHENOMENAL spiritually recharging week of training in Ensenada and Los Angeles, a 14ish hour delay in Miami due to volcanic (ash) activity in Ecuador, and lack of sleep, I finally made it to Quito and boy is it great to be back!!! Though, I'm pretty exhausted I'm just overjoyed to be here!!!
Please pray:
that the rest of the team gets here safely
for health in adjusting to altitude and new foods
that we would learn to love & trust God more every day
P.S. Our team is getting split up to do an Amazing Race for days around Ecuador starting Tuesday. I'm pumped!
Please pray:
that the rest of the team gets here safely
for health in adjusting to altitude and new foods
that we would learn to love & trust God more every day
P.S. Our team is getting split up to do an Amazing Race for days around Ecuador starting Tuesday. I'm pumped!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
7 hours: Mission Impossible? I think not.
Well, one of my best friends just got married. Weird. Congratulations Paul & Sarah. I'm happy for you both! Hopefully I'll get some pictures up on here from my past two weeks at home farely soon.
I should really be sleeping right now because in 7 hours (at 3am) I will be leaving my house to catch a flight to San Diego at 6 in the morning...but I still have a few things to take care of. I am a little stressed and somewhat sad knowing what and whom I'm leaving behind this summer, but I am SO looking forward to what God is going to show me.
When I get to San Diego, I'll meet the rest of the Inca Link intern team and we'll drive to Ensenada, Mexico for training until te 27th. Then we will drive to L.A., finish training there and fly to Quito, Ecuador on the 28th. I'll probably be in Quito working with women's and youth ministries there for most of the summer. I'm also currently corresponding with Compassion International to arrange visiting my sponsor child (Michele :)who lives in Guayaquil (the largest city in Ecuador) in the end of June.
Please pray:
For the funds to come in to reach my SOS goal (I'm still about $1000 short)
For God's protection with travels
That God would prepare my heart for what he has for me this summer
That I would put my trust in the Lord and not myself
Thank you all for taking the time to read these updates and pray for me this summer. Please let me know how you're doing and how I can pray for you!
Con Amor,
Michelle
I should really be sleeping right now because in 7 hours (at 3am) I will be leaving my house to catch a flight to San Diego at 6 in the morning...but I still have a few things to take care of. I am a little stressed and somewhat sad knowing what and whom I'm leaving behind this summer, but I am SO looking forward to what God is going to show me.
When I get to San Diego, I'll meet the rest of the Inca Link intern team and we'll drive to Ensenada, Mexico for training until te 27th. Then we will drive to L.A., finish training there and fly to Quito, Ecuador on the 28th. I'll probably be in Quito working with women's and youth ministries there for most of the summer. I'm also currently corresponding with Compassion International to arrange visiting my sponsor child (Michele :)who lives in Guayaquil (the largest city in Ecuador) in the end of June.
Please pray:
For the funds to come in to reach my SOS goal (I'm still about $1000 short)
For God's protection with travels
That God would prepare my heart for what he has for me this summer
That I would put my trust in the Lord and not myself
Thank you all for taking the time to read these updates and pray for me this summer. Please let me know how you're doing and how I can pray for you!
Con Amor,
Michelle
Friday, May 14, 2010
9 days
It's crazy to think that...
in 9 days I'll be flying to San Diego, CA.
in 9 days I'll start training in Ensenada, Mexico.
in 9 days I'll meet the team I'll be working with for the whole summer.
in 9 days I'll think how crazy it is that my best friend is leaving for her honeymoon
in 9 days I'll see mi novio for the last time until the end of August.
in 9 days I'll leave home behind once again.
in 9 days I'll begin the journey of one of the most challenging yet rewarding
experiences in my life.
in 9 days I'll be flying to San Diego, CA.
in 9 days I'll start training in Ensenada, Mexico.
in 9 days I'll meet the team I'll be working with for the whole summer.
in 9 days I'll think how crazy it is that my best friend is leaving for her honeymoon
in 9 days I'll see mi novio for the last time until the end of August.
in 9 days I'll leave home behind once again.
in 9 days I'll begin the journey of one of the most challenging yet rewarding
experiences in my life.
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