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!

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!

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

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.