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