Went back to Ecuador this year which I was not planning on originally. I knew I wanted to go back sometime but didn't think so soon, but I know it was meant for me to go. Earlier in the year I remember sitting in church asking God, what else should I do in my life, I'm up for whatever. Total surrender to what else he may have in store for me. Weeks past and my old roomie from the last time I went to Ecuador text me that someone had dropped out and asked if I wanted to go. She had asked me initially but I had told her no because I had alot going on this year with my sis wedding etc...so hadn't planned on going. I felt like her 2nd attempt was meant to be, so how could I pass it up. I just said I was up for whatever, so I went. I went to serve, see my sponsored child, but also selfishly for myself, hoping for a change in my heart...to be more softened I guess you could say. As we all do, I have anger, hate, frustration inside probably more this past year than ever, so I needed to go!
view from my room
I never thought of going on a mission trip cause thought they may be too intense, rough and I had to be a strong prayer person that could preach and pray over people. I didn't know these kind of mission trips exist where you just love on people. They want you to be comfortable so you can serve. We all have different talents and being open to just go and serve people, be helpful where needed, visiting and sharing with people and loving on them is also doing God's work, showing God's Love. We stayed at the same place on my first trip on the beach in Manta.
we took a bus in the mornings into the province and then regrouped and had dinner together near or at the hotel
we got to help get the kids ready for lunch and serve them their food
the Compassion program which we sponsor the kids through provides meals, life and bible teachings, a safe place for them to come and play and most importantly gives them the opportunity to know and feel God's love, that someone believes in them, the end goal being that they live a fulfilled life, work hard and grow into responsible Christian adults, releasing their mindset from poverty.
Kevin and his sister Monica
big part of the trip was to built the kids a new playground
I was on the painting crew. I actually envisioned one of those sets you buy at home depot, didn't realize it was a playground from scratch :) Luckily we had a handful of handy guys on this trip to do a lot of the digging and cementing
took 3 days to make...kids excited to play with it before completely done
swing set and see saw also part of it
we also did some VBS and had different play stations for the kids
jump rope
praise & worship song and dance
more painting...since our last visit they have expanded and added additional classrooms
we also visited a second location our church partnered with to build in Ecuador...more green in this area
so sweet, the teachers sent us home with these banners
we did the same VBS activities we did at Las Lagunas plus some water games
on our last day, we got to visit the Compassion Office...below is the letter room
where tons of letters are translated and sorted each day
Compassion International is such a great organization, so glad I went back to learn even more about how great their mission is. You know you go and it's hard to understand everything and you wish you could save all the children, but you can do for one what you wish you could do for all. It's not a relief program but a developing program so goes far beyond just giving money, it's about the relationship you build with these kids empowering them and giving them hope that they can live a better life.
we also got to go to the Equator Visitor Center...one day I hope to go farther in
Now let's talk about food :)
my daily breakfast that I was looking forward to since I left the first time...warmest, yummiest chocolate croissants and ceviche...hotel had ceviche bar :)
lunches were home cooked at the province...seriously the best rice and beans I ever had...they look normal, but so much flavor in those things
rice with chicken with the veggies and plantains...so good!
and the white pineapple there is delicious!
dinners were at the hotel or at a nearby american bistro kind of place. Coffee at nights was another treat I was looking forward to...took a few tries to remember which one I liked so much last time, but we finally figured it out. It was coffee with condensed milk
my coffee partner Becky...she also speaks Spanish so she came in handy as one of our translators with the kids in addition to the ones we already had, extra Spanish speaking people was very helpful :)
our last meal before heading home was at a restaurant in Quito...started off with huge corn and chicharon like meat
then a bowl of meat, potatoes, plantains and empanadas...popcorn is a popular topping there
Another great part of the trip was meeting new people...met some new friends...we plan to stay in touch and have sushi and hh dates!
my roomie, Elza, also Spanish speaking that helped me out alot :)
Amy, Tanya and I went for a walk on the beach one morning and made sure to take home some treasures
The last day with the kids is a fun day at a camp recreation site where we swam and played with the kids...bubbles are always a hit!
It is such a blessing to be able to actually see in person the child that you sponsor and while it can be a bit awkward as they are shy and only see you once or twice in a lifetime, you can see it in their eyes how grateful they are to have a "madre" Godmother out there in the world. Jay is hoping that him and Jayme can go with me next time :)
