After work yesterday
afternoon we came back to the Seminary to rest and invest some time in soccer.
Due to rain, we practiced indoors prior to the annual USA vs. Ecuador game slated for Wednesday night. Through a few slippages and scares we made it through practice. Then
we had dinner and devotion with Poncho and Pitty. Dinner went well, and I
shared a devotion on Jeremiah 29:11, a verse written on my heart for this trip.
Although difficult and at times stressful, we’re all making it through with
good intentions and full hearts for the classes we teach.
After devotion we were
all sent out to create our own worship songs, some individual and some as
groups, as I’ve written mine alongside Zach, Cole, Bryan, and Justus in our
cabin. We then planned for teaching and went to bed, hoping to rest as much as
possible.
We awoke to a breakfast
consisting of various fruits with the main excitement being bowls of chocolate
sauce for us to dip breakfast in. Soon, we packed up and headed to Amor y Esperanza
in Carmen Bajo, where we’ve been teaching during the mornings. My class of 5th
graders were very, very excited to see the gifts and supplies we had brought
them. We’ve enjoyed making their math and science curriculum enticing and full
of laughs through games and prizes.
I’m currently writing
on the bus as the others have gone ahead to begin construction at our worksite. Work has been
a learning experience, and we’ve made friends with our fellow workers. We have even
bonded with each other through the processes and tasks we face. It may be strenuous,
but it’s how we are called to serve.
Other than my feeling a little lethargic for the first few days, we’re all staying strong and coming closer together as
Poncho and Pitty, Mr David, Mrs Lindsay, and Ms Christ, lead the way in
strength and perseverance. They are setting a striking example of how we can lead not
just here but at home as well.
We’re just a few short
days from coming back to whence we came, and we are all excited to act in the
ways of love and perseverance we’ve learned through serving here in Quito,
Ecuador. Quito, the kids, and amazing leaders here will be missed, but the
strong hearts, bonds, and examples we have learned from and formed will not be
shaken.
From this trip, my main
hope is to serve better in Atlanta and remind ourselves of the many blessings and
freedoms we have in the United States that we often take for granted. We must
live with love in our hearts, live for the betterment of others (and self), and
live in gratitude. Ecuador may be unfamiliar and strange (to me at least), yet
God’s love stays faithful and powerful as ever--wherever we may be.
Now I will head to work and
anticipate our traditional “soccer game of the nations.” At 5pm central time, remember to
chant USA. We will check in soon, hopefully with a title to our name and even
more strength in our hearts.
Finally, we are so
very, very thankful for Poncho and Pitty’s blessings and help as we navigate
physically and mentally through Ecuador, as well as our strong Whitefield
leaders. Thank you all.
– Christian
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