EMT Day 7: Saying goodbye

EMT Friday

Friday was a very full day. It included our last lessons, emotional goodbyes from the students, a party for the Amor Y Esperanza staff, our last construction day, our own World Cup soccer game (Ecuador v. USA), and finally a fancy dinner at Pim’s. By the end of the day, we were drained emotionally and physically, but in the most fulfilling way possible. As we watched many students cry heavily when it was time to say goodbye, it was clear that God had established deep bonds between the students and teachers. God had chosen to use us in their lives to touch them in some way. We hugged them tight, shed a few tears of our own, but ultimately we had to trust God that He will take care of those kids when we leave. We had to trust God that He has them in His hands and that the best way to support them from afar is through prayer. After recovering emotionally, we pulled ourselves together to set up and host a party for the teachers of Amor Y Esperanza. We sang worship songs with them, handed out gifts, and many talented students preformed musically for the teacher’s entertainment. This was a really sweet time. At the end of the party, each EMT member paired up with a teacher and prayed over them. This moment was a tiny glimpse of Heaven—two people of very different ages, different social status, different ethnicities, different languages, and wildly different lives, holding hands and talking to God. It didn’t matter that some of us prayed in English (which most teachers couldn’t understand) because by the look on their faces, they could feel God’s presence nevertheless. It seemed the idea of someone genuinely praying over them (especially some random teenager from the U.S.) was a glorious novelty. They felt loved and seen and cherished in a way that maybe they haven’t in a long time. I believe the Holy Spirit touched many of their hearts through our prayers and it was amazing to be a part of. 

            We finished off construction strong and played our ending song (one we played at the end of every work day), The Workers are Going Home (by Weezer). Although we were physically exhausted at the end, we were spiritually renewed as we saw tangibly how God had used us as His servants to help with the building. We could see the many walls we were able to finish and the many blocks that each one of us touched. Serving God as a true team (doing something that none of us are necessarily skilled at or used to, like mixing cement and building walls) was a highlight of the week for many. God graciously supplied the energy and strength we needed to accomplish a lot in the advancement of the building. Thanks be to God. 

            As we pulled into the Seminary, the boys (and one or two brave girls) quickly changed and prepared for the infamous World Cup game. A group of Ecuadorian students from the school, along with Danny and Mateo, played against all the Americans. It was a tough battle, but ultimately the Ecuadorians pulled through with a 1-0 win. (although there may or may not have been some unfair calls… at least that’s what I have heard J… there was no dearth of competitive spirit in this game!) Although the boys were disappointed in their loss (some more than others), they were able to pull themselves together for an amazing dinner. We showered and dressed up for our fancy dinner at Pim’s. This meal began our weekend of fellowship with one another, rest, and thankfulness for the week we had finished. 

Thanks be to God for His blessings. 

Peace be with you! 

-Grayce 

Day 6: Thursday

Thursday update to follow!

Day 5 Wednesday

EMT Day 5 Wednesday

Our third day of work consisted of another morning at the school and afternoon at the construction sight. We woke up bright and early, ate a hardy breakfast, and then hit the road for Amor y Esperanza. Everyone was definitely feeling the full days and late nights today, but the smiles on the children’s faces when we arrived at the school brushed away any grumpiness or negativity in our hearts. In my class, pre-k and first grade, they learned all about nature. We taught them the English words for beach, mountain, forest, etc., and did many arts and crafts relating to the outdoors. They seemed to particularly enjoy when we had a little competition about who knew the new words better, boys or girls.

Then, after a hardy lunch of burritos, oranges, and quinoa chips, we headed over to the sight of the new school. Waiting for us there were 500 bricks that needed to be moved from the truck to the first floor of the building, then from the first floor to second story where we are doing construction. This was a long and tiring process, especially after two other days of moving bricks, but the satisfaction of working together to complete a job even when you are tired and sore made it worth it. Then we began laying bricks to the tune of The Greatest Showman and Billy Joel. What a combination. After the work day was finished, we had finished the front walls and started on the back. All in all a successful days work.

Back at the seminary, we began yet another heated soccer game. Grayce and I attempted to contribute, but neither of us will be voted MVP any time soon. Dinner was roasted chicken with french fries (papas fritas) and rice. Then we headed to the chapel to begin our devotion for the day. Mr. Mccune put me in charge of the music, which was a small step out of my comfort zone, but with Zach on the ukulele, Scott and I on the guitar, and Mccune on the Banjo, it was smashing hit. After the music, Pancho and Pity led us in a time of prayer to invite the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. Although many of us may have prayed that before, this was something truly special. We were all on our knees humbly crying out to God and his presence was definitely felt by all. We sang another song and worshiped God with our whole hearts. After singing, Pancho invited people to come up to the front and boldly share what God did in their hearts. Many shared of the freedom found in relying on the Holy Spirit. There was a palpable sense of joy and peace knowing that our sins were forgiven and we don’t have to be afraid--the Holy Spirit will protect us. When devotion ended, some headed to the gym for a game of soccer-tennis, while other, smarter people, headed to bed. Please continue prayer for the team, as some are struggling with illness and all are a little sleep deprived. Nevertheless we are having the time of our lives serving God together in Quito. Thanks for following along!

--Annie and Grayce

Day 4: Tuesday at Amor y Esperanza

EMT Day 4 Tuesday
Today was another great day in Quito! For starters, the day began with empanadas for breakfast. After walking up the stairs to the top floor, completely out of breath, (I’m still not acclimated to the altitude) we began our second day of teaching the kids! In the eighth grade, we began with some English before beginning to build our class project--cardboard cars powered by mousetraps. At the end of the school day, the eighth and ninth grade hung out on the roof with Maddie’s guitar. We enjoyed bonding with the kids and playing music, but we could not, unfortunately, fulfill the teacher’s request to play Zac Brown Band.

After lunch, we went back to the new building to construct some walls. The brick-mover assembly line was moving faster than ever, and walls were quickly going up. The construction site is my personal favorite part of this trip. We get to work hard for the Lord and see visible results. It is certainly hard work, but it is certainly rewarding. Often times it takes weeks, months, or even years to see the hand of God at work. This is not so with the building. Sure, there is much work to be done, but walls are going up--progress is being made. It is truly amazing to be a part of this progress for this community.

Once the construction for the day was finished, and the workers were going home, we headed to the gym for a nice game of indoor soccer. What else would you do after an exhausting day in Ecuador? We then headed to dinner and devotion. Believe it or not, devotion lasted for just barely over an hour! It was a very unique and special time, as every evening is in Ecuador. Piti talked to us about faith, and I think we all learned a lot. So many days we have hours at a time where God doesn’t even cross our mind. We think we can just do everything ourselves. We know how to go to school, do our jobs, make our dinner etcetera, but how often do we realize that none of this--even the smallest task--is impossible without God. Just because it’s cliche doesn’t mean it’s not true. Not only did we learn to put less faith in ourselves and more in God in the little things, we learned about the supernatural capability of faith. I very often think that God does not perform miracles anymore. It seems so much like God only used to perform miracles in the Bible. Last night we learned that is not the case. God is as present as ever. He will and does perform miracles great and small. No matter the lack of faith that we have in him, no matter the doubt, he remains completely faithful to us. He never breaks a promise. He always fulfills his plan perfectly in the best way possible for those who love him. It was truly a night full of revelation and faith, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to have these experiences with such great people in such a beautiful place.

- Zach J