Blessings Galore.

These past few weeks in Ecuador have been wonderful. There have been good things and bad things, but hey, that’s what adventure is all about, right? It has been starting to get a little challenging being so far away and feeling a bit disconnected from things happening back at home, but I have been having amazing experiences here in this country.

Last weekend we had the opportunity of going to Misahualli. It’s about a five hour drive from Quito to the jungle but the drive wasn’t bad at all, surprisingly, being with good friends and beautiful things to look at out the window. Plus, on the way there we were able to stop at a cave where we were able to tour through this amazing cave filled with water where we got to swim, climb and dive into waterfalls… it was so cool. When we got to the hostel in Misahualli we were welcomed with an amazing dinner (which, by the way, the food for the entire weekend was so fantastic) and got settled in for the night.

On Friday morning we set out for the schools where we would present VBS. We had the opportunity to share songs and a story with them as a group and then we split up into three different groups- games, crafts and hula! I played games with the kids and I absolutely loved them! They were so adorable and so full of love. They totally welcomed us with open arms. I loved being able to get to know them, even if it was for a few hours. Aimee and I also found a trail which was pretty sweet. I love just exploring God’s creation, it totally takes my breath away.

We also had the opportunity to build relationships with people just by spending time with them. We played basketball, soccer and Frisbee for hours. I was able to talk with two twelve year old girls while tossing around a Frisbee for a long time. I loved getting to know them and building that relationship with them and being able to share my story and hear theirs. Being able to hear what God has been doing in their lives and what they want to do makes me so excited.

On Saturday, we were able to help finish one of the cabins that they were building. We had people sanding, lacquering, sealing, painting, etc. Even though the work we were doing wasn’t hard, it was so encouraging to hear Roberto, the missionary we were working for, say how much he appreciated our hard work.

That afternoon we all went hiking up to a waterfall. So much fun! I love hiking and the waterfall was beautiful! We got to climb up and jump off the rocks, was pretty proud that I made it up (with lots of help from others, of course)! All in all, it was just a great weekend to be able to serve, worship and spend time with this community that I am a part of.

Coming back, it was time to get back to work. I have lots of work for my classes and I have a desire to do all the work and learn as much as I can, but at the same time spend time with the people that I’m here with and growing those relationships, so it can be hard to find a balance sometimes.

On Tuesday, for my Spiritual Formation class we had to participate in a four hour quiet time with God. The night before, I really wasn’t looking forward to it. I had a very selfish attitude in that I didn’t want to wake up early and I didn’t want to “waste” four hours of time when I could be finishing up homework or catching up on sleep. But it was probably the best thing I could have done for myself that day. As soon as I started out the day with just pure worship while walking around the city, I was filled with such joy I started dancing. In the middle of the sidewalk. And I am not a very good dancer. I got lots of weird looks, but I couldn’t help myself! I was just so happy! I was able to spend a lot of time reading the Bible and just soaking in His truth. I read passages from Esther, Job, Psalm and Hebrews and I was just filled with God’s truth. Something that I didn’t even realize I had been so thirsty for. I decided that for the rest of the time I wasn’t going to eat or drink so that I could be reminded how much I need Him. I was reminded of my brokenness and God’s deliverance. I also tried this whole new thing called “meditation.” Haha, ok, so it’s not new. Just new for me! I actually tried to just clear my head and listen to what God was trying to tell me. I did it for about thirty minutes and the same thing juts kept repeating in my head over and over again. He just kept telling me, “Rachel, you are in awe of the beauty of My creation. You love the sky, the sun, the stars, the tree, the animals, etc. You think all of these things are so beautiful. And yet, you forget about the most important, the most beautiful one. You. Just think about how much more beautiful you are, my child, my daughter, my love.” The other night some guys and I did the same thing. We sat down and just listened to hear what God was telling us and we would write it down. I kept asking God questions until I finally came to the questions of How do I truly surrender? How do I give up my life? God, do I disappoint you? And all I could hear Him say in return is Search me. Search for me. I’m always here. YOU ARE MINE. TRUST ME. I mean, think about that. The Creator the Universe says that you are HIS! It just blows my mind. I mean, it’s something we all know, but we forget the power behind that! It’s just crazy to think about how much He loves me, and how much I don’t give back what He deserves. I mean, seriously, I wake up super early so that I can get my homework done, but I don’t even think about waking up early so that I can spend time with God. It saddens me and I want that attitude of my heart to change. It should be the other way around!

I was also able to think a lot about the opportunities that God gives us each and every day. When I die, I desire for God to tell me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He’s not going to say this to me if I dilly dally through life selfishly, only thinking about what I need to get done for myself throughout the day. God gives so many opportunities throughout the day, if I only look. If I only search for them, find them, and take them.

Anyway, the rest of the week went really well, just hanging out, going to classes, doing homework, having fun… On Saturday it was Britt’s birthday so we celebrated and ate all bunch of crap. You know, all the good stuff. And that brings me to today, I’m at my host family’s house at this very moment!! I feel a little bit crazy right now and I may cry any second.

I miss being around everyone already, but I know I’ll see them soon and I am so grateful for the family that I’m with!! There’s Edwin and Rubie, the parents and then two children- Joyce and Alejandro. This family is absolutely amazing. They have welcomed me into their home with open arms and with so much love it overwhelms me. They all speak English except for Edwin, so even though I’m for sure practicing my Spanish with them, it’s comforting to know that when I’m desperate they can help! They are hilarious people with a great sense of humor and they are filled with so much care. I’ve already eaten delicious food, went walking with them arm in arm and had great conversations. (My Spanglish is awesome.) They are all so connected as a family and we even prayed all together before bed. Edwin told me that I can trust them with anything and that they pray for their children every morning and now that will include me. I am so so grateful and blessed to be here, I don’t even really know how to explain it in words.

This is going to be a great month. I just pray culture shock doesn’t suddenly slam me, and I hope I don’t get too overwhelmed with work while trying to build a relationship here.

Anyway, I feel like there is so much more I need to say, but I feel like I’ve rambled too long already! So, until next time! Chao!