We had some amazing experiences while we were there. The lack of hot showers for many of our group. The water that for us is not drinkable. The very small bathrooms and a sewer system that does not allow you to flush toilet paper. The damp cool air almost daily from afternoon rain. The very large bugs. (that made 2 grown people in my group scream) The lack of oxygen in the very high elevation. You're asking, is that an amazing experience? Yes, yes it is! It was difficult for sure but for myself it reminds me of how blessed I am to have a controlled hot shower every day if I want. A large bathroom with area next to the sink for brushes, makeup, face wash etc. I can flush my toilet tissue instead of putting it in a trash can. I can breathe well and don't get winded if I walk too swiftly. I can drink water out of the tap if I choose and not worry about getting a bacterial infection. I like to be reminded of how blessed I am. So for me it's part of the amazing.
This year as usual we got to meet beautiful children and teens. Many have had a very hard life. Not just because they didn't get the thing they wanted at the mall but because they maybe didn't have food this morning or because one or both of their parents abandoned them and they had to take care of younger brothers and sisters and they may be as young as 8. Many are living in small homes some with dirt floors. Some babies are having intestinal problems because they don't have formula and are drinking cows milk because their parents just don't have money for formula. Yet most seem joyful. They are happy to just be with us. They are glad that we came to see them. They are thankful we care.
One girl from just such a family of poverty came over to me during a church service and put a bracelet on me. I think she may have made it. She was giving to me in her poverty. It was such a sweet moment.
The teachers from the 2 schools we visited and the children appreciated the small gifts we brought for their schools. They were just excited to see the Americans that drove 2 hours in to the mountains to see them. I appreciate the experience. God was there. He is everywhere!
We enjoyed special meals with the missionary families we have gotten to know and even met some new friends too. Thank you to all of you who shared food and fellowship with us. And for all you do. You are amazing! Keep up the good work and don't grow weary. We may not be with you all the time, but we are lifting you up in prayer.
Ecuador is such a beautiful country. Mountain after mountain and lush green meadows with cattle grazing. Then trash strewn so many places to mar the beauty. But I choose to look past that and see the glorious beauty. It makes me think of myself as a child of God. I am beautiful through the grace God has covered me with....but there is an ugliness right below the grace that rears it's vicious head in me so often. It's my human nature. I wonder if that is what others see sometimes,( beauty and ugliness side by side.) Thankfully God only sees the beauty because He chooses to see only His Son's blood. Praise God for that.
So this trip is over and no earth shattering ministry took place. But I was reminded that I have a lot to give. I was shown love by people in another country, some that don't have very much. I saw my team mates moved in their hearts and I believe a real mission trip is where people show love to one another. Just like Jesus.
(photo credit for some of these pic goes to Elaine Douglas)
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