It’s funny how some trips are easier to process than others. I’m finding that to be the case with the trip I led to Ecuador last week.
If you were to ask me how it was, I’d truthfully say that it was great. Our host there, Incalink, was amazing. The ministries we went to each day were so cool, doing vital, life-changing work in their communities. The city of Quito was beautiful and so much fun to explore. Everyday felt like an adventure, with so much beauty and so many new things to discover.
My team was incredible. We were 18 Americans and 1 Canadian, along with two Incalink interns (our host ministry) from the States and various other Incalink interns and staff (US and Ecuadorian)… different races, different nationalities, and different backgrounds—all serving 1 God.
They made me laugh so much. They made me think with their questions and insight. They encouraged me with their faith. I was humbled to be their leader.
We climbed mountains and straddled the Equator, running between Hemispheres. We laughed on public buses, swam with disabled children, painted over graffiti, and prayer walked through Quito. We struck up conversations wherever we went, dug and planted a garden, scrubbed walls and windows, and cooked in random kitchens. We panted up hills (9,300 feet above sea level is no joke! This is the highest capital city in the world!) The team played soccer with local kids, pretty much greeted every friendly dog we saw, and lived the Gospel wherever we were, sharing God’s love whenever we could.
It was a wonder-full week, with blessings and gifts at every turn.
This was my first time to Ecuador, fourth time to South America, and I came to love this specific country and its culture. There’s something about Latin America that I just love.
It was also my first time training a potential Project Leader. Kayla met me in Quito and we spent the first two days getting to know each other. We had so much fun laughing, planning, and exploring the city. Her friendship is such a gift.
Saturday night, just a few hours before we headed to the airport to pick up the team (all but 1 were still in the air), I was asleep in my bunk (everyone else was downstairs), trying to catch some last minute rest, when my bed started shaking. At first, for some reason, I thought Kayla had come in and was climbing to the top bunk (which wasn’t logical for many reasons). Then it kept happening, so I opened my eyes. Kayla wasn’t there. Half asleep, I decided I’d need to tell Incalink their beds shook. (I mean, really? What does that even mean?)
A few minutes later, it happened again.
At that point, still half asleep, I was like, “Ugh, it’s demons. Jesus—” (because really, beds don’t just shake, so it has to be demons. Because that is logical.) and rolled over, going back to sleep.
It was only when I got up a few hours later, I realized that it was actually 2 earthquakes, one a 5.9 and one a 6.3, that ranged from the coast all the way to Quito. I’d never experienced any before, so I guess it makes sense that I didn’t automatically identify why my bed was shaking. They were so deep that there was no damage, thankfully, other than the psychological effects on Ecuadorians of yet another earthquake so soon after the devastating one this spring.
Praise God for no physical damage this time though!
Now that I’ve experienced (and remember) an earthquake, it’s unlikely I’ll mistake one for demons again. Ha!
I want to thank each and every one of you for praying. I know you were, and I felt God’s strength and wisdom last week in Ecuador. Everything from the no-damage earthquakes, to falling on the first day of ministry and escaping with only a skinned knee (still healing), to feeling more rested than I normally do a trip… I know God was with me every step of the way. Thank you so much for praying!!!
More to come!
