August 27th-31st I went to the beach (Tonsupa) for a Christian retreat with the Nazarene Church's youth group. It was at least a 10 hour bus ride from Shell to get there, and we stopped along the way. It was really great to talk with some of the people in the youth group that I don't normally hang out with that much. Also, it was encouraging to be around other youth from other areas in Ecuador. There was a speaker each night, and the theme was about God's purpose and plan for your life. We played lots of games and I got sunburned all over my face and shoulders, which are now peeling, making me look like a hodge podge of skin tone. I think you'll be okay without a photo of that!
Before I left for the retreat I was able to go with the youth group to watch a team from the USA perform some dramas and present the Gospel in a town called San Francisco. It was truly a blessed event, as we saw many people give their lives to the Lord and be prayed over. The team also had time to teach the youth group how to perform one of the skits they did. It is very encouraging for me to see the youth so on fire to learn and want to reach others. Praise God for His presence that night and for allowing us to touch lives.
NSMS has started their classes. Thursday was the first day of school. Right now I am actually substituting in the mornings as the teacher is arriving next week from the States. It's a little hard to get back into the swing of things (like getting up early) but thankfully I brought my handy dandy travel coffee mug with me to Shell this time so I'm all set! It is many of the same students as last year so it was exciting to see them all again. I have just been so impressed lately by how God has provided for my needs and given peace to me and others about decisions I have made. Even in little things, God has just been showing me how much He truly loves me and listens to my prayers. Sometimes we think the only kind of miracles are big, obvious, physical occurrences. Miracles come in all shapes and sizes and I am just beginning to fully realize that.
As always, I thank you for your prayers and support for me. I hope that you are encouraged and challenged by my words.
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