A rainy day in Banos

     For a little over two weeks, I had the joy of sharing my new life with my parents.  Their visit started off with exciting surprises for us, as we opened up the suitcases packed by their home church.  I'm not sure who was more excited to open up the bags, my parents or us!  It was especially nice to receive some hand-written letters from friends and the much-loved jars of peanut butter.  We are so thankful for the generosity of those who donated money or items towards YL Ecuador.  A special shout out to:  Mountian View Community Church--YOU ROCK! It is even better to see the joy on the faces of leaders and kids as we share with them!

Beautiful sunset in Misahualli

    
     Despite the constant rainy days, we still managed to do some exploring and fun activities.  My aunt and uncle, who live in Ambato, Ecuador lent us their truck which allowed us more freedom for traveling comfortably.  Not every day was a big adventure.  It was refreshing just to be together and to share life.  They got to meet some of the YL kids at our house, attend Club, and share with some of our leaders.  I enjoyed having my mom in the kitchen; things just taste better when mom is there.  The English conversations, praying together, and card games made for some sweet times at our table.  It almost made me forget the fact that they were only here for a visit and would soon be gone again. 

Sangay spouting smoke in the distance

    






 "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye hard."  
-Winnie the Pooh

 

    

     It`s always interesting to see things through someone else`s eyes.  The longer I am in Shell, it seems the less I see as being different or strange culturally.   The crowing rooster no longer distracts me from my sleep.  I am no longer surprised when at meal time there is an extra person or two at the table.  The drivers who pass on a curve, going uphill no longer put me into a panic.  So, it was fun watching my parents react to things that no longer catch my attention.  Seeing Ecuador through their eyes reminded me of the natural beauty that is all around me every day which I can often overlook.

Making a new ping-pong table for YL Club with friend Andy D`Vargas

    
     It makes me wonder if I do the same in my walk with God.  Have I become so ¨used to¨ life with Jesus that I no longer get excited about Him?  Have I forgotten how different He is than the world?  When He speaks, do I still hear His voice or has it just become a familiar sound drowning into the background instead of the forefront?  I started meeting with a girl from Club to do a Bible study.  In our first meeting, I realized she didn`t have her own Bible.  I was able to give her one and we spent the rest of the meeting just talking about how the Bible is set-up (index, maps, sections, etc).  As I referenced the Psalms as being written by David, you know the David from the well-known story David and Goliath, I was given a blank stare.  She had never heard of that famous sling-shot, Goliath, or David.  I`m not used to doing a Bible study with someone who doesn´t already have a background of knowledge of the Bible.  What a wonderful opportunity to open up the word and to see with fresh eyes as we meet together!  How humbling to realize that although I may be able to recite the books of the Bible in order (perhaps even with a cute song) and I know all the ¨big¨names, this girl has the ears to hear and eyes to see.  Just as my parents pointed out things about Ecuador that I had stopped seeing, I pray that through our time together in Bible study, my new friend will point out new things (or perhaps old things) which I have not seen. 

Then Jesus said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.¨ -Mark 4:9

Outing with our parents!