And... we're back!

After (almost) 3 full months in the states, we have (mostly) unpacked our suitcases and settled back into our Ecuador routine.  Our 2nd day back, one of the electric cables to our house blew a fuse, which in turn blew some fuses in our fridge, burnt out some light bulbs and left us without power for about 24 hours.  (Oh, and we were hosting a guest from out of town!).  Thankfully, our landlord got an electrician working on it and they were able to get us reconnected rather quickly and we could use one of the unoccupied apartments on the property to house our guest and our groceries.  Never a dull moment!

I'm still processing through our time in the states.  Our last big thing while there was attending the YL2020 Conference, which is a gathering of all staff based in the states and many international staff as well.  We attended a pre-conference for International and then the main event, along with over 5,000 other people!  A big thanks to the grandparents for taking that week with Benji so we could enjoy the conference to the fullest.  It was an incredible week.  As all things YL, the schedule was packed full of fun and surprises, with the center being Jesus.  It's great to be reminded that we are not alone.  Whether worshiping alongside 5,000 or in a living room with 4, God has met me there.  I get the same sense that He is near and He is with us.  The conference was a great bookend to our trip.  After lots of pouring out, we were poured into.  Ivan and I had the chance to talk (so rare, for us!) and really address some things in our relationship and our relationship with ministry.  We were able to glean wisdom from those who have walked this path of ministry and marriage. 

In one of the sessions at the pre-conference, we spent time praying over different maps of countries.  We were also encouraged to take time as we prayed, for God to lead us to the areas or neighborhoods for future ministry.  We call this the "map of dreams" in YL and it's something we do regularly as a leadership team to go for the next kid.  I'm not very involved in the direct ministry of YL.  My role has mostly been administrative and behind-the-scenes.  As I prayed for my dream map. a very clear image of our home, in Alangasi came to my mind.  The name outside the gate says "Las Sevillanas".  On the paper that was given to us, I drew our house.  Others were drawing neighborhoods, cities, countries...it felt a bit insignificant to draw a simple house.  However, God has been speaking to me in the last few months about the importance of investing in that place and those people.  Perhaps doing less administrative tasks and focusing on this lively 2-year old who begs for my attention 24/7 and who is like a sponge, taking in everything around him.  Reading story books instead of spreadsheets.  I don't know exactly what it will look like but I do know some changes need to be made. 

I want to thank the many people who spoke into my life during our time in the states.  Some through conversations, others through opening their home, the many who fed us, the use of a washing machine, the snacks and toys for Benjamin, gas for the car, each big and small gesture was a sweet reminder that God loves me and takes care of me (and my family). 

Electrical box (Yikes!)

Peer pressured by these amazing ladies at YL 2020 to ride a roller coaster again
(I literally rode it with my eyes shut the entire time, screaming)

Happy to be home and eating chochos again!