Hola mis Amigos!

Zip-lining in Mindo, Ecuador 6-17-17

Hola mis Amigos! 

Wow! It has been an amazing two weeks since I last posted.. There have been so many unforgettable moments, memories made, friendships built, and so much more. In the past three weeks my love for Ecuador and the people here has only grown stronger. Every time I walk out the door I feel like God opens my heart just a little more. Everyday here is another adventure, another opportunity for me to grow in my faith, in my friendships, and in my relationships with the children and families of PDV. I am forever amazed at how God uses us each in our own way to make a difference. 

PDV Children 

This week has definitely been filled with a lot of trial and error. After being a part of two very hectic Wednesday food distribution programs, I decided I wanted to try and improve the children’s program. Well.. Much easier said than done I can assure you. To make a long story short, I’m going to have to adapt my plan. As someone told me it was simply too “American” which I know wasn’t an insult, it just didn’t work in this environment. It didn’t work with children who aren’t used to any kind of structure, and who are primarily on their own because their parents are working every single day just to keep them fed and clothed. I realized I would have to try and meet them half way, because trying to change everything all at once just wasn’t going to happen. Now I’ll admit, I was discouraged that evening. I really wasn’t sure where to begin with thinking of new ideas and strategies. But thankfully i’m not alone, I have some great friends here who are always such an encouragement to me. So with the time I have left we are going to keep trying to improve on what we have, and hopefully by the time my two months here are up we’ll have something to leave behind for PDV to continue using. 

Some of my most memorable moments these past two weeks would have to be.. Zip-lining in Mindo through the rain forests, touring the Medical School at one of the Universities here, assisting in english classes in the evenings after PDV, and being able to see the change in some of the little children here. 

Zip-line group! 6-17-17

Zip-lining is easily one of the most incredible things i’ve ever done. Although I nearly talked myself out of doing it, my wonderful friends were right there beside me cheering me on. It went from being something very scary to something truly breathtaking. Equally, being able to tour the Medical school here made me feel like a little kid in a toy shop. I knew instantly that my dreams of doing something in the medical field was just that much closer and that much more real. There are so many new possibilities out there that I hadn’t even considered, but that seem so ‘right’. 

Love these two!

I am forever grateful to all the people here in Ecuador who have been right there with me, through the stressful times, the happy times, and the downright scary times. And I am continually thankful for the people who have been lifting me up in prayer. You have no idea how much all your support means! 

Such a team :)