Ecuador in a Nutshell...

I Miss Ecuador...

I miss the 2-3 hour rain outbreaks everyday...

I miss the breathtaking scenery...

I miss the volcanoes with the snow on the top of them...

I miss the colorful buildings...

I miss seeing laundry hung up on a line on top of almost every house...

I miss the traffic...

I miss the bumpy van rides...

I miss bringing toilet paper with me to every restroom I went into...

I miss using bottled water to brush my teeth with...

I miss waking up every morning to the most amazing Ecuadorian breakfast...

I miss trying different foods...

I miss the icecream...

I Miss the people...

I miss attempting to speak Spanish to every person I encountered...

I miss trying to understand everything I heard in Spanish...

I miss seeing mothers carry their babies on their backs...

I Miss the orphanages...

I miss the beautiful smiles on the kids faces...

I miss their big, tight hugs...

I miss loving on them...

I miss laughing with them...

I miss playing soccer with the boys...

I miss dancing with the guys...

I miss everything about Ecuador!

WOW, where do I even begin...my week in Ecuador was absolutely amazing! God taught me so much through this mission journey, my team, and the children we ministered to in Ecuador. This is the second mission trip I've been on, and I've felt the same way when I returned from them both: man oh man we are so blessed here in the United States! We take so many things for granted, and we don't even realize it. My life will never be the same because of this trip and I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your prayers, encouragement, and/or financial support. Without your prayers and support, this mission trip would not have been possible. May the Lord bless you and your family for blessing and being a part of God’s transformation of not only my life, but many of the orphans in Ecuador.

THE Story

The day we left, God showed up in the kitchen of the missionaries apartment where we ate everyday; the presence of God was so strong in that kitchen! It was there, where God began to confirm things I had been praying and seeking guidance on. One of those things, happened to be long term mission trips. Awhile back, God had placed on my heart to go to another country and volunteer for a certain period of time. Let me just say, I have never heard the voice of God more clearer in my life!

Later on, we went into the city to eat lunch and do some souvenir shopping. As we were driving, the city started to look completely different to me; it felt as though I had fallen in love for the first time; I had butterflies in my stomach and everything! We ended up eating lunch outside, and it was possibly the most beautiful day I've ever seen. After I finished eating, I secluded myself and read my bible and just talked with God. I began to read Joshua 1:9, "Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." In that moment, I knew I was supposed to stay in Ecuador! Of course all these thoughts were running threw my head: what if this, what if that, but I knew I had heard clearly from The Lord.

The BIG News

Soooo now being back, I have looked into the extended stay option with Visiting Orphans, and I've decided to go back to Ecuador February 1st, and volunteer for a month! This is the biggest decision I have made in my whole entire life: I will be leaving what I know and call home (where I am comfortable), for a whole month. I am so excited, yet more nervous/scared than I've ever been. This journey will not be possible, again, without yall's prayers and support. Please support me as I embark on this new, amazing journey God has for me! Thank you in advance :)

P.S. If you would like to donate in helping me get back to Ecuador, there's a donation button on my blog that will take you directly to PayPal (any amount will help). Thank you again!

Love in Christ,
M.C.F. :)