The most Ecuadorian picture, perhaps ever.
ADIOS, ECUADOR.
WELL.
Here we in our last couple days in Ecuador. The Dub will have been in this country for a total of 45 days, and I’ve been away from home for over 50. It’s really pretty crazy that we’re already on month number two. I must admit, however, that while I truly have loved Ecuador and have learned a lot, I am ready to move on. I am absolutely not ready to leave our wonderful Autumn weather, and I am ABSOLUTELY not ready to leave my girls. I remind them often that we’re leaving to go to Peru to tell people about Jesus, but they always say, “nooooo, we don’t want you to goooo…” Gosh. Love those chiquitas.
OH.
We hiked for FOUR HOURS at 12,000 ft elevation, THROUGH THE ANDES. It was incredible.
Here’s a 360 view my teammate Kyle took with his iPhone: http://360.io/xLxYxc
The view.
ANYWAY.
It’s been a little bit of a rough week for me. Nothing traumatic or anything, but just a little exhausting. As much as I love it here, I’ve been extremely beach/harveycedars/pbu/homesick. I really miss you all! Also, I got between 0-3 hours of sleep a night for about 4 nights in a row (not by choice), and it got to the point where my teammates gave me two sleeping pills and sent me to bed at 8pm (it worked, praise the Lord!) Also, because I’m playing with these kids and wasn’t sleeping, I ended up getting sick (as did a few others on my team), and have had a decent cold/fever for a couple days. Besides a sore throat, I’m almost better, so again, praise the Lord.
The girls and I at “our” waterfall.
SPEAKING OF THE LORD.
He’s decided to allow me to face more of my fears (seems to be a theme this month). Part of the reason I wasn’t sleeping (at least the first three nights) was because of fear. Fear is something I deal with a lot. Honestly, it’s probably my biggest struggle. But God has not given us a Spirit of fear, and He is growing me in crazy ways in that area. Anyway, why I was afraid. We sleep in a cement, padlocked room, so it’s super safe, but for three nights there was a red, glowing, creepy car outside our window, and a man that would bang on our window and door. It got to the point where my teammate Alysa (bless her soul) opened the window, told him to leave, and when he wouldn’t, she threw water on him….haha. It worked, but of course I was scared of retaliation, so we ended up blocking the windows and bracing the door with a wooden beam. We told our pastor the next day, and he has had the police patrol our area at night and we’ve had no more issues, but I was definitely afraid. God is teaching me SO much about fear, power, authority, boldness, etc though, so I’m super glad 🙂
OH.
Thank you so much to all of you that gave money for the neosporin! We couldn’t find enough stock of neosporin to give out, but we did some research and found that vaseline will do the trick just as well, and was cheaper, so we could get more! One day we separated our kids into families and handed them out to the oldest kids, and they were all SUPER grateful! Again, thanks SOOOO much!
ALSO.
Two cool things happened one night. We got to meet with, hear from, give to, and pray with
a homeless man. He cried as he shared his story and said no one had ever given him
anything before. Also, after leaving him, we literally found a baby wandering the street.
Sarah picked him up and found his mom. What a night. Here are a few pictures!
(just happened to have my camera out)
IN CONCLUSION.
That’s a bit into the heart of a fearful, sick, tired, but joyful and willing daughter of God. This week has been pretty rough, but God is obviously at work. I haven’t even mentioned the English
lessons we’ve taught, the Bible lessons and crafts we’ve done with the kids, and so much
more. It’s really been amazing 🙂 Thanks so much for your support!!
P.S.
On August 15th, we leave for Peru, and we have a 30+ hour bus ride, so be in prayer for that 🙂 I can’t wait to tell you about where we’ll be in Peru, it’s going to be awesome!
Check out this link for the rest of the photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.533690883732.2028648.170100777&l=c77ec0a251&type=1
steph-
so excited to read of your journey….can’t believe a month has gone by already. loved the stories of the little kids you’ve met along the way. some of my most dear moments while abroad have involved kids. they are precious. and thanks for being vulnerable about your fears. i pray that you are able to sleep and rest in the Lord.
sarah z
Stephanie…
Your journey sounds incredible! I will be praying for your safety. I always told my kids when they couldn’t sleep because of fear…pray for someone-anyone else! And I am praying NOW for you that when you can’t sleep, for God to give you a wonderful dream!
Thank-you for all you do!!
-Valarie
I’m sorry you had to go through the rough times with fear and being sick but I know it will only make you stronger in Christ.
As I write ths I am praying that God will renew your strength and fill you with his powerful peace.
Josuha 1:6 – 9
My love and prayers go with you.
Marjorie K.
Praying for you so many time a day, my daughter. You will make it. Your victory is in the Lord. 1Peter 5:6-11
Love, Dad
Hang in there Stephanie, God has a plan for the tough times as well as the joyful ones! I can tell by your posting that you already know this and you know God is working in your life…good for you!
I couldn’t believe that poor child was wandering around at night by himself. Praise God you girls were able to find his mom! You are in my prayers…stay safe.