The Dub Squad figuring out their way around Quito, Ecuador.
Meal Time Adventures:
“Does anyone else think this meat tastes like mashed bouncy balls?”
“What animal is this from?”
“Does anyone else realize that we’re eating pasta with diced potatoes on top of rice with a side of bread?” (thank you world race budget)
“How are everyone’s bowel movements doing?” (said at every meal)
“Heavenly Father, we pray that you would literally bless this food to our bodies, help us not get sick, and please help us remember which bottle of water is the clean one. In Your name, Amen.”
Living on the Equator and 10,000 or so miles above sea level presents its challenges. Not only is it significantly more difficult to walk uphill, and keep hydrated, but your nose is extra stuffy and there’s a briskness in the air that causes an occasional shiver. Not gonna lie, I do love this place, but I’ve realized the challenge of living here for the kids. It may sound trite at first, but these children have the most chapped cheeks and little faces I’ve ever seen. Since their noses are always runny, they wipe their noses to the sides, leaving snot on their cheeks, that irritates their skin and then gets chapped by the wind. At first I didn’t think it bothered them, but our girls have 
decided on multiple occasions to wash these darling faces and put neosporin on the chapped areas. When I ask the kids if they want this (which usually goes something like, “Quiere….medicina… para su…………face? – i know, i know, you’re super impressed that i’m practically our translator this month) and each time the childrens faces light up and they love it! they ask for neosporin for their sisters, cousins, you name it. We’ve only been able to do it a few times, and the kids are already starting to look a little better. Not only this, but it has bridged a gap (because of the language barrier) where we can sit with the kids and talk with them and get to know them. Kinda an unexpected ministry, but awesome nonetheless. I so wish that when we leave, we could leave a bunch of neosporin with these kiddos. If you want to catch that vision too, you can make it happen by giving a couple bucks to my dad, and he can put the money in my bank account, and we can get these kids some medicina para their faces. Pretty cool, eh? Speaking of their faces, check out these cuties.
Similarly (okay, not really similarly at all), we got to pretend we’re on LOST for an afternoon and visited the Cascada de Peguche (an awesome waterfall). Not only did some of us get our swim on, but there was a little bit of a mud fight, as well as some sweet hiking, cave exploration, escaping vampire bats, and other really cool adventures. It was probably my favorite part of the race so far. It was about a three mile walk from where we’re living (which, again, is a lot harder at high altitude), but on the way back we bought some strawberries right from the field. Good times 🙂
Steph! I especially like the part about getting strawbs 😉 and YES i want to give neosporin to kids for their faces.. that’s so sad.. :(. i’ll follow up on that. LOVE YOU!
Hi Steph! Thanks so much for your explicit descriptions — never sparing any details! I agree with Lisa Sheldon that your word pictures help us to feel the experience with you (in much more comfortable circumstances). The faces of those children are priceless, and my heart, with yours, goes out to them. I will definitely hook your dad up with some funds for the extra neosporin. The waterfall looked glorious. I wondered what the temp of the water was. So, I guess it’s safe to say that you’re eating — you just don’t have a clue what you’re eating! I pray for you each day that God will protect you from eating or drinking anything harmful, and that He will nourish and strengthen your bodies with the food that is provided. And thank God for the special treats like good old strawberries. I’m encouraged by your continued enthusiasm so far, and always look forward to your updates to know you’re safe and to take me out of NJ for just a minute or two and get a glimpse of reality for others in a neighboring country. It reminds me to be grateful for what God has blessed me with, and thankful for young people like yourself who have found the courage to trust God in a mighty way to bless those who are less fortunate and to be the hands and feet of Jesus for a time. “If anyone serves, he(she) should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1Peter 4:11)
In His Love,
Angela Martine
Hi Steph, my comments echo Angela’. And I will definately add to the neosporin fund,what a neat thing to do for those darling kiddies.
Don’t know how you can breathe at 10,000ft. I’ve only been that high once and felt really lightheaded, but you are young and healthy so go for it. We pray for you daily, and nightly as the Lord leads.
Bless you in this endeavor. Love Peg.
Steph,
Sounds soo amazing. But I would probably starv to death!! lol. Many Blessings and protection upon all you guys!!
I love the ways you find to love these kids steph. There’s something special about you girl!
Hi Steph:-)
I am now catching up on all your posts and its so amazing to read and see in your photos the awesomeness of God’s love and caring hands working through you and the team. Thank you for sharing your experience in such detail. I would love to contribute to the neosporin fund but how do i contact your dad b/c i don’t live in NJ. Thanks again for sharing your experience so that i can be apart of it. love and Peace, Arlene
Pastor Lenny bernotas
7 Kiwi Loop
Howell, NJ 07731
Neosporin Fund
Stephanie,
God is so Good !!! It is amazing to see the Love of Christ in all of your faces as you go forward in doing His work!!! My prayers are with you and as you continue to blog and send pictures, it allows me to be specific in my prayers for you and your teammates. Take care of those little ones that God put in your path, once again showing He is in Control of this race and Bless all of you for obeying His call whereever it take you!!
Love in Christ! Traci
Stephanie…what an awesome update. Your word pictures make me feel like I’m right there. And, a lump formed in my throat when I read about and saw the faces of those little darlings that you’re ministering to.
Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Looking forward to seeing what the Lord is going to do.
Be blessed!
Lisa