¡Bendiciones! Blessings!
How great is our God! My heart is so full because I just had a day full of blessings and a week full of adventures. That's not to say there aren't moments of frustration, homesickness, and doubt. But there sure is plenty of God's grace, love, and patience.
I'll start with my families. I have an incredible family in the United States, and now I have an incredible family here in Ecuador. In my most recent call home, I had the privilege of introducing them to one another. I have to say, it was a matchless experience, one that is difficult to describe. The love, care, and provision of God was so present as I practiced my translation skills, my host family used their best English, and my own family recalled their classroom Spanish. We exchanged encouraging words, common points of interest, and prayer, before deciding that perhaps we could do this every week! What a precious gift from the Lord.
This past weekend, my family invited me to walk the streets, visit the park, and browse the stores with them. I took many pictures and we bought many aguacates (avocados, my favorite!). It was a sweet time to absorb some culture and be with Pastor, Pastora, David, and Arleth.
This past week, Pastor David accompanied us to la Mitad del Mundo, also known as the Equator. Apparently, there are four separate locations, two of which are official and both of which we visited. It was a fun-filled day of learning, snapping pictures, and eating. We tried new flavors of ice cream (like guanábana), locro de papas (the Ecuadorian version of potato soup with cheese and avocado), and rice with lentejas.
We completed the classic experiments, which work because of the gravitational force at the Equator. Some of us were able to balance an egg on the head of a nail, and we all tried to walk a straight line with our eyes closed. Plus, it's true that water drains in opposite directions in the northern and southern hemispheres and completely without swirling on the dividing line. Each of our passports now has a new stamp: Museo de Sitio Intiñan, Latitud: 00°00'00".
In our classes, we are starting to work on projects and do more assignments. Still, it is calm and flexible, and our professors care more about our spirits than our skills. Profe David teaches the main class, Lucy instructs us in another area, and three of us are taking an online course with Pastor Stan Hall from St. Louis. He agreed to lecture in Spanish, though the course material is in English.
In every detail, I see the hand of God. I shouldn't have to temporarily relocate continents to see God at work, but His mercy is so clear to me in this season.
At church, I am working with the production team. They invited me to take pictures of their service on Sunday and join them for a meeting on Thursday. I met some lovely families of caring, selfless people who are here to serve God and advance His Kingdom.
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At home, I am constantly encouraged by my Ecua-parents and taught by my little maestros. My siblings are my teachers, as they correct me when I ask and introduce me to new words.
At school, I delight to learn alongside my friends and sisters. I also have the wonderful space and time to run every day, something my mind, body, and soul need. God is good.
This week I am learning to unwind my tendency to get wound up. Being on time and feeling productive are important to me but not always possible to achieve. Life in South America is teaching me to let go, be present, and simply do my best -- no matter how long it takes.
God is ever-patient with me as I navigate a new culture. Like the Israelites trembling between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea, He calls each one of us to walk by faith, not by sight. To leave our past loves in exile, enter the unknown with Him, and wander through the desert for a time ... Until His bride is refined like gold and ready for eternity. What a critical, God-ordained time we live in.
God’s Provision: I think God's provision this week was most clear to me when my families were able to meet one another, laugh together, and place trust in one another. But to choose another moment, God sent rain this week, a relief and joy to my family and many others I am sure. It is the first time it has rained since our arrival on January 13. Our God is the Almighty who opens and closes the heavens, and always takes care of His beloved children.
Palabra de la Semana (Word of the Week): Hasta. Until. It seems like a small word, but it has a big meaning and is so used in Ecuador. When parting with someone, we never say "goodbye." It is always hasta mañana or hasta luego or hasta pronto to signal the anticipation and confidence of seeing someone the next day, later, or soon. We are never promised tomorrow, so my fellow Ecuadorians value each moment and express hope for the future.
Speaking of the future, in the Lord we are so secure! Psalm 23:6 says, "Surelygoodness and mercyshall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORDforever."
"La bondad y el amor me seguirán todos los días de mi vida; y en la casa del SEÑOR habitaré para siempre."
Amen y¡amén!
Abby
