¡Dios te bendiga! God bless you!
In some seasons, we see the hand of God more clearly and frequently. I hope this is such a time for you! Here in Ecuador, every moment is saturated with the goodness and lovingkindness of our God!
Clarita, Emmita, Anita, Katy, and I have been adjusting to life with our families, a refreshing academic environment, and a comprehensive change of pace. Ecuadorian style is a bit slower and more intentional than it often is in the United States. I am learning so much about time, relationships, and what it looks like to do God’s work.
My Ecua-parents are heavily involved in the iglesia (church), as are many of our host families. In short time, I have observed the strong sense of community among faithful Christians who consider one another familia. Covid is limiting in-person gatherings, but we have been able to connect with one another’s families and join the youth group for discussion and sports.
I took my first adventure out with Emma and her family this weekend to a park called La Carolina. We walked around, took many pictures, and tried multiple new foods, including Chilean huevitos with sugar and honey! The fruit here is amazingly diverse and my family always provides sufficient and healthy meals. Lucy even made my favorite, a recete gringita (White recipe) -- Angel food cake!
I love hanging out with my naños, my little siblings Davidcito and Arleth. Over the weekend and in the afternoons and evenings, we play … fútbol (which is soccer), Legos (Bicho's favorite), Bellz (one of Princess’ games), Memoria, or Uno. We completed a puzzle, the family taught me how to play Settlers of Catan, and we have watched many movies and shows together.
I see in my family a profound presence of peace and holiness. The Lemache Olivo’s are devoted to the Word and work of God. Even at 7 and 10 years old, the kiddos are gentle, kind, and prayer warriors! We pray each night before bed, one after the other, and I am always touched by their hearts.
In class, we share about our families, complete grammar and linguistic exercises, and learn about Latin American, Ecuadorian, and Quiteño culture. Each morning, we exchange devotional thoughts to practice our Spanish, but more importantly, to deepen our relationships with the Lord. It is clear that spiritual growth is the top priority of NILI.
Pastor and Lucy are always asking what God is saying and encouraging us to spend time with Him. A powerful moment for me occurred this week, as I was reading the conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter in John 21. In the exchange, Jesus inquires of Peter three separate times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
I have been taught that in Greek, the first two times Jesus used one word for love, to which Peter responded with a different word for love, until the third time Jesus countered with the same word Peter used, causing him to be “grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love me?”
It is one thing to know this and another thing to see this. In the Spanish language the words are different too, and it reads like this:
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, me amas more than these?”
“Yes, Lord, you know that te quiero.”
“Simon, son of John, ¿me amas?”
“Yes, Lord, you know that te quiero.”
Jesus said for the third time, “Simon, son of John, me quieres?”
And for the first time, I really felt the compassion Jesus had toward Peter. Amar is the highest, strongest, most enduring quality of love, while querer is simply a friend-like fondness and desire. Like Peter, I offer far less than the Lord requires, and yet He stoops to where I am and wants my heart anyway. Yours too.
This is what He is showing me this semester. Life in a different country in a different hemisphere with different people has a way of humbling you, helping you see what is really important, and shaping your idea of what God might have for you. At least, that’s happening to me.
I want to share one more thing, and that is this: I know this is God’s will for me because He is flooding my family with peace. None of my words, pictures, or assurances can make my people not worry about what is happening or could happen. I don’t have the power to still their minds and hearts. But God does. And He is. So I thank Him for that, and walk in the confidence that He wants me here right now.
God’s Provision: On Sunday, I had the opportunity to observe the production team at church. I was told Alejandro speaks very quickly at an advanced level, so I was nervous about not being able to understand. But God, in His amazing power and provision, somehow allowed me to catch the majority of what Alejandro was saying, as well as his novia Elizabeth and Katy’s hermanito Nico. My heart was full of gratitude for such a special answer to my very specific prayer!
Palabra de la Semana (Word of the Week): Tranquila. I should be counting how many times a day both Pastor and Pastora say this to me. Tranquila, Abby, sit down. Tranquila, you don’t need to do the dishes tonight. Tranquila, you will arrive in your Spanish abilities. Tranquila, God has a plan for you. It is a very calming and affectionate word, which my family uses to encourage and direct me, and is commonly exchanged among friends and loved ones. I feel like God is whispering to my soul, Tranquila.
¡Hasta pronto! Until next time (very soon)!
Abby
