Reflections on the trip of a lifetime.

  Well, I'm sure many of you guys know I am back in the states. Obviously i was not able to take my lap top so I couldn't update this like I wanted to. But now that I am back home, I feel that it is necessary that I share with you guys about this incredible journey God allowed me to take.
  We had the privilege of doing medical missions and touring throughout all of Quito, Ecuador. Let me tell you, it was a life changing trip. Most people that I have talked to have been asking me about the living situations and lifestyle of Ecuadorians. Well, unlike the U.S., they do not have a social status. Most people live on the same plane as everyone else. In our eyes though, that means that most up them live on a lower class lifestyle. Ecuador is a 2nd world country, so it is not as rough as other places, but none the less they still need help as well. We were not able to drink the water, eat certain foods or fruits, and we could not flush toilet paper down the kamode because of issues with sewage. It was a change of culture for sure.
  The Ecuadorian people though are wonderful people. I do not think I have ever met so many loving and passionate people. To greet one another they would give you a hug and kiss on the cheek. They also love their country and are willing to share anything about it. The children of Ecuador... truly stole my heart. They were well behaved, loving, and genuinely sweet. I had one little girl come up to me just to say bye and she called me beautiful. I had another girl who would not let me go because I was hugging her and kissing on her. I had one boy where I played soccer, which I have never played in my life, for at least 45 minutes straight because he enjoyed my company.They also find joy in anything the come into contact with. At one clinic, one of our soccer balls popped. Instead of crying and being upset, they were putting the popped ball on their head, smiling, and taking pictures of it. They then proceeded to throw it to one another making it into a new toy. I admire that joy.They were so beautiful. Each one of them. I wish I could have brought some of them home. :)
  The Lord worked in very powerful ways on this trip. I do not think that words on a blog could truly show how mightily the Lord worked. He performed miracle after miracle and changed the lives of so many people. He showed up in the services we took place in. He moved in ways we had never seen Him move. For example, we were asked to sing at a local mall, but we were told we could not close our eyes, raise our hands, and show any outward, physical worship. Which if you know campus choir, was a task in itself. But I was very proud of our choir. We were reminded to be obedient of the law and so we did as they asked. Let me tell you, the Lord still moved and drew people all around. We had a crowd sit there and watch us sing and after, they came up and asked about what we sang about. It was truly an eye opening day. If you want to know more stories, hit me up sometime and I will share them. There are just too many to type on here. May God receive all the glory and honor for what He did. It was remarkable.
  For me, this trip was encouraging. I was having an issue with the language barrier, but by the end of the trip, I was able to communicate with them. God helped give me the words to say. For the longest time, I never thought that I was capable of going on a mission's trip and truly changing the world for God. However, I realize that I'm right. That I cannot do this alone. With God though, I can do all things. I have more of a confidence in myself now that if God called me to go out of the country again, I could do it with His help. I am capable and God has called me to do such works as this, but through music. Throughout this trip my faith was also strengthened. I saw God in ways and forms that I have never seen Him before. It's so funny how much we can truly see when we let God take us out of our comfort zone, or every day routine. He truly is all around and He cares for each person. No matter who they are.
  This trip was also my last trip with my choir. I am so sad to leave, but God has told me that He is writing a new chapter for my life right now. Our last service we did, the Lord literally poured Himself on me and confirmed that this time is over. I love each and every person in that choir and I can truly say they are my family. I will miss them greatly.
  To the people who helped sponsor me on this trip... THANK YOU! Seriously, you gave me the chance to share the word of God and His joy to many people. I pray that each of you reap what you sowed. I could never truly say thank you enough. I love each one of you.
  So, now that the trip has ended, I have many memories, stories, and laughs to share. This is only a section of what really happened on the trip. I hope to have the opportunity to talk to some of you and tell you all about it. Life has been different since I have been home. Adjusting back to American culture has been a bit different, but I am happy to be home. I cannot wait to see the next chapter in my life. God has the pen in His hand and I am ready for whatever He writes. :)

18 days and counting.

Well, I can't believe the time is coming so quickly. Only 18 days until I leave with Campus Choir to Quito, Ecuador. I still can't quite comprehend that I have been chosen to impart on such a journey that lies ahead. 


I have never been out of the country. I have only been on one missions trip and it was to Chicago. This type of excursion is totally out of my comfort zone, but that's why I think God laid it on my heart to choose this route. See, I had two choices on what I wanted to do for a cross cultural trip: France or Ecuador. I prayed for a long time about which one to go on and God kept opening doors for Ecuador. At first, I was scared out of my mind. However, the closer it gets, yes, I am still scared and nervous, but I am more so excited for what God has in store ahead. I mean, what an incredible mission God has placed in front of me. Getting to lay hands on the sick, love on children from an orphanage, and singing in one of the oldest CATHOLIC cathedrals in Quito? Wow. I just cannot believe it. 


This summer has been one of growing for me. It seems as though God is trying to equip me for what is to come and I am so thankful that He has. I have been more alone this summer than ever before. Not that I do not love all my friends and I have had the opportunity to spend quality time with my boyfriend, but in a personal sense, I have been alone. God has stripped me from a lot that this summer would normally include. Haven't had the chance to see many people or talk to them. I have been working a lot which has kept me from doing those things. In this time alone, God has been maturing me as a woman and maturing me in my spiritual walk. I feel closer to God than I ever have. Even in the lowest times, I still felt His presence. I have had the opportunity to dive into His Word and delight in the joy of His presence without feeling rushed. Without the pressure of school! It's been an incredible journey thus far.


I believe that God has a lot in store for this trip. I have had dreams and God has even given me chords to a song that I will probably write after this trip. I want to be used by Him. I pray that God would work through me and that they will see Him through me. I pray that He receives all the Glory and that we start a fire in Ecuador. I believe that things will change. I believe I will change. I believe that I will have a chance to live out my mission in this world. God is going to do great things.


For everyone who gave financially toward this trip, I could not thank you enough for your obedience to God! May the Lord bless each one of you and may you reap the harvest. 


I will try to keep this blog up with my thoughts and what is going on while there. Be on the lookout for updates. Thank you for reading. Love you all and may God bless you. :)


Hannah Johnston
Matthew 5:13-16