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. :)
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