God Puts Us Where He Wants Us

God Puts Us Where He Wants Us

7/12/12

            On Friday night after my last post I went to a wonderful church service with Santiago. Santiago gave the message about God using us where we are- literally! Last week at Supermaxi, Santiago and I went in line to buy all of my items plus a ton of chocolate for the El Refugio store. After using his mom’s card (works like a card for like CVS or ShopRite would and gives you discounts on your products) for my stuff, he paid separately and used the Youth World (organization that El Refugio is branched) card to pay for the chocolate. The young man that was at the register asked what organization is was and what its purpose was. Santiago told him about the organization and the different things they do to help people in Ecuador. I was busy bagging all of my items when I realized that they were having more than just a regular conversation about groceries. I heard the cashier start to talk about a boy who he met that later I found out was coming to Supermaxi to buy chocolate that he sold in order to get money for drugs. This cashier was asking Santiago for information on the organization and a number and person to call in order to find help for this young man. As they talked for at least ten minutes, I looked to see full lines in every other aisle except ours. It was as if God was not allowing anymore people in our line so that Santiago had time to talk to this cashier. It was an extraordinary event, and afterwards I explained to Santiago that “God always puts us where He wants us”, even in a simple trip to the grocery store.

            So that night he told the story to his church and challenged them to always be prepared to be used by God; it was wonderful.

            On Saturday I woke up early to do Angelica’s hair and makeup for a wedding in El Refugio. She looked beautiful, and they had fun. I basically hung out with my siblings and did some stuff around the house until Santiago returned in his cute little suit. He helped out with the whole wedding and was so tired that he fell asleep almost instantly right after dinner (which was fish, yay!). I basically just hung out with my family and then watched Aladdin while painting my nails (Santiago was just sleeping the whole time!).

            On Sunday we woke up to go to church, but I was extremely tired and could barely even make to Santiago’s house. He cleaned up his whole house, and we ended up not going to church. We started to watch my own church’s podcast online (which I’m so excited they have now!), and Santiago, yet again, fell asleep, so I Skyped my parents for a bit then Skyped my wonderful cousins for a while. Oh, we also watched some indigenous people dance in the Calacali festivals.

            On Monday a family from El Refugio (that’s leaving for the US for a year) came to eat lunch at my house. We had chili, which, Mom, I bet you’re surprised I ate that, and I am, too. Then we went to Santiago’s and hung out until this family came to Santiago’s. We had dinner, which were those potato pancake-like things which I found out are called llapingachos and the other typical Ecuadorian things. The wife is American, and the man is Ecuadorian, so I talked to them about what it’s like being in a multi-cultural relationship with two languages. Both of them speak both English and Spanish, so it was interesting to hear about their process, which is similar to my own right now!

            On Tuesday Santiago and I went to the zoo, which was wonderful. We took a taxi from the outside to the inside, which I absolutely loved standing up in the back! The zoo was beautiful, and so were the animals (see Facebook pictures). The turtles were huge; I’d never seen anything like them! There were also animals that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before- not even in the safari of Africa or the zoo in New Jersey! It was interesting! We tried to get pictures with cows, and when I didn’t realize, one of the cows came up and hit me in the stomach with his head. Then the other proceeded to do the same thing. It was certainly an experience.

            At night we watched my mom’s favorite movie, Uncle Buck. We cracked up the entire time; it was hilarious. I recommend it if you haven’t seen it.

            On Wednesday we went to Cayambe to help with VBS. We talked the whole bus ride about funny stories and got there around 3pm. We watched the kids do some crazy games with water balloons and then watched an American team’s puppet show. Then Santiago and I played “Every Move I Make” in Spanish for the kids. It was fun to watch them jump and do the motions that I learned in my own church years ago. Then we went to buy doughnuts, bread, and chips for the ride home.

            Then we returned to Santiago’s to hang out for a bit before coming back to my house and eating macaroni (me) and rice/eggs (Santiago).

            Today we are going to the bank to take out some more money. I have so much planned for the next two weeks; it’s going to be crazy. I’m so excited to be living up the last few weeks here, and I’ve been so blessed. I even am able to pray in Spanish now, which I must say is weird, but fun! Santiago and I are also starting our Bible study, and we’re listening to services from my church, in which I translate for Santiago. We’re going to start walking more, as well. BUT in the next few weeks I will be riding a horse, going to a waterfall, going to the beach, riding a lift to see all of Quito, partying in the Calacali festivals, going to visit Santiago’s family, buying things in an indigenous market, and getting to know the city with Santiago’s pastor.

I hope to give you guys some more pictures and updates from my adventures, but I’ll probably be pretty busy! Keep me in your prayers as I figure out the rest of my schedule and use my time wisely! I also want to stay healthy and joyful, as well as learn as much as possible! Oh, and of course, like in Supermaxi, I want God to use me wherever I go. Like I said, He puts us where He wants us, and I know He wanted me here.