Encouragement

Encouragement

6/25/12

            This past week has been so busy that yesterday was the first time I got online in a week! It has been my favorite weeks out of the three, and I already dislike so much how fast time has gone by. I’m sure you all back at home have been having some exciting things happening, too. I’ve seen plenty of official Facebook marriages and other cool trips! My good friend is having a wedding a few days after I get back, which I am super excited about, too! But anyway, it has been incredible here, aside from a bit of sickness that I had.

The Abundant Life

The Abundant Life

6/22/12

            I cannot even describe accurately to you how awesome the last two days have been. My day working on Wednesday was great! I think I permanently have tomatoes, carrots, and watermelon stuck underneath my fingernails. However, it’s actually been a really great experience. I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t usually need to ask what needs to be done; I already know! Now I can be in charge of the Geneva team (Madeline’s group) that helps with lunch and dinner clean-up. It has been such a blessing not only working with Angelica and Anita, but also with the Americans, too. They always come to me asking what to do and all, but what was really my favorite part was that night!

Days At Work

Days at Work

6/20/12

            After I last wrote on Saturday, Santiago and I had quite the adventure making pancakes. They tasted good but had the weirdest shape I have ever seen. Since then, we have improved in our pancake-making skills, but that night is what I’d rather be writing about!

Frustrations

Frustrations

6/16/12

            Yesterday was officially two weeks of being in this wonderful country. I’ve been blessed to be able to make up sleep enough for the last like year of my life (I know I’ve stayed healthy BECAUSE I’ve been able to sleep!). I’ve also been blessed with an incredible family that I’ve gotten to spend time with and gotten closer to these past few weeks. I can definitely see my relationships getting stronger- with my family, with my friends, and most importantly, with God. I’ve really had so much time to reflect on things, as well as have some legitimate Ecuadorian experiences! I think most of all I have really learned to calm down my intense reactions to my rollercoaster emotions. Yesterday was definitely one of those “test me” days…

My Ecuador Bucket List

My Ecuador Bucket List

6/14/12

            After my last post, I stayed pretty late at Santiago’s house and hung out with his brothers and cousin. We listened to Justin Bieber, danced, and laughed. It was quite the good time! However, we got home kind of late, so I had to be quiet making a PB&J while Santiago ate his favorite and my least-favorite, rice.

Weakness

Weakness

6/12/12

            Yesterday I got to Skype with my mom and dad for a good three hours; it was wonderful. People in Santiago’s family kept coming in, so my mom got to meet Santiago’s two brothers, as well as his mom. Santiago’s mom told him that she wanted to talk to my mom, so she came and sat down to chat with us. The silences were a bit awkward, but we would just laugh. She didn’t say much to my mom, but what she did say I would translate. It was interesting.