Light, Ecuador, Life

Tonight I am just in awe of how God can turn something so dark into something full of light. He does this daily as night turns to day. But he also does it in each of our lives in various ways. I was reflecting back on the moments in my life that have seemed so dark, moments where I just couldn't find a beam of light. And for one minute I was thinking back to a friend I had years ago that I no longer am in touch with, then I started thinking about other dark times but very quickly God pulled me back in and reminded me that in all things He is good and that in dark times He restores. I am so thankful for the restored joy that God has given me. I am eager for each day, even on days when I am tired I have energy, strength, and motivation. I hope someone else can be encouraged today that whether you are going through a time with lots of light or a time with little light God remains faithful and God will bring light in all things. 

On another note, my trip to Ecuador was incredible. I have been on a few other missions trips, and every time I process the trip differently. While in Ecuador we worked on a project in Cumanda, about 6 hours South of Quito. The DS in that region is building 10 Compassion International Centers and so we were able to help start 1 of them. We dug trenches, moved dirt and rocks, mixed cement, tied rebar, picked up twigs, to name a few. We got to work with the pastor of one of the churches- after just a few days I learned so much from Pastor Maykol and his family. His story was both encouraging and challenging to me. We need more people like him who are willing to take a leap of faith no matter what the cost. His children are precious and we had a lot of fun together. 

We also did a VBS with the kids while they weren't in school. I loved being a part of this. I learned that I really enjoy kids ministry! Something about this trip that really impacted me was getting to watch Shirley, the missionary we were working with, in her role. She is a beautiful woman, so full of joy and has a servants heart. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work alongside her and learn from her. The way that her and her husband work together is so neat to watch.  As the week went on, I found myself asking more and more questions. At the time I wasn't completely sure why, but through many conversations and many silent moments before the Lord I really feel as though He was using this to open my eyes to what missions in my future may look like. I am excited and eager to continue to listen and watch as He unfolds that. I am also extremely grateful for the people I got to meet and who I got to know well in such a short time. The people that you can be real with and go deep with fast are definitely special friendships. 

Every opportunity God places in front of us is to prepare us for whatever else He has for us, whether it be the next thing or something years down the road. It is awesome when we can look back and see why certain opportunities were put in front of us and how that leads to other opportunities. God is always working, I'm glad He's got it together because I am exhausted just after an 8 hour work day!