Bienvenida a Quito, Ecuador

I am so excited to be able to be unable. I'm sure I will be less excited about it when that point comes, but that is what the grace of God is for. I am quite dependent on my sense of security, and this year has been a lot about God teaching me to let go of control; let go of pride; and recognize that I can't equip myself with what he hasn't given me.

Still, an amount of security and ability to be comfortable in the community of believers surrounding you, I find to be vitally important when being challenged with the work that God is doing. This is why I am so excited.

My beginning here felt a little bit like the elation that bubbles up when you walk into the door of the pretty hotel where you'll be spending the next week on vacation; you drop all your bags on the floor, and sigh while sinking into the pillowy bed. In my case, I was walking into the home of a family that gave me a beautiful private space, and a safe community to call home for the next five months. I have people to process with, like my host mom, Monica, who reminds me of my grandma when we sit down and talk about faith; Fernanda and Boris, the leaders of the organization I am working with, who have everyone over for dinner and worship on Thursday nights; and my host brother, Diego, that began teaching me Ecuadorian phrases during our car rides to work. Now, God never promises being comfortable in the work He gifts to us; but He did bless me with these things, these people, that allow me to be focused and uncomfortable in other areas without losing my footing. I am so grateful.

Dunamis, the foundation I am working in, has already proved to be so fruitful and challenging in the best sort of ways. As a crash course for those who forget or don't know, they run a safe house for girls who have survived cases of sex trafficking or sexual abuse in their lives and are working toward recovery. They are a ministry devoted to healing relationships between their families and with themselves through therapy and seeking personal relationships with Christ. Additionally, they work with their education, some girls never having access to it growing up, and grant opportunities for expression and creativity in activities such as sewing, gardening, and even horseback riding. The tasks that they have entrusted to me are giving me the chance to take on a lot of responsibility. I will be the english teacher for the girls, and will have the freedom to design the lessons and class structure, and I will also be leading the devotionals twice a week (which will be heavily reliant on discernment of what God wants to develop in their hearts). These are tasks that entail many things I have never done before, and why I am assured of my imminent discomfort (and excitement for this discomfort because I will grow). I know that in every process of learning there is a point where it gets easier, and I will work hard to get there.

These girls have been granted lives outlined with the type of stuff that is exactly opposite of privilege and security. Their stories, the burdens they carry, and the behavior they've learned as a result, are three reasons why they deserve all the opportunity and authentic love that people can bring to them. That I can bring, with God's power. It will be a journey, and its unbelievable that this is only the beginning. Thank you for being a part of it with me.

Highlights:

- Exploring the oldest part of Quito, with its beautiful classic cathedrals and museums

- Making new friends with Mckelvey, the only other volunteer, and the friends of my host brother

- Learning how to ride the horses on the property

- Talking with Angela, the youngest girl there, who has done nothing but smile since the moment she came to Dunamis

- Buying avocados and mangos for 50 cents A PIECE or LESS, and empanadas for 1 dollar. amazing.

- Hanging out with Boris and Fernanda's kids (and turkeys)

Prayer Requests:

- discernment in what God wants to speak, as I begin prep for devotionals this week

- for Johana and Jennifer who are leaving the foundation to go back home at the end of the month; that they would continue to pursue and grow in faith after leaving

- a prayer of thanks for the heaping amount of blessings God has granted in my home life and in being here in this beautiful country

- Boris and Fernanda in the work they are tirelessly doing.

Con Cariño,

Sara