Reflection {Part 1}

I feel so wonderfully blessed to have so many great people in my life. I'm a little ashamed to say it, but until I went to Ecuador, I never really realized how great of a blessing this was! So to everyone who supported me financially and/or in prayer, Thank-you!! I have been asked by people to share my experiences. 5 1/2 months in a different country, experiencing a new culture is hard to break down and share in just a 10 minute presentation, so my plan is to blog in some depth about my experiences, how I felt and what I learned while there. 

Some background:

Back in March of 2007 I spent 2 weeks in Colombia on a mission trip. It was an experience that I will never forget, and I couldn't wait to go back. Unfortunately, I never have returned, but since that first mission trip the idea of a longer term mission trip really interested me. I had also always hoped that I would have a chance to visit my Uncle Fred and Aunt Arlene in Ecuador someday. I never dreamed that I would actually have the chance to stay with them for 5 1/2 months! 

Well, I think it was November of 2012 that my friend Andrea told me that her parents were planning a mission trip to Ecuador for a group from their church in Wyoming, ON. I was quite excited when they welcomed me to join them. I was actually going to be able to visit Ecuador and help out with needs there! 

Before we left I was talking with my pastor and the topic of missions came up. He challenged me to go on the trip with an open mind, and to ask myself while I was there, if I could live in another country for some length of time, and if I felt God calling me to do so. Well, the trip was 10 days of fun and new experiences. I think one of my favorite parts, the one thing I'll forever remember, was the final Sunday we spent there. Usually the church in Quito has prayer meeting on Sunday evenings, but because we were there, they joined us at the Seminary where we were staying. We spent some time sharing testimonies and singing together. As we were singing a final song it hit me how here we were, God's people, from different countries and singing in different languages, yet praising the same God! I remember thinking, 'maybe this is a little taste of what heaven will be like, when all God's people from every tongue and nation join together in praise to Him!'

However I came home saying 'I could never live there for any length of time'. The thought of missions was still on my mind, but I had decided that spending more than 2 weeks in Ecuador was not for me! At that time I was living on my own, but had one girl renting from me. Looking at things financially it was a long shot to even be able to go for a month, much less the year I was hoping to spend in another country. Chances were if I was to make a decision to go then, I would have to sell my house. The thought did cross my mind, it wasn't a bad idea, but it would mean a lot of work! 

5 weeks after I returned Ecuador and the people I met there were still on my mind. From being on a missions trip before, I knew that it would take some time for the feelings and memories to fade to the point where I was not thinking about it every day. By April, just 2 months after we came back, I had not 1 but 2 more people wanting to rent a room in my house, and Ecuador was still on my mind. At this point I really felt God was calling me to go. 3 renters meant the financial worries were pretty much taken care of and so I decided to look into things a little more. A few email back and forth with my Uncle Fred and Aunt Arlene confirmed that I would be welcome to come, and that there would be things I could do and places where I could help out. Through email and Skype, details were sorted out, and paperwork was being filled in. I actually applied for a 2 year Ecuadorian visa, just to see what would happen. When you apply for a visa you are asking to stay for a certain length of time, the maximum being two years after which time you would need to reapply. However when processing the request the embassy can issue a visa for whatever length of time they wish, meaning I could apply for a two year visa, but they could give me a visa for only 6 months if they wish, or deny the application altogether! Thankfully after a relatively short wait of two and a half hours they granted me the 2 year visa. Walking out of the Ecuadorian embassy in Toronto with a visa in hand it suddenly all felt real! This was about 2 weeks before I had hoped to leave and now there was so much to do. Plane tickets were booked, and packing began. Actually I was so focused on what needed to be done before I left, that I didn't take the time to sit down and think through how this was really going to affect me. I'm a list writer, and there was constant lists. Lists of things to do (cancel car insurance, talk to the bank, put phone on hold) lists of things to pack, lists of people to visit one last time, and on it went. I also prefer to be busy doing things than to sit down and think, but in hindsight I really wish I would have spent more time preparing mentally. Regretfully I didn't spend as much time saying goodbye to people as I should have, I was just too excited to leave and I didn't really realize how much I would actually miss my people! I had never been homesick before, but then I also had never been away from home for more than two weeks. However as the day to leave came closer, time passed more quickly and before I knew it I was in Toronto, saying goodbye to my parents and stepping on a plane, ready to fly 4840 km away and begin life in Quito, Ecuador. 

Oh Canada! My home and native land!

Hello friends, 

I've been back in Canada for two and a half weeks now. It's gone by quickly. To be honest at first when I came back it felt as if I had never left, but as time passes I'm starting to realize more and more that I have been gone. One of the harder things to deal with is conversation. I would love to talk about Ecuador to everyone for hours! I had such a great experience, but I do realize that for people who have never been there and can't relate it isn't exactly fun to hear about it ALL THE TIME! This is hard for me. I'm reconnecting with friends and family, and it's great, it's just a lot harder to start conversations when you have little to no idea what they've been up to in the last 6 months. 

Going back to work has been intense as well. It's hard to fit back in again, but the hardest part has just been the physical work. I totally underestimated how soft I got in Ecuador (maybe going back during the busiest time of year wasn't very smart) and now my body is aching all over! However getting a paycheque hasn't been this exciting in years :)

It has been a bit of an adjustment coming back, but it's gone smoother than I had expected! 

There were a few things I missed while in Ecuador: 

1) Tim hortons! It was the first stop we made after I landed :)

2) free refills on soft drinks in restaurants. Just one glass is never enough for me!

3) my family and friends

4) my church family. I didn't realize how hard it would be not to worship with them all.

5) my truck! Not being able to drive was really hard on my independent streak! 

Now I'm enjoying these things again, but now there are things I realize how much I enjoyed in Ecuador. (I know, I am never satisfied, the grass always looks greener elsewhere!)

1) I almost forgot how much it hurts to fill up my truck with gas!

2) we left the airport and everything was flat! I miss the mountains!!

3) fresh fruits and vegetables for much cheaper. And fresh fruit juice, all the time!

4) I actually really miss singing in Spanish. (Even though most of the time I had no idea what I was singing about haha)

However, I am really glad to be back in Canada, to be back in my 'comfort zone'. Living in Ecuador was a great learning experience! It's so neat to be able to see and live in a different culture, and God used my time there to grow me in so many ways. Maybe someday I'll get around to sharing that on here as well. I'm thankful to God for allowing me to live in Ecuador and for giving me the strength to take the opportunity. I'm also so thankful to my Uncle Fred and Aunt Arlene for taking me in and giving me a place to stay, it was awesome getting to know them better! And I'm also thankful to all my Ecuadorian friends for welcoming me. You forced me to learn Spanish, and even though it was tough, I'm glad you did that! (And to those of you who broke the rules and spoke English to me, you made some tough times a little easier haha) 

Los quiero mucho a todos! Un abrazo a la distancia! Dios les bendiga! Cuidense hasta que nos volvamos a ver! 

Melissa

'Fast' food (parental guidance suggested)

Hey everyone!

This past weekend (Thursday April 3-Sunday April 6) I had the chance to go along with my Aunt Arlene and cousin Erin on a homeschoolers retreat to the beach. I had a great time to meeting new people, and it was neat to see how the kids had fun together and enjoyed each other's company.

I want to share a unique experience I had while there. 

The place where we stayed was owned by a missionary family that lives here in Quito. They bought this beachfront property, and built a four story building on it, so they could house retreats and camps and things. It was a very nice, clean place to stay, and I must say I enjoy falling asleep with the sound of waves in the background! Anyways, when we arrived they told us that if we saw any iguanas we could go ahead a kill one, as they were becoming somewhat of a nuisance. The couple that leads the homeschooler's retreat used to live in the jungle of Ecuador, so are quite accustomed to eating different meats, and were all up for the challenge of catching and cooking an iguana! However, the iguanas did prove rather difficult to catch. Slingshots were used daily, but never managed to take down an iguana. So, on Saturday, Mr. Borman climbed a tree, knocked an iguana out and then killed it. The poor creature was skinned, chopped up in pieces and fried in oil.

I must say it smelt quite gamey in the kitchen as they were cooking it, but iguana does taste somewhat like chicken, just a bit more chewy. I had wanted to taste guinea pig while I was here, but I think iguana is a great substitute, and it was a pretty neat experience! 

Melissa

Blessings :)

Sorry, it's been awhile since I've posted. These last few weeks have been busy, so let me catch you up on life here.

I was blessed with the opportunity to go to the beach from February 15th to the 21st. The ocean here is so warm! I think I swam more during that week than in the last 3 years of my life. It was a wonderful week of relaxation, and I finally got a tan :)

Then came the work teams.....

TEAM 1 came Feb 21-Mar 4

They worked on the wall surrounding the property for the House of Hope, built a computer desk, did some electrical, painted a mural, logo, bathrooms and some classrooms and did crafts with the children.

TEAM 2 came Mar 5-14

They also worked on the wall for House of Hope, installed a water system, and did crafts with the kids as well as painting the kitchen, bathrooms and a logo at one of the projects.

It was interesting for me to see just how different each team can be. Each person’s personality and strengths make each team so different there really is no comparison.
However, it was such a blessing to have them here. Honestly, to all of you who came, THANK YOU!!! It was so nice to see my brother and so many of my friends come to Ecuador. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some new friends, and to spend time with old ones. It was exciting for me to watch you interacting with the kids, they loved it! You got so much work done: the wall is so close to being finished (18 sections left to go!) and the projects are looking great with new coats of paint!
But also, God has used you to encourage me in the work here. For me personally, its easy to get down when the going gets tough. I’ve been working through the tough times, but not with the heart I should have. Im so thankful for the excitement and willingness to work that you showed. Its renewed the passion in me to just be where He wants me. I always want to see results, but thats not my work, its His, and its not my timing, its His. So just a big thanks to you all for sharing your time and talents and for the good talks I had with many of you.

Remember, God’s kingdom is world-wide! How can you serve Him at home?

Melissa

A day in Quininde

My teaching experience has begun! For the past 3 weeks I've been going to Quininde to teach English in the projects. It's been a learning experience for me, and although I'm getting the hang of it I'm sure it's not a career I'd want full time! Generally I leave Tuesday afternoon and we arrive in Quininde around 7pm and head back to Quito around 3pm on Friday. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons I teach. Usually I try to get 3 classes of 12 children in each day. Discipline has been challenging for me, because of the language barrier, but the children are starting to learn the basics in English now and understand words like sit, be quiet, stop, etc. my tone of voice is also a pretty good indication of what I'm trying to say :)

This is the house of Dr. Jeny and her husband Ruperto. They occupy the second floor. The left side of the ground floor is where the family of the caretaker lives, and the right side is an office for the plantation.

View into the palms on the plantation. 

This past week was an adventure. We arrived and the lights were out. This means living by candlelight (quite fun actually) and showering with a bucket of water (not so fun) thankfully the lights came back on about an hour after we arrived. The next day we came home after supper and I walked into my room to see a bat using my bed. I'm not an critter person, so I was just a little disgusted to walk in and see this. There is also a lizard that lives loose in my room. I'm told he's friendly, and that it's good he is there because he eats mosquitos, so I've tried to ignore the fact that he lives there, but as I was dusting on Thursday, he jumped right at me from behind the dresser. Can I just say I'm thankful I sleep under a mosquito net? Haha.

The donkeys that are used to pull the carts that pick up the palm nuts.

This little guy got stuck trying to get out of the enclosure. 

These pictures show a typical day in the projects. The kids start showing up around 12:30 or 1 pm, when they get out of school.

They sit down in the dining hall and have a time of prayer and singing.

Some of the older children are chosen to help serve the food.

They first have a bowl of soup. This soup has a chunk of meat on the bone, carrots, cabbage, a slice of corn on the cob, and a chunk of either banana or yucca all in a beef broth. 

When they finish the soup they receive a plate of rice, lentils and some salad. 

This is my makeshift classroom :) 12 kids at a time is as many as I can handle right now, or they get too crazy. The one day I had one little girl climb up on the table and start dancing as the song was playing! 

Here they are learning 'this little light of mine' 

They wanted to learn a song for the work teams that are coming, and this one is one of their favorites!

The Cesar Proaño project at dusk. I love how all the children are outside playing in the streets or just hanging out. I think technology has taken that away from a lot of the children in first world countries. 

Fridays is the day where older children can come to the project. They have a short Bible study and learn applications for life from what they've read. 

Hopefully this has given you a little bit of an idea as to what Quininde and my time there is like. Every day is a little different, but it's always an adventure! 

Prayer points:

~ for me that I would continue to having patience as I'm teaching and to learn to enjoy it more.

~ for the children that they would continue to attend school and apply themselves to their learning. There are so many who do not have proper schooling, and many cannot read. 

~ for all the parents, teachers and children at the projects that they would continue to learn more about God and His Word.

God's heart for you

A wonderful friend gave me a card with the following words just before I left for Ecuador. They have been read over and over and have become so precious to me!

However, these words work for whatever situation you are in, and I just wanted to share :)

God's heart for you

Think of it... 

You belong to a God who has no limitations.

He is able to do things for you, be mighty in you and bring blessings to you.

All that He is able to do, He is willing to do.

His provisions are endless

His blessings are measureless

His generosity is boundless

All that is in HIS HEART flows out in WAVES OF LOVE.

They are sent to touch you, to fill you, and to cover you.

You cannot contain them, 

for they are more than your mind can imagine, 

more than your arms can embrace, 

and more than you heart can hold.

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen

Jude 1:24-25

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig (or some fruit and vegetables)

So we went to the Quito market to buy fruits and vegetables. We can only do this when we have an Ecuadorian along because if we, as 'gringos', try to buy things here, they jack up the prices for us, and it no longer becomes worth it to buy here instead of at the supermarket. 

First view inside the market

A local delivery truck

Sweet corn is very rarely seen here. This is the corn you usually see on your plate here.

Herbs and spices

A flower stand. I'm still a little amazed that the quality of flowers is so poor here. Not that it's awful, but I expected to see better quality than what is imported into Canada, but I'm told they export the best quality flowers, so what you see here are usually seconds.

Typical meat stand. All that meat just hanging out in the air for the flies.

Cow hoof. When the kids here saw this picture they licked their lips and said 'yum'. I doubt that same reaction is going to happen in Canada haha.

Cow snout. This the kids thought was delicious ;)

Cow stomach. Not exactly sure how they prepare this. I'm hoping to never find it on my plate though.

This place kind of smelt bad.

Not exactly sure what kind of fish this is, but it's large! They just hack off a hunk for you.

All sorts of eggs and fowl. 

Hope you enjoyed this short tour. It was a great experience for me.