Traveling Across Ecuador
Ok, we woke up early in the morning, I am not so sure what time exactly but it was EARLY!
The house where we are staying (Casa del Padre) has no dryer, so I had to wake up a little earlier to get my clothing out of the washing machine, (hoping it would be dry by the time we left.) We had devotions from the book of Luke. We had a good time reading the Bible with Jacob and we sang some songs. Anyways we start packing! Most of the girls were ready to go! But some of us guys were just packing that same morning. Finally we were all ready to go, well some went to the small “tiendita” (little store) two blocks away from Casa del Padre. FINALLY we are all in the bus, all tight together. The weather was nice and clean so we started our journey! Guys talking about the guerillas, some talking about the great times with the little kids, and others practicing their Spanish skills … such as “Hola,” “Banana,” “Como estas?” And my all time favorite: “Nosotros estamos.”
One thing for sure is that our spirit was rejoicing, for that overwhelming time that we had with the kids. Yes, it was tough, but we all LOVED IT! It was so much worth every second I spent with the kids in Quito.
On our way to Esmeraldas we had the most amazing view! The Andes looked so wonderful I can’t find a better word then “Hermoso,” the translation of it would be “beautiful” but it just has more power in Spanish. Sorry. The hills, covered with that thick green color the jungle, looked so amazing! We were all amazed by God’s creation. I enjoyed every moment in that bus.
The closer we got to the coast, the hotter and more humid it became. Before getting to Esmeraldas we all prayed together on the bus and asked the Lord for protection and that we would be His vessels to pour out His love to the people of Esmeraldas.
Finally we were there, after all the waiting for the unexpected! We finally got to this Christian retreat center/camp ground. We all headed for our rooms, although Jacob and Elizabeth, when they called us to say who would sleep in what room, called us out by our last names because the rooms kind of looked like prison cells! Jacob loved it – made him feel like he was back home with his guys. Actually it’s not nearly that bad. We just like to joke about it.
[Editor's Note: for those of you who don't know Jacob, he's a prison chaplain... hence why prison feels like home.]
God has been faithful with us in all our work we have been doing here. We have been able to rest and have a good time together. Getting to know each other in Christ and knowing new people and kids, being able to share our testimonies and learning the stories of others - all of this helps our growth in Christ! I can’t wait to see what God has for us throughout this new week.
In Christ…. from the middle of the earth… Josué
Just a taste of the poverty we saw along the way.
Roadside fruit stands like this are common.