In May, Reed and I had the opportunity to lead a team to Quito, Ecuador. A month later, I'm finally getting around to sharing about this unique and significant experience.
On May 9th, we woke up to dark, rainy skies. Our team of 18 students and three leaders sluggishly piled into two vans and started a long day of travel. We drove to Chicago, flew to Panama City and then to Quito. Unfortunately, when we landed in Quito, we thought our travel was done only to discover we had another two hours in a bus. Finally, though, after almost 16 hours of travel, we were welcomed into the home of Pastor Fabian and his family.
Immediately, all thoughts of the weary travel day were dismissed when hot, homemade empanadas came out. Pastor Fabian and his wife were loving and gracious, working to connect with us in their limited English and our broken Spanish. We ate contentedly, talking and resting in this home. As a leader, I looked around at the happy faces and knew that God had greater things still to come.
This first evening in Quito only gave us a glimpse of the hospitality this family and these people would provide during the rest of our time there. Like any sort of mission trip, it's difficult to accurately package the experience our team had in Quito. For our students, though, it was a powerful time. The beginning of the week held lots of frustrations regarding the language barrier. Students were getting used to the food, to the new surroundings and to working with each other. As we settled into a routine, though, our team began to thrive. We saw the same students who were frustrated and anxious at the beginning of the trip find creative ways to connect with the people in Quito. Some worked in the kitchen, while others played games with kids. For the most part, the guys on our team, all five of them, worked at the church site doing manual labor. It was incredible to see everyone jumping in and working at making connections.
Most days, our schedule looked uniform. We made breakfast together as a team at the hostel and then headed to the project (Compassion International site). At the project, we joined the teachers, the women in the kitchen, Pastor Fabian, the kids and a few others from the community for a time of worship and teaching. We started our day sharing in both English and Spanish. After this morning time, most of our team stayed at the project. Many worked in the kitchen helping the ladies prepare the day's meal for all the Compassion children. Other girls on our team worked in the preschool classes. Meanwhile, the guys of our team and a couple girls went to the church to work on a number of different projects.
In the midst of this routine, we also visited the Equator, enjoyed some natural hot springs and ate guinea pig. The students loved learning about a new culture, and their excitement for every new experience was infectious. For a few students, this was their first time out of the United States. We kept hearing little squeals of glee on that first night in Quito. Some just kept saying, "I can't believe this is finally happening. I can't believe we're here." This was good for us as leaders, people who have visited other countries and lost a bit of the wonder for God's big world.
As leaders, Reed and I were able to have a very different experience on this trip. Instead of having our own significant moments of revelation or insight, we found ourselves sitting back watching the students. It was such a privilege to see students challenge each other, to work past their own anxieties and serve others, to wrestle with what God was teaching them and to see God's expanded kingdom. I was encouraged by the students. I was excited about their new experiences. And I was hopeful for what God was stirring in them during this time in Quito.
We came home feeling very content. Of course, we were ready to get home and rest, but we were satisfied with the simple lessons God taught us in Ecuador.
First, we have the coolest job. We get to spend time with some amazing students and see them grow. This trip was such a gift to us, and we didn't see it quite like that before we left. When we left in May, we had just finished the most stressful time of year and we were exhausted. We were excited to lead this trip, but honestly, we would have picked a different time. As our time in Ecuador progressed, though, we realized how significant this experience was. We were getting to know students on a deeper level. We were seeing them rise to challenges. We got to pray with them and point them to truth. Coming back, we realized that this is our job. We get to this all next year, as well. Thank you, thank you, Father.
Second, it's not all about you. This seems obvious, right? This trip really pushed us in our commitment to service, though. Many times throughout the trip, I just wanted to be comforted. I was facing some of my own personal battles, and I was irritated that no one seemed to care. On top of that, I wanted this experience to really do something for me. I wanted to come home completely changed. That wasn't the case, though. At some point, Reed and I discussed our role on this trip and we came to the understanding that it wasn't about us. We were there to facilitate and encourage. I shared honestly with the students that I hadn't fallen in love with Ecuador, and I didn't feel very affected by the culture. Still, I had been impacted by these students and by the incredible people we encountered in Quito. I came home feeling content with the small, yet powerful, piece of knowledge that God loves us well.
Third, we did very little. For those who supported us and helped send us to Ecuador, we are so thankful. You served us, our team and God in such significant way, and we appreciate your heart for God's Kingdom. You may not want to hear that we did nothing, though. Please trust us - the fact that we did little was a very good thing. During our time in Quito, we met very committed, selfless people who daily served their city. People like Pastor Fabian, his wife Grace, their three adult children, Pato and Victor, the women in the kitchen, Esperanza, Maria, Rosa, Quenia, and others - these are members of the Body that serve the area of Carmen Bajo with excellence. We came in and assisted them in their work. We came alongside them and shared their daily duties. As we left, we only mourned the absence of these new relationships. Everything else was still in place, just as it was when we entered. We left knowing this community was in good hands.
We've been home a month now, and yes, much of the excitement of the trip has worn off. What remains, though, is the call to hospitality and life-long service. Reed and I are committed to remaining close to the Father so that we may know him and bear fruit. We want to make this coming year one of compassion, hospitality and faithfulness. Thank you to all who supported our time on this trip in prayer or through financial means. We praise God for what he has done through your faithfulness.
Our whole team - caught in the rain on top of a mountain.
At the Equator - Mitad del Mundo
Playing with kids at the Compassion site
Some of the girls with one of our favorite women in the kitchen, Laura
Ladies working hard!
Oh, and the guys, too. :)
