We obviously answered "yes" to the question of trusting God in this new adventure. I started this blog as soon as we arrived in Ecuador and as I go back and read my entries, over and over I am reminded of how faithful God has been and continues to be on our behalf. The road at times has been very difficult, I can testify though, it is always better to surrender sooner than later. Perhaps these two stories can help you glimpse part of what God has been teaching us as a result of living in Calacali.
We had a family team that came and requested an Ecuadorian family join them and be a part of their team. Juan Carlos knew of a Pastor who was having a hard time and could use a time of encouragement. The pastor and his family of five, spent the time here at El Refugio working along side the team and with Howard. At the end of the time the pastor told Juan Carlos that he wanted to support "Howie" and his family, would it be OK if they gave us some milk. I can't even begin to explain the impact this had on Howard and I. We understood, in order for this family to support us with milk, meant when they did, their family went without. To say we were humbled is an understatement.
Recently Pedro showed up early one morning to give our family a chicken. I put it in the refrigerator but I told Howard I was a little nervous to eat it, not know when it was killed and if it had sat out all night. Just the day before it had been happily pecking away on the road outside his house. We decided to cook the bird and ended up having a wonderful dinner. The next time we saw Pedro we thanked him, he was so happy to be able to do this one thing for us. Again, please understand, the night we had chicken, Pedro's family did not.
This last summer I was in the states for my annual physical. The doctor was interested in my "story" and so in about five minutes tried to summarize why we had become missionaries. She listened very attentively and then asked what was next. Next? I am still trying to come to terms with the lessons from now, how can I think about next? And I told her, the single biggest challenge I face every time I am back with my family and friends is what to do with those lessons God has been teaching me. How do I integrate my life here in Ecuador with the one there. Or quite possibly, those lessons are just for me, to draw me ever closer to my Savior.
We had a family team that came and requested an Ecuadorian family join them and be a part of their team. Juan Carlos knew of a Pastor who was having a hard time and could use a time of encouragement. The pastor and his family of five, spent the time here at El Refugio working along side the team and with Howard. At the end of the time the pastor told Juan Carlos that he wanted to support "Howie" and his family, would it be OK if they gave us some milk. I can't even begin to explain the impact this had on Howard and I. We understood, in order for this family to support us with milk, meant when they did, their family went without. To say we were humbled is an understatement.
Recently Pedro showed up early one morning to give our family a chicken. I put it in the refrigerator but I told Howard I was a little nervous to eat it, not know when it was killed and if it had sat out all night. Just the day before it had been happily pecking away on the road outside his house. We decided to cook the bird and ended up having a wonderful dinner. The next time we saw Pedro we thanked him, he was so happy to be able to do this one thing for us. Again, please understand, the night we had chicken, Pedro's family did not.
This last summer I was in the states for my annual physical. The doctor was interested in my "story" and so in about five minutes tried to summarize why we had become missionaries. She listened very attentively and then asked what was next. Next? I am still trying to come to terms with the lessons from now, how can I think about next? And I told her, the single biggest challenge I face every time I am back with my family and friends is what to do with those lessons God has been teaching me. How do I integrate my life here in Ecuador with the one there. Or quite possibly, those lessons are just for me, to draw me ever closer to my Savior.
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