Ecuador - Field Day One

After arriving in Ecuador the night before, we started the day with breakfast together. They introduced us to star fruit, which they used to make juice, and then we jumped into training.

The mission organization did a fantastic job preparing us, both before the trip and while we were in country. 

We spent a couple of hours learning more about sharing the gospel and about missions in general.

It was powerful information, with just enough time for a short break before loading up on the bus.

Since our final day in Ecuador would be shortened by our evening flight home, they sprinkled cultural experiences throughout the week. On our way to the mission field, we stopped at the Equator Museum.

Headed down to "see" the main attraction, the equator.... 

but first silly photos (which I took of everyone in our group - we were split in 2 groups as our team was so large).  

It was a simple but beautiful place, and our guide was both informative and entertaining. We learned so much. 

One of the highlights was trying to balance an egg on the head of a nail.

Competition to see who can do it the fastest.

I somehow managed to do it quickly and upside down without even realizing it. 

While there is not much visually to see at the equator itself, our guide demonstrated several fascinating things that behave differently on and off the line.

Some even laid in two hemispheres at once (I just danced between them).

Our guide showed us how one's strengths changed drastically when standing on the line.

There was also a cacao demonstration and a chance to visit a woman's original home that had stood for centuries. 

One of the biggest surprises of the day, though, was running into Shiloh's cheer coach and another cheer student from home. They happened to be there on a study tour, and somehow our paths crossed at exactly the same time. What a small world.

After treating myself to a chocolate latte and collecting my egg-balancing certificate, it was time for the main purpose of our trip and we took the drive there.

We partnered with a local church and headed into homes to share the gospel. The church was intentionally reaching a nearby ethnic group. I did not take many pictures during the hours of our ministry time, but it was certainly a unique special experience.

Our team mostly filled their little church building.

The paster was so encouraging!

Most of the homes were simple cinder block structures. At first I assumed many were unfinished, but I later learned that they were complete. The home we were invited into had a tin roof and very humble accommodations. Their entrance was marked by half of an old car, though I never discovered why.

Our hosts were kind but quiet, and using a translator was well outside my comfort zone. I went first to model sharing the gospel for the teenagers in our group. Even though the temperature was pleasant, I sweated profusely from nerves. I was thankful for God's grace, though I left wondering how clearly I had communicated.

We then walked around to see who else God would have us talk to. 

While our particular group did not get a chance to enter any more homes, I was able to talk with and encourage our translator along the way as well as pray over the church member who was showing us around.

Later, we gathered outside a large local school and waited for students to be dismissed so we could share with anyone who wanted to listen. 

It was busy and somewhat chaotic, but I was proud of our team and especially thankful to watch so many students step out in faith and share boldly.

Thankfully, the rain held off until we were leaving.

That evening, we headed to dinner, where Grayson was quite unhappy about sitting alone on the bus😂.

 Thankfully, a quick photo by his favorite table improved his spirits. 

We laughed over some humorous bathroom signs and then enjoyed our traditional meal together. 

They had enormous plates, where the food was a thin layer and I enjoyed my steak.

We ended the day by making our way to the guest house where we would spend the remainder of our stay.

After an already long day, we gathered for an equally long debrief. While we were all tired, it was incredibly encouraging to hear what God had done through each small group and to celebrate together all that He had been doing.

As exhausted as we were by the end of the day, I went to bed amazed. In less than twenty-four hours, we had gone from the comforts of home to standing on the equator, stepping into homes across the world, and watching God work in ways we never could have orchestrated ourselves. It was only day one, and already I knew this trip would leave a mark on us all.