The Trip That Almost Wasn't - Missions to Ecuador

We had been planning and training for our mission trip to Ecuador for literally months. Both girls were preparing for their first mission trip with their youth group, and I had the privilege of going as one of the leaders. (Picture of us giving announcement.)

For months, we had trained and anticipated what God might do through this trip, and watching it almost slip away was heartbreaking.

We, also, shared with the "Go Team" at Soda City.

Bake Sale.

Missions Lunch.

With Shiloh's health, or lack thereof, over the previous few months, I honestly didn't know if she would have the stamina to go. Thankfully, there was some built-in flexibility to the schedule, including training time each morning, so if she needed extra rest, she could take it. Still, it felt like a big step of faith.
Then, just a couple of days before we were set to leave, Zoe came down with a fever and became very sick. Suddenly, her going seemed highly unlikely as well.

We were completely disheartened.

The day before we left, we did everything we could to support Zoe's health. There were lots of prayers, an IV packed with vitamins, and chro adjustment, which I may have broken down in tears during. It was a lot for one very sick girl.

We had to leave early the next morning for the airport, and by God's grace, we were all able to go. Zoe was far from feeling well. Her fever had broken, but she still felt miserable. International travel is hard enough when you're healthy, much less when you're sick. Yet she was willing to go, even if somewhat reluctantly, and I truly believed God wanted her on this trip. It felt like the Waymaker had made a way when there seemed to be no way just hours before.

The day itself was full of travel. After being prayed over by our church, we headed to the Columbia airport. (Quick photo when I spied our coffee.)

From there, we had a layover in Atlanta, complete with riding the tram, before boarding our final flight to Ecuador. 

After customs.... 

and one final bus ride,

we eventually arrived at our hotel.

After briefly seeing our rooms, we met back up where they had a snack for us and a meeting.

One of my favorite parts of the journey was simply looking out the airplane window. The skies were clear, and I found myself in awe again and again of God's creation. Seeing the world from that perspective reminded me once more of the greatness of our Creator and the beauty of His handiwork.

Over and over, He has proven Himself faithful in some of our darkest and most uncertain moments. This trip would become yet another reminder that when we cannot see the path ahead, our Waymaker already does.