I have had a couple dreams recently with some of the children from Ecuador in them. I miss them more than I thought I would. I mostly want to bring them home.





I have learned a lot that my family is a big part of my treasure, rather than things. I have wasted a lot of time in my life pursuing things instead of building relationships. I wish I could take it back. I can't do that, but I can make changes from now on.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21


"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters,-Yes, even their own life-such a person cannot be my disciple." NIV
"Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters-yes, even one's own self!-can't be my disciple." The Message
Luke 14:26

These verses have been coming to me over and over lately. There are things that God is bringing to mind for me to do, but I keep giving reasons why I shouldn't or can't. Or I wonder if it's my ideas or really God telling me. Then the verse in Luke came to mind. That really stopped any excuse I could come up with. I don't know what will happen with these promptings from God, but I will follow him step by step until he shows me. :)

God at work

Someone asked me yesterday what my favorite part of my trip to Ecuador was. I thought for a moment and told her that it was interaction with the kids and double dutch... But later my "real" answer came to my mind. (I'm not good at answering things on the spot most of the time).
The answer that came to me was seeing God and work in me and in those around me.

He took such good care of me. He knows my limits and abilities. He showed me that I can be used for Him if the only thing I can do is wash dishes at a special needs school or comb and style hair at a special needs home. I went into those two ministries very afraid and almost panicky. I didn't know what I would see or what I could possibly do to help, but God did. He knew I have worked in kitchens before, thanks to Jerry and Lisa Hood, and he knows I love to do my daughter's hair, even though she doesn't let me.

God knows me. That's a profound thing to me. With all the people in the world and all the things happening at once, He knows me. Even better than I know myself. He goes before me and that is a comfort to me.

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

ECUADOR 2010

My trip to Ecuador was amazing! The people were wonderful and easy to love. We had great translators and place to stay. Quito is a huge city with around 2 million people!! Our team had unity and bonded really well. Thanks to all who prayed, we definitely felt covered in prayer.

We had such a great time with the kids at the orphanages we visited. We also had opportunity to minister to the care givers and other adults that care for the kids each day! And much to my surprise the street ministry was great too. I had expected to be much more worried and uncomfortable for street ministry, but wasn't. Only God! We handed out hundreds of Spanish Bibles and Victory Sports bracelets to many receptive people.

On one day I experienced my fasted answer to prayer ever! We were on a street in a business district area to hand out Bibles. There didn't seem to be anyone around, so we finally decided to pray for the people instead. Before the prayer was over a man came over to us to get Bibles for some people at his work! After that we quickly handed out the rest of the Bibles to pedestrians, people at bus stops, people in cabs and on buses. Just goes to show us that when we try things on our own strength it doesn't always go so well, but when we seek God it's always better.

While walking in a part of downtown Quito, we saw soldiers who were there for the riots just a couples days prior. A couple people from our group gave them bracelets and shared the gospel with them. The soldiers were smiling and took pictures with us. Only God could take us safely to an area that previously had fighting to minister to the soldiers.

Here are just a few pictures from the trip. Enjoy!!



This is me with a foot in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

This is baby Sophia. I would have brought her home with me, if I was allowed to. :)





Guinea Pig!! I thought it looked like a flying squirrel!

Double dutch baby!! We taught some kids.

Our team at baggage claim after we made the long journey home!

Now that we are home, as we continue to process all we have encountered and seek His ways, we also give Him tremendous thanks and praise. We thank Him that we better understand that "things" mean nothing. We thank Him that He has burdened us for the orphaned. We thank Him for renewing our hearts and minds spiritually and reminding us what our purpose is on earth. We thank Him for His protection and group unity while there. We thank Him for bringing the lost to desire His word when we were on the streets. We thank Him for all He will do in the future. Thank you to all who prayed for us and encouraged us. Continue to pray for the children and the adults God brought into our path who received His word in Ecuador....

Wow!!

Guess it's time for an update. I totally forgot I had this blog. I'll have to think of a new game plan and vibe....