I Received My Visa and Cédula
At the beginning of April, I went to the “Plataforma” with a lawyer and translator and applied for my extended visa. This was a long and expensive process, but I was approved and am now permitted to stay for two years (if God leads me to stay longer then I’ll reapply for another visa)! I also received a cédula, Ecuador’s ID, which has honestly made my life so much easier so praise God for little blessings!
Cortes de Luz
Also in April, we had periods of “Cortes de Luz” or “power cuts.” It was my first time learning that electricity is a finite resource, as well as the consequences of when that finite resource is running low. This was a pretty interesting time. For nearly a month we would have scheduled power outages for 2-8 hours a day. During this time, we didn’t have electricity which meant I also lost cell signal (the cell towers lost power as well). It was fun to live by candle light for a little while, but I am very glad we are back to having power all day everyday again.
Finishing Up Language School
I can’t believe it but it’s my last week of language school! The time has really flown by. I definitely wouldn’t say that I’m fluent, but my Spanish professor has worked wonders. I went from knowing absolutely nothing, to being able to have (simple) conversations in Spanish, feeling confident going out and ordering/shopping on my own, and singing some worship songs in Spanish! I will be continuing to learn and take classes, but it won’t be as intensive. Instead of 5 hours/day for 5 days/week, it will just be a couple hours one day a week (probably focused on vocabulary and other specific needs). This means that I will be officially starting my job as the communication specialist for ESE full-time this Monday! I’m really excited to start working and get involved in the ministry, but I’m going to miss seeing my Spanish professor everyday and getting to grow in my Spanish.
Making Friends
After being here for three months, I feel like I’m finally starting to make really good friends. One of the hardest parts about moving here was leaving my community in the States. For weeks, I hated having nothing to do/no one to see on the weekends. I’m an extrovert, so not being around people was actually more draining than had I been crazy busy. The past couple weekends have been really fun and I’ve been able to spend time connecting with people and growing deeper friendships. I feel like I’m finally starting to thrive here and I’m really, really happy!
I’m Moving!
I’m super excited to share that I have found my first apartment! Over the weekend I will be moving out of my host home and into my new place. I will have one roommate who is from the States and one who is local to Ecuador. I’m excited to grow closer to them and start the next chapter of my life in Ecuador! I’m also glad to be able to have my own space and be able to host again. I’m hoping the Lord will use this apartment to feel like a safe space for everyone who comes, and that they will feel comfortable, welcomed, and safe enough to be open and share whatever they may be going through. Above all, I pray that I will honor the Lord with this apartment and it will bring him glory.
Prayer Requests
• Rain!!! (Specifically in Cuenca so that we can continue to have power)
• For moving into my new apartment this weekend and that God will bless it and use it for his glory
• For my first day of work on Monday, I’m a little nervous so prayers for peace would mean the world to me
• My church here has an upcoming retreat for the men of the church, I’m not a part of it, but I pray that God works in miraculous ways and that it will be an encouragement and spark change in the lives of the men here!
Answered Prayers
• I haven’t been sick since my last newsletter which feels like a small miracle
• I feel more adjusted to the culture and haven’t had severe culture shock recently
• Things with my host family have been really good recently, and we have been able to communicate a lot better as my Spanish has been improving
• The pregnant friend I asked for prayers for was able to make it to 40 weeks and gave birth to a healthy baby girl and they are both at home resting and healing
• I haven’t been needing to nap and have felt much more energized recently
• I’ve been making really good friends that have been a huge blessing to me