Finishing Strong
The first two weeks of July were spent wrapping everything up and preparing to come home for two weeks! It was a wonderful (albeit slightly stressful) time. The other North American on our team left a week early, so I was on my own using Spanish in a business context. It was difficult, but it was another testament to how the Lord has blessed me in the process of language learning!
Sharing my New Home
I had the wonderful opportunity to share my new home with my cousin in July! It was so amazing to be able to experience Ecuador with her as though it was the first time again. I was even able to do a lot of the tourist attractions that I hadn’t found time to do before. It was an amazing time where I was able to fall a little more in love with the city God has placed me in.
Time in States
I was so blessed to be able to come home for 2 weeks this summer. I was able to rest, spend time in my host culture, and do a little fundraising. Although I was very busy, I was surprised by how restful it was to be in the States. It was nice to have a break from Spanish and be able to be in the moment without overthinking how to say what I’m trying to say correctly.
I was able to spend time with my family as well as visit friends in Charleston! I was even able to share at both of my home churches. It was such a beautiful time to be surrounded by the people who support me and have helped me get to where I am.
One of the best parts of coming home this summer was getting to attend my best friend’s baby shower and see my brother propose! It can be really hard to be so far from my friends and family, but it was such a blessing to be able to be a part of these moments. I will always be grateful for this time I was able to spend in the US.
Coming Back
Coming back was hard, but not for the reasons you would expect – I traveled back to Ecuador the same day that hurricane Debby hit South Carolina! My flights did end up getting delayed, but the airlines were able to put me on a different route, and I was still able to arrive when I was scheduled to. Thank you to everyone who prayed for my travel back, although a little bumpy, I was able to make it safely and on time!
Readjusting to Ecuador has been easier than I expected! I thought I would experience culture shock again, but honestly, it hasn’t been bad at all. Honestly, it has been amazing coming back to 60º-70º weather again. Even coming back to work has been great. The time off was just what I needed to be able to feel energized and ready to give it my all. I’m very grateful for the gift of rest and this sense of readiness.
Prayer Requests
• For the new program we are about to launch!!
• For our team and the board as we continue our work and navigate the transition
• I’m about to start Spanish class again, please pray as I continue learning and get into more advanced concepts and vocabulary!
Answered Prayers
• A wonderful time in the States
• Safe travel to and from the US (even with delays)
• The Spanish that God has already blessed me with
• Ecuador has started to feel like home