Amadas’ Christmas Parties
December began with the preparation for and hosting of our annual Christmas parties—by far the largest of the events we hold each year. Over the course of several hours, we had the joy of connecting with 285 women!
After registering, each woman was given intentional, one-on-one time with a member of our team. During this time, we listened to them, shared the Christmas story (several hearing it for the very first time), received prayer requests, and prayed with them on the spot. The women were also invited to participate in a simple craft, creating space to slow down, decompress, and process the experience more deeply.
Following this time of connection and prayer, each woman received a small grocery gift card to help provide a special Christmas meal for herself and her family. This year, thanks to generous donations from Tupperware™ and a local hospital, every woman was also blessed with a reusable shopping bag, a snack, and vitamin C tablets in addition to the grocery card.
While these events are a beautiful opportunity to connect with and bless the women we serve, their primary purpose is to share the love of Jesus and plant seeds of the gospel. I watched many women leave with smiles on their faces and a renewed lightness in their step. My prayer is that they would come to recognize that joy as the presence and love of God, and that they would choose to walk with him and receive his joy daily. Until that day comes, my team and I will continue to walk alongside them, faithfully showing the love of Christ and praying for them earnestly.
Christmas in the States and New Years in Ecuador
I was incredibly blessed to be able to spend Christmas in the States with my family this year. It was a sweet time of rest after the busy season of preparing for our Christmas parties, a chance to refocus on the true reason for the season, and—of course—to enjoy some favorite foods (still waiting for Chick-fil-A to come to Ecuador). As much as I enjoyed my time in the States, I was very eager to get back to Ecuador and be home with my husband, so I flew back just in time to celebrate New Years Eve in Ecuador for the very first time!
New Years in Ecuador is a very different experience (see the last picture). Some of the traditions include:
- Burning the Año Viejo (Old Year): At midnight, large dolls stuffed with old clothes meant to represent the past year are burned in the street, symbolizing the destruction of bad luck.
- Jumping the Fire: People jump over the flames of the burning dolls for good luck.
- Widows of the Old Year (Las Viudas): Men dress as widows (skirts, makeup, wigs), and block traffic to ask for money for the “funeral” of the old year.
- Suitcase Sprint: Some Ecuadorians run around the block with an empty suitcase at midnight to wish for travel and adventure in the new year.
- Twelve Grapes: Eating twelve grapes at midnight ensures good fortune for each month.
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Family Feasts & Fireworks: Sharing special meals and enjoying fireworks displays are common– much like a traditional New Years in the United States.
It was a very new experience for me, specifically the craziness on the streets at midnight. More than once I found myself thinking, is this safe? The answer was probably no, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this new experience and continuing to learn even more about the country and culture I’ve lived in for almost two years now!
Constantly becoming more aware
As the new year begins, I’ve found myself learning more—about Ecuador, about the people here, and about the realities that shape daily life.
When I first came across the graph above, I was surprised by the range and average of salaries in Ecuador. For context, the minimum wage in Ecuador is $450 per month, yet more than half of the population earns less than that. While the cost of living here is lower than in the United States, it is not proportionally lower in such a way this it makes life on that income easy. Supporting yourself on such wages is difficult, and supporting children or extended family is next to impossible. It made me think about our Amadas. These women are misunderstood, judged, or even demonized because of the work they do, yet many of them are mothers simply trying to provide for their children in the only ways available to them. Ecuador’s economy is difficult to navigate, and the impact of that instability is felt most sharply by those who already have the fewest options.
At the same time, they are not the only ones affected. Even Ecuadorians earning what would be considered a livable wage here do not experience many of the comforts that are standard in the United States.
I saw this clearly while visiting Jasser’s family on the coast. Leaving Quito and my North American-style apartment, I stayed in a home that is considered nice by local standards, yet very different from what I’m used to. The walls were made of cinder blocks, the metal roof was visible through the ceiling, and the bathrooms were unfinished—meaning bucket baths replaced my typical hot showers. Furthermore, the house was connected to two other family homes built in a similar way. These differences were especially noticeable after having just spent time in the U.S. where things like running water, consistent electricity, and privacy are often assumed. The reality is that life in Ecuador is hard. Often, it’s easier to look away from that truth, but doing so also keeps us from seeing how people endure, adapt, and find joy despite it.
There is so much joy to find when you look for it. While we were there, we celebrated Jasser’s grandmother’s birthday, welcomed the New Year, and enjoyed the small things like good burgers and delicious ice cream. People stopped by (unannounced) simply to spend time together or share a meal, and everyone was welcome. There was a sense of joy and togetherness that didn’t depend on comfort or convenience. It was beautiful. Discovering the dualities of life in Ecuador can be difficult, but it can also encouraging and inspiring. I’m grateful to live in this country as I learn new things, and the Lord uses me to teach others.
Answered Prayers
• The grant we received that allowed us to host our Christmas Parties!
• The Christmas parties went amazingly, and we were able to share the gospel with 285+ women!
• We have started ministry back up with the Amadas, and many have expressed their gratitude towards us and what God has done through us over the past years
• We are beginning the year with financial stability as a ministry (although we never say no to anyone who wants to get involved or support the ESE ministry!)
• We still have electricity despite the ongoing drought (for now…)
• A wonderful spouse who supports me during life’s craziness
• The success of all of the events ESE put on over the 2025 calendar year
Prayer Requests
URGENT: please pray for my visa - I have submitted my paperwork to apply for my permanent visa. Most people are having to wait months to receive their visas, which does not necessarily fit in with my travel plans for the beginning of the year. Please pray God works a miracle, and that my visa would be approved in the next 4-6 weeks (I know God can, so can you please help me knock on heaven’s door for this miracle?)
• For our Amadas, they have been kicked out of the building they usually work in. While I want to see this as a blessing where the women will look for other opportunities, the reality is most of the women are still working as normal, just in much more dangerous situations, so please pray for their safety and for the Lord to open their eyes to other job possibilities that may arise in this time.
• For my team as we return to the ministry after a short time away. Please pray that my coworkers return rested and refilled, and prepared to start this new year strong as we continually work to share the gospel and serve our Amadas.