2nd week abroad!

Hi everybody!
It has been an amazing week and a half since I have arrived
in Ecuador. I have learned a lot about their culture and way of life. My
language skills and faith are being stretched. I do miss home but Im
re-learning to trust in the Lord and His strength at all times. As well as
to be thankfull for everything!

During the early afternoon, it is hot here but every evening it rains,
and rains hard! (Thunderstorms included). My host family said that
the rain will die down come mid may. However, yesterday we had a
break in the rain! Tumbaco (where I am) is at around 8,000ft. Quito,
which is about 7mi away is around 10,000ft. It rains more in Quito
and is a little cooler.

Im one of the only ones around that wears shorts. A few people have
already asked me if Im cold. They wear jeans and sweatshirts even
when its around 75-80 degrees.

I really love their family gatherings here. It seems like that's when their
culture really shows! Last sunday, we (my host family and all of
their family) got together for Easther lunch. Almost everyone helped
prepare the food. It was really fun! In ecuador, lunchtime is the
most formal meal, when everyone gets together, as opposed to
dinnertime.

One thing I learned about the busses: if you're the last one to board,
grab onto a railing first! (before stepping on). Cuz the bus driver
hits the gas once he sees that you've stepped a foot onboard.

Last week was my first week helping at the school.
Mostly, I was
observing, to see how they do things. I've been helping with the
young kids so far. They are really fun. A couple of them, once they
saw me, wanted me to stick with them the entire time.

The principal said that in a while, he would like me to help him teach
some english and math to the older youth.

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to serve down in Ecuador.
But I know that it doesn't matter where I am in the world, as long as
my heart is in Jesus.

Thank you so much for your friendship and your prayers! Please
continue to pray!

There are a few things that I could use prayer for:
1. Effectiveness-- in serving the Lord, my host family, the school and
the people

2. Health/ Safety in transit

3. Emotional Stability: It can get a little stressful sometimes trying
to learn a foreign language. Especially during those days when it
doesn't fell like I'm learning at all.

4. Spiritual Growth/ Fellowship: That my desire to live for the Lord
and trust in Him would grow everyday.

5. Opportunities: That I would recognize an opportunity when
there is one. That I would have the strength/ boldness/ trust to
follow through.

I thank the Lord for the people he has put in my life. May we
continue to give Him praise!