We made it to Ecuador! We have been here for a little over a week now and I am loving it. Everything from the rippled mountains everywhere, to the unique Latin American architecture, to the perfect weather and the heat of the sun at 10,000 feet of elevation on the equator. There are so many beautiful views and kind people that live here.
The first week here, my squad of 29 people stayed at Mabe and Fabi’s home. They are the Ecuador base hosts and are employed with AIM and have direct communication with staff in the United States. While we were at their home we had a few teachings from Fabi, acclimated to the altitude and weather, and did ministry on their property by doing little projects for them. Everyday we had indoor cleaning to do as well as gardening, painting, sawing wood, scraping mold, and other random things we could help them with to keep their house and ministry moving forward smoothly. They usually host new teams every month or so, but because of Covid, we are the first team they have hosted in over ten months so they were happy to have us.
Two days ago, our squad split in half and traveled to our more permanent ministry sites. My team of seven along with another team of six are at a camp called Hacienda El Refugio forty minutes outside Quito, in a small farming town in the mountains. The mission of El Refugio is to create a space for people to come and meet with the Lord through outdoor adventure experiences. They have 300 acres of land to hike and explore as well as climbing walls, zip-lines, and other team building activities. They provide a variety of camps and retreats and strive for encounters with the Lord through nature and team building type activities. El Refugio also partners in the community and with Compassion International with youth and feeding programs. Our role in ministry here is manual labor in order to keep this paradise running the way it should. The last two days we have begun projects like retiling a roof with clay shingles, digging and flattening a dirt road that has been corroded by rain, and gardening projects. We will be here for the next month, then go back to Mabe and Fabi’s to meet up with the rest of the squad for a week, and then switch ministries with the other half of the squad for another month.
The other ministry where the second half of my squad is called Dunamis. Dunamis is a non-profit organization who serves underaged girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking and/or sexual abuse. They aim to teach these women life skills and helps them reintegrate into the world while providing a Christ-centered environment focused on restoration. Many World Race Gap Year teams have served at Dunamis in past years and the Lord has moved in mighty ways through their time there. I cannot wait to see how the Lord moves through ours here as well as at El Refugio.
Because of Covid, we are unable to work directly with people like in a school or nursing home or to travel around very much here in Ecuador, but I am beyond ecstatic to be here doing any type of ministry, considering the state of the world and travel right now. I am so excited and expectant for all the Lord has for us here as He is already working in our hearts and through our actions.
I am so thankful for all your prayers that have helped me to this point. I am continually overwhelmed by the faithfulness of our Father and how He is always able to make a way for His glory to be displayed. I would like to ask for your continued prayers as we step into a routine of ministry and service in whatever way the Lord would lead us, and for physical strength as these jobs are very physically draining.
Thank you all again, and I pray you are doing well as we jump into the swing of this new year.
-Beth
Here are some photos of the last few days and some incredible sights of Ecuador:
Road work with a view
The best way down the mountain from a long day of working on the road. We packed seven people on this trusty tractor and went up and down the mountain for efficient travel 🙂
Gabby and Katie standing on the newly smoothed road that we worked on
Las Montañas
Más montañas
The Roofing project we are working on at El Refugio
Pretty green corn field at El Refugio. There is a garden and several crop fields along with the neighbors around them
First team picture in Ecuador! (with Sunny the dog)
THE LAST PICTURE !!!!!!! MY HEART WOW I LOVE YOU SO SO SO MUCH!!! seriously so stoked for you guys and the ministry you’re able to do in ecuador!! praying for you and your sweet heart:)
Bethany, it is SO good to hear from you! Thank you for the update and pictures. I am so happy for you that you and your team are able to be in Ecuador in spite of COVID restrictions. May God continue to give you enthusiasm for the work you have been given to do, continued bonding with your teammates, learning more about the mission that is being accomplished in your locations and health and strength for all. Grandad and I love you and are glad we were able to have some visits over the holidays! Love, Your Grandmother
What a JOY to receive your update and both, hear and SEE much of what our Lord is doing for His glory through your life (and that of the team) for His eternal glory in Ecuador- I am beyond thrilled, and love to continue lifting you before our Lord, that in HIS strength, as you daily commit to worship, prayer and Abiding in Christ through His Word He will continue to do amazing things for HIS eternal glory. Abrazos mijita!
Bethany, thanks for sharing! May Gods continue to open the eyes of your heart to what he is doing in and around you.