Twin?

July 4

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE  DAY, AMERICA! 

Wish I could be there to celebrate in the BBQ and fireworks but I am enjoying my time here! This weekend I said goodbye to my third team and favorite little Oklahoman roommate. I am grateful I got such good time with them and impacted the Foundation’s community with them. Painting the school and playing in VBS went as planned Our final night, the house mothers danced for us again the traditional dances of the Quechuan people and served us dinner! 

At the end of the week I met up with Eduardo at a mall in Quito. 

A new team came in Friday night to Eduardo’s house then went to visit some Quechuan friends of theirs in the northern mountains for the weekend. Eduardo asked I stay with his wife, Marie Edith, and help her prepare for the coming week by going to the grocery store and making food. I had a great time with her, let me tell you! Walking a few blocks to Supermaxi for groceries, taking the bus to the mall, and cleaning house all while she poured her wisdom into me. She took the time to spend with me and to speak of the Lord in her life and about his nature. Church was an adventure because we were visiting their daughter’s family’s church. It was super up-beat with rave lights, a rock band, and dancing with flags! We also walked to her son-in-law’s parents’s house twice for dinner and lunch! 

Today we packed up and drove out to Nanegalito, again. En route, we stopped by the equator for a fun history lesson by the museum guide and pictures on the line!

 After an American themed lunch of hotdogs, we sat with Mrs. Joan Beak as she shared her life stories with us. I am overjoyed to be with her again because of my passion for serving the elderly. There is a girl in this new team with my name! We have trouble when people talk about us or call one of us and both of us turn! We’re not used to having another "Linley" around! 

We’ll see what the rest of the week holds- I’ll keep you posted! 

As I reflect on my time here I wonder what God has in store for my future. My heart has always longed for the nations but what about my homeland? I see Eduardo serving Ecuador without the complications of learning a foreign culture and language. Theses are his people. Last week, Miguel, the Foundation’s Director, served his own people as well. These thoughts remind me of K. P. Yohannan’s Revolution in World Missions I read awhile back when he was pressing the point that homeland missions needs to be transitioned to instead of foreign. So who do I need to go to when I go back to America at the end of the summer? Who should I be praying about? And what about you? We don't have to go far, but we do have to mix up our routine. Go to the people in our communities who are being neglected- the elderly, mentally and physically handicapped. Remember why you're here, why you are called as a Christian. To love, to serve, to be a "little Christ." I need to tune into what the Lord is telling me to do. Mrs. Joan told us she listened to what God called her to do in her life, how she went and did it. The Lord is going to work it out as he plans, not usually in the way you expect. God cannot use you in your comfort zone, but only when you step out of it. So maybe missions out of the country is my comfort, but what about when I go home to the people I will see every day? To the people who will put me in a "box" and label me? Things to think on...

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Blessings, my friends

-my heart is not afraid