Ecuador

It was June of 2000, right after graduating from North Park University, that I moved to Ecuador to serve as the Dean of Women at CBC (Covenant Bible College). I had no idea how that act of faith, accepting the invitation to go and serve, would change my life. I had lived abroad before and hadn’t had the greatest experience, so I was a little fearful, but my experience in Ecuador was one of joy, growth, relationships, and new beginnings. I fell in love with the country, with the people, and with the language. I would end up living in Ecuador a total of three years, serving with CBC and then as a short-term missionary. From there I also had the experience of living in other Latin American countries and eventually settling in Colombia in 2004.

A view of the mountains from the apartment I was staying at. This was my old neighborhood in Quito

When I left Ecuador in 2003 I always assumed I’d be back to visit, I just didn’t know it would take 10 years!! This past week I had the opportunity to go and teach a few seminars on children’s ministry and at the same time visit friends and places that were so important in my faith journey. Read more about the children’s ministry training, here. I was able to visit friends in Quito, including the staff at the Covenant Church of Ecuador offices, a place where I had spent a lot of time working with the national youth organization.

Visiting with Henry Burbano, President of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Ecuador

Children’s ministry training

Reconnecting with good friends

Enjoying the new sights and sounds of Quito with friends

I was able to eat some of my favorite foods (llapingachos) and visit some of my favorite places (hot springs in Papallacta). I was able to take a bus to the small town of La Merced where I lived for over a year while serving at CBC. How wonderful to see my friend Daisy and her family and reconnect after so many years. So much has changed in ten years – I’m now married with two children, I live in Colombia, CBC is no longer in Ecuador, the Covenant Church has changed and grown, etc. It was a very special trip for me and during my few days there I was reminded over an over again of God’s faithfulness in my life.

“Be at rest once more, O my soul; for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7