Emaus

Wow. That's all I can say right now to sum up the trip thus far. Ecuador is absolutely stunning and the people here are the sweetest.

I've learned the real meaning of teamwork. It can accomplish much more than it seems possible sometimes.

The kids here are incredible. It doesn't matter that I, or most of us for that matter, can't speak spanish; we still find ways to communicate. I must say that I have learned more spanish here than I did in a whole semester of spanish at school. I'm learning my spanish from a seven year old. It can't get better than that.(: The kids are just so loving. All of them. The people of Emaus are so welcoming. They appreciate us being here more than you would believe and we (or at least I) am loving being here more than I think they understand.

Tomorrow's a big day. We're concreting the roof of the second story building of the church. It's the whole community coming together. Wish us luck(:

-Alex

Text instead of photos

Sharing photos seems to be our favorite activity this year. But behind that is a great group which has come together and come alongside the great people of Emaus. The love we are sharing is blessing and renewing both groups. MF

Underestimating God

Another incredible day: hard work, much laughter, beautiful people, and much learned.

I have been thinking about the difference in our expectations of God -- we North Americans and Ecuadorians. They expect miracles. We hope for the best if that is God's will. To the people of Emaus Mission, just the fact that this team is here is a miracle. Our worship is a miracle; our commitment to their church is a miracle; the rising of the sun is a miracle; life is a miracle even when it is hard fought.

The lesson for me is that I don't ask God for the true desires of my heart -- I ask for what is acceptable in my mind. God is bigger than my heart, my needs, my fears, my desires, my hurts, my expectations. God can handle what I really need -- and in fact he knows me and my heart even though my faith (or lack thereof) prevents me from acknowledging the truth.

Lourdes (priest at Emaus) asked us to expect miracles. I've seen them from the moment I arrived. I am humbled and inspired.

MAG

Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places

Today was the start of our week at Mision Emaus. For some of us it was full of happy reunions and others were making new friends, but everyone was greeted with the same contagious love and joy that absolutely radiates out of the church and its community. Our work this week involves eventually pouring a new concrete roof for the building (but before that there are a number of tasks that need doing, such as moving piles of rocks), as well as leading a VBS and "Choir Camp." Lourdes is as spunky as ever, and the hill to and from the church down which lunch must be carried is as steep and windy as ever. Rocks were moved, butterflies were made (from coffee filters!) and songs were sung. If today is any indication (and I fully expect that it is), our time here at Mision Emaus promises to be every bit as amazing as before.

After a full day of work at Emaus, we had the privilege of eating at Cameron and Roberto Vivanco's house, which happens to have one of the most fantastic views of Quito (that I've included below for your viewing pleasure).

Tomorrow we return to Emaus. God is good!