the following update is by my daughter Shayna who is on the missions trip with us. I am very proud of her. Enjoy.
John 16: 33 “I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world there will be trouble, but take heart! For I have overcome the world. “
People line the streets. Mothers, fathers, and children of all ages trudging through mud, trash and anything else that would violate health codes. They sell fish and meat off of wagons in hope of making enough to get through. Their “houses” (or bamboo shacks) are smaller than my bedroom. But what caught me the most off guard, were their smiles. For the last two days, my motivation has been their joy. Its hard work! But in the end, I would do it all over again just to see one beaming and appreciative face.
This heat is overwhelming. Our frail Ohio blood wasn’t prepared for this weather! Our team though, has managed to push ourselves and each other to work without limits. We have guys bending thick metal poles with their hands. Groups of girls walk from shack to shack and smile (because most of us speak little to no Spanish.) The living conditions blow my mind. Worn clothing, hammocks for beds, and no air conditioner. yet, their all so welcoming and eager to talk. They’re crying out for someone to care. We’ve been moving heavy rocks into wheel barrels and packing them with large machinery. At nights we sing and worship our God. Some carry bamboo, some carry cement blocks. In the end, we all carry each other.
A few of the neighborhood kids have come to the worksite in hope of being entertained and loved. We played and laughed and sang and danced as if there was no language barrier at all. Everyone knows how to speak and hear love. These people are all so patient. We as Americans honk if were in traffic for more than 10 minutes, because “we have somewhere to be.” Oh, and if it takes any longer than 25 seconds to get on facebook, the world is going to end. But here, they stop what they’re doing to talk to you. They smile and wave then continue along with what they were previously doing. How, or why are we so different? Is it better to have everything and never be content? Or to have nothing and be happy, but in need? Every situation has its fair share of problems, but one thing unites us all. Happy or sad, impatient or content, God is God. He has a plan, He has a purpose. and that is why the C3 crew made our way to Ecuador. We are simply part of His plan and purpose, working to please our Almighty God. For those of you who have been praying for us, I thank you. Continue to pray that the Lord will use us and speak to us in ways that we never thought possible. See you all soon!
With love;
Shayna & the C3 crew.
