.......photography by roxanne.......: May 2013

As many of you know, I went on a mission trip to Ecuador for 12 days! I had an amazing time! I learned so much and my eyes were totally opened to how blessed I am compared to most people.

Ecuador is an absolutely beautiful country! Pictures and words cannot capture the lush green vegetation and bright blue skies.

{photo credit: Joan}

{photo credit:Joan}

In comparison to the beauty of Ecuador is the sad scene of poverty and immorality. Broken families, drugs, alcohol, gambling, sexual abuse, and prostitution characterizes the area of Quininde, where we worked and stayed.

I will never forget the faces of these kids. These kids are more than beautiful brown eyes looking up at me, begging me to love them. These kids are more than arms wrapping around me and giving endless hugs and kisses. These kids are more than statistics. These kids are more than just a 12 day project. These kids need more than government programs and handouts and food and clothing. These kids are little souls, who more than anything else, need God. They need faith and hope and love and safety and strong relationships.

While we were in Quininde, we kept quite busy. The guys in the group worked very hard continuing the construction of a security wall. Us ladies did some painting at the sponsorship projects and did 6 days of vacation bible school with the kids. During our breaks, we spent a lot of time playing with the kids (they are amazing little soccer players!), and tried to show them lots of love and attention.

We also visited several other communities in the area. It was so encouraging to see a community that has embraced the Lord and how it is thriving and growing. Other communities are very much still in the dark, and need the Gospel, as well as better education and support networks.

Our group was absolutely awesome! I enjoyed meeting every single person and hope we can all meet again! ;) I highly recommend going on a mission trip to anyone who is interested. It really is such a eye-opener, and I personally learned and grew so much during my trip. It is important to go with the realization that on a short term mission trip, you probably aren't going to change dozens of lives and be a hero. The purpose of a short term mission trip is to show God's love by our service and by our example, and to share and build relationships with the people. I hope that we were able, in some ways, to fulfill our purpose.