Some pictures!

                                            Trying to teach a class in Spanish...struggle!

What an Adventure...

NO AMERICANS.

Unfortunately, the American group that was supposed to come this past week backed out at the last minute, so we weren't able to go into the jungle. I was really disappointed; even though I'm not a real huge fan of giant snakes and tarantulas, I was looking forward to seeing a different part of the country, having a new experience, and meeting new people. However, I stayed in Ambato this week, and despite the minor cold I contracted (aka "gripe"), it's been a really great week! Things at the church are really picking up, since there's only two more weeks until Vacation Bible School, and I'm getting a little nervous about teaching little kids in Spanish all week, but I'm also really excited! I've been visiting the orphange in the afternoons, and at nights there's been training classes for the teachers to help prepare us for VBS--it's actually been really fun to learn different songs and games, and I'm looking forward to taking them back to the States with me!

 

I can't believe I only have three weeks left here...it's been tough being here by myself, and I will be ready to see my family and friends, but it's also gone by really quickly. Even at my lowest point here (which, after that earthquake, was quite low-I was looking for flights home), I still know that a part of my heart belongs in Latin America. I love the people and the language (even though it's exhausting sometimes), and after a whole lot of prayer and searching, I've decided to go ahead and apply for International Young Life Staff in Latin America: this is a three-year program, in which I will go to a country and work on Young Life staff there. I have no idea which country, yet, but the application process is a long one and the fundraising process is even longer, but I'm taking a leap of faith and seeing where the Lord takes me! I'm really, really nervous (3 years is a LONG time), but I'm also very excited about all the possibilities.

 

I would love your prayers for this next step. Your support means so very much to me! 

 

Much love,

Grace

Rest.

The last American group from West Virginia finally left on Friday night, and I'm looking forward to this week of rest! We did a lot of work: we worked at the orphanage in the mornings (painting, cleaning, playing with the kids, etc) and did Vacation Bible School with about 150 kids in the afternoons. Vacation Bible School was really challenging, as I had to teach all in Spanish, and it was very mentally exhausting, but all the kids were just adorable, and I enjoyed working with them. It was entertaining working with the team from West Virginia; they spoke like true hillbillies (which they admitted with absolute pride :), and I often I found it more difficult to understand THEM than the Ecuadorians ("They was goin on down to talk on that there telyphone to call they's young'uns then they's gonna warsh they's clothes and fix the commode..."). But they made me laugh a lot, and they were very gracious and willing to serve, so I was very thankful for them.

Unfortunately, I seemed to have caught some sort of bacteria, either from the food or the water, and I haven't been able to get out of bed for the past couple days or keep any food down, except some soup. I think a part of it is just exhaustion, so my immune system was weak, but I hope it passes REALLY soon! This week should be pretty restful, as a whole. I'll be going to the church in the mornings to prepare materials for Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School (which is Aug. 6-10, and I know it will be here before I know it!), and in the afternoons I'll be going either to the orphanage or downtown to work at a shelter for the shoe shine boys. Next Wednesday I'm supposed to be headed into the jungle for the week, with all the giant spiders, snakes, aunts, and mosquitos...(I'm pumped if you can't tell haha), but I'm excited about next Saturday: there's a Spanish Christian musical group called Tercer Cielo (they're real popular throughout Latin America), and they're coming to Ambato, and I was able to buy tickets for myself, Anita, and Faviola, and they're all very excited, so I'm looking forward to that concert!

I would love your prayers for health, patience, and rest this week! Thanks so much, and happy late fourth o' July!

Algunas fotos!

El Amor Absoluto

Well, last week an American group from Dallas was here, and I'm so grateful that I was able to work with them all week. We traveled A LOT--we went into mountain villages (where we played with the children and handed out Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes), an orphanage (where we washed all of the kids feet and gave them new shoes), and we even went ziplining across a HUGE valley surrounded by gigantic, green, beautiful mountains (I've never been so nervous in my life!). It was an amazing week, where we were able to serve and spend time with so many children who have so little. I cannot describe the excitement and joy that all of the children expressed when they opened their shoeboxes; they all counted down together (3-2-1) and opened their boxes at the same time, and immediately a loud SCREAM erupted as the children joyfully found hair ties, dolls, coloring books, soap, etc. in their boxes. It really made me wonder...when was the last time I was so excited to receive a gift (much less a gift of hair bows and tooth brushes)?

 

Yet, what was most astonishing and heartwrenching to me was that, as we handed out the boxes, all of the children were so confused; they didn't understand why were giving them a gift, and they kept asking, "What is this for? What did I do?" So rarely do they receive gifts, and it's almost never for free, for absolutely no reason but to show them love. All we could say is, "Because we love you, and because Jesus loves you even more." It felt so wonderful to give a gift and watch it be received with such unbelievable joy--tears came to my eyes as I watched the kids giggling and laughing with their new toys, and all I could think about was God's amazing grace, and how much He loves each and every one of those children and rejoices along with them.

 

Going to the orphanage was a powerful experience, too; we had the opportunity to be the image of Christ to all 72 kids by washing their feet and giving them new shoes. It was an incredibly humbling experience (especially since those feet were SMEL-LY haha :), but it was such a gift to have the opportunity to do that--the little kids all laughed while we tickled them, and the older ones just sat back and enjoyed a free pedicure! At the end of the day, we also had the chance to talk to the founder of the orphanage, and he told us his story, at the end of which everyone on the team had tears in their eyes. He grew up in an orphanage, and began working in a prison at the age of 24. One day, a prisoner came up to him and said that there was a father who was in prison, and his four children lived with him there (along with 8 other children who lived with their mother or father in prison). The prisoner said that in three days, the father was going to sell his 8-year-old daughter for drugs, and he had to get all 12 children out of the prison before the exchange took place. The founder of the orphanage had no idea what to do; he had no money and no place to take the children, but he said yes, and three days later, he took the kids out to the country, where a friend loaned him a chicken coop to live in; he simply took out the chickens and put in the kids. He lived with them there, in that chicken coop, expecting only to be there for a year, and 24-years later, he's still there, living with 72 children who were abandoned, abused, or found on the street--the orphanage has expanded, of course, and no hcildre are living in a chicken coop, but rather in comfortable bunk beds in beautifully painted rooms. Because of him, hundreds of children have a place where they are not only cared for, but fully loved and adored. This place, these children (and those who love and serve them), have truly stolen my heart. 

 

 It was difficult to say good-bye to the American team when they left on Friday, but there is another team here, so I will be working with them doing Vacation Bible School with the kids in a church nearby this week, and I'm really looking forward to it! It's been a beautiful adventure so far, especially this past week, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else the Lord has in store for the summer!

 

Thank you again for all your prayers; God's certainly answering them. 

"Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him" 2 Corinthians 2:14

TUNGURAHUA!

 My ROOM!

 Sweet little girl, whose class I taught at la Iglesia Bautista!

 NAOMI!

 La Fiesta del Dia del Padre

 My Sunday school class!

Roosters and Grandmas

I hope to be able to upload some pictures soon; I've been having trouble with the computer lately, but I cannot wait to show you the photos that I've taken so far! For the first time this week, I was really able to see how beautiful this country really is. You can't really tell when you're in the center of the city, but as we were driving along the outskirts of it, I realized that the whole city of Ambato rests on massive cliffs and mountains, surrounded by three huge volcanoes that blow smoke into the air from the top of their peaks. It's breathtaking, and I've really enjoyed driving through the Andes and seeing how people live in different areas, for the way of life varies drastically from the mountains to the valleys. It's a really beautiful country they have down here.

Yet, the greatest entertainment around the house has been the grandma, who has diabetes but refuses to accept it, so she sneaks into the kitchen when she thinks no one is looking and grabs a handful of pure sugar, or a liter of coke, and takes it back to her room. (The other day we found an entire stash of candy under her bed). Then, when Anita or Favi catch her and yell at her to stop, she just yells MENTIROSA! I DIDNT DO ANYTHING YOURE A LIAR....as she's holding a gallon of coke in her hand. Then she sighs in resignation, lets go of whatever it is that's she's holding, and returns to her room, only to try again a couple hours later.

The second greatest thing about this house is the food! It's mostly soup, rice, chicken, and tea every day, but I've heard rumors that when the American group comes, we're going to eat pizza, so I'm really excited about that. Unfortunately, however, there's a rooster outside my room that is slightly unsure how to tell time accurately, because it starts crowing at about 3:30 AM...so I'm sort of hoping to see that one in the soup soon.

One thing that has been really cool is that I've had the opportunity to talk to a lot of people about YoungLife, and one woman in particular really wants to get it started, which is awesome, but I'm in way over my head there! Well, first its Latin America, so everything takes about three times the amount of time it woud take in the states, but I'm praying a lot through that, because one thing that I have really learned in being here is that I really do believe that Younglife is one of the best ways to reach the kids and teens who do not know Jesus and don't want to, and those are the ones I want to reach, especially in a place like this where life is hard and very bleak sometimes. Yet, even if I can't be actively involved in the start of YoungLife here, I'm thankful to have the opportunity to talk about it's purpose and describe a little bit about what it's like, and hopefully it can spread here eventually. I've had the blessing of being able to meet a few of the young people in the city already; they've all been very sweet to me, but it's just really had esatblishing friendships in a different language: the cultural barriers are hard to break through, but I hope to get to know them better soon.

Anyways, thank you for your prayers; Monday, after the earthquake, was definitely a low point for me, and I even doubted whether or not I would be able to make it all summer here. But I have learned so much already, not just about Spanish or Ecuadorian culture, but just what it means to be broken, and that it's ok to feel that way; we're free to struggle. I think I just get really comfortable in my life at home, so I don't very often practice my trust, and as it turns out, when all my comforts were stripped from me, I had a lot of doubt and lack of belief in my heart. The Lord just hit me with that really hard, and it was difficult to come to terms with that weakness, but I've really been leaning into that brokenness and seeing what means to believe that the Lord is faithful. I've been reading Brennan Manning's Ruthless Trust, and it's really good; it talks a lot about how trust isn't something that we can generate  ourselves, but it's an outcome of hope, faith, and experience; our trust grows when we recognize and have faith in God's faithfulness, and He's showing me a lot of that right now. I'm just trying not to have expectations and just resting in what this experience is and in who I am in the Lord, not in what I want or try to be.

Thank you again, and ciao!

My First Earthquake

Buenos Dias!

It's only been a week since I've been here, but already it feels as if it's been a lot longer than that. I've gotten to know the family really well, and they are all so very sweet, but I've been a little homesick lately. It's difficult being here without any other Americans or young people my age, and my mind is just exhausted from thinking, speaking, and listening to Spanish all the time--but I know that it's good for me, because it's the only way I'm going to learn! By far the most exciting thing that has happened to me was the small earthquake that we had yesterday! Coming from Georgia, I have no prior experience in a situation like that, and it scared me so much! We were just at the table eating breakfast, when suddenly it sounded like a train was about to pass right through the house, so we all ran outside...thankfully, no one was hurt and there was very little damage, but now I jump at the slightest movement!!!

Other than that, I've been working at the church in the mornings, helping the volunteers prepare materials for the kids' program and Sunday school classes, and in the afternoons I've been working at an orphanage called "Vida" (Life), which is an orphanage for disabled kids. It's been so great to play with them (we flew kites yesterday!), and just to help them, if even for a moment, feel like normal kids. All of them were picked up from the streets, often found in dumpsters or just alone on the side of the road, and the directors of the orphanage have dedicated their lives to serving them and providing for them. It's hard work-I do not know how the directors do it every day!- but it's beautiful to see their joy and love for one another.

There's an American work team coming from Dallas on Saturday, so I will be working as their interpreter for the week; we will be doing various service projects around the city of Ambato and surrounding pueblos (or "towns") and orphanages, so I'm really, really excited to spend time with them! I've never been more excited to see Americans in my whole life! I'm never going to take English for granted again....

Other than that, I've been a little homesick this past week. (Of course, when I  told this to the woman with whom I'm living, she made me pancakes this morning to make me feel better, which made my day!) But, it's a lot to absorb and assimilate to, and it makes it harder being here alone. However, I'm finding a lot of comfort in the Lord, as well as in the knowledge that He's growing me and molding my heart and teaching me to trust Him, and I've found a lot of freedom in that Truth. I would love your prayers for courage, patience, peace, and TRUST in all that the Lord is doing here, even if I can't clearly see it. 

Thank you for all your prayers and support :)

Tungurahua

Hola!

Hola :)

I made it here safely last night--the family picked met me at the airport with a sign that said "Grace Estevens," so I just assumed they meant me haha, and then they drove me 2 hours south to Ambato. Flying in through the mountains was really incredible-they're the biggest mountains I've ever seen in my life! The family that I'm living with is so sweet and generous: I'm living with a young woman and her mother and grandmother, but her brothers and nieces and nephews are here so much that I feel as if I live with them too! There's a nine month old little girl named Naomi, a 5-day old baby (who is yet unnamed), and a 7 year-old boy, Danielito, who has taught me to play both tops and soccer (or "futbol"), constantly reminding me how awful I am at each one (hagas muy MALO!!) and ensuring me that very few of my soccer goals actually counted, but he's really really cute and sweet and has been my constant playmate for the day! Today was basically a resting day; we drove around town a little bit and I got to see the church where I will be working. Other than that we've been in the house all day eating, resting, and "just being," which I believe all Latin Americans are really good at, but will take me some getting used to! But the city is in an Andean valley, surrounded by huge mountains, I can see two volcanoes on either side of me, one of which errupts ash every now and again high up in the air which is really cool looking...apparently it's been errupting on and off for the past two years). The weather is REALLY cold in the mornings and nights, but warm during the day and really really bright--I guess it's just from being on the equator, but I can't go outside without my sunglasses on, and the 10 minutes I was outside today I somehow managed to get sunburned already!

Anyways, that's about all that has happened so far in the day that I've been here! The people are all so sweet; they're soft-spoken, very clear and very polite (rather different from Dominicans-I can actually understand them haha!). There's NO english spoken at all, so I'm hoping beyond hope that my Spanish is going to improve ALOT while I'm here (even the one woman who speaks English won't allow me to haha). I feel as if it's improved already, just hearing it constantly I kind of forget that they're not speaking English. But there's an american group comin on the 24th, and another on the 30, to work here in town, and I was told I will be working as their translator, so I'm really excited about hanging out with them! I miss you guys so much already, and you have no idea how thankful I am for all of your prayers and support--I would never be able to be here without it.

"Just as you received Christ Jesus, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith...and OVERFLOWING IN THANKFULNESs" Colossians 2:6--I'm so thankful for you all :)


Ciao!

Getting Ready!

Saturday, 6/9/12.

I feel so incredibly blessed and thankful to all those who have supported me (monetarily and through prayer) for my trip to Ecuador! I raised over 2500 dollars, which will go towards the development of a children's program at a church in Ambato, Ecuador where I will be working; it's an unbelievable blessing, and I'm so excited about starting my journey on Monday! At this point, I've packed all of my belongings and am practically ready to go. I admit I'm a little nervous: I'm fairly accustomed to traveling alone, but I've never ventured to a place where I would not have at least a few other Americans by my side. My Spanish is definitely going to be put to the test, but I'm actually looking forward to experiencing the culture just as the Ecuadorians do. I know I'm extremely blessed to have the opportunity to observe (and take part in!) the day-to-day life experiences of the people there...I know it will be quite different, but it's going to be really cool, too. I would still, of course, greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers: for safety, certainly, but mostly that the Lord will not just use me, but also open my eyes and teach me more about His gracious heart and majesty. It will be a challenging journey, but He's taught me to view every aspect of this journey with a heart of gratefulness. Thank you all again for your loving support, and I will let you all know when I get there Monday night!

Love always,

Grace

Welcome!

Pico Escondido, Vida Joven Camp 2011

Working in the Dominican Republic

One of the most precious little girls I've ever met!

             Last summer, thanks to the support of many gracious donors, I had the incredible opportunity of serving at the Young Life (or Vida Joven) camp in the Dominican Republic. It was an unforgettable adventure- I learned and grew so much, and I discovered my passion and heart for Spanish ministry. I was even able to return to the DR for two weeks over Christmas break and visit all of my friends; the Young Life camp is progressing at an amazing rate: they opened two new cabins and will be ready to hold hundreds of campers this summer, where Dominican kids will learn about Christ's love in an amazing environment! The financial gifts and prayers that I received are continuing to change hearts and lives of teenagers who live in the most difficult and impoverished conditions, and I cannot express the full extent of my gratitude. My trip last summer transformed my heart and helped increase my love for Latin America and for the people that live there, and this summer, I have the chance to serve once again in a Spanish-speaking country.

            Last year, while eating at Barberitos in Athens, I had a chance encounter with a couple who work for Church of God World Missions in Ambato, Ecuador. I kept in contact with them throughout the year, and it just so happened that their local church pastor is currently having trouble getting youth and young students involved in church activities. The kids in the country are extremely disillusioned by the rigidity of formality that they associate with “religion,” and the pastor of the church was looking for someone to help start a youth program at the Protestant church. After describing my experience with Young Life (especially my experience in the Dominican Republic), they offered me an internship for the summer to work with kids (ranging from ages 4-14) in the local neighborhoods and orphanages, serving them in every way possible, and helping to develop the church’s program for kids and activities for local youth. Half of the Ecuadorian population in Ambato is under 20 years old; they are the future, and most are poor and uneducated, and I’ve been given an awesome opportunity to serve them.

            I will be living with a local family in Ambato for two months, and this position in the church as youth administrator is completely new: they created the position specifically for me! I was told I will be “flying at the seat of my pants,” working with the Ecuadorian youth in local neighborhoods and orphanages, helping establish a program for them at the local church, and sharing the Word with them. I’m a little nervous, I must say, as I am traveling alone and will have no opportunity to speak English at all (yikes!), but I’m so incredibly excited about this new adventure and the responsibility it entails. I feel that my trip last summer helped prepare me for this position, and I am anticipating that the Lord will do amazing things there. I know that I will learn more than I will be able to teach, but I’m confident God will provide awesome opportunities to share His heart. I know that I will be stretched and challenged by the unfamiliar surroundings and the difficulties of life in the developing world, yet I know that this will be one life experience I will never forget.

           I've started this blog to keep you updated on my new adventure, as I fundraise, prepare, and travel to this new and exciting place. Thank you for all of your support and prayers; please know that none of this would be possible without all of the generous people that have encouraged me and prayed for me-- I feel so blessed to share this experience with you, and I pray that you will be blessed by it, as well.

                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                        Much love,

                                                                                                                       Grace