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