Elsa in Ecuador: Update Número Tres!

Hola a todos!

Today marks a little over a week that I have been in the beautiful country of Ecuador. The weather continues to be mild, but it has gotten a bit colder and I woke up to the sound of rain on my window this morning. I feel as though I have been here for much longer, perhaps because God has worked so many miracles in my heart.

I have been greatly encouraged by all those praying for the work I am doing here (THE KEYBOARD ARRIVED SAFELY)! I teach for three hours in the mornings (usually from 9 - noon). My heart nearly exploded with joy because on Wednesday all of the youth that I had been teaching were able to form a group and worship together.

In order to appreciate that statement as much as I do, you need to know a few things. These youths live in a third world country. Most of them do not have loving homes (in fact, some parents try to forbid the youths from coming to the Center). This country is saturated with false doctrines that men have created. They are constantly under attack if they believe that Jesus is the ONLY way to be in relationship with God and that you do not - and indeed, cannot - do ANYTHING to earn God's mercy and grace. Many of them ride a bus from Quito or walk on dirt roads to arrive at the Center for music lessons (none of them can drive). They only get about a week and a half of break from school, and they choose to make the trip to the Center every day to be taught by an ambitious girl from the United States about music. They start back at school next week, but they want to come in the evenings to learn more.

These are the beautiful Ecuadorian people who I have been teaching! We sang all the way through "Que sería de mi" with guitars, bongos, piano, and a small choir.

Los Acordes del Piano

The group!

It was a beautiful thing to hear. I was so encouraged by their good attitudes and ability to play and sing in such a short amount of time!!!

One of the things that I love doing here is going to the market and bargaining. I have also discovered that the mangos taste 10 times better here. We bought this bag of mangos for only $2 and had them for Christmas.

Christmas here was wonderful - filled with springtime weather, card games, food, and new friends.

I was able to take a trip to Mindo (a village in the northern-andes of Ecuador that is known for the many species of hummingbirds and butterflies) with the missionaries. Because of your generous giving, I was able to pay to take one of the youth along with us - what a joy!

Me and Carla!

Here I am overlooking the 4th largest inhabited crater in the world. P.S. IT IS ACTIVE!

In Mindo we went ziplining in a forest canopy.

Here we are at the Equator!!!

One of the miracles that God has continued to work in my heart is the fact that He has caused me to be unafraid. I see God's purposes in being stranded at the Atlanta airport. If I had not gone through that, I would be temped to control and be anxious about the music lessons and I wouldn't have understood that God is the ONLY one who gives me peace. I was forced to give up control in the Atlanta airport, and you know what I realized? He is trustworthy. Despite my failures, He is a caring and perfect Father. And that causes my fears to dissolve.

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." 

Deuteronomy 31:8

If you are a child of God, you can claim that truth every day. I memorized it and repeat it every time I become anxious or try to control the situation in my own strength. God will accomplish His purposes. We need only cry out and say, "Here I am. Send me." 

Please continue to pray specifically that the youth would understand the music material and that they would love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind. 

Nita continues to put out fresh flowers from her backyard every day. Did you know that Ecuador is the largest exporter of roses in the world? 

Thank you for your prayers and friendship!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. :)