Elsa in Ecuador: Update Número Cuatro!

Ecuador continues to be full of surprises: new friends, new birds, new words, new foods, and new experiences. 

Music classes are continuing to go well. The students went back to school on January 2nd, so my days are structured differently now. About half of them are in "el Colegio" (high school) and have classes in the afternoons, and the others are in "la Universidad" (University) and have classes in the morning. So I teach in the morning and afternoons, which is a huge blessing, because I have gotten to have one-on-one lessons with most of the students. I teach for about 5 hours a day. 

- Please continue to pray that the students would not be afraid to sing and step outside of their comfort zone. 

- Please pray that they would have the discipline to practice after I leave so that they can continue to develop their musical abilities. 

- Also pray that they would have the courage to commit themselves faithfully to a doctrinally sound church and that they would choose good friends. There are so few Christians here which makes it hard for them to surround themselves with people who will point them to Jesus as their only source of hope. 

- And pray for me, that I would have strength and patience with the students. 

We took a road trip and visited the Amazon jungle. On the way there we had to travel through a mountain pass - and there was snow on the mountains!!! 

This is my friend Cari. She is one of my students and she came with us to the Jungle!

There are no words to describe what I saw in the Amazon Jungle. It is a paradise of its own kind. Mysterious is the best word that I can find...

The Headwaters of the Amazon River!

Also the monkeys are friendly but they do tend to steal food!

I am constantly amazed at the creation that God gave us to enjoy. And imagine what Heaven will be like! This world is so broken and sinful, and yet there are so many beautiful things to enjoy. Things like exotic flowers, waterfalls, baby monkeys, a gorgeous melody, or a smile with a friend. My Jesus sure knows how to put His glory on display! 

I'm not going to lie, though. There have been times when I have been incredibly discouraged, frustrated, and lonely. This verse has gotten my through those moments: 

"Though the fig tree does not bud 

And there is no fruit on the vines, 

Though the olive crop fails

And the fields produce no food,

Though there are no sheep in the pen

Though no cattle in the stalls;

Yet I will triumph in the Lord;

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!

Yahweh my Lord is my strength;

He makes my feet like those of a deer

And enables me to walk on mountain heights!"

Habakkuk 3:19

There is no one else who we should look to for hope and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the only way to have a relationship with God. I praise Him for being my Best Friend, Counselor, Advisor, Comforter, King... and so much more!