Day Five: Carly Campbell

As we near the end of our journey, it's hard to express in words how truly grateful I am for this experience! It's hard to believe that our last day of construction was today! We finished all our projects: painting classrooms, improving church pews, caulking windows, etc...and I can't help but wonder where has the time gone. In two days we return home and although it'll be nice not to have to worry about what I eat and what water is ok to drink, I can't imagine leaving Qutio and all the godliness and wonder it possesses! In just under a week, I can confidently say that I have seen God working not only through me but in my fellow teammates and the amazing congregation of Cristo Libertador! Everyone has been such a joy to work with that not even the language barrier could stop the laughter! Our week has been filled with determination, willingness, patience, positivitey...the list could go on forever! More importantly, our week has been filled with service! The 20 of us were called by God to come and be servants of Christ but the people of Cristo Libertador served us right back! It reminds me of Matthew 25:35 which says this, 

       "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." 

 

The 20 of us were strangers to these people and even though we were their to serve them, they fed us some DELICIOUS food, made sure we had water to drink, and opened up their church to us! They made us feel welcome and more importantly they made us feel loved! As a result, we have really made some great relationships with the people at Cristo Libertador and within our team! It shows me that God is present everywhere and that being a servant in Christ and having love in your heart is universal language! 

                        Our wonderful, breathtaking view at dinner this evening!

Day Four: The Journey Continues

We started off our day today with an hour-long visit to Casa Gabriel, a home that takes in boys off the street and gives them not only shelter and safety but love, guidance and spiritual mentoring. While there, we also heard about Casa Adalia (www.casaadalia.org), a similar program that rescues girls from prostituion and sex trafficking. Casa Adalia has a vocational art program called EsperanzArt, which teaches the girls skills they can use to make a living. We were presented with a beautiful display of jewelry to shop from to support the program (www.casaadalia.org/esperanzart.html).

Next, we headed back to Cristo Liberador to continue our painting and construction projects. We began with morning prayer and singing "Abre Mis Ojos," "Demos Gracias al Señor," and "Trading My Sorrows." Another highlight was reciting psalms and the Lord's Prayer with our Ecuadorean brothers and sisters, each of us in our own language. The blending of languages and voices was very moving.

Amanda and Frances finished the mural. It looks amazing!

We played basketball and soccer together, enjoyed a delicious lunch of chicken and rice, and closed out the day by gathering together for prayer and music.

We made a lot of progress but still have more to do tomorrow. 

Day Three: Building Relationships

On Sunday, we were about 20 minutes late to Cristo Liberador because many roads between our hostel and the church were blocked for a road race. Father Mike was to deliver the sermon, and we literally ran from the bus to the church and arrived just minutes before the sermon. With our translator Marisol by his side, Mike preached just like he does at Holy Cross: straight from the heart. We heard about various images of God, from king of kings and lord of lords to God the farmer, who takes time to tend to us, to nurture us and grow us over time and through good times and bad to bear good fruit. 

After church and prayers for those who were having birthdays and anniversaries, we had hot tea and the most delicious coffee with the parishioners. Then it was back to work ... and a relationship-building paint war.

Painting Madre Lourdes office 

Playing soccer

Cameron's son, Graham, and Cameron with us for lunch 

We also had dinner at the mall. The view was amazing!

Wi-Fi Problems

Just a quick post to say all is well. We were without wifi last night, so we couldn't post. All is well. Stay tuned!

Day Two: a Reciprocal Partnership

Saturday was our first day at our ministry site, Cristo Liberador, an inner-city mission church in Comite del Pueblo, which is about 20 minutes away from our hostel. When we arrived at 8:00 am, we gathered in the church for a welcome greeting and introductions. We sang and worshipped together, and then the ladies of the church served us breakfast (bread, cheese, fruit and colada morada, a traditional Ecuadorean beverage).

After breakfast, we split up into several different work groups, working alongside the Ecuadorean parishioners. We had a kitchen crew helping to prepare lunch, a group playing with preschoolers, several people attending a youth event that included a Happening meeting, a group painting a classroom and preparing to paint a mural, and a painting crew working on the metalwork on the front of the church (window grates, handrails and gates).

Midday, we were served a delicious lunch of chicken rice. Most crews went back to their work areas after lunch, and a few helped clean up the kitchen and peel potatoes for dinner.

We were back at our hostel around 4 pm, had a wonderful dinner prepared by Cameron's mother-in-law, and had a debriefing meeting to discuss our highs and lows of the day and to share a moment or two of where we saw God at work around us. 

Day One: Maddi Lee

They say pictures are worth a thousand words, but I've found that even with a picture, it's hard to find the words to describe this country. No words, not even a couple of pictures, does this beautiful place justice. The following two pictures are my attempts to capture my favorite views of today, panorama style. 

Near the top of the Basilica, a Catholic cathedral that nearly took my breath away (and I'm not just talking about the stairs), overlooking just a section of the city of Ecuador

Sitting on the first pew of the church of San Francisco, a marveling view of the intricate wall designs and altar. How I would love to attend a service here. 

Before I came on this trip, my cousin gave me some advice. She told me ask God each morning to empty me so that he could fill me with with himself and use me as an instrument of service. That is my goal for the week, and I am so eager to see what God has in store for me and this entire group during our Viaje del Corazon. 

In many ways, I wish I could capture the sights, sounds and smells in little viles and bring them home to give all the people I know just a glimpse of the wonders. But I would never seek to ruin the experience they could have in full one day. I do pray, however, that they are able to make the journey of the heart on their own time and see Ecuador as I do: pure beauty. 

Maddi Lee

Day One: Are We Really Here?

After a morning of orientation, we had a chance to eat lunch in town and do a little sightseeing. This photo is from the middle level of the Basilica del Voto National. The city of Ecuador is surrounded by mountains and beautiful in an old-world sort of way.

Tonight, we continue our orientation and prepare for our first day of construction at Cristo Liberador Episcopal Church.

Being present with "Cameron our missionary" moves me to tears. We are finally getting to participate in this ministry first-hand after praying for her for the past 12 years. God is with us, and I am so grateful to be here with our youth and youth leaders.

Mike+

Day One: Getting Our Feet on the Ground

Here are some photos from our first day. 

This is El Jireh, our hostel. We are staying on the top floor, which has six rooms and a kitchen area. Here is the view out the back:

This is the Youth World office, where we met this morning to learn about all of the amazing ministry programs this organization has created:

Next, we toured Basilica del Voto Nacional (Basilica of the National Vow). The cathedral was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and was completed in 1909. Most of our group tested their lung capacity here at about two miles above sea level by climbing to the top of the tower.  The reward was an amazing view!

Next, we toured downtown Quito, had lunch, and visited the Basilica de San Francisco.

Oh, and Father Mike heard Maddi's confession. ;-)

We've Arrived!

Our host Amy, Jared, Cameron and Graham, and Mother Susan at our team meeting

Connor with baby Liam! 

We landed in Quito last night around midnight local time (1 am EST).  Everyone is doing well, and all of our luggage arrived safely. After a very long immigration line and a 45-minute bus ride, we made it to El Jireh hostel at 2:15 am.  

We got a few hours of sleep, made breakfast in the hostel, and had a team meeting to learn about the history and culture of Quito.  Then we headed out to see it for ourselves!

Stay tuned! 

"Here I Am! Send Me."

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!' Isaiah 6:8

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The mission team all ready to fly out of Atlanta

And a group selfie with Delta Airline's Dee Dee Tyler!

Team meeting

Savannah and Jared are very excited! 

Why Not Send Fewer People and More Money?

Taking 21 people from South Carolina to Ecuador for eight days is an expensive venture. So why not send fewer people and more money? Why not hire local laborers to do the work when those few people get there? Isn't this just a waste of time and money?

These are some of the questions we've heard throughout the course of planning this short-term mission trip. And they are valid questions.

In a nutshell, it's about more than our to-do list. Yes, we have a list of things we've been asked to do. But since day one in the fall of 2013 when our team first gathered together, this has been about building relationships. It's about seeing the world as much larger--and yet much smaller--than we think it is while sitting in our cozy homes surrounded by our many comforts and freedoms.

There's an interesting article that addresses five myths about short-term mission teams. Let's look at each statement and see how it relates to us:

• "Short-term mission teams take away more local jobs than they create." In reality, mission teams create jobs. For example, while we are there, we will need many talented local people, from our translators and bus drivers to the staff in our hostel. Just like tourism, our time there will create needs that only local labor can fill. And part of the money that each of us paid helped our partner church, Cristo Liberador, pay for a professionally installed awning to cover the outside stairs, in addition to a handicap-accessible bathroom.


• "Isn’t it better to just send money?" Sometimes we do "just send money." But a short-term mission trip is about more than money. Imagine if your parents gave you money but were never actually there for you. You might be able to buy the things that you need, but how would you feel about your relationship? Living and moving in the world like God with skin on requires us to be present. God did not so love the world that God waved a magic wand and fixed all our problems with a fat stack of cash. He sent His son--in the flesh. Sometimes, our physical presence is our greatest gift.


• "Tourism doesn’t belong on a mission trip. We are here to do hard work, not to have fun." Actually, we have built in some time to see Quito, visit the equator, and shop at a local artisan market. Why? What better way to build a relationship than by spending time getting to know each other. This is how we "get to know" Ecuador and the people who live there. And we will be supporting the local economy along the way.


• "The 'mission trip effect' quickly wears off with little lasting impact on the mission team." Will we have a sudden enthusiasm beyond our American borders? Surely. Will it last? Hopefully. This time away will surely give us new eyes and be life-changing for each of us in very unique ways. Research shows that short-​​term volunteer trips play pivotal roles in future decisions to help others who are in need. Can you get that kind of perspective by simply donating money?


• "Mission teams diminish a community’s sense of self-worth." If a know-it-all team swoops in, builds a building, and then disappears like some kind of superhero, it would surely be demoralizing and have little lasting impact. But we are intentionally going with this in mind: it's not about us. It's not even about the skills that we are bringing. Again, it's about relationship building. A translator for a mission team had this to say: "(Local people) see how some of the teams sleep on foam mattresses on the floor, while others sleep in people’s houses. They can’t believe that a North American is getting all muddy walking up a hill just to go see an old lady. ...  Then the volunteerism spreads." Mission teams actually encourage local civic engagement.

A Nicaraguan pastor and doctor summarized a mission team’s impact like this: “Anywhere when you have someone that shows interest in you, it really makes a difference in one’s life.” Sounds simple, doesn't it? But how often do we go through the day without showing interest--without really paying attention? This is about community building. It's about sharing our stories and hearing other stories--stories we might otherwise never hear.

Our youth are on the brink of adulthood. Although it sounds cliché, they are the leaders of tomorrow. They will soon be our co-workers and our caregivers. And the adults going on the trip?  Well, as singer Brandon Heath says, "He's not finished with me yet." Mission trips bring us all out of our comfort zones and show us how to work together with one another and with people who are vastly different--and yet also similar--from us. It broadens our perspectives, shows us what we are capable of, and empowers us to take ownership and initiative.

Mission trips create sacred space. Each one of us has set aside these eight days as time to intentionally see the world through God's eyes--together. So tomorrow, we leave as 16 teenagers excited about an adventure and five adults somewhat anxious about the ups and downs of international travel. Each of us will be changed in a unique, God-shaped way. We can't wait to see what God has in store.

Click here if embedded video (above) doesn't show.

Sources:
"Guilt Trip, Ego Trip, or Mission Trip?"
"Five Reasons Every Teenager Should Go on a Mission Trip"

 

Quito

Several people have asked us what Quito is like. With that in mind, here is some information.

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is in the northern part of the country. After Guayaquil, it is Ecuador's largest city. The setting is visually splendid, lying at the foot of the Pichincha volcano in the hollow of a gently sloping, fertile valley. Only a short distance below the equator but at an elevation of 9,350 ft (almost two miles), Quito has a pleasant, balmy climate; however, it is subject to earthquakes and has been damaged several times. The city has textile mills, handicraft, and other minor industries, but it is primarily the educational, cultural, and political center of Ecuador.

Quito has a rich history. From the early days of its existence, Quito has been an important center of power. It has been inhabited by a number of important races and tribes, the most important among them being the Quitus. The first rulers of Quito were the Incas. Quito was built from the leftover ruins of an Inca capital. After Ecuador gained its official independence, Quito was announced to be the official Capital of Ecuador in 1832.

Sources: hwww.mapsofworld.com and www.encyclopedia.com

I Have Prepared a Place for You, says the Lord, a Place that is for You, and Only You to Fill

The commissioning of the Holy Cross Mission Team on July 20, 2014

Mission team members were commissioned in their home churches on Sunday, July 20. Following is the commissioning prayer used at Holy Cross:

Sponsor: I present to you these persons to be admitted to the ministry of Ecuador mission workers in their congregation.

"'I have prepared a place for you,' says the Lord, 'a place that is for you, and only you, to fill. Approach my table, asking first that you might serve. Look even for the lowest tasks. Then, the work of service done, you may look for your own place at the table. But do not seek the important seat which may be reserved for someone else. In the place of My appointing will be your joy.' Lord, show me the right seat; find me the fitting task; give me the willing heart." ~Hild of Whitby (Celtic Daily Prayer)

Lord, show me the right seat; find me the fitting task; give me the willing heart.

Let us pray.

Have regard to our supplication, O gracious Lord, and confirm with your heavenly benediction your servants commissioned to minister in your Church, that with sincere devotion of mind and body they may offer acceptable service to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God’s will in the service of the kingdom of his Christ. Amen.

In the Name of God and of this congregation, I commission you as Ecuador mission workers in your parish and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support.

Holy Cross team members also handed out bracelets made in Ecuador so our parishioners would be reminded to pray for us and for those we meet along the way.

Members of the Holy Cross Mission Team hand out bracelets made in Ecuador

Thanks to generous donations, we have all the paintbrushes we have been asked to bring -- and more. And we have purchased two laptops so the kids in the education equals HOPE scholarship program can do their homework, receive tutoring, and have Internet access. Thank you all for your love and support!

Making a Joyful Noise

Part of our ministry in Quito will be to lead a few worship services. We have chosen four songs to share: three in Spanish and one in English. Here are the lyrics and links to some YouTube videos. 

Abre mis ojos Oh Cristo

Abre mis ojos oh Cristo

Abre mis ojos Te pido

Yo quiero verte

Yo quiero verte

 

Y contemplar Tu Majestad

Y el resplandor de Tu Gloria

Derrama Tu amor y poder

Cuando cantamos:

Santo, Santo

Santo, Santo, Santo

Santo, Santo, Santo

Santo, Santo, Santo

Yo quiero verte.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXj5w4wgUtA

Demos gracias al Señor

 

Demos gracias al Señor, demos gracias;

Demos gracias por su amor.

Demos gracias al Señor, demos gracias;

Demos gracias por su amor

 

Por la mañana las aves cantan

Las alabanzas a Cristo Salvador.

¿Y tú, hermano, por qué no cantas

Las alabanzas a Cristo Salvador?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj7k6ICGH8Y

Roca Eterna

Gracias Señor, gracias Señor,

por tu obra en mí.

Gracias Señor por tu amor, por entregarte

y darme tu perdón.

 

Postrado ante tu altar, te quiero adorar,

rendir mi corazón, llenándome de ti.

Eres el Agua viva que puede saciar mi sed,

eres la Roca eterna de la cual nunca caeré,

eres mi fortaleza no puedo vivir sin ti,

tú significas todo,

lo eres todo para mí.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6n4u403pvQ

Trading My Sorrows

I'm trading my sorrows
I'm trading my shame
And I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord

And I'm trading my sickness
And I'm trading my pain
And I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord

Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord, Amen

Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord, Amen

I'm pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure
And His joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

And I'm trading my sorrows
I'm trading my shame
And I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord, yeah Lord

And I'm trading my sickness
And I'm trading my pain
And I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord
For the joy of the Lord

I say, yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord, Amen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYRc0JeQuC0