Wow, what a whirlwind! This past week and a half has been somewhat of a blur of activity and preparation. The Lord has sustained me, sometimes beyond the natural, in order to accomplish the tasks before me!
As I said in my last post, I have been trying to arrange all the daily details of the teams coming down from the States. This means I have been making phone calls, sending emails, writing itineraries, and, in short, spending a lot of time on the computer. Not the adventurous life we often associate with the title of: “missionary”, but for now, this is a necessary part of my job. Gene (my “boss”) said that he is pleased with my progress in assuming my role of leadership here.
Last Monday we had a unique meeting, which highlighted how difficult life can be in South America for people and families who have special needs. Jordana connected with a woman named Lourdes and her sister-in-law, Ana Francisca who is about 40 years old. Ana Francisca is the youngest of 10, all of whom have prestigious careers, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and businessmen. Ana Francisca herself studied English in the states when she was in her twenties. They are a relatively successful and wealthy family. Mom and Dad are 80 and 90 years old, respectively. The reason for this meeting was to discuss ideas about what to do about Ana Fransica. She has an inoperable tumor growing in her brain, in a place where treatment is tricky. It affects both her emotions and mental function. When I first met her, she carried on normal conversations in English, though she is a bit frail and unsteady. However, the more time spent with her and her family, we found that her condition affects them all profoundly. Not to go into too much detail for her sake, she deals with depression, fatigue, bi-polar tendencies, irrational acts of violence toward her family, decisions which endanger herself and others, and is often manipulative of her family. She spends most of her days at home in her room, trying on her clothes and putting them away.
The family knows that they have reached a point where they can no longer care for her, keep her safe, and give her a purpose in life. Here is the problem. In the states, there are thousands of options, including group homes, hospitals, in-home nursing, and other institutions; not to mention work programs designed to give people with special needs a sense of accomplishment. Here in Ecuador, and I imagine for most of South America and the rest of the third-world nations, there is next to nothing! There are no accessiblity laws or Equal Rights acts, no federal funded programs, littl to no special education. This family has an enormous task ahead of them.
As we encouraged them to start their own group home, or look at sending Ana Francisca to the states, we were all a bit overwhelmed at the number of steps this will involve. We encouraged them to stay united as a family, shared the love of God with them, and offered to be of as much assistance as possible. I left that meeting feeling the heaviness of their burden, but also the hope, that these are the types of stories which end up impacting change in entire nations. I hope to see great amounts of change in the way people with disabilities are viewed in this country.
I have been sweating in Guayaquil since Sunday. Day of Discipleship was a lot of fun, because we were able to reconnect with some of our ‘campers’ outside of the camp setting. These faces will hopefully become familiar to you, as they sure are beautiful to me, and I look forward to seeing them every chance I get. We had quite a large group assembled, and an American born missionary encouraged the parents with the Word, while we carted all of the volunteers and kids to a park area for their activities. We also celebrated Lissete’s 14th birthday…she looked like a princess in her white party dress!
It is always fun for me to visit all of my friends in Guayaquil. This week, I have a few meetings and arrangements to make for the team coming from WI. Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will return to the orphanage where Flor, Jose, and Julian live. We are making arrangements for them to attend the camp in April. I am very excited about this!
Please keep us in your prayers, especially Jordana, who has a cold this week. She needs rest, but has so many appointments throughout the week, that she seldom has a day to rest. On Saturday I will travel to Cuenca to hold a meeting with those interested in becoming part of the core team there. As of yet, I have no leaders, which means I will be spending the majority of my time there after the camps in March and April. Thank you all, once again, for your support and prayers.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Ask and you shall receive...
Hola mi gente! (Hello my people!)
HALLELUJAH! I have my missionary visa (good for two years in Ecuador)!!! Thank you all so much for your prayers. Also, as of today, I have been in Ecuador for a whole month, which doesn’t seem possible. Time sure has flown. I am so delighted with the way the Lord has been teaching and molding me. As I reflect on the last few weeks, months, and even years, I am aware that He has been preparing me for “such a time as this.” He has given me everything that I will need for this time of ministry, and I can be confident that I am here as His instrument, His hands, His feet. Ah, what a beautiful privilege! We are all to embrace this calling, no matter where we are or what we do.
As I write this, it is raining in Quito…kind of a drab, chilly day. I am bit ill, probably a combination of allergies, environment, and lack of sleep. With all the traveling to different cities, and the drastic changes in climate (sweltering humidity to cool dampness), the nasty pollution, and having to adjust to sleeping in a bunch of different places, my system has been a bit overwhelmed. Therefore, I am really missing the comforts of home today…the hot bathtub, cozy fireplace, and my dog (not to mention my friends and family)! I appreciate your prayers for my health and safety! (We are still working out the details of my health insurance, so I am depending on Him to keep me healthy).
In spite of this, my spirits are high and I am encouraged as things are picking up and I am becoming more familiar and confident in my role as a leader here. The trip to Cuenca was very valuable as we acquired about 20 people who are interested in helping to grow the ministry there. We met a couple, visiting from Switzerland, (she’s Swiss, he’s Ecuadorian - neat story), who want to help support the team in Cuenca, and possibly create opportunities for future ministry in Switzerland! I enjoyed Cuenca and look forward to my future visits (at least once every month to solidify the team and establish regular meetings). Please pray as we are still seeking a leader to rise up and take responsibility.
During our stay in Cuenca, there was a rare and violent storm, which included torrential rains and hail. There were many car accidents and they have had to create temporary shelter for people whose houses were damaged. Someone from the church we are connected with had a whole side of their house collapse. I am planning to travel there for a meeting on the 13th of March, and if possible, would like to arrive earlier or stay a few days to see if I can be of assistance. Please keep the Cuencanos in your prayers .
The team in Quito is flourishing and I am pleased to report that, before long, they will need only limited assistance to have a steady flow of ministry here. We are connecting with several ministries and churches, some of which are already providing services to children with disabilities, and others that are serving the poor and underprivileged in the community. As we look forward to our teams coming from Kentucky and Wisconsin beginning March 29th, there is much to occupy my attention. I have been busy arranging transportation, living quarters, ministry opportunities, and many other details to make sure that the experience is fulfilling for them, as well as the Ecuadorians they will be ministering to. Please pray for the teams (8 from Murray, Kentucky, and 5 from Wisconsin) as they prepare to come and serve.
After conducting a meeting with the Quito team, I will board a bus with my faithful friend, Mercedes, and travel to Guayaquil. On Sunday, March 7th, we will be conducting a Discipleship Day scheduled for kids who have attended our camps in the past. I believe this is especially valuable, as we guide young people in their relationship with the Lord, studying the Bible, and sharing the Gospel with their family and friends. God loves to use the weak to confound the strong, and there have been many instances where our campers have led members of their family to a relationship with Jesus! Keep this event in your prayers as well, for we know that an activity such as this, when bathed in prayer, cannot fail! Since I will be in Guayaquil for about a week, I hope to get the opportunity to visit Flor (that's her and I in the photo above) at the orphanage.
I thank God that I have a powerful army of prayer warriors standing with me! I am stronger because of each of you. Please take a moment to drop a line, as I look forward to knowing what He is doing in your lives and how I can pray for you! Hugs from Ecuador!*** "Have faith in God," Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore i tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you ahve received it, and it iwll be yours." Mark 11:22-24 ***
Saturday, February 20, 2010
February 20, 2010
Greetings from Cuenca, Ecuador!
It feels like all I have been doing is traveling – probably because that is partly true! Since the last time I updated you all, I have spent about 30 hours in buses and vans, and have been in Riobamba, Baños, Guayaquil, Loja, Vilcabamba, and Cuenca. To be honest, for about a week, we couldn’t work very much, due to all of the traveling, lack of internet access, holidays and family gatherings. Gene and Jordana had prepared me for this, thought, so that I would not be too disappointed. There was a national holiday last weekend which lasts from Friday through Tuesday. This was a very interesting experience for me as an American. The people all come out to the streets and douse each other with water, powdered dye, foam, flour, water balloons, and eggs! If you are out and about, whether on foot or in a vehicle, you are subject to receive some form of these good-natured assaults.
A few friends and I had a restful time visiting some other cities in the mountains and escaping the extreme heat and humidity of Guayaquil, during this holiday. It never failed, we would be freshly showered and changed, heading out to get some dinner, thinking that things had settled down, and SURPRISE! Someone would sneak up and spray one of us with colored foam! It was amusing to think of what would happen if there were a holiday like this in the US. I think people would get mad and sue each other! Ecuadorians are so easy-going! Gene and Jordana went to the beach with members of her extended family.
During the holiday, one of the friends I was travelling with received news that a missionary family who was home for a visit (they are Ecuadorians, serving in Uzbekistan, in conjuction with OM and C&MA), they were involved in a serious accident, and the husband, wife, and 7 year-old son were killed, leaving a 10 year-old daughter, Alejandra. These events have impacted many as we grapple with the gravity of the situation. Please keep Alejandra and her extended family in your prayers. They are planning to keep her here in Ecuador with her Uncle who has children. Her whole world has been turned upside down, and everything familiar has been taken away. Yet, she has said that she knows her family is with the Lord, and she, too, wants to serve the Lord in missions someday.
On Tuesday night Gene, Jordana, Osito, Nury (Jordana's mom), and our driver, Milton, left around 5 am, Wednesday to visit other members of her family in Loja. It was an interesting visit, as they are devout JW’s, and a mixture of Ecuadorian and English heritage.
I bring my hair-cutting scissors with me everywhere I go, and inevitably, everywhere I go, someone needs a haircut, and word gets around that I am willing and able. I have cut, I think, 13 heads of hair in the three weeks that I have been here, and not just Ecuadorians! A few Americans and a Dutchmen as well, have taken advantage of my services. Apparently, good hair dressers are difficult to find. It is nice to be able to offer some sort of tangible blessing in exchange for the hospitality I have been greeted with.
Yesterday, or Friday, we arrived in Cuenca at last. It feels good to be here because we can finally WORK! In the past, we have had camps here, but have lost some footing in the last few years, because of lack of strong leadership and constant activity. We have several appointments with the people of the local church which has been connected and are working to establish a team that will meet regularly and be self-sustained when we cannot be here. Jordana and I had the privilege of attending a “Last Supper”. The pastor of Capilla Calvaria (Calvary Chapel) and his leaders have decided to do this once or twice a month as an outreach, because it draws people of all kinds of backgrounds and levels of spirituality. We agreed that it is a very effective tool, as the pastor gave a very in-depth explanation of how things would have progressed during Jesus’ day, and a strong evangelistic message. It was very personal and moving as he explained that everything foreshadowed Jesus’ impending death and resurrection. The simple exchange of greetings and food was a symbol of love, honor, forgiveness, and grace. The woman sitting next to Jordana said that this was her first time to pray a prayer of Salvation. Please keep this vibrant church body in your prayers as they seek to impact their city and the areas around them, and as they seek direction and guidance in incorporating Cristo Vive as a larger part of their outreach ministries.
Personally, I have been looking forward to returning to Quito where I can resume some sort of routine and prepare for the American teams to come down, in March, July, and August. As I begin to familiarize myself with the culture, language, and transportation, it is apparent that, although Ecuador is a small country, every city has its own “flavor” and mode of operations…this may prove to be my biggest challenge in moving freely through my tasks. However, I am constantly reminded that my most important job is to stay in close communion with the Lord; so that He can direct my steps and lead me to the people He has chosen for me to encounter. I pray that you all are well and enjoying the peace of God. Until next time.
Greetings from Cuenca, Ecuador!
It feels like all I have been doing is traveling – probably because that is partly true! Since the last time I updated you all, I have spent about 30 hours in buses and vans, and have been in Riobamba, Baños, Guayaquil, Loja, Vilcabamba, and Cuenca. To be honest, for about a week, we couldn’t work very much, due to all of the traveling, lack of internet access, holidays and family gatherings. Gene and Jordana had prepared me for this, thought, so that I would not be too disappointed. There was a national holiday last weekend which lasts from Friday through Tuesday. This was a very interesting experience for me as an American. The people all come out to the streets and douse each other with water, powdered dye, foam, flour, water balloons, and eggs! If you are out and about, whether on foot or in a vehicle, you are subject to receive some form of these good-natured assaults.
A few friends and I had a restful time visiting some other cities in the mountains and escaping the extreme heat and humidity of Guayaquil, during this holiday. It never failed, we would be freshly showered and changed, heading out to get some dinner, thinking that things had settled down, and SURPRISE! Someone would sneak up and spray one of us with colored foam! It was amusing to think of what would happen if there were a holiday like this in the US. I think people would get mad and sue each other! Ecuadorians are so easy-going! Gene and Jordana went to the beach with members of her extended family.
During the holiday, one of the friends I was travelling with received news that a missionary family who was home for a visit (they are Ecuadorians, serving in Uzbekistan, in conjuction with OM and C&MA), they were involved in a serious accident, and the husband, wife, and 7 year-old son were killed, leaving a 10 year-old daughter, Alejandra. These events have impacted many as we grapple with the gravity of the situation. Please keep Alejandra and her extended family in your prayers. They are planning to keep her here in Ecuador with her Uncle who has children. Her whole world has been turned upside down, and everything familiar has been taken away. Yet, she has said that she knows her family is with the Lord, and she, too, wants to serve the Lord in missions someday.
On Tuesday night Gene, Jordana, Osito, Nury (Jordana's mom), and our driver, Milton, left around 5 am, Wednesday to visit other members of her family in Loja. It was an interesting visit, as they are devout JW’s, and a mixture of Ecuadorian and English heritage.
I bring my hair-cutting scissors with me everywhere I go, and inevitably, everywhere I go, someone needs a haircut, and word gets around that I am willing and able. I have cut, I think, 13 heads of hair in the three weeks that I have been here, and not just Ecuadorians! A few Americans and a Dutchmen as well, have taken advantage of my services. Apparently, good hair dressers are difficult to find. It is nice to be able to offer some sort of tangible blessing in exchange for the hospitality I have been greeted with.
Yesterday, or Friday, we arrived in Cuenca at last. It feels good to be here because we can finally WORK! In the past, we have had camps here, but have lost some footing in the last few years, because of lack of strong leadership and constant activity. We have several appointments with the people of the local church which has been connected and are working to establish a team that will meet regularly and be self-sustained when we cannot be here. Jordana and I had the privilege of attending a “Last Supper”. The pastor of Capilla Calvaria (Calvary Chapel) and his leaders have decided to do this once or twice a month as an outreach, because it draws people of all kinds of backgrounds and levels of spirituality. We agreed that it is a very effective tool, as the pastor gave a very in-depth explanation of how things would have progressed during Jesus’ day, and a strong evangelistic message. It was very personal and moving as he explained that everything foreshadowed Jesus’ impending death and resurrection. The simple exchange of greetings and food was a symbol of love, honor, forgiveness, and grace. The woman sitting next to Jordana said that this was her first time to pray a prayer of Salvation. Please keep this vibrant church body in your prayers as they seek to impact their city and the areas around them, and as they seek direction and guidance in incorporating Cristo Vive as a larger part of their outreach ministries.
Personally, I have been looking forward to returning to Quito where I can resume some sort of routine and prepare for the American teams to come down, in March, July, and August. As I begin to familiarize myself with the culture, language, and transportation, it is apparent that, although Ecuador is a small country, every city has its own “flavor” and mode of operations…this may prove to be my biggest challenge in moving freely through my tasks. However, I am constantly reminded that my most important job is to stay in close communion with the Lord; so that He can direct my steps and lead me to the people He has chosen for me to encounter. I pray that you all are well and enjoying the peace of God. Until next time.
Friday, February 12, 2010
** Flor **
Let's give glory and thanks to God together! Today was the day we have been waiting for...the encounter which could have gone so many ways.
I have been asking God that this girl who touched my heart a week ago would know His love, and that we could come alongside of her, validating her life, and fighting on her behalf. As I wrote in my former blog, my first impressions of her were pretty intense. I felt as though the Lord must hurt because she is such a forgotten and vulnerable soul. To be honest, I have been nervous this week. As I prayed and tried to prepare, I was confronted with my worries of what might or might not happen, and I had to pray, like the man in Mark 9 who said "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" My ultimate comfort has been that I need only to be obedient in my part, the rest is all up to Him. I kept having to pray against the fear of man. It's funny, I have learned that Satan's wiles are totally powerless against the name of Jesus, and I am afraid of what people might think?!
We prayed as a group before leaving, and upon arrival, I checked out the situation with Flor, as I found out was her name. I also found out she is fourteen years old. I peeked into her room, and she was sitting in a chair eating something. There were some young women washing clothes and cleaning the room. I asked them if it would be ok to spend some time up there with Flor a bit later. We began our program with the other children, separating them into two groups according to age. After I helped to lead the little ones in a song and played a game, Gene and I headed up to Flor's room. Armed with the Word and my guitar, we were as ready as we ever could be. She was watching t.v. when I approached her. I put my hand out to her, and she accepted, making eye contact right away. I introduced myself again and asked if I could sing with her. She SMILED! So, immediately I felt so much more comfortable with the situation. I was dealing with an entirely different person from seven days ago. She glowed with joy when I took out the guitar and began singing. The beautiful and unmistakeable spirit of our Lord shone through her. I sang what few Spanish songs I know, and some favorites in English (yes, the goodnight song was the very first!). I wish you could have seen the excitement and contentment in her face. These are the priceless moments, with God's precious children, that make this journey worth every trial. If only for this one lone girl, Jesus would have died. Gene had been praying while I sang. She seemed not to mind that he was there. I prayed for her...in Spanish. Then asked her directly if she knew Jesus, and that He loves her and died for her and that he wants her to be whole and to live forever in heaven with a new mind and body. She kept nodding, and I think she understood what I was saying because I told her it was her turn to pray. I told her to open her mouth and say, "Jesus, I love you" She opened her mouth wide, but made no sound. We continued like this for a bit, and enjoyed each other's company. She kept reaching out to touch my arms and legs...she was so happy. No one will ever know what has gone on in her Spirit this past week or that bit of time we spent together. But, as Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself tesifies with our spirit, that we are God's children."
I was so encouraged and overwhelmed after this meeting. The Lord has obviously been working in her, and is honoring our obedience in prayer and fasting for her. We need not forget her. I believe there is always more. More freedom, more love, more contentment. This is why we continue to seek God and His presence. Please join with me and continue to lift her up to the care of our Father, who loves her completely.
Thank you again for your partnership. You are all precious to Him and to me.
This weekend there is a holiday and I am traveling with a few friends to the mountains. We will return Monday night. On Wednesday, Gene, Jordana and I will be leaving to go to Loja and Cuenca to work on expanding our teams there. Please pray for safety in our travels. The Lord bless you with His sweet presence.
I have been asking God that this girl who touched my heart a week ago would know His love, and that we could come alongside of her, validating her life, and fighting on her behalf. As I wrote in my former blog, my first impressions of her were pretty intense. I felt as though the Lord must hurt because she is such a forgotten and vulnerable soul. To be honest, I have been nervous this week. As I prayed and tried to prepare, I was confronted with my worries of what might or might not happen, and I had to pray, like the man in Mark 9 who said "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" My ultimate comfort has been that I need only to be obedient in my part, the rest is all up to Him. I kept having to pray against the fear of man. It's funny, I have learned that Satan's wiles are totally powerless against the name of Jesus, and I am afraid of what people might think?!
We prayed as a group before leaving, and upon arrival, I checked out the situation with Flor, as I found out was her name. I also found out she is fourteen years old. I peeked into her room, and she was sitting in a chair eating something. There were some young women washing clothes and cleaning the room. I asked them if it would be ok to spend some time up there with Flor a bit later. We began our program with the other children, separating them into two groups according to age. After I helped to lead the little ones in a song and played a game, Gene and I headed up to Flor's room. Armed with the Word and my guitar, we were as ready as we ever could be. She was watching t.v. when I approached her. I put my hand out to her, and she accepted, making eye contact right away. I introduced myself again and asked if I could sing with her. She SMILED! So, immediately I felt so much more comfortable with the situation. I was dealing with an entirely different person from seven days ago. She glowed with joy when I took out the guitar and began singing. The beautiful and unmistakeable spirit of our Lord shone through her. I sang what few Spanish songs I know, and some favorites in English (yes, the goodnight song was the very first!). I wish you could have seen the excitement and contentment in her face. These are the priceless moments, with God's precious children, that make this journey worth every trial. If only for this one lone girl, Jesus would have died. Gene had been praying while I sang. She seemed not to mind that he was there. I prayed for her...in Spanish. Then asked her directly if she knew Jesus, and that He loves her and died for her and that he wants her to be whole and to live forever in heaven with a new mind and body. She kept nodding, and I think she understood what I was saying because I told her it was her turn to pray. I told her to open her mouth and say, "Jesus, I love you" She opened her mouth wide, but made no sound. We continued like this for a bit, and enjoyed each other's company. She kept reaching out to touch my arms and legs...she was so happy. No one will ever know what has gone on in her Spirit this past week or that bit of time we spent together. But, as Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself tesifies with our spirit, that we are God's children."
I was so encouraged and overwhelmed after this meeting. The Lord has obviously been working in her, and is honoring our obedience in prayer and fasting for her. We need not forget her. I believe there is always more. More freedom, more love, more contentment. This is why we continue to seek God and His presence. Please join with me and continue to lift her up to the care of our Father, who loves her completely.
Thank you again for your partnership. You are all precious to Him and to me.
This weekend there is a holiday and I am traveling with a few friends to the mountains. We will return Monday night. On Wednesday, Gene, Jordana and I will be leaving to go to Loja and Cuenca to work on expanding our teams there. Please pray for safety in our travels. The Lord bless you with His sweet presence.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
And So the Battle Begins...
This past Friday I visited an orphanage. This particular one houses a few children with disabilities, which is one reason to visit, to see if we can connect them to our camps, or minister in some way. One boy is mute and deaf. It quickly became apparent that he doesn't get the attention he needs to learn how to communicate. I worked with him for a bit and soon, he was signing the letters of his name, and he seemed pleased to receive the attention. Later on, while helping some of the little ones (if I could bring them home in my suitcase, I would!) to the bathroom, I encountered a girl with pretty severe mental and physical problems. She was hunched on the floor, staring at her hands, and she didn't have a shirt on, only shorts. She is probably 16 or 17. I have been reading this book about prayer and fasting and preparing for "war", and one of the first stories was about a disabled boy who was prayed for and was healed and freed from demon possession, so this has opened my ears and eyes. Little did I know how soon I would need to use it.
I reached out my hand to her as I introduced myself and asked how she was. She didn't respond, but took my hand, and then I said "te amo" (I love you)...she looked straight into my eyes...then I said, "Cristo te amo muchisimo", or Jesus loves you soooo much. She immediately began to screech and scooted away, and seemed as if she wanted to attack me. Hmm, that said a lot. I would have stayed a bit longer to pray for her, but the little girls with me were now thoroughly freaked out. So I went out and just prayed. I returned to the room later, but she had scooted herself to the shower and was mechanically washing her hands over and over again. As we played outside with the other children, every now and then she would scream.
I haven't stopped thinking about her since. I have been praying for wisdom. I have the opportunity to return this Friday, with Gene (my leader), and I am hoping we will be able to do some intercession for her. So be in prayer if you can...it will be around 9 or 10 in the morning (WI time) when we arrive there. I will let you know how it goes.
I have also started to work on writing Jordana's story. I think if I work really hard on it, it could be published within the the year. Hmm, as I write this, I realize that many of you don't know Jordana, or her story, so I will fill you in as time allows.
Hope all is well, and thank you for your prayers.
I reached out my hand to her as I introduced myself and asked how she was. She didn't respond, but took my hand, and then I said "te amo" (I love you)...she looked straight into my eyes...then I said, "Cristo te amo muchisimo", or Jesus loves you soooo much. She immediately began to screech and scooted away, and seemed as if she wanted to attack me. Hmm, that said a lot. I would have stayed a bit longer to pray for her, but the little girls with me were now thoroughly freaked out. So I went out and just prayed. I returned to the room later, but she had scooted herself to the shower and was mechanically washing her hands over and over again. As we played outside with the other children, every now and then she would scream.
I haven't stopped thinking about her since. I have been praying for wisdom. I have the opportunity to return this Friday, with Gene (my leader), and I am hoping we will be able to do some intercession for her. So be in prayer if you can...it will be around 9 or 10 in the morning (WI time) when we arrive there. I will let you know how it goes.
I have also started to work on writing Jordana's story. I think if I work really hard on it, it could be published within the the year. Hmm, as I write this, I realize that many of you don't know Jordana, or her story, so I will fill you in as time allows.
Hope all is well, and thank you for your prayers.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Quito
It is time to let you know what has been going on since I arrived in Ecuador Tuesday night. The trip was uneventful, which I was thankful for, as I hadn’t slept at all the night before, and was able to catch a nap here and there. Jordana’s parents, where we are staying, is only about five minutes from the airport, which is very convenient, except for the deafening noise when the planes are landing and taking off! Wednesday, everyone graciously allowed me to sleep in, which I did, and then spent some time thanking the Lord for getting me there safely. It did not take long to unpack my things. My room is actually a maid’s quarters which are separate from the house, across the enclosed yard. It is very small, almost one-half being taken up by the single bed, but perfect for me. There is even a toilet and shower adjacent. They worked hard to make it nice for me, even installing wireless internet, so that I can network from my little bungalow.
Thursday, after a brief, breathless, uphill run (the altitude is going to take a little getting used to), Jordana and I met Maria Augusta, the newly installed CVI leader in Quito, for coffee in order to discuss plans for the next two months. The lawyer then met us there later to talk through what steps we need to take in order to secure my visa. We went straight to a nearby shop and had some more photos taken (9 of them for $3!). Andrea spent the night on Wednesday and again Thursday night…which means she slept in my single bed with me. At one point, in the middle of the night, I was awakened by an airplane and didn’t know what it was, I thought a bomb was exploding and I think I had a bit of a stroke.
Today (Friday, the 29th) was filled with activity…I awoke early -- around 5am, which is unusual, but it afforded some time to read a bit and get some exercise in before breakfast. There were two ladies that came to meet me and talk to us about Cristo Vive. One of them was so excited to find out that I was from Wisconsin, because when she was 19, she worked on a dairy farm for a summer and said it was the best experience of her life! Gene and I went to the bank to open an account, which took about an hour, and then we rode the bus for 45 minutes to the northern part of the city to meet with the lawyer again, as he needed my passport. Quito is beautiful and the weather is so nice. When the sun beats down on you it gets hot, but in the shade it is actually cool. The mornings and evenings are cool enough for jeans and a sweatshirt. It is not humid at all.
I am adjusting well, and I keep reminding myself that I am not going home in 2 weeks. Patience is very important at this point, as we try to utilize our time wisely and make plans for the best possible outcomes for the ministry and all those involved. Tomorrow is Saturday, and we plan to treat it as such. Jordana and I are going to go get a $3 pedicure in order to get our Midwestern winter feet ready for the beach. There will be a CVI meeting in the evening with all of our volunteers. Sunday, we are scheduled to speak at three of the four services at a local church here. We will leave sometime that night for the drive to Guayaquil where we will spend two weeks. We are planning several meetings and services during that time, so if you need prayer requests…there you have them!
Thursday, after a brief, breathless, uphill run (the altitude is going to take a little getting used to), Jordana and I met Maria Augusta, the newly installed CVI leader in Quito, for coffee in order to discuss plans for the next two months. The lawyer then met us there later to talk through what steps we need to take in order to secure my visa. We went straight to a nearby shop and had some more photos taken (9 of them for $3!). Andrea spent the night on Wednesday and again Thursday night…which means she slept in my single bed with me. At one point, in the middle of the night, I was awakened by an airplane and didn’t know what it was, I thought a bomb was exploding and I think I had a bit of a stroke.
Today (Friday, the 29th) was filled with activity…I awoke early -- around 5am, which is unusual, but it afforded some time to read a bit and get some exercise in before breakfast. There were two ladies that came to meet me and talk to us about Cristo Vive. One of them was so excited to find out that I was from Wisconsin, because when she was 19, she worked on a dairy farm for a summer and said it was the best experience of her life! Gene and I went to the bank to open an account, which took about an hour, and then we rode the bus for 45 minutes to the northern part of the city to meet with the lawyer again, as he needed my passport. Quito is beautiful and the weather is so nice. When the sun beats down on you it gets hot, but in the shade it is actually cool. The mornings and evenings are cool enough for jeans and a sweatshirt. It is not humid at all.
I am adjusting well, and I keep reminding myself that I am not going home in 2 weeks. Patience is very important at this point, as we try to utilize our time wisely and make plans for the best possible outcomes for the ministry and all those involved. Tomorrow is Saturday, and we plan to treat it as such. Jordana and I are going to go get a $3 pedicure in order to get our Midwestern winter feet ready for the beach. There will be a CVI meeting in the evening with all of our volunteers. Sunday, we are scheduled to speak at three of the four services at a local church here. We will leave sometime that night for the drive to Guayaquil where we will spend two weeks. We are planning several meetings and services during that time, so if you need prayer requests…there you have them!
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Road Trip from...Heaven?
January 20th, 2010
It is almost time for me to depart for Ecuador...it all feels very surreal. In an attempt to help you all to understand my state of mind right now, there are a few stories I should share. This one's a personal favorite.
Back in November, I had decided that I would take a trip through Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky, to visit friends. I gave myself the time frame of the first two weeks of December, as many of my friends are in college or work in the college setting and would be returning to see family during the holidays. One such friend, who had recently moved from Nashville back to Murray called and wanted to know if the BCM (Baptist Campus Ministry) could join us for their spring break mission trip...I was very excited about this possibility, of course. Well, in order to get the students informed and enthused, we figured it would be good if I came...on November 18th! It was decided only two days prior to me leaving and, as is usually the case, I left in a harried flurry...mind you, I had to give up my former plan and turn the road trip backwards, hitting Kentucky first.
As I paid for my gas 20 minutes from my house, I noticed my debit card was not in my wallet. No credit card either. No worries. I was certain it was in a jacket or jeans pocket somewhere in my car, as I have the habit of stashing it everywhere but the purse where it belongs. I wrote a check. Four hours later, I filled up the tank again. As I tried to think about where I left my debit card, I remembered seeing it on my dresser at home. As I filled out the check, the cashier said, "I don't think we can accept that." To which I replied, "But it's all I have!" Fortunately, there was another employee who ran the check through a machine and I was on my way, slightly concerned that I had no form of currency except my checkbook.
I arrived without further incident to Murray, my Alma Mater. I had a great time re-connecting and a great turnout for the Ecuador meeting. My former bosses invited me to play music at the International Restaurant where I worked for three years. They are like family to me, and made sure I was well-fed for the duration of my trip -- with the best food in the entire world!
My next stop was Dayton, Ohio -- about a four-hour drive from Murray. Before leaving, I pulled into the local BP, where I figured they would also have a check-swiping machine, I filled the tank to the tune of0 $29. As I pulled out my checkbook, the cashier, in her pleasing southern drawl, said, "Honey, I can't take that, just look at this list of bad checks!" Ok...I happened to have some cash in my back pocket which was donated by my "fans" at the restaurant. It was $27, so I promply rummaged through the car for some change, which was sparse, but I remembered a birthday card for my nephew which I hadn't sent. Inside, I had put a buck for his piggy bank. So, vowing I would replace it, I paid for the gas and continued to Walmart, where I bought a pack of gum and wrote a check for $20 over. I made it safely to Ohio, where I spent a few glorious days hanging with J and D. On Tuesday, the day I was planning on leaving, our friend Brad came down on his way to Kentucky from northern Ohio. I was prepared to leave finally at about 8pm. Brad gave me $40 and urged me to spend it wisely -- which I did promply -- $20 for gasoline. The trek to Louisville was supposed to take about two hours, but I would never have guessed what lie ahead...
About an hour into my trip, the highways split, one to florida and the other to Kentucky. I put on my right signal to exit, however my little Focus was surrounded by semis with two on my right merging left. I slowed down to let them by and just before exiting, was pulled over by a State Trooper. As I look back, I recall not being worried or nervous because I hadn't been speeding, so I really didn't know why he stopped me. He approached my car, and asked if everything was ok. Yes. He was wondering what I was doing "back there". I explained that I was not familiar with the area and that the exit "snuck up on me", and I was trying to avoid getting into an accident with the semis. So, he asked me for my license, registration, and insurance...and the misadventure begins. I handed him my driver's license, then informed him that my insurance card was in the trunk in another bag, and I had left my registration on my dresser (along with the credit card and debit card)! He gave me a funny look and what could I say except that I was sorry and I was in a hurry. The officer proceeded to his vehicle to run my license. As he walked away, my heart sank as I remembered that my license was expired!!!! I hate to admit it, but I had received my renewal notice, and had fully intended on getting it renewed, but the hours at our local DMV are sparse, so...there I was. When he returned and questioned me about this, I could only apologize and tell him the truth.
"You do realize that, in the state of Kentucky, I can arrest you for this?!" was his authoritative response. At this point, naturally, I began to imagine all kinds of awful scenarios of spending days in jail waiting for someone to rescue me. He questioned my intentions (not for the first time). Since he seemed to be trying to understand why a girl from WI was gallavanting all over the South with an expired license and no registration, I explained the purpose of my trip with great detail, including that I had attended college at Murray State, which is why I have friends in that area, and that I was leaving for Ecuador soon. He asked a few more clarifying questions and said, "I have to figure out what I am going to do with you." Then, he said, "Ecuador, huh? Missionary?" How did he came to that conclusion first, before vacation, study abroad, or drug trafficing, only the Lord knows. I said yes, but I am sure the look on my face was one of confusion. "Please step out of your vehicle, but first, you don't have anything in there that I should know about, such as weapons of mass destruction?" I was incredulous -- was he seriously asking me that???? I half laughed and said "No, I have a guitar, but nothing else!"
At that point, we were standing near the passenger side of my car and he said, I am going to put in the back of my squad. WHAT?!?!?!? He was going to arrest me?!?!? My face must've belied my concern and he quickly eased my fears by saying that he was NOT going to arrest me, but he did need to check to see if I had anything on me. Oh, goodie, I thought, he's not going to arrest me, but he is going to frisk me! However, he simply had me lift the hem of my shirt so he could see if I had any weapons of mass destruction on the waist of my pants...not so bad! So, I slid into the backseat, and he began to fill out his report. He said my last name sounded familiar, which I thought was odd (can you say WANTED??) since no one in the South ever recognized it! He made small talk about my musical abilities and then asked again where I went to school. He then told me that he had a neice that attended MSU and also Berea, a Christian college, and that she had wanted to be a missionary...in ECUADOR! (Aha! therein lay the connection!) Sadly, she passed away at the age of 2o of a rare lung disease. I expressed my condolances as I marveled at this "coincidence". Then, he explained, "I am going to give you a warning for weaving in traffic because I don't think you deserve a ticket and I don't think you deserve to be arrested, especially if you're going to Ecuador to do nice things for people." I breathed a huge sigh of relief, thanked him and the Lord!
Finally, he let me out of the car, and, as he opened the door, informed me that my car smelled like antifreeze. I had been planning to stop at the next gas station to investigate the strange scent, when he pulled me over. Next thing I knew we were looking under the hood investigating the three-foot wide river of fluid that had obviously come from my car! He couldn't see any obvious damage, but the tank was completely empty. At this point, he urged me to turn around and go to the previous exit where there was a body shop. Keep in mind, at this point it was nearing 10:30. Nothing was going to be open, I had no friends for an hour south and an hour north, and no money to stay in a hotel. I asked if he thought I could make it to Louisville if I bought a jug of antifreeze. He was hesitant, stating that the stretch of highway I would be traveling would be dark and the exits would be sparse. He concluded that I could try that, and if I had any problems to give them a call and they would come to my rescue. This sounded like a good plan to me. Restraining myself from giving him the largest hug imaginable, I thanked him for his help. He begged me to be careful, and to get my license renewed as soon as I returned home! Upon starting the car, My temperature gague immediately plummeted and the coolant light flashed. At that moment, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, for I knew that he had saved my car and possibly my life...all sorts of dramatic scenarios flooded my mind: my engine siezing or exploding into flames with me trapped inside and my little Focus colliding with a massive semi, causing a twelve car pile-up and sure death for scores of fellow travelers. My vehicle was a weapon of mass destruction waiting to be unleashed.
Pulling into the gas station, fully aware that God has not one, but a whole army of guardian angels watching out for me, I paid $12 for a gallon of coolant. There were three men guarding the one register, which I thought was odd, and they were quite the motley crew. I had to return a second time to ask for help, since the cap was vaccuum-sealed. The shortest of the men, a bit trollish looking (no offense intended, bless his heart), offered to come and help, exclaiming that I would get scalded if I weren't careful. He could not get the cap to budge, so he said, "I'm a-gonna go get Hercules!" He returned with the oldest of the three men (there was a tall, tobacco-chewing man in his twenties that would have had no problem, but that would have been too simple!) who gave it his best darn gruntin' effort, to no avail. Hercules went off in search of some tools, and a wiry fellow got out of his Jeep and was stopped by my advocate. He got it off with barely a struggle, which pleased the short man because when Hercules returned he said to him: "I don know what's wrong wit' you, but thet feller got it off with two fingers! Well, two fingers and two hands!" As I gratefully filled the resivior, he began to lament the dangers of the road ahead for "a perty young girl" like me. "I know you don't like to hear thet s#!%, but it's the truth!" I quickly thanked him and was on my way, at first whit-knuckling the steering wheel, but shortly singing praises, knowing that God had taken care of me thus far, and He would get me safely to Louisville. There is an end to this drawn-out tale, I promise!
Approximately twenty minutes later, I was pulled onto the narrow shoulder, cars and trucks causing my car to rock violently as they passed by, not bothering to change lanes. I poured the last quarter of a gallon of fluid into the tank and prayed that He would just get me to Hurstborne Avenue. And I did, just as my gague was plumetting. I pulled into the Meijer station, praying that they would sell the coveted liquid for $8.29, or would take a check. Their generic brand was $8.49 if my memory serves me correctly. So, I inquired as to the check, and the nice, young man smiled and said that he could take my check, thrilled, yet wary, I pressed to see if they accepted out of state checks. "Yes!" Hallelujah!! He rang up my bill, and asked "Would you like extra cash with that?" I looked at him as if he were Mother Theresa, and was permitted $25. Obviously overjoyed and from Wisconsin he asked me what brought me to Louisville, so I quickly gave him a bit of history, and finished the last few miles of my journey. I arrived at my friend K.A.'s house and apologized for keeping her up so late (it was now after midnight). So, bright and early the next morning, she called her dad, who set up an appointment at a local garage. I was able to meet up with my friends, though with a bit more struggle insofar as I didn't have a vehicle, and was able to pick it up and leave by about 1:30 that afternoon. (By the way, the main hose had busted...hence the giant river that spewed from under the hood.) Already several hours behind schedule, I began the trek home, managing to stop at all the right places, where I could pay with a check or had just enough cash.
As I crossed the Wisconsin border, listening to my Over the Rhine Christmas CD (the next day was Thanksgiving and I couldn't wait any longer!), big, beautiful snowflakes began to fall..."like forgiveness from the sky." As I pulled into the driveway of my parents house, with an empty gas tank, empty wallet, and a sigh of relief, my heart was full. I offered a bit of thanksgiving for another lesson learned in trusting Him to be my Provider, my Deliverer, my Refuge...no strings attached.
It is almost time for me to depart for Ecuador...it all feels very surreal. In an attempt to help you all to understand my state of mind right now, there are a few stories I should share. This one's a personal favorite.
Back in November, I had decided that I would take a trip through Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky, to visit friends. I gave myself the time frame of the first two weeks of December, as many of my friends are in college or work in the college setting and would be returning to see family during the holidays. One such friend, who had recently moved from Nashville back to Murray called and wanted to know if the BCM (Baptist Campus Ministry) could join us for their spring break mission trip...I was very excited about this possibility, of course. Well, in order to get the students informed and enthused, we figured it would be good if I came...on November 18th! It was decided only two days prior to me leaving and, as is usually the case, I left in a harried flurry...mind you, I had to give up my former plan and turn the road trip backwards, hitting Kentucky first.
As I paid for my gas 20 minutes from my house, I noticed my debit card was not in my wallet. No credit card either. No worries. I was certain it was in a jacket or jeans pocket somewhere in my car, as I have the habit of stashing it everywhere but the purse where it belongs. I wrote a check. Four hours later, I filled up the tank again. As I tried to think about where I left my debit card, I remembered seeing it on my dresser at home. As I filled out the check, the cashier said, "I don't think we can accept that." To which I replied, "But it's all I have!" Fortunately, there was another employee who ran the check through a machine and I was on my way, slightly concerned that I had no form of currency except my checkbook.
I arrived without further incident to Murray, my Alma Mater. I had a great time re-connecting and a great turnout for the Ecuador meeting. My former bosses invited me to play music at the International Restaurant where I worked for three years. They are like family to me, and made sure I was well-fed for the duration of my trip -- with the best food in the entire world!
My next stop was Dayton, Ohio -- about a four-hour drive from Murray. Before leaving, I pulled into the local BP, where I figured they would also have a check-swiping machine, I filled the tank to the tune of0 $29. As I pulled out my checkbook, the cashier, in her pleasing southern drawl, said, "Honey, I can't take that, just look at this list of bad checks!" Ok...I happened to have some cash in my back pocket which was donated by my "fans" at the restaurant. It was $27, so I promply rummaged through the car for some change, which was sparse, but I remembered a birthday card for my nephew which I hadn't sent. Inside, I had put a buck for his piggy bank. So, vowing I would replace it, I paid for the gas and continued to Walmart, where I bought a pack of gum and wrote a check for $20 over. I made it safely to Ohio, where I spent a few glorious days hanging with J and D. On Tuesday, the day I was planning on leaving, our friend Brad came down on his way to Kentucky from northern Ohio. I was prepared to leave finally at about 8pm. Brad gave me $40 and urged me to spend it wisely -- which I did promply -- $20 for gasoline. The trek to Louisville was supposed to take about two hours, but I would never have guessed what lie ahead...
About an hour into my trip, the highways split, one to florida and the other to Kentucky. I put on my right signal to exit, however my little Focus was surrounded by semis with two on my right merging left. I slowed down to let them by and just before exiting, was pulled over by a State Trooper. As I look back, I recall not being worried or nervous because I hadn't been speeding, so I really didn't know why he stopped me. He approached my car, and asked if everything was ok. Yes. He was wondering what I was doing "back there". I explained that I was not familiar with the area and that the exit "snuck up on me", and I was trying to avoid getting into an accident with the semis. So, he asked me for my license, registration, and insurance...and the misadventure begins. I handed him my driver's license, then informed him that my insurance card was in the trunk in another bag, and I had left my registration on my dresser (along with the credit card and debit card)! He gave me a funny look and what could I say except that I was sorry and I was in a hurry. The officer proceeded to his vehicle to run my license. As he walked away, my heart sank as I remembered that my license was expired!!!! I hate to admit it, but I had received my renewal notice, and had fully intended on getting it renewed, but the hours at our local DMV are sparse, so...there I was. When he returned and questioned me about this, I could only apologize and tell him the truth.
"You do realize that, in the state of Kentucky, I can arrest you for this?!" was his authoritative response. At this point, naturally, I began to imagine all kinds of awful scenarios of spending days in jail waiting for someone to rescue me. He questioned my intentions (not for the first time). Since he seemed to be trying to understand why a girl from WI was gallavanting all over the South with an expired license and no registration, I explained the purpose of my trip with great detail, including that I had attended college at Murray State, which is why I have friends in that area, and that I was leaving for Ecuador soon. He asked a few more clarifying questions and said, "I have to figure out what I am going to do with you." Then, he said, "Ecuador, huh? Missionary?" How did he came to that conclusion first, before vacation, study abroad, or drug trafficing, only the Lord knows. I said yes, but I am sure the look on my face was one of confusion. "Please step out of your vehicle, but first, you don't have anything in there that I should know about, such as weapons of mass destruction?" I was incredulous -- was he seriously asking me that???? I half laughed and said "No, I have a guitar, but nothing else!"
At that point, we were standing near the passenger side of my car and he said, I am going to put in the back of my squad. WHAT?!?!?!? He was going to arrest me?!?!? My face must've belied my concern and he quickly eased my fears by saying that he was NOT going to arrest me, but he did need to check to see if I had anything on me. Oh, goodie, I thought, he's not going to arrest me, but he is going to frisk me! However, he simply had me lift the hem of my shirt so he could see if I had any weapons of mass destruction on the waist of my pants...not so bad! So, I slid into the backseat, and he began to fill out his report. He said my last name sounded familiar, which I thought was odd (can you say WANTED??) since no one in the South ever recognized it! He made small talk about my musical abilities and then asked again where I went to school. He then told me that he had a neice that attended MSU and also Berea, a Christian college, and that she had wanted to be a missionary...in ECUADOR! (Aha! therein lay the connection!) Sadly, she passed away at the age of 2o of a rare lung disease. I expressed my condolances as I marveled at this "coincidence". Then, he explained, "I am going to give you a warning for weaving in traffic because I don't think you deserve a ticket and I don't think you deserve to be arrested, especially if you're going to Ecuador to do nice things for people." I breathed a huge sigh of relief, thanked him and the Lord!
Finally, he let me out of the car, and, as he opened the door, informed me that my car smelled like antifreeze. I had been planning to stop at the next gas station to investigate the strange scent, when he pulled me over. Next thing I knew we were looking under the hood investigating the three-foot wide river of fluid that had obviously come from my car! He couldn't see any obvious damage, but the tank was completely empty. At this point, he urged me to turn around and go to the previous exit where there was a body shop. Keep in mind, at this point it was nearing 10:30. Nothing was going to be open, I had no friends for an hour south and an hour north, and no money to stay in a hotel. I asked if he thought I could make it to Louisville if I bought a jug of antifreeze. He was hesitant, stating that the stretch of highway I would be traveling would be dark and the exits would be sparse. He concluded that I could try that, and if I had any problems to give them a call and they would come to my rescue. This sounded like a good plan to me. Restraining myself from giving him the largest hug imaginable, I thanked him for his help. He begged me to be careful, and to get my license renewed as soon as I returned home! Upon starting the car, My temperature gague immediately plummeted and the coolant light flashed. At that moment, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, for I knew that he had saved my car and possibly my life...all sorts of dramatic scenarios flooded my mind: my engine siezing or exploding into flames with me trapped inside and my little Focus colliding with a massive semi, causing a twelve car pile-up and sure death for scores of fellow travelers. My vehicle was a weapon of mass destruction waiting to be unleashed.
Pulling into the gas station, fully aware that God has not one, but a whole army of guardian angels watching out for me, I paid $12 for a gallon of coolant. There were three men guarding the one register, which I thought was odd, and they were quite the motley crew. I had to return a second time to ask for help, since the cap was vaccuum-sealed. The shortest of the men, a bit trollish looking (no offense intended, bless his heart), offered to come and help, exclaiming that I would get scalded if I weren't careful. He could not get the cap to budge, so he said, "I'm a-gonna go get Hercules!" He returned with the oldest of the three men (there was a tall, tobacco-chewing man in his twenties that would have had no problem, but that would have been too simple!) who gave it his best darn gruntin' effort, to no avail. Hercules went off in search of some tools, and a wiry fellow got out of his Jeep and was stopped by my advocate. He got it off with barely a struggle, which pleased the short man because when Hercules returned he said to him: "I don know what's wrong wit' you, but thet feller got it off with two fingers! Well, two fingers and two hands!" As I gratefully filled the resivior, he began to lament the dangers of the road ahead for "a perty young girl" like me. "I know you don't like to hear thet s#!%, but it's the truth!" I quickly thanked him and was on my way, at first whit-knuckling the steering wheel, but shortly singing praises, knowing that God had taken care of me thus far, and He would get me safely to Louisville. There is an end to this drawn-out tale, I promise!
Approximately twenty minutes later, I was pulled onto the narrow shoulder, cars and trucks causing my car to rock violently as they passed by, not bothering to change lanes. I poured the last quarter of a gallon of fluid into the tank and prayed that He would just get me to Hurstborne Avenue. And I did, just as my gague was plumetting. I pulled into the Meijer station, praying that they would sell the coveted liquid for $8.29, or would take a check. Their generic brand was $8.49 if my memory serves me correctly. So, I inquired as to the check, and the nice, young man smiled and said that he could take my check, thrilled, yet wary, I pressed to see if they accepted out of state checks. "Yes!" Hallelujah!! He rang up my bill, and asked "Would you like extra cash with that?" I looked at him as if he were Mother Theresa, and was permitted $25. Obviously overjoyed and from Wisconsin he asked me what brought me to Louisville, so I quickly gave him a bit of history, and finished the last few miles of my journey. I arrived at my friend K.A.'s house and apologized for keeping her up so late (it was now after midnight). So, bright and early the next morning, she called her dad, who set up an appointment at a local garage. I was able to meet up with my friends, though with a bit more struggle insofar as I didn't have a vehicle, and was able to pick it up and leave by about 1:30 that afternoon. (By the way, the main hose had busted...hence the giant river that spewed from under the hood.) Already several hours behind schedule, I began the trek home, managing to stop at all the right places, where I could pay with a check or had just enough cash.
As I crossed the Wisconsin border, listening to my Over the Rhine Christmas CD (the next day was Thanksgiving and I couldn't wait any longer!), big, beautiful snowflakes began to fall..."like forgiveness from the sky." As I pulled into the driveway of my parents house, with an empty gas tank, empty wallet, and a sigh of relief, my heart was full. I offered a bit of thanksgiving for another lesson learned in trusting Him to be my Provider, my Deliverer, my Refuge...no strings attached.
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