Sunday, i hit a wall.
Monday, i had an epiphany.
This past weekend I ventured to the coast, to a quaint little beach pueblo called Canoa. It was so beautiful. Friday was kind of cloudy, but Saturday was perfect: sunshiney and breezy. We met some friends that (rather unsuccessfully) tried to teach us to surf, laid on the beach, ate some delicious food, and danced the night away at this little beach hut. It was so much fun and so relaxing (I’ll post some pictures later). Saturday night Angie and I had kind of a scary run in on the beach with some kids that we’re looking for money, but we didn’t have anything for them to take, and made it out safe, so it’s all okay. it was scary, but rather than making me afraid for my safety here, it made me miss my people back home.
So i got home Sunday afternoon tired, shaken, and ready to go home. It’s not that I don’t like this place, or haven’t had a wonderful time, really, I have loved it so much, had amazing experiences and done incredible things. I just felt like I had experienced it all, seen the country, and was ready. There isn’t a whole lot left to look forward to now besides finals, papers, and maybe a couple day trips. Plus, I was feeling the need to just sit with people that know me and that I’m comfortable with.
As of Monday, I had 40 days left in Ecuador. In writing an email to a good friend, I started thinking about the significance of “40 days”… i mean, biblically that’s usually a big deal, right? I had kind of thrown in the towel, so to speak, and resigned to count down the days and just make it through, but in the midst of this thought process, (and of trying to decide how to respond to “what can i pray for?”), I realized that giving up isn’t fair to myself, and isn’t giving God the credit He deserves, or trusting His plan and His ability to do… whatever is it that He has planned.
That being said, I’m trying to do everything I can to soak up the next 40 days. To love and learn as much as I can, and to look for opportunities the Lord gives me every day. I’m being a lot more intentional in prayer and reading scripture and trying to find a bright side to every day and every situation. I still miss home, and can’t wait to see all of you, but the time will come and for now, I am here.
It is a beautiful, sunny day in Quito, Ecuador. Bring it on 38 days.
