Empanadas

I can hardly believe how quickly time passes here this coming week will be my third week in Ecuador. I´ve already learned a lot, not just about Spanish and Ecuador but about myself. Numerous times during this week in conversations (in broken Spanish) I found myself thinking ¨Lord this mission is indeed more for my heart than for what I can give these people". I often feel so small with very little to offer, yet I that is what I give. I have found that God has given me more through His gracious blessings than I could hope to give of myself to those I serve.

I have indeed been incredible blessed. I am thankful for the Arroyo family in how they have opened their hearts and home to me. Especially Marcella and her patience with my broken Spanish. I truly am grateful for the sacrifice they are making for me to stay with them.

I am blessed by each conversations I have with Dr. Luis at the Clinic. He is an amazing doctor and so patient with me as I learn Spanish. He is great and compassionate with the patients, taking the time to teach them about preventing illness through healthy habits. His out look on health as it encompasses the whole human person, mind, body, and soul. On slow days Dr. Luis and I talk about the Faith, favorite Saints, what books I need to read in Spanish, Ecuadorian cuisine, the struggles of a third world country, and the struggle to grow in holiness and virtue. He has been really kind in giving me his old Spanish monthly mass reflection books for evening reading and to practice my Spanish.

You may be wondering what exactly is an empanada ... it is an Ecuadorian pastry that can be filled with cheese or meat depending where you are in the country. I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like them. Friday night Renan and Silvia invited me to make Enpanadas with them. They are such a beautiful family and I love watching them as they care for their kids, they do it with great love and attentiveness. So we all gathered in their small kitchen. I loved the fact they didn´t have a mix master, rather I found myself and Paul Andres mixing the dough with our hands. Then after letting the dough rise we all gathered again to assemble the empanadas, rolling the dough, filling them with cheese, and then the fancy pinching and twisting of the dough to close them up. Deep fried and coated in sugar ... mmm.... what a feast! And imagine the whole time we were speaking in Spanish. I really love their family, the untarnished innocents of their two kids and the simple way they show their love for one another. I truly marvel at the gift it is that He has crossed our paths.

Who knows what the coming week will bring. Thank you for your prayers. Know I carry you all in my heart of prayer as well. May the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts guide, protect, and intercede for you always.

Love and Prayers,
Sara