Vancouver and the Beauty of Ecuador

So I really have not been as faithful to posting the happening and my reflections during my preparation before leaving for Mission in Olon. Indeed the last two weeks at home were a blur. But if you can bare with me I'll try to trace back to a few memorable and graced moments...

About two weeks ago my total surrender and fiat to do His will was put to the test when I found out my Missionary Visa had been revoked and I had to reapply through an Ecuadorian Embassy in Canada. A full day on the telephone calling Washington, Toronto, New York, Vancouver, and even Quito ended with me finding out if I wanted a Missionary Visa I would have to go to one of the Ecuadorian Embassies in Canada in person. My first reaction was "Why, Lord? I have so little time left with my family, and you want me to waste a full day in airports?" However, I did indeed go to Vancouver and back in a day, and at the end of the day all I could say to Him was "Thank You for the blessings of the day".

I arrived in Vancouver around 8:50 am and caught a cab to the Embassy.  I was indeed quite a bit early for my appointment but the Gentlemen welcomed me into the Honorary Ecuadorian Embassy of Vancouver, a small office in his home. I was quite nervous since my going to Ecuador hinged on him granting me a visa.  The meeting went very well and around 11:00 I had my Missionary Visa. The gentlemen at the Embassy insisted on driving me back to the airport. 

On the way to the airport he share with me that he had helped facilitate an exchange between a few mayors of towns in BC with a few villages in Ecuador.  They returned from their trip raving about the beautiful landscape, great food, beer, and beautiful Ecuadorian women. He said to them "I truly feel sorry for you because you visit my country and missed the thing that is most beautiful and unique to Ecuador.  That is grandparents help to raise their grandchildren ...  the togetherness of families ... the generosity of those who are in such great poverty. Indeed I truly feel sorry for you."

I then shared about an experience on my first mission in the remote village of Contraraz (I'm not sure of the spelling).  To get to the remote community is was about a 1 1/2 hour hike through the jungle. The village could only boast of one electric light and many of the homes were built on stilts because a heavy rain would raise the river and flood the village. We settup our clinic and camp for the next two days in a cement floored building.  We had no sleeping bags or foams to sleep on so were were excited to be able to offer up this small sacrifice for the community. When we arrive back to our 'camp' after supper we found a pile of mattress, blankets and mosquito nets in the middle of the room. It was very sobering to know they would sleep with out these comforts while were there serving them. They had given so generosly and freely from what little they had. They had as Mother Teresa would say "gave until it hurt".  This experience indeed had touched my heart deeply. 

After sharing this experience with the Gentlemen we both had tears in our eyes. I said "I am blessed to be called to serve the beautiful people of your country."  He then replied "They are bless to have you serve them."

The overall experience was a simple confirmation in my heart that I indeed have been called and He is ever at my side. So thank you Jesus, as you alone know what my hearts need. 

Love and Prayers,

Sara