Surprise! I am pregnant!....Just kidding ;)

We have been here less than one week, yet I have still managed to tell Maria’s family (in Spanish) that I am not only pregnant, but having 10 kids as well. What is learning a new language without a few laughs, right??

Well, after two flights and a 5 hour van ride through the mountains to Shell, Ecuador, we made it safely! Interestingly enough, both of the airplanes for our flights had mechanical problems…all turned out well though! We happened to be on the same flight as a family who works at the hospital here in Shell. What a blessing it was to be able to travel with them, being that neither Kim nor I speak much Spanish. However, the Lord provides, as always.

Maria is wonderful. She not only opened up her home for all 3 of us to stay with her, but she is an amazing cook. Everyone is town says so, and so far, I agree! I look forward to learning more about Ecuadorian cooking :)  Moreover, Maria is a strong woman of God and well respected in Shell. She is a volunteer chaplain at the hospital. I almost broke down this week when I heard my brother may have cancer again (worst case scenario). Maria was quick to share how she has needed to trust in God in her life. She reminded me that there is no use worrying because I am not able to control what happens. I need to have faith in the Lord and rely on Him for strength. I look forward to our daily bible studies at breakfast. I think the Lord will use Maria to teach me a lot!

I am already in love with the children at the orphanage. However, I am glad I am writing this after one week, and not after one day. The first day was overwhelming: 1) The new orphanage is not ready after many people have been working hard for days on end to finish it; 2) The start of school is pushed back and a new curriculum is being implemented; 3) Most of the children have lice (HUGE lice, may I add); 4) Many kids are just getting over skin infections; 5) Medical records need organization; 6) I do not speak Spanish very well; and 7) I am bad with names and need to learn 50-60 of them very soon.

With all of that said, I can now say after 5 days, that I truly am SO excited to see how the Lord is going to work here. It is not as overwhelming now…one day at a time. Plus, the new additions/changes are for the better...hopefully!  Each day this week the Lord provided more clarity and peace about how He is going to use each one of us. I am so happy to be here! :)

Maria’s family came to visit for the weekend because it was her birthday this past week. Aside from the fact that I wish I could communicate more than “Hola”, “Como estas?”, and “Hasta manana”, it was a wonderful weekend. I love her family. I think my favorite part of the weekend was when all 15 (or so) of us played Pictionary—Spanglish version. Hilarious!

I am so thankful to be with Kim and Kristin, as they have such similar passions for serving in missions. I love them.

So far, I love Shell and feel entirely blessed to be here.

Ashley