I can't believe I've been here a month (almost)

So time flies when you're having fun and exploring a new country and making new friends...I've loved this mini-vacation. I didn't realized that I would have 4 weeks of freedom when I scheduled my flight originally, but thanks to the Ecuadorian government, our school start date was moved to Sept. 7 so here I am just 3 days away from reality and I am glad to say I think I'm ready.

No lesson plans done for 6th grade Bible (I start teaching the 2nd week) and still not so sure about what I'll be doing for the three 45-minute chapels next Thursday, but even though I have tiny freak-out moments, I keep remembering God's grace is sufficient for me for His power is made perfect in my weakness!

Good news: the dorm kids just got here and they're wonderful! I know I'm going to enjoy getting to know them and besides that, I'm just happy to have company on my floor! The girls's side has been pretty lonely up until now.

Well I'm late for dinner...I'll try to do some more later:)




We climbed a nearby mountain called Ilalo.




We also visited the botanical gardens in Quito.





The view from my roof!






The dorm lounge.

My beautiful bedroom.

Visit Facebook for a lot more pictures!

A simple prayer/song

I was traveling to a church to speak about Ecuador and this song came on...I don't know when a song has been more moving or appropriate for my life.

The Hammer Holds by Bebo Norman

A shapeless piece of steel, that's all I claim to be
This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams
I glow with fire and fury, as I'm twisted like a vine
My final shape, my final form I'm sure I'm bound to find

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds

And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt's subdued somehow
I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?
And the question still remains, what am I to be?
Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds

The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel
This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals
A burn that burns much deeper, it's more than I can stand
The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man

So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I'll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain
And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for they, the hammer holds

This task before me may seem unclear
But it, my maker holds

I just don't know what to doooo with myself

Hmmm my first blog ever...
The Ecuaventure is rapidly approaching and I really wish I knew how to deal with moving to another country but I don't so I guess I'll continue to live life a day at a time, trusting the Lord with the details (including emotions and expectations).
I did find out that the start date for classes has been moved to September the 7 whereas my flight is scheduled for August 10 so I think I'm going to have a little extra time for adjusting, getting acclimated, making new friends and spending time with old ones!
I do know: I am excited and I am expecting God to do great things.
There, how's that for a first blog?