06/01/2021, no it is not June, but how we write the date in Ecuador! That’s right, on the 6th of January, about 30 excited, anxious and loud world racers stepped our first step into Ecuador. More than ready and a little confused we piled into a bus and went to our new South American home around 10 at night. 

We’ve been staying in the secluded home of Mabe and Fabi, our beautiful and generous hosts, for a few days before we go to our different ministries in the mountains of Ecuador. The past few days have been a daydream of gratefulness, filled with so many moments that remind me of the inexhaustible goodness of God. From the playful naps with the host dogs, to the abundance of flowers and plants that cover the property, to the endless chopping of home-grown vegetables in the warm kitchen, everything is sweet. 

The house is perfectly situated on rolling hills of concrete jungle. The city of Quito is sitting at the base of towering mountains whose peaks are never seen because they are hidden in the clouds. In the morning, the window from our small room of four bunkbeds looks out to the city of colorful houses that is covered with a layer of fog. The living room is always filled with people, laughing, playing guitar, reading, playing cards and loving each other. The kitchen is a small room with never-ending delicious scents and fresh fruits in every corner. We cook food, play with dogs, garden and worship the Father in everything we do. 

This. This is what I’ve been finally waiting for, finally overseas, finally serving in other countries, finally “on the world race”. With all the excitement and gratitude of actually making this thing happen during a world pandemic, the Father has gently reminded me that this is not why I love him. I don’t love him BECAUSE he granted my wish of traveling, I don’t love him BECAUSE right now life is filled with milk and honey and the sweetest moments. 

These moments of bliss are nothing but a gift. Although these days have been a utopia in our little home, all the homes that we merely passed on our way from the airport was a hard reminder: I’m not in the United States anymore, the neighborhoods aren’t sprawled out in luxury with clean water and unbarred windows. 

 I am reminded that our God doesn’t only exist in the beautiful moments of love and blessing but he exists in every heartache, every broken piece and every moment of destruction. Such a simple idea that is so easily forgotten. I rejoice because when I live my life is such close proximity with God’s heart, my heart is, in turn, changed and set free. I am able to rest knowing that every moment holds purpose and love and understanding. 

As I bask in gratefulness, I remember not only my gratefulness for my circumstance, but my gratefulness for his love.