hola!!

well, i got back today from camping, about 30 minutes from Quito (a big city in ecuador)...it was definately good to get away, a little vacation if you will...it was a little weird being with 2 other familes besides my own, but it was nice! we camped in the mountains...it was beautiful! the stars were incredible and almost the best ive seen, second to switzerland! it is always amazing how God speaks to you in simple nature things...i love it!

its amazing how the creator of the incredible universe loves me and you just the same! i was reading in david crowder's book, praise habit: finding god in sunsets and sushi...its about the pslams..and i was reading psalm 96 while i was camping...and it talks about "lets hear it from the sky, with earth joining in, and a huge round of applause from teh sea..." it was neat bc the wind was so powerful there...and i just thought about how creation can worship god too...and maybe thats why the wind is so powerful at times...just a thought :) its cool to think about waves/the sea worshiping God! ill never look at the sea the same again :)

in quito, there are malls, and its developing like the states...its nice to visit there...but as a missionary, i wouldnt want to live in quito ...bc its really similair to the states...i would rather be more isolated in shell, with less distractions such as materialism adn selfishness...etc...i am grateful that i am in shell!

also, i met another couple my age :) who just graduated from valporaiso university and just got married and are staying in quito area for a year! it was great to talk to them...she was also reading the same book i am, through the gates of splendor..talks about history of nate saint and martyrs who basically founded the missionary basis here in shelll...either way, it was great to talk to them..and hopefully catch up with them later!

i finally almost have ALL of my things i brought from teh states...my box of scchool things arrived today! im really excited...i only have a week and a half to get my room and curriculum all ready! im nervous and excited!

today i was able to walk around shell and see things and kinda explore..i was meeting a lady here, tracy who works with MAF , her husband is a pilot...and we went to get hot chocolate and empandadas with aji (spicy sauce)...it was nice to get out of my little apt :) i also was able to call my dad and talk for a little bit! that was nice, it was funny bc i called him on his cell and he was walking a dog :)

well....long day tomorrow...excited to start my life here...i think im going to enjoy it :) god is already teaching me so many things!

hasta luego mis amigas!