last 3 hours in ecuador

well, my time is literally coming to an end. a lot has happened, a lot i never want to forget. school ended last friday, which was a long day of 14 hours because i needed to pack everything up and get my room ready for the next teacher. the last day of school was fun though. we had a 50's themed party. we made homemade corn dogs as a class, the moms came in and made milk shakes, and a dad made homemade onion rings! the kids all brought their scooters too. it was a great last day. it was sad.

the whole weekend was awesome. God ended my time in Shell with a joy and peasce in my heart. i even taught a family who owned a local store/restaurant how to use their cappucino machine and was able to give them my coffee grinder and some extra coffee i had! that was an awesome experience.

on sunday night, all of our bible study group got together for a one last farewell. it was me, beth, rachel, and 4 of our closest ecuadorian guy friends. they came over around 8pm and David brought his guitar. we all sang, the guys taught us some dances, laughed, the guys serenaded us a few songs, and us girls even sang them a song too! we sang, "lean on me." then, everyone went around and said a little goodbye to me. of course, i was crying my head off. it was really nice though. a lot of good closure.

beth and i rode with a family to quito on monday. that was an adventure, but we arrived--9 hours later! the last few days, we have just been detoxing in quito. we have been enjoying eachother's company and seeing sights in quito. it is a nice city with a lot to do. yesterday, beth left :(. i was really upset...it was the hardest cry i have had for awhile....i think because saying bye to her was like saying bye to my best friend over the past year, as well as saying bye to the last person who can really relate to me and the incredible experiences God has blessed me with in ecuador.

so, i am about to leave...ready to venture into the unknown. today i read in matthew 24 about a parable jesus told about the man who didnt invest any of his money--he played it safe. and the other 2 men invested their money, and their servant was pleased. that reminded me that i have to continue to take risks with God, adventure out into the unknown. He has taught me that He will always lead me and guide me. coming to ecuador is a great example. that was a total risk, and God remained faithful--as he will continue to be....as the only constant in my life...forever and ever.