Day 24 in Ecuador

This morning was the same as yesterday. The team ate breakfast at 8:30 and we helped clean up afterwards. Dale and I then left to go to the Cumbre Alta game with Mejia. Mejia's parents drove us to the game. The ride was really nice to get to talk to Mejia more and to meet his parents. They are very kind and wanted to make sure that we are able to go to their country home at some point. 

This ostrich doesn't look to happy...

We arrived to the game and got to talk to some of the players before they started to warm up. During warm up I was able to talk to one of the players who is unable to play in games because he doesn't have the necessary papers, at least that's what I think he said. It was cool to get to practice my Spanish with him (he barely knew any English) and to get to know him in the process. 

Cumbre Alta warming up.

The team from the United States came to watch the game as well so Cumbre Alta had many fans for a very important quarter final game. The game turned out to be very exciting which was frustrating because all I wanted to do was watch the game, but I had to film it which took a lot of concentration. Cumbre Alta was scored on early in the second half and it seemed as if they were going to lose. But they put the pressure on with about 20 minutes left in the second half and ended up scoring a PK off a hand ball in the box. The rest of the game Cumbre Alta was attacking and playing so well, it was very exciting to watch. The game ended up going into PK's. They were tied 4-4 after 5 players went. The PK's then went into sudden death and Cumbre Alta finally ended up winning 7-6 in PKs! The players stormed the field and chanted "CUMBRE". It was awesome to see their hard work pay off and to see how happy they were. They only need to win one more game in order to be promoted to the next league.

After the game, we then headed to the market with the team from the States. Many people bought many different souvenirs here and enjoyed bartering with the Ecuadorians. We then made our way back to la Casablanca for a delicious meal made by Mabe and Fabi. After dinner and cleaning some dishes, we headed back to Panecillo so that the team could check it out. We weren't there for long before we had to head back to la Casablanca and eventually head to bed.

Panecillo

Something that Dale, Megan and I have been talking about is how we have struggled to connect with this team. We are trying to keep positive attitudes throughout their time here which can be a struggle when it seems like they don't want to connect with us at all. Please be praying that God would give us positive attitudes and that we would trust in His power to move within the team. 

It also was a very busy day. I felt like we were constantly moving and never really had time to rest. I partly love this and love being able to help Mabe and Fabi out with meals, but it is also hard to be constantly going all the time. Please be praying that God would give Dale, Megan and I the energy we need to lead and to serve. 

God is good, despite the fact that we have face some difficulties thus far in our leadership of the team. I know that God is doing work and will continue to do work throughout the time this team is down here. Praise God for his faithfulness!

Dios Bendiga,

Nich