Day 31 in Ecuador

What a crazy, crazy day. It started off with a relaxing morning, which was very nice to have after a very hectic week. We had fun hanging out with some interns that returned from leading their teams in the morning. We got picked up around 11:00 by Mejia who drove us to Cumbre Alta's game.

Before the game, I got to talk with Mejia some more about his life and got to know him a little more. Mejia is a sweet dude and I'm so happy for the relationship we have been able to build. Please be praying that through the bond we have already made that I would be able to witness to Mejia and that he would be welcome to hearing the gospel.

The snowcapped mountain, Cayambe

This game was another thrilling game and turned out to be more exciting than last week. They started off by going down 1-0 due to a goal that many thought should have been called back for offside. But, Cumbre responded about 5 minutes later by scoring a goal of their own, making 1-1. It was 1-1 going into the second half and ended up staying that way the whole half. In the first half of overtime, the other team scored another controversial goal that should have been called back due to a foul. The second half thus began with a 2-1 score, but Cumbre didn't give up. They had a free kick from about 25 yards out and ended up scoring on the rebound. Everyone went crazy, including Edgar who, in his excitement, spiked his clipboard which ended up snapping it in half. It was 2-2 with about 10 minutes remaining in the game. Cumbre wasn't done yet though. After about 5 minutes, they got another free kick from about 40 yards out that ended up going wind due to the goalkeeper misreading the kick. That goal ended up giving Cumbre the victory which means that they have been promoted to the next league! You can check out a video Dale made which has the two goals from overtime in it. https://www.wevideo.com/view/425966147

The craziness wasn't over. Once the ref blew the whistle, Dale and I went to go cheer with the team. All of a sudden, we realized that a brawl had started to break out. One of the players on the other team was swearing at Edgar and going crazy and started the whole fight. It ended up lasting about 10 minutes. I was just wandering around wanting the brawl to stop but afraid of interfering as well. It was one of the most intense events I have ever experienced. Edgar and Mejia had some good words to say to the team afterwards about how they acted. It was definitely a crazy experience but everyone came out without any serious injuries.

Cayambe again.

We then made our way home with the Inca Link Ecuador team and celebrated the victory with some delicious gelatto. The rest of the night was very relaxing and consisted of hanging out with the interns, eating at Capri burger, and skyping my beautiful girlfriend.

So today was definitely a crazy day. The brawl was a terrible way for the game to end, especially after how awesome Cumbre had just played. Please continue to pray for this team that they would learn from what happened today and that God would continue to mold their hearts. I have grown to love hanging out with them and getting to know them. I want them to know Jesus so bad and I pray that God would give me the boldness to share and that He would influence them in ways I can't.

Today marks 1 month that Dale and I have been here. It is crazy to look back on what all we have experienced and the ways the God has challenged me personally and the many different things I have learned while being here. Your prayers and encouragement have helped support me in more ways than you know! Thanks again for all your support and keep on praying!

Dios Bendiga,
Nich