Day 35 in Ecuador

July is here and that is very hard to believe. It's crazy how fast the time has gone down here! This morning, Dale and I worked on creating a business plan for Cumbre Alta and also projecting sales for the new 5v5 field at La Luz. I shared with Dale that this project was frustrating for me because I felt there wasn't enough directio and information for us to complete it properly. Dale, however, loves to work in this way and thrives off brainstorming. Though I may have felt the morning was unproductive at first, I now realize that we did a good amount of work that should help Cumbre Alta.

At lunch time, Dale and I walked to a local almuerzo store to meet up with a Cumbre Alta player named Edwards. He had messaged me on Facebook the other day and asked to learn English. The lunch ended up going really well. Edwards showed up on time, which is very unusual for Ecuadorian culture, and we were able to teach him some beginning English but also get to know him a little better. He was telling us that his family situation is rough (his parents are divorced and he lives with his aunt and uncle). Tomorrow we are planning on doing the same thing with him so be praying that our relationship with him would grow and that he would see Christ in us. He is definitely starting to open up more which is awesome to see because he was one of the more quiet kids at practice.

Cumbre Alta before the game on Saturday

After lunch, Dale and I spent the afternoon working more on creating financial templates for interns. This work session felt a lot better for me. Anna came in while we were working and said that what we were working on was actually something that a previous intern had suggested be done. It felt great to hear that affirmation and to know that our work will help the future interns out a lot.

Once we were done working for the day, we went up to a local restaurant called Capri burger with other interns and had one last meal out together before some of them are leaving for the coast. Dale and I then headed to practice at La Luz again.

Practice tonight was a lot of fun. I felt a lot more confident in my Spanish tonight and although I still was unable to understand some things, I didn't ever get discouraged. I ended up having a nice conversation with one of the players who I had never really talked to before. Apparently his wife is a karate instructor and she has a chance to participate in the next ol
ympics (I think this is what he was saying). The rest of the practice was a lot of fun, just getting to play 5v5 the whole time.

God is so good. Yesterday was a frustrating day for me and God yet again revealed His grace and encouragement in numerous ways today. Thanks for all your prayers, they really do make a huge impact!


Dios Bendiga,
Nico

Day 34 in Ecuador

After my usual morning routine of quiet time and breakfast, Dale and I Skyped Nate Taube, the head coach of Cumbre Alta who is currently in the States. We had a very nice chat in which Nate affirmed that Dale and I were doing a great job and that he wants us to consider coming back someday. It was really encouraging to hear this as at times it can feel like we aren't making much of an impact. 

More Pichincha pics

Once we were done Skyping, we were asked to lead the World Race team that is living in la Casablanca to Pan de Vida. World Race is where a group of people go to 11 countries in 11 months doing different service projects in each country. Taking them to Pan de Vida was a cool opportunity to get to know the people on the team more. 

It turned out to be about a 2 hour round trip, so when we got back it was about lunch time. After eating lunch Dale and I got started on some financial work for the afternoon. This afternoon we worked on creating financial templates for Interns that Inca Link can use in the future. Once we were done working, I was able to rest a bit.

I then cooked myself some dinner before heading off to Cumbre Alta practice with Dale. Practice tonight was at the new field built at La Luz. We did a hard workout at the beginning of practice and then finished by playing some 5v5 on the field. Overall, it was a fun practice but also frustrating for me personally. Sometimes players will try to speak to me in Spanish and I really struggle with understanding them. I also would love to be able to interact more in their conversations so that I could get to know them better and they could get to know me better. These frustrations were highlighted tonight at various times. Please be praying that I would be reminded of the impact I am making and that God's love can be spread even despite language barriers. I need to trust in God and know that He is at work, despite my incapabilities.

Practice at La Luz.

Once practice was over, Dale and I got a ride home with a couple of the players. This was also frustrating for me because our conversations in the car are usually awesome chances to get to know the players more. The players we rode with tonight were quieter and didn't seem to want to talk as much.

As I reflect on the day, I realize how God is revealing to me to just trust in His work. He gave me encouragement this morning through Nate and then I was faced with some frustrations in the evening. God provided the encouragement I needed and that should be enough for me to realize that God is at work despite what may seem otherwise. Be praying that I would learn to trust in God more and that through my frustrations I would continue to glorify Him.

Dios Bendiga,

Nico

Day 33 in Ecuador

Dale and I started the day at 7:00 by going for about a 2 mile run. We both said how are legs felt like jelly at the beginning of the run which was frustrating, but we ended up getting through it and did some hills at the end. Definitely a good way to start the day.

After breakfast, we got back into some financial work. The first thing we worked on was creating an investment policy for Inca Link. Joseph had sent us some information about what the rules and guidelines were and he wanted us to make it into a formal document for future reference. After this project, we worked on creating a financial template for future short term teams coming in. This will be used by the missionaries down here that help lead and decide budgets for teams. 

We then took a break for lunch and smoothies. After lunch, we researched and took notes on another new donor management system. We finished our work by recording the many different receipts that the interns had received from teams. We use these so that the interns are able to get their stipends.

We finished our work for the day and got some time to hang out with the other interns. We then went shopping for some groceries for the week. I ate a sandwich for dinner and ended up grilling some chicken with Dale to be used for the rest of the week. The rest of the evening was spent hanging out with some interns.

It was definitely hard to get back into doing some financial work today after having a great week leading the team. I struggled with having a good attitude and really feel like I am making an impact. Please be praying that God would work through my attitude and that I would remember the impact we have already made with our work and that God isn't done working through us.

There also are a lot of people in la Casablanca right now, which can be overwhelming at me at times, due to being around people a lot. Be praying that I would be able to find the balance between finding time to rest and being by myself but also getting to know more people and being open to opportunities that God is showing to me.

So today wasn't nearly as exciting as days in the past, but this will be how most of our days will be in the future. Be praying that I wouldn't get discouraged but that I would realize how much Dale and I are helping Inca Link.

Dale and I having a staring contest with ourselves.

Thanks again for reading and for all your prayers!

Dios Bendiga,

Nico

Day 32 in Ecuador

Today we had the opportunity to sleep in and catch up on some rest in the morning, which was very much needed. After a very relaxing morning, we had a mini church service at la Casablanca. We did some worship and some people shared some things they were learning from God from the time they had with their teams. We then had a debrief with all the interns talking about our experiences with the team. It was a good time of sharing and helped me personally to learn more from what we had experienced and to learn ways in which we could be better leaders.

Me, Megan, Dale

We then went to the tienda with some other interns to buy some food for lunch. The afternoon consisted of cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning. We had to get the house looking nice for some more teams that are coming in tonight (Dale and I won't be leading anymore teams). Jake and I helped clean the boy's bathrooms, which were absolutely disgusting (I won't go into anymore detail than that). After cleaning those, I helped to sweep all the upstairs alone, which was actually very nice to get some time to myself and just time to think also. After I was done with that, I helped to make some beds with Dale and Megan. Overall this afternoon of cleaning wasn't too bad and I was able to have a joyful spirit throughout it.

Anna, Me, Edgar, Dale, Megan, Jake

Dinner time came and we decided to go out to eat. We first tried to go to a chicken place called Koko Riko, but it was closed due to a power outage. Then we tried Capri burger which was also closed. We finally decided on eating at the bus station, Terminal Carcelen. They have many different food stations along here and we stopped at one where I got some empanadas and a sandwich. Once we got back, I was able to Skype my parents for a bit and then spent the rest of the evening hanging out with the other interns.

The team next to their amazing work of art.

Although today consisted of more work than rest, it was definitely a good day. Getting to see the other interns again and hear stories from their teams was a blast. I am so grateful for the relationships I have been able to make with all of them and for the fun times we can have together while doing some not fun things. 

Praise God for the joyful spirit I was able to have today and for the wonderful relationships that He has provided. God is good and I am so grateful for all the ways He has been working in me and through me this summer despite my many failures and weaknesses.

Be praying that I would continue to make the most of my time here. I have been really looking forward to going home, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I can't get preoccupied with leaving while I'm still here. God still has much more planned in the next 3 weeks and be praying that I would be ready for whatever He throws out there.

Dios Bendiga,

Nich

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

Day 30 in Ecuador

The last day with the team is already here. After a long week with a lot of work, it is amazing that the team is already gone. I truly believe that God was working in many different ways throughout the team.

In the morning after breakfast, Edgar gave talked to the team about their service this week. He talked about how their work means nothing if God is not involved. It was a very important message for the team and one I hope that they will remember.

We then made our way to La Luz to take pictures of the team's artwork. I was once again amazed at how good of a job they did. After hanging around there for a little, we went to Pichincha and rode the teleferico to the top. The team absolutely loved the view, which it is very hard not too. After taking a view pictures and enjoying the view, we went and found a spot for lunch.

The leaders of the group then lead a debrief about the whole week for the team. They emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit and listening to it's call. It was good time of reflection on the week and how this week will change the way they live when they return to the States.

Once we were done, we left to go to the market again so that people could buy more souvenirs for their family. When we were about to leave, one of the cars batteries died so Dale, Megan, the team leaders and I all had to take a public bus back to la Casablanca. The bus was very crowded but it was nice to get to spend some more time with the leaders.

After arriving back to la Casablanca, we quickly got dinner ready for the team. We then had the final debrief which was lead by Anna and Gustavo. This was another chance for the team to reflect on the week and ways in which they think God is calling them to change. It was so cool to hear some of their answers and to see the ways that God was working in their hearts.

We then said goodbyes as the team was rushed out of the house. Now the team is at the airport waiting for their flight at 12:00 and la Casablanca has some peace and quiet. Though there were many difficulties and frustrations with this group, I really had a great time leading them. God was teaching me new things and also working through the team as well. Praise Him for His amazing power and for His much needed grace.

Although it is sad to see the team go, it is also nice to be able to have some time to rest. God is so good, in so many different ways. That's what I'm reminded of as this team has left. Thanks again for reading and for all your prayers and support!

Dios Bendiga,
Nich

Day 29 in Ecuador

Working in the kitchen at Camp Hope.

Today was our last day of service with the team. We began by going to Camp Hope again this morning. I was assigned kitchen duty, which consisted of cleaning out the cupboards with a rag. While in the kitchen, we also got the chance to talk to Lucia, who works for Camp Hope as a cook, and Angelo, who is a volunteer that is 15 years old. It was awesome getting to know them and practicing my Spanish at the same time.

Other groups worked on sorting out donations, such as clothes or toys, playing with the kids, and other cleaning jobs. Gustavo told us that there is only one lady in charge of cleaning and that with how busy she is with other stuff, she would have never gotten around to clean the stuff we cleaned. Hearing stuff like that just made me realize and I hope made the team realize how big of a difference they are making, whether it may seem like it or not.

Right before we were about to leave, we had a dance party with the kids there. One of the kids would do a move and we would all copy him and it would make him smile and laugh so much. Once we were done, we prayed for the ministry. Being able to hang out with the kids just for a little bit was so special. Seeing their smiles as we danced with them was so precious and really showed God's beauty in the midst of what some would consider a weakness. We found out as we were leaving that one of the kids had escaped Camp Hope and that they couldn't find him. Please be praying for this kid and for this situation!

After Camp Hope, we drove back to la Casablanca for a delicious lunch made by Mabe and Fabi. We then went back to La Luz to finish up some painting that we had to do. You can see in the picture how awesome of a job the team did with the logos. We were pumped to finally see it finished and so excited at how amazing it looks.

We then headed to the academy practice for Cumbre Alta. We ended up playing gringos versus Ecuadorians and the gringos ended up losing 2-1. We then ate a packed dinner and Dale, Megan and I got to split off from the group for a bit to hang out. Practice with Cumbre Alta was next at 7:30. I loved playing with them so much and it was another fun night of practice. The players seem excited and ready to play their game this Saturday!

So good. They painted this.

Finally we made our way back home, hung out a bit, and went to bed. It was awesome to see the team working hard today and seeing their work finished. I really hope that this team understands how valuable their work has been and how it will really help to spread God's kingdom. Please pray that these kids would understand how much more valuable life is when you lay down your own desires and serve wherever God desires. This is something that I am still learning and have learned a lot more about since being down here.

Thanks so much for all your prayers as this team has been down here. It has been an exhausting but very good week.

Dios Bendiga,
Nich