Ecuador is still very Ecuador. I think I've finally gotten used to the craziness here. I can't believe the time is flying be so fast and Samantha is going home and I'm almost in the middle of my mission. I didn't expect time to go by so fast. Hold on to every moment because before your know it these moments will be memories.
This week was kinda crazy because we had an open house and the baptism of Martha and Julio, my favorite family in the world. They lost their 2 year old daughter a few months ago and when we found them they were just struggling so much with their loss and now they've just come so far. Now they have more joy and peace in their life. It's moments like their baptism that make every sunburn, all the planning, sweating, tears, and sore muscles worth it. I get to help others feel the love of God more in their lives and see this change in them.
Also, my companion has severe shin splints which means we are on a 6 hour walking schedule, so we can only work 6-7 hours a day. It's actually super difficult because I just want to work and talk to everyone but we have to rest.
Everyone here is preparing for Christmas, which is interesting because, for me, it's Thanksgiving. But there's Christmas lights everywhere and everyone is getting ready. It's super pretty but it's just a reminder that I'm almost 20, and I feel like a 35 year old soccer mom. It's a blast.
I'm so happy to be here in Ecuador helping these people. Something I've learned in the mission is sometimes we hold ourselves back and restrict ourselves from feeling the love of God more fully in our lives. When we don't forgive, when we hold on to past sins or bad habits we are restricting our own spiritual growth. We are allowing ourselves to live in a state of sorrow. So why not just let it all go? Why not let go of all the weight of the world and allow yourself to feel the light and love of God in your life. I can promise that when we allow God to love us and bless us. It's a joy that fills you up and life becomes marvelous.