Friday Update

I arrived here in Quito later than the rest of the team getting in Monday night late. Tuesday, after a pretty much sleepless night (our bedroom is over a very busy intersection) I was completely overwhelmed by the tiredness, the extreme noise, the lack of privacy --the opposites of  pretty much everything I use to make myself comfortable. By Tuesday evening I was well blasted and to my horror began to quietly weep at the restaurant where we were enjoying a special pizza meal. I simply could not stop. The students on the team were immediately concerned and kind, trying to reassure me that everything would be alright.
Now I need to make you aware that besides being the oldest person to ever go on an Ecuador Missions trip, I also haven't been outside of the US in about 20 yrs  and haven't experienced the world outside my comfortable existence. So there I was, in a pizza hut, crying and putting a damper on everyone's celebration. In my heart I'm praying, please God, help! help! help!! When we got ready to leave and were  headed downstairs to the cars, I missed a stair and fell very hard on the concrete stairs. Julia said it was a big bang sound and all expected me to be seriously hurt with a head injury. Of course, I was totally mortified, embarrassed and crying even harder and in serious pain. After a while we all determined I was really banged up with a twisted ankle, hurt knee, hurt arm and a cut on my chin but nothing serious. This is nothing short of the sovereign protection of the Lord and probably nothing short of a miracle.
By the time we got back to the Elohim center, I was asking myself, "What did I get into?" and "Lord, why I am I here?" and "What am I doing here!?" I had about decided I had made a serious mistake and needed to get on a plane and go home. I talked with Perry on the phone and he prayed for me.
The next morning I wasn't feeling much better but Julia discerned that I was under some pretty serious attack and began praying over me. I also began to be aware that the Lord was stripping away many of the things I feel I need to be comfortable and happy. In my heart arose the song, "Give Me Jesus".  I realized I had to drop every preconceived notion of what I need to be happy and just receive Jesus along. After Julia prayed over me, I spent a couple of hours with the Lord in worship and prayer. That horrible oppression and condemnation began to lift and I felt the joy of the Lord begin to penetrate my heart. From that time on, I have had nothing but peace and joy in my whole being.
I think the best thing for me about the trip has been the students on my team. They are amazing! They work hard with nary a complaint, they are cooperative and kind, and they do everything they are asked with a remarkable attitude. I have heard the same thing from Perry who is with the Sardinas/Maderos team about his students. These kids are amazing. When we adults become worried about the future of our country, we simply need to remember to look at these students. They are our future and the future of our nation sure looks a lot brighter with them in it.
Thank you parents for being willing to forgo your fears and worries for your child's safety and well being and for allowing your student to go on this trip. You will not regret it. This is truly been a blessing and a life changing experience.