I'll see you on the other side of the Equator

Money...check
Plane Ticket...check
Vaccinations...check


Leaving in T-64 days!

Blessing my socks off!

Support letters were sent out about two weeks ago and my amazing friends and family continue to amaze me with their generosity! Asking for support was not something that came easy for me. I had originally intended to use personal funds to finance this trip but unexpected circumstances prevented that from happening. One friend made a generous donation and encouraged me to reach out to my brothers and sisters for support. I was very hesitant at first, as I am a very independent person. However, this same friend expressed his concern that I was not allowing people who love the Lord to serve Him by giving. And thus, the support letter was written. I have been so blessed by all of the people that have sent in support and are praying for me. This truly is a partnership and I cherish your commitment to me and to God. Thank you all so very, very much.

68 and Rainy

So I've begun planning my trip already. For those of you who don't know me, this may come as a surprise, but I've been known to pack my house 6 months before moving so planning my packing less than 100 days out is totally normal. Its barely in the double digits above zero here in the Magic City but in Quito it's a rainy 68. With its elevation of over 9,000 feet, and location only 15 miles from the equator Quito has quite mild weather year round. The temperature varies between 55*F at night to 78*F at noon. It has two seasons: Wet and Dry...unlike Minot which has four seasons: Winter, Winter's almost over, Construction and Almost Winter. The wet season in Quito is considered winter and the dry is considered summer. Summer lasts about four months, from the end of June to September. So, it seems that the common misconception that our summer is their winter is not necessarily true. I will arrive in Quito at the end of the wet season and enjoy most of the summer there. With new restrictions on how much baggage you can check for free on international flights, it's nice to know that I will be able to pack lighter as a parka will not be needed.

Please stay tuned for more facts about the exciting world (barely) south of the equator.

Ring, Ring... Hello

Well, it's finally come. The call I've been waiting for. After five months of waiting and wondering, Ecuador called. I'll be leaving some time in the beginning of June for a three month internship at Hacienda El Refugio, an outdoor camp located less than an hour from Quito. I'm beyond excited about the opportunity I have to go and serve God and His people in Ecuador. I'm looking forward to the challenges of living in a new country and learning a new language. During my stay, I will be working with the youth that will be guests at the camp and also doing lots of manual labor- cooking, cleaning, maybe a little plumbing?

Please join me here for updates as I work to gain both monetary and prayer support for my journey as well as (hopefully) regular posts from the southern hemisphere.