This is the one photo I have from ministry in Ecuador.
We were in Quito, Ecuador for 3 week of ministry. Our team partnered with Camp Hope which is a school/day care for children and adults with special needs or disabilities. Upon arrival, our team was expecting to be working hands on with the children and adults that this ministry serves. Unfortunately, because of COVID, the facility is only open to these children and adults twice a week. Ministry ended up looking very different than we expected for this month.
Each day, the ladies that helped run the facility gave us our jobs for the day. Most of the time we were either making Christmas cards for them to sell for their fundraisers that help support the ministry, cracking walnuts, deep cleaning all of the rooms in the school, or reorganizing anything within the facility that needed to be reorganized. Although, ministry was not what we expecting, we were able to partner with this amazing ministry in Quito to help relieve some work for them in whatever way possible.
After working about a week and a half into ministry, a few of us on our squad ended up with COVID including myself (again). Meaning, we had to quarantine for the remainder of our time in Ecuador. At first, we were all pretty bummed especially those that just had COVID when we were in Costa Rica. Thankfully, we were mostly without symptoms, so we tried our best to make the most of it. We spent the remainder of our time finding little ways to being celebrating Christmas, digging more into scripture, and spending time in outdoor worship so the whole square could “be together.’’
Christmas Caroling to our friends inside that don’t have COVID.
We made our own paper Christmas tree and hung it in our bedroom.
Making Christmas cookies in the front yard.
We could go outside or to our bedrooms, so we got creative and made a Christmas tree out of cardboard boxes and trimmings from a bush.
Not exactly how I had hoped the month would go, but God still took what the enemy meant for evil and turned it into good.
Also, how could I forget Thanksgiving! Before we got COVID again, our host gave us a day to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Everyone was able to bring a little tradition from home to the whole squad, and we were super thankful to have that opportunity.
Thanks again to all of you at home who take the time to read these blogs and continue to support me through your prayers. I love and miss you all!
Hi Caroline, sounds like you and your team are doing the best you can. We miss you so much and send our love and prayers. ????????????
Even a second bout with COVID doesn’t seem to have dampened your spirit nor stopped you from making the best of an unfortunate set of circumstances. Don’t know where you are headed next, but will continue praying for God to draw you closer to Him, for your ministry to be fulfilling in many ways, and for you to have a very Merry Christmas wherever you are. We love you and continue to miss you very much.
I am so sorry you and some of your team got the Rona, but it seems like you all made the best of it. Things are going good here in Brooklet. We did the Living Nativity last Sunday and as usual the animals( children) were the best! I hoped you stay well and I will be praying that your team all stays healthy. We miss you! I hope you have a Merry Christmas ???? Love you a lot!
So glad to see your smiling face in all the pictures. We love and miss you so much ??. I’m sorry you had covid again but you have still been able to fill your dream of spreading the gospel and sharing Jesus with others in their world. Take care, be safe , and have a very Merry Christmas. Miss you so much,Bebe
I can’t believe you got Covid again. I’m glad you’re okay. Praying for you.
Merry Christmas!
Y’all stay safe. Love You and miss you. Merry Christmas ??
Caroline I’m so sorry the “Virus” thwarted the team’s plans but proud you took the opportunity to turn your lemons into lemonade! Continue giving the mission your very best as I know you will. We miss you and love you very much! Merry Christmas ?? to you and your entire Team!
That smile of yours!!!!
I love how it glows amid all the unexpected circumstances. I love that you all made Thanksgiving and Christmas out of what you had. I bet you will remember these times forever.
Stay strong and keep up the good work soldier!
Hope you are feeling better!! You and your ministry for God and others is amazing!
I am so proud of you. Keep doing God’s work and spreading his love! Glad you are feeling better!
Just wanted to tell you how much my girls loved seeing you during youth on Sunday night. Lg loved seeing you wrapped in your blanket. She talked constantly telling me things about you. They sure miss you but we know it won’t be too much longer before you’re home. Take care. Merry Christmas. Bebe
Hi Caroline,
What a trooper you are! Can’t imagine having COVID TWICE in such a short time. Was it a different type? I’m going to do much better on praying for you and the team. You are so missed here but are so needed there. We all love you and hope you can have a Merry Christmas where you are. Ms. Anne
Bless you all! Sorry your mission was interrupted by Covid again but sounds like y’all made the best of it!! That’s commendable. Wishing you & all a very Merry Christmas & a fabulous New Year! Love you!
So glad to see that you and those who had COVID with you made the best of your situation. I love how you all were creative in finding ways to serve and to grow in community despite the situation. It’s so helpful to look for ways God DID make good come from what you all went through!