Ecuador: Understanding the History

There is a history behind Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) - the organization we spent time working with. MAF is the ministry that the "End of the Spear" story came from. For those not familiar with that story, here are some pictures to help explain the history I was able to be part of during my time in Ecuador. It involves five men in the 1950's willing to risk it all for the furthering of the message of Christ.

This is the Nate Saint House. He was one of the five men, and this building is located within MAF, across the street from their hanger and airstrip. It was recently renovated, and includes the End of the Spear history, a large meeting room, and housing for missionaries and guests upstairs.

These were stamps of the 5 missionaries - Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Pete Flemming, and Roger Youderian. They brought their wives and children to Ecuador to reach the Waodani people - an untouched, savage group of indians known for spearing other white men and indian tribes.

These men used small airplanes to go deep into the jungle. The wives were back at the base, communicating with the men with radio and headsets like these. This basket and/or ones similar were used to send items down out of the plane to the Waodani - they would send gifts like pants and machetes. They also included pictures of the men so the indians would become familiar with who they were before attempting contact. Sometimes the indians sent items back up to the men in the basket - most famous was the macaw bird.

This is the kitchen in the Nate Saint house. There is a famous picture of the missionary wives sitting around a table hearing the news of their husbands' deaths - this is where that picture was taken.

This is Palm Beach, where the 5 men had set up camp, had initial peaceful contact with the Waodani, then were speared. We were able to fly over it on our way back from visiting a village of Waodani - the group we visited were believers, and one was a pastor that visited other villages, spreading the Gospel. It was _______ (neat? amazing? unbelievable? a blessing? Hard to think of a word to describe the experience...) to be able to be a part of that story and see how the work started back in the 50's has continued.

I have always apprecaited and have been interested in this story and being able to see and gain a better understanding of it made the whole trip very memorable.

Ecuador: Travel & Tourism

After hours and hours of travels, I have spent time in Ecuador and returned with much to share! I will spend the next several posts to describe bits and pieces of my trip. Today - Travel and Tourism!

Flights to Ecuador - I was picked up at 10am on Friday, and we drove to NYC to fly out of JFK at midnight. We arrived in Guayaquil, Ecuador and transferred our luggage to our flight to Quito, arriving there around 9:30am. We met Rob, the missionary, and went to the guesthouse where we would spend the night. We had to wait for the arrival of two team members from Chicago.

Exploring Quito - We took a bus to downtown Quito (the capital) for 25 cents. We saw a governmental building, the Mary statue on the hill, and lots of taxis. We took a tour of a basilica and bought some souvenirs. The next morning, we went to a large church in the area and sat in on a service in Spanish.

Driving to Shell - The picture above shows the distance between Quito (upper) and Shell (lower), where Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is located. (All the green to the right is jungle!) During the 4 hour drive, we saw volcanos, a lake, rolling hills, high mountains, houses, shops, and more. We stopped in Banos for more souvenir shopping, then arrived in Shell. We had dinner with Rob's family - his wife, Lynette, and children, Rebecca and Robby.

Casa de Fe - An orphange meaning "House of Faith" that we visted on Tuesday. My grandparents had been there before, but I was able to visit their brand new building. They currently have 58 orphans up to age 14, many with specials needs. There are now plans for a school building nearby as well.

Zoo - On Thursday, our plans were delayed, so we had time to check out the zoo. It was on a military compound, and we had to walk 20-30 minutes through the jungle to see the animals. They let monkeys out of their cages for us to see, and we got to hold a baby boa (above) and a baby ocelot. We also saw turtles and birds.

Travel back to Quito - On Friday after a morning VBS, we piled in the van and drove back to Quito. We stopped at a senic view as well as an area known for making and selling jeans. We had lunch in a mall and just barely missed being nailed by a small landslide. Driving is a little crazy in Ecuador, and we had to make a tough left-hand turn, but we safely arrived back in Quito. We went shopping at the market for more souvenirs before heading to another mall for dinner. We stayed at the same guest house as we did before and prepared for our trip home.

Flights to NY - We arrived at the Quito airport Saturday morning. Terry (above) braided my hair; we were roommates all week, and it was fun to get to know her! We flew to Guayaquil, then had a few hours until our flight to JFK in NYC. I was so ready to go home at this point. It's a lot to be with the same group of people for a week straight! I was missing friends my age, and I was tired of traveling. We boarded for JFK around 3pm, watched movies, ate dinner, and napped a bit on the plane. I also journaled and read a biography on Jim Elliot - one of the missionaries that was speared. We landed soon after 10pm, got our luggage and went through customs, and were on the road soon after midnight. We arrived in Rochester close to 7am on Sunday morning, and I was dropped back off at school by 8am. I unpacked a bit, then got some more sleep. I spent the day doing laundry, catching up on e-mail, organizing my 460 pictures, and sharing souvenirs and stories with friends.

Traveling is really tiring, but it was great to be able to experience so much during my time in Eucador - more to come!

Wooden Crosses

I am preparing to leave for Ecuador tomorrow morning! This trip is extra special because my grandparents have gone to Ecuador with their church several times and have been to some of the places my team will go to. My grandpa has made hundreds of these wooden crosses over the years to give to the kids with their names. He sent one personalized for me and gave me three plain ones. He told me to pray and think throughout the week about who to give them too. It's neat that, in a way, I can share in this trip with my grandparents - I know they have been blessed by their many trips down.

I am just about packed up. We are driving to NYC in the morning, and taking the red eye out, arriving in Ecuador on Saturday morning. I may be able to update this blog from time to time while I am down there, so be sure to check in! If not, I'll have plenty to share when I return : ) Looking forward to a great time serving in Ecuador!

Communications Director

I recently accepted the Communications Director position at Life Choices Center in Binghamton! My mom had passed on the job description over Christmas break, knowing my desire to stay in Rochester, but thinking it sounded perfect for me. I took the necessary steps to apply and went for an interview the first week in February. Soon after, they asked me to join their team!

The position involves newsletters, the website, media connections, community involvement, and grant writing. I have experience in these areas and was very happy about the grant writing piece! The not-for-profit is a Christian crisis pregnancy organization. I graduated with the son of the director and have heard wonderful things about working there. Yes, it's not Rochester, but I am excited about this opportunity. The Lord has slowly been working on my heart as I realize Rochester will not be the same Rochester I have grown to appreciate once I graduate. I will live at home to start and explore the Binghamton area again after being gone for 4 years!

We are looking into having me start working remotely while I am still in Rochester. I would finish up my campus jobs and designate that time to working for Life Choices Center. A start date is still being determined, and I would not be able to work my full hours until closer to June.

I am so much of a planner, that it is nice to have this post-graduation decision made! I no longer have to job search, fill out applications, and make follow-up phone calls, all while wondering about housing options or if I will even be able to stay in Rochester! This whole process has made me realize that this college season of my life is coming to a close - sad, but exciting all at the same time! I do feel prepared to take on life after graduation, but it will certainly be different.

Motivation

The bracelet I'm wearing in this picture was made by a student in Guatemala 3 years ago. I wore it after I returned from that trip, but have since stopped wearing it. I pulled it out again today and have decided to wear it this week and throughout my time in Ecuador next week.

I have a lot going on at school this week with papers, presentations, and assignments. The bracelet will be my motivation and reminder of what is to come as I anticipate leaving for Ecuador on Friday! I think back on all my fun times with the kids in Guatemala and cannot wait to see the precious smiles on the kids' faces in Ecuador! I'm looking forward to a memorable trip as I serve with my team.

Tisch 'n Lipps & Friends

Tisch 'n Lipps & Friends - Intramural Floor Hockey

Michelle (Lippert - hence, the team name) and I put an intramural floor hockey team together! Some of the girls have never played before, and we've been having a good time together. We have won one game and have had a lot of fun with the others! We made it into play-offs next week, so we are excited!

Intramural volleyball and ultimate frisbee are coming up next!

5 Years Later

Above: Danielle, myself, Heather, and Pam at Heather's baby shower today!

Below: Us 5 years ago as Juniors in high school at the 2006 Banquet - Heather, Danielle, Pam, and myself.

It's neat to think back on friendships over the years. Some come and some go, but some continue through any situation. I have definitely been blessed with a handful of friends that have grown with me through many life events.

Today, we got to celebrate with Heather as she anticipates the arrival of her first child, little Colston! Pam is planning her June wedding, then will head to Indiana. Danielle has completed her Bachelors degree, is moving into an apartment, and has plans to continue her education while working in the Binghamton area. I am on track to graduate in May and hope to find a position at a not-for-profit. The Lord has lead us all on different paths, but I am thankful that we have continued our friendship and can share in the joyful moments!

A Little Off

Lately, I have thought about those Madeline books where Miss Clavel sits up in bed and announces, "Something is not right!"

I have just felt off since coming back for this final semester. I have a pretty consistant routine, but it doesn't feel normal yet. I keep cutting back hours at my internship, at work, and in SIFE to make time for homework and other activities, but I still feel like there is so much on my plate!

Maybe I was just really spoiled with such a great summer and fall, that "regular life" just isn't cutting it for me anymore! I am trying to be content with my circumstances, and I can't even pin-point what would help me feel like life was right, but I don't like the feeling that something is off.

I'm heading home this weekend for a job interview and baby shower - maybe it will help to spend time with family and friends and relax.