In Ecuador, our ministry consists of hours working in the greenhouse, mornings filled with manual labor and construction, and lots of community outreach through sports and teaching to help prevent human trafficking in Quito. While there’s still relational ministry involved in what we’re doing, it’s a lot different from Colombia and a lot more physically challenging, partially because of the drastic change in elevation(11,000 feet). During my time on the Race, I’ve had some recurring health struggles and just hard times where it’s been difficult to be 2,500 miles away from home. But what a gift it is to be able to lean into the Spirit and view God as my Sustainer during my time here, and I’m continuing to realize that the best things in life really are outside of my comfort zone. Very far outside, if you count paragliding in Colombia.
Something I’ve heard recently that has really resonated with me is that scientifically(and biblically), it’s impossible to be anxious and grateful at the same time. When I find myself stressing about my life after the Race, I look back in gratitude and see how far God has brought me. Counting my blessings today as we got to see a rainbow and be reminded again of His promise. What if we stopped focusing on the God could’ve, God should’ve, and God would’ve, and just started focusing on God did?
“Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
So far it’s been physically, emotionally, and spiritually demanding, but for every inch of struggle there is a mile of hope that comes from Christ Jesus. What a gift it is to be able to cling to the hope that is in Him! Glory to glory!
Chao,
Camille Curtis
