Day 3 (2022)

 This morning we woke up for our first day of mission work! We had croissants and egg soufflé for breakfast with juice and it was delicious. Today was a very special day because it was our first time being actually immersed into the community of Buen Pastor. We left on the bus around 8:30 and drove to the community’s church. When we first arrived, it blended in to the rest of the Ecuador storefronts. However, when the gate opened and we were able to enter onto the property the church was bright and welcoming. Not only was the place a welcoming space, but the people immediately took us in and greeted us. The environment all around was very comfortable and warm, despite it being a little chilly because of the wind and clouds! We started the day off with an orientation presented by members and staff of the church. It was amazing to see all that was happening in that church and how much their programs have grown. It was also very heartwarming seeing how much our fundraising and volunteering was positively affecting them. 

After orientation we split into groups to visit homes of families from the church. Ms. Corinna, Kate and I were in a group and got to go to Marilyn’s house. I was not sure what to expect, but immediately when we got there we were welcomed by cute dogs and smiling faces of her family. Their home consisted of a courtyard in between the apartment and garage. The people we met included neighbors, godchildren, boyfriends, nephews—you name it. It was a very open space and was very communal. Marilyn played music on a large speaker in the living room that echoed out the window and down to the courtyard so we could listen to music and dance as we prepared lunch. We got to peel potatoes along side our new friends and converse about school, favorite singers, and food. 

The language barrier was definitely present, but with Google Translate and Caroline’s help we were able to understand each other. It was so awesome seeing that even though we were from completely different places and cultures, we actually have a lot in common. Once we were done preparing the meal, we got to dance and make tiktoks with the people we had just met, but felt like we’d known forever. We got to come into their home as strangers and were immediately treated like family. Lunch was chicken, French fries and salad. After eating, we went back to the church to help with a vacation bible school for the kids. We sang songs, read scripture and made crafts. I loved being able to sit with the kids and talk to them. Even though we could only communicate so much, we still understood each other. 

After crafts and snacks, we got on the bus to go to the Allen’s house. We had tacos and cinnamon rolls for dinner. I loved seeing their cute house because it showed another version of a home in Ecuador. 

We came back to the hostel after dinner and debriefed like every day. I can’t believe it is only day three, but so much is already happening in our lives and those we’re visiting. It was a good day!

- Written by Tallulah King