Hosteria Mandala

This past weekend was the mid-way point of summer project in Ecuador. As is custom, we took a trip to relax and re-group. If I was doubting how well the Lord provides for His workers while in Guayaquil, I no longer have any doubts. He knew exactly what each of us needed to focus our minds on Him again.

We met bright and early on Friday morning to cram ourselves and our book bags into a (questionably) 15-person van. Needless to say, most of us were uncomfortable, but it hardly mattered under the shadow of exhaustion and excitement. The trip took three and a half hours (one less than anticipated) through villages and the countryside. I saw a lot of cows, pigs, dogs, and donkeys and even an ostrich. The last leg of the trip was through the mountains along the coast. This part of Ecuador is so lightly populated that we didn't have any trouble appreciating the natural beauty of the dense forests, rocky cliffs, and sandy (I felt like I need an adjective here...) seashore. Upon seeing the sign pointing us toward our home for the weekend, Hosteria Mandala, we attempted to read the many multilingual signs along the sides of the dusty sand road stating all kinds of interesting facts about whales. Did I mention that it's currently whale-watching season?

None of us were disappointed when we arrived at the wide wooden gates. It was on a private section of the beach that had an amazing view of all the surrounding mountains. Think Lord of the Rings. I'll never be able to fully explain how incredible Hosteria Mandala is, so you'll have to wait for the pictures, but I'll try. It is owned by a couple, the husband being from France and the wife from Switzerland, who have run it for 15 years. They both speak multiple languages and host people from all over the world. The 3-story main lodge houses a restaurant that serves only freshly prepared foods and drinks. Pretty much the entire building, including all the tables and chairs, are made out of smoothly-finished wood. The second story hosts a library, a collection of musical instruments, and all kinds of fun trinkets that leads into a beautiful third story full of diverse plant-life and bright windows.

The living arrangements were even more unbelievable. The compound has many lodges all named after different creatures. Five of the girls, including me, lived in Mariposa/ Butterfly/ Papillon/ Schmetterling. The two best parts were the giant shower with the greatest big shower head I've ever had the privilege to use along with the porch that provided two hammocks and a view of all the surrounding flowers and other plant life.

Immediately upon arrival, I changed into my bathing suit, grabbed lunch with the team (a sandwich made with toasted fresh white bread, cheese, salami, tomato, and basil), and headed to the beach with Jenna to swim. The sand was smooth and the waves were average and full of jellyfish. Almost everyone else on the team suffered stings from the little buggers, but I managed to avoid them. A few hours later we decided to walk down the beach toward a cool-looking cliff. We passed all kinds of dead sea creatures--millions of little jellyfish, puffer fish, a fish I liken to a piranha, eels (they were too decomposed to really tell, but that was the general shape), and unidentifiable skulls. I felt quite adventurous.

We had fish and chips, watermelon jugo, salad, popcorn, and plantain chips for dinner, then discussed how the project is going. I thought it was really sweet and such evidence of God's hand in bringing the team together that we mostly had only good things to say.


I couldn't stand sleeping in when we had so little time there, so I was up at 7 on Saturday and Sunday and in a hammock on the beach doing quiet time ASAP. God has been making me more and more aware of my lack of communication with Him. Many times this past year, I would doubt my salvation because I didn't feel like my prayers and questions were being answered. I've been made aware that I'm not really choosing to listen and communicate with God through extended times in prayer and in the Word. This weekend I felt a lot of growth in that area. Multiple times everyday I desired to have that time alone listening. I've stopped expecting amazing revelations every time I have some quiet time. It has brought a lot more joy into those times. 


The highlight of Saturday was the two or three hours we spent building an entire sand kingdom complete with extravagant castle, complex irrigation system, and a village with a soccer stadium, graveyard, and vineyard. It was marvelous. That was pretty much the whole day. We were so into it that we forgot all about lunch until much later than the standard time. The rest of the day was more much needed relaxation mixed with some not so needed sunburn. WHEN WILL I LEARN?!

Coming back has been actually pretty hard, but in a weird way quite telling about my attitude here. I was getting way too comfortable on campus, and, in turn, too complacent. I haven't been all too intentional about initiating conversations and pursuing students in follow-ups. While I can't put the pressure on myself to win all the students over to Christ--that's a job for the big guns upstairs--I have to let Him work through me and not limit Him by my own inhibitions. This week is going to be difficult at ESPOL, because all the students have mid-terms and are frantically trying to study and finish projects. Prayers for that are needed!

Bonne nuit!

Ashley