Loose Ends

Tomorrow is our last day on campus in Guayaquil. Friday afternoon we will leave our beloved hotel and drive to Finca la Gloria, where we will have de-briefing. On Monday night we will board our plane that will take us through Guatemala and Costa Rica to Chicago. Knowing that this week is the last on campus left me wondering how well we've furthered the movement at ESPOL and UG. I can easily believe the lies that every failed conversation or follow-up was unproductive and therefore claim that there's no more time to truly accomplish anything else in the next day. Next week, I can go home and never think about Ecuador again.

That's definitely not in God's plan. Yesterday I was feeling sick on the way to campus and was asked multiple times if I wanted to turn around and go home. In my mind I was screaming, 'yes!' Each time, though, my heart and mouth said, "no." I would have missed the awesome and encouraging conversations I had. The Lord does reward those who trust in Him. He is a God who is gracious.

Today during discipleship with Linsey, we talked about what going home will look like for me. It brought a lot of thoughts of excitement about continuing ministry at home and at school, but I was really convicted when she asked what my relationship with Ecuador looks like in the future. I was initially not sure. I know that I probably will not return to Ecuador, at least definitely not with Cru, and I can't imagine being able to do much more.

However, there's a feeling in my heart that so many loose ends still exist here. I don't know why I thought I would ever feel like the mission is complete. I do believe that we worked in a way that abides with God's plan and, in that way, we have completed our mission, but the work is not done in Ecuador. Just because the gringos are leaving doesn't mean that God is too. We didn't bring God to Ecuador. He was already here working and we merely pointed that out. Just as any other place on earth, the work will continue. The Lord put Ecuador on my heart for a reason. I've realized that even when I'm home, I can continue to pray for the Ecuadorian students and future Cru missionaries. It's awesome to know that the Lord is doing all the work and that just praying for that work is doing as much, if not more, than actually being the physical hands and feet of the Lord in Ecuador.

Just today I met three girls who are thrilled with what we are doing and with the movement growing on campus. Our whole team has been praying for more leaders on campus and in the past week I have witnessed many students who were Christians before we started talking to them embrace the mission we're presenting to them. At the same time that God is connecting His people within the campuses, He's also connecting them with us, Christians from across the Americas. The body of Christ is truly extensive and meant to be united in order to grow a powerful movement that can change the world. Having this kingdom mindset gives me hope and joy about the work I am able to do in my life. I know that all is for a greater purpose that extends far beyond my time. Likewise, the mission in Ecuador does not stop because we are leaving. Our purpose is not to be the driving force behind the movement. God has that position covered.

I'm incredibly encouraged in my own personal growth and seeing others' as well. I recognize hardships and failings in the future, but I have a God by my side who doesn't consider leaving me. I'm satisfied in knowing that nothing is up to me. I don't feel all the pressure that I used to. Hallelujah!

We're about to have extended time with the Lord and then our last full day in Guayaquil. I can't wait to see everyone back home and explain in more detail all the amazing things about summer project and Ecuador.

Hasta luego!

Ashley