Paul's World: Andrews Abroad Week 8: Goodbyes

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As we close out our time in Ecuador we are saying goodbye to our new friends and looking to what God has in store for our family. Our time here has been full of adventures. The latest one was our whole family travelling to the village of Kawa. This included sleeping two nights in the jungle. We were fortunate enough to have Wettlaufers out there as well.

Both families came to the jungle for a few days to experience a disconnected life.

It was very interesting to watch the kids interacting and how the dynamics of the group would change when certain village kids were around. Silas did not enjoy some of the games they would play. The older village boys liked to push his buttons. Their favorite game was picking him up (it's common for the girls to pick up babies) walking him close to mom or dad, then turning quickly and running away with him. Any time he would whine or cry they would do it more. However, if he remained calm and told them to stop, they generally would.

Scarlett eating soup with palm heart noodles.

Scarlett never missed a beat out in the jungle. In fact, she probably liked it better out there than the hard tile floor of our house. Dirt, bugs, dogs, food, and sleeping in the tent with mom would top her list. Silas too, says he especially the tent and being in the jungle. The kids really had a great time.

The older (ages 7 to 10 usually) girls love taking care of the babies. Scarlett was a favorite.

Katrina, however, would tell a different story. Dirt, cockroaches, biting insects, and bathing in the cold river were at the bottom of the list. Sleeping in a hot tent with two squirming kids was probably towards the top of the list. Mostly it was just exhausting to take care of two small people in a land so foreign. Eventually you give up trying to keep them clean or getting them a scheduled nap. Also, you hope the cockroaches eat the crumbs so your toddler won't eat them.

While all this was going on, the water project continued. The water lines to the houses were installed and flushed and the community can see the finish line. In a few weeks time they will mix concrete and install the faucets. To be here at a time when so many communities get to turn on the water for the first time has been extremely rare and rewarding.

This is the work crew: Edwin, Franklin, Kenny, Paul, Pedro, and Wim.

Back in Shell, we're in packing and goodbye mode. We had a potluck with all the Reach Beyond staff and families here. Seeing people come and go from your life so quickly must be such a challenge as a long term missionary. Developing close friendships only to have those friends leave is hard. It strains your other relationships and taxes your emotions. I see that more here than I ever have before. Perhaps it was the length of time we were here, perhaps it was seeing reactions to the Wettlaufers having been here before. Whichever it is, I know that goodbyes can be hard, transition periods can be stressful, and change always comes with loss. The only thing that remains a constant in this life of finality is God. There is a great peace in knowing that even if we don't see these friends again on earth, we will see them when we all get to heaven. (When we all get to heaven...🎶)

It is comforting to know our loving heavenly Father is always there watching over and protecting us. While our brothers and sisters all over the world might come and go from our lives, we are all connected in the Body of Christ, and that is enough. Christ is enough. His Grace is enough. We pray for those who are coming and going through our lives and the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. What a day of rejoicing when we see each other again!