I typically struggle with Spanish-speaking countries. I've visited several (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, El Salvador), but I never fall in love with them. I wrestle with the culture and my lack of Spanish and the oldness of everything... I don't really like old things! 

However, much to my surprise, I love it here. The beauty of this place has captured my heart, and I am completely charmed by the blend of quaint and classy that I see.   I cannot stop staring at the largeness of the mountains and the way that the homes and buildings fill up every imaginable space.

Today, our host and I visited the ministry sites that my team will work at in the week ahead. We've begun to meet the people, and I've received more hugs and kisses than I can count. In fact, the head of the children's center had to pull me aside and explain the proper way to greet people. Apparently my hugs were not strong enough and I forgot to kiss one of the children. Sweet, sweet people here!

I'm completely in awe of all that the Lord has done, and the fruit that I've seen in ministry. God is speaking clearly and frequently, and lives are being changed forever. It's amazing. HE is amazing! 

Jesus has completely captivated my heart once again, and the way I feel on the outside about Ecuador is just a tiny taste of what I'm experiencing on the inside as I follow Jesus each and every day.