Choose Joy. : The Milestone of 1 Month.

1 Month, its been one whole month of living in a foreign country and this marks a huge milestone. I never would have thought that the day of Sept 19 would be so significant to me but it is now.

So many thoughts are running through my mind when I think about the things I want to write about in relation to being here for a month.
So, I guess i'll get started.

What does it mean to me that I have been in Ecuador for 1 month:
1. Well, for starters I can now say I have lived in a foreign country for a month. Thats huge!! Not everyone can say that and as of yesterday I couldn't say that. So yes one thought that has consumed my mind today is shock, wow, I can't believe I have been here for a whole month already.

2. I say "already" because it doesnt feel like a month. Time is on a different scale here. ( I mean that in more ways than one)
               1. I feel like it has not been a month yet, it has flown by but...on the other hand..
               2. I feel so comfortable so it almost feels like I have been here longer. (for a gringa- white girl, who doesnt speak fluent spanish to feel comfortable in a spanish speaking country is pretty cool)
                     --I can only thank the Lord for this comfort because if not for everyone back home praying for me, for the friends He has provided for me here, and through all the things I have learned so far then comfort would not be in my vocabulary right now.
             3. Also, I am in a Latin American country...Time is literally on a different scale of importance here--meaning--"it doesnt really matter"
                           -I have to admit I love this concept!! You can be late and it doesnt matter. so cool.
                           -That is my bit of cultural information for you all today.

So, being here for a month has already taught me so much so here are some things I have learned (some pertaining to Ecuador, some to work, and some pretty random)

1. Anywhere you work there are going to be days when you just do NOT want to be there, people you don't get along with, and repetition can always get the best of you. Period.

2. Go to the left. Let me explain- The Ecuadorian greeting is not a handshake, not a hug, not even a high five or fist bump....its a kiss on the cheek. So, word of advice..ALWAYS go to the left.

3. No matter where you are in the country, where you are in life...you are always gonna have struggles, the Lord is always gonna give you challenges...but remember to rejoice in this times...believe it or not they are to bring you closer to the Lord..Check out James Chapter 2.

4. Chevere- This means cool in spanish and is one of favorite words I have learned since I have been here (also one of the few haha)---its a little harder than it seems but I hope next time I write about things I have learned--the answer will be more spanish.

5. Im out of shape--yes, someone who has ran 2 half marathons-is out of shape. I am determined you are NOT in shape until you are considered "in shape" in the high altitude. I am currently trying to train for a half marathon here. Ill keep yall posted on that one. No matter if a half marathon is conquered here or not...I can promise you I will never get use to the 9 blocks up the hill home from school and the 3 flights of stairs that follow.

6. I have learned my dream to own a bakery still exist and the longer I live here the more I want to do it. Fresh baked goods hold a special place in the hearts of Ecuadorians. There are bakeries everywhere and everything is sooo good. Lets just say my lack of self control has not gotten any better.

**These are just a few things that come to mind when I think about this past month here in Quito.

-The challenges of moving to a foreign country and the things I have learned from them are making me a better person daily.
-The people I have already gotten to meet are such a blessing from God and I cant wait to see where these friendships and relationships go.
-The Lord has me here for a reason, more than one I am sure, and some I dont even know.
- I am truly blessed to be able to work here at Alliance Academy International...I am around Ecuadorians, North Americans, Koreans, and so many other types of people daily. How cool!! Chevere. ( just seeing if yall have been paying attention :))

So join in me in celebrating my first month in Ecuador!! Like I said, huge milestone and so many cool things happening in Quito and in me!!
-Please continue to pray for my eyes to be open to the Lords clarity in my future, please pray for my CSO group- Guardians- Pray my high schoolers will have hearts after the Lord to pour into these middle-schoolers.
-Pray that I work for the Lord not for people--Ephesians 6:7.

MY JOURNEY THE PAST MONTH: