Choosing Joy: and HANGING out at La Playa.

If you wanna know one thing about me its my LOVE for the beach. 

Being at the beach is the vacation I NEVER want to leave. 

If I could move to one place tomorrow: it would be the beach. 

The Beach is my HAPPY place. :) 

There are so many reasons why I just LOVE the beach! I love the sound of waves, the feeling of sunshine triggering my Vitamin D, long morning runs in the sand, quiet times with the Lord and a good cup of coffee on a balcony as the sun peaks through the clouds to make its appearance for the day, kids laughter on the beach, waves, reading books while laying out, being tan, seafood, the unending coastline and unending ocean view, wavy beach hair, beach volleyball, not wearing a watch because time doesn't exist....Have I sold you on it yet? 

So now you'll understand that this girl was soo happy last week when I was able to spend the week at the beach here in Ecuador. It was the week after camp and the beach was just where I "needed" to be. 

Mandi and I left on our adventure early Monday morning to start our what we didn't know to be a 7 hour bus ride. 

But seeing that this was our "home away from home" for the week: it made the ride worth it. 

Yes, this is a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, full kitchen, living room and terrace overlooking a private pool and yes this is where we stayed!! wow. right? 

Don't worry, we are missionaries and no, we can't afford this place so thank the Lord and for a family connection for this FREE place to stay at one of the nicest beaches here in Ecuador-- Casablanca. 

I can speak for both of us when I say we truly felt soooo blessed to be given a free escape to the beach to relax this summer; after camp and before school starts up again. 

(Orientation for teachers starts August 20th--School starts Sept. 2nd) 

Here are some pictures to help back up all that I have said so far: 

Hope you enjoyed a little sneak peak of Casablanca and my time there! 

Its hard for words to describe how thankful I am for the trip. 

I am thankful that the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to go on a vacation; a relaxing vacation. 

I am thankful that I got to see that portion of the Lord's beautiful creation. 

And I am always thankful for my time at the beach; my HAPPY place. :) 

Choose Joy! 

Until next time, 

Saved by grace, 

Kb. 

Choosing Joy: and PRAYING for a teachable spirit.

Choosing Joy: and Praying for a teachable spirit. 

I promised an update: so here it is. 

Disclaimer: This is a post that will be a guest post on my best friend RACHEL's blog so if the word choice is a bit confusing that is why!  

Enjoy! and check out ohsimplethoughts.blogspot.com sometime SOON. You'll enjoy it! 

A month back in Ecuador has come and gone. Looking at the date June 25th makes me feel like it was just yesterday but realizing it is July 31st makes me see its been a whole month and looking at all the things the Lord has taught me in this month reminds me it is definitely July 31st. 

So you may be wondering, “What has the Lord taught you, Kirsten?” (well, actually you may not cause you don’t even know me but if some of you are then good because....) 

Thats exactly what I want to share---not only for you but selfishly for me to be able to take this moment, look back and see just what all the Lord has graciously taught me. 

Since most of you readers may not know my journey thus far and my journey to Ecuador I am sorry I won’t be sharing that full detail at this time but I will tell you it hasn’t been a smooth one, its been full of bumps in the road (literally, i live in a third world country--there are bumps everywhere) and it has not been an easy ride--but lets all admit it--the best roller coaster rides are the highest, scariest, longest, and craziest. Well, those of us that like roller coaster rides can admit that, sorry to those of you who fear roller coasters and heights--this is probably a bad analogy for you all. 

Soooo, on a lighter note I am happy to tell you all, those of you who have known the journey since the beginning, and those just being exposed to this crazy life of mine that I am sooo thankful to be back in Ecuador. The Lord has shown me/ taught me...however you want to word it that this is EXACTLY where He wants me to be. 

And I am sure of this because of how gracious He has been to teach me so much over the past month. 

For starters: 

--He has taught me that my position for next year is just where I need to be. Not only that but He has given me an excitement for my teaching position next year and a passion to do it well. (We all know, that this girl, NEVER wanted to be a teacher)--check out my previous blog on my site to learn more about that one. 

--He has taught me to appreciate friendships- I am reminded that we aren’t necessarily promised to have friends or even best friends in this life we live but the Lord has really out done himself in the friendships I have: back home, here, old and new. I am learning to appreciate friendships for what they are- to embrace them and not take them for granted.  

And now: Here comes the big one. 

--He has taught me contentment. Oh wait, He has taught me that I lack contentment---thats a better way to word it. 

Let’s rewind just a bit- I am a single, 23 year old, christian girl. I am very outgoing. super laid back. hate a plan. and all in all really enjoy life. (and no thats not the beginnings of a sales pitch boys---sorry for the confusion) Thats me sounding like a pretty content girl right? I thought so. I have always considered myself content in who I am and the singleness season I am in. Well, guess what? The Lord loves to prove me wrong and as a prideful person thats not always fun. 

With all that being said I have officially been made aware of my discontentment. (That was a tough sentence to write or should I say type) 

But :) I have made the FIRST STEP- I am aware and I admit it. 

So now what? Well, I don’t know. I was hoping you “content” people could tell me. 

I kid, I kid. Im only using this moment to encourage you all to be content in the Lord--to be vulnerable in telling yall this and to share with you what the Lord has taught me thus far through this: ( not to make it all about me or anything just saying, I can only speak for myself :) ) 

• The Lord has me, in this moment, in Quito, Ecuador, single for a reason.
• I need/want to take advantage of this time and the experiences that come with it; to learn and become wiser. 
• I NEED to use this time to glorify the Lord. I am CALLED to use this time to glorify the Lord. (Luke 2:14) 
• I should use this time to not only grow as an individual but also grow closer to God. (1 Corinthians 3:7. “....What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”)

• Just a few to remind myself and you of. 

Enough of that right? haha

• I have also been taught to be THANKFUL. 

Thankfulness and contentment seem to go hand and hand and its about time I realized that. Its about time I realized I have lots to be thankful for. I live in a beautiful country (Ecuador), I have AWESOME parents and friends, I have gotten to experience some pretty cool things..I am blessed and I need to remember that daily. 

Entry from Jesus Calling: July 24th

“Thankfulness opens the door to My presence.” (the door to the presence of Jesus)

1 Thess. 5:18- “...giving thanks in ALL circumstances.”

Just a reminder folks...don’t shoot the messenger. Its a reminder to me too! 

So I am starting to realize that I have learned alot...alot more than I can type in this one blog...alot more than you want to read in one sitting Im sure. 

But I do want to leave you with one more thing (bare with me) 

-I have learned to have a teachable spirit---or to have the yearning for a teachable spirit. 

The Lord loves you and I and cares for you and I so much that He chooses to teach us. He purposefully puts us into situations/challenges to allow us to grow. He sees a better us, knows our potential and graciously gives us opportunities to reach that potential. :) 

-Story: (know me long enough and you will find out i’m full of them) but anyways--the story: At camp one day, one of the last days I had a class of 1st and 2nd graders--one of my favorite groups--and there was one little girl who I became very stern with (in a loving way of course) but I wanted to get my point across and I had to be stern and it just so happened that my best friend Mandi was in the room and began to laugh (RUDE right?) yeah I did not appreciate that until later I realized it was because she liked that I did that, she was proud I did that and she explained to me that when a teacher is stern with a student it means they love that student, they see the best that that student can be and that teacher wants to guide them to their best! Whether its through stern statements or consequences the heart behind the teacher is to teach that student a lesson that will lead to them become a better person, a wiser person. 

What a small glimpse this is of how the Lord feels about us--His children. The Lord puts us in challenging situations, allows heartbreak, puts obstacles in the way, allows tears, all because He loves us, cares about us and wants these “lessons” to make us the better person that He created us to be. (2 Timothy 4:5, Romans 8:17) 

This is actually TOO BIG for me to fathom so therefore to type this out on paper and try to make it make sense is a bit of a challenge in and of itself so I hope somehow it made sense to you readers. 

**With this realization, I vowed to pray for a teachable spirit on a daily basis. I want to be open to whatever the Lord has to teach me. Yes, I have been able to share with you some of the specific things the Lord has taught me but I know with all I am facing this summer: good and bad that the Lord has sooo much more to teach me. Yes, the unknown is a bit scary...okay, a lot scary but if I am not willing to learn then I am not willing to grow and I am only 23: which is definitely not the cut off for growth in the Lord. 

---I do want to leave you with encouragement (it has been shown to me that it is my spiritual gift, so I should probably use it huh? :)) 

** I want to encourage you to genuinely pray for a teachable spirit. I want to encourage you to be willing to learn. I want to encourage you to seek growth. 

*The Lord wants to make you wiser, better...take advantage of it! :) 

NOW.... a BIG thanks to Rachel for allowing me to be a part of her blog and a part of her life as her best friend. 

And thank YALL readers for letting me take up your time: PROPS to those of you who made it to the end of this post! :) (Perseverance --Hebrews 12:1) 

Thanks to the Lord for giving me the words to say on what BIG and MIGHTY things HE has done/is doing! :) 

Choose Joy! 

Feel free to continue to follow my life in Ecuador/life in general via my blog at kirsteninquito.blogspot.com. 

Until next time, 

Saved by grace, 

Kb

A long overdue update.

Wow. It has been forever since I have posted on here. Im a slacker. story of my life. I apologize. Computer issues got in my way then life. so yes, again, i apologize. 

With all that being said though, it means I have lots to talk about! :) Lucky yall. 

And im just gonna go ahead and get started: 

So most of you know/should know that I am back in Ecuador for Round 2. And yes Round 2 started in July this time....with summer camp at Alliance Academy International. 

I made the decision to come back to Ecuador for the next school year in March and about a month after that decided i was going to come back for camp this summer...it all happened pretty fast but the Lord’s timing was just perfect and He knew what he was doing even though I and probably quite a few people around me had their doubts but its been sooo great! 

Camp: 

Start Date: July 1st

End Date: July 19th

3 weeks of hanging out with kids all day (from 9-4). 

Items needed: coffee, high energy, sleep, sunscreen, a great assistant, patience, and a whole lot of love! 

I was the Drama Coach for camp this summer. Yes, you’re probably thinking its cause I am dramatic: yeah, partly true. haha but it was also the opportunity opened up to me and I took it without much hesitation. 

I had a great assistant: Levi Kurtenbach who knew way more than I did and worked so hard at making it all happen! a big thanks to him!! :) I couldn’t have done it without him! for sure. 

So my schedule ended up being 3, 40 minute, sessions in the morning before lunch. 

and then 1, 40 minute session in the afternoon. 

Soooo, what did I do with the rest of my time. NOTHING--duh. 

haha I kid I kid. I helped with the MOTIONS for both worship services (younger kids, older kids)--- I will go ahead and tell you this was my favorite part of camp-- Mandi ( my best friend and saving grace while living in a foreign country--especially this summer)  and I both helped with the motions and just being there to get the kids excited to worship the Lord along with our worship leaders- Pancho, Raul, Felipe-- Shout OUT to them for doing such a great job! :) 

And then when I wasn’t doing that I would help with snack time, go hang out/help with other staff members. 

** Another favorite of camp was building relationships both new and old! :) 

Each week of camp there was a field trip day: Mitad Del Mundo, Teleferiqo, and a Museum. (Just take a moment and imagine taking lots of 1st-4th graders up to the top of a mountain on a cable car--I hope sympathy comes to your mind?) haha im kidding it was awesome and probably one of my favorite days! I loved my group of 5, 3rd grade, boys! We had a blast. :) 

Also, there was a day in the week that was swim day: being the only other person thats ever been a lifeguard--I was on pool duty! :) Took me back to the good ole days at Back Acres Country Club. 

So thats camp in summary--short short summary! 

But I can add that it was sooo awesome, sooo fun, I learned alot and loved all the people I got to be around for 3 weeks. 

I can also add that I can’t believe its over....summer is coming to a quick halt and I don’t know if thats something I am ready for. 

Next year is going to be a huge change for me and I am pretty anxious-- Here’s where I would love some prayer warriors to step up! :) It would be greatly appreciated. 

I am going to be one of the Elementary PE teachers for the next school year. Something I am very excited about: why? Well, 1. I am actually kind of using my degree--just putting that college degree money to use mom and dad. haha

 2. I am very passionate about health and fitness--if you know me, you already knew that so its something I enjoy. I can’t complain right. and 

3. ( a very important one)-- I learned this summer at camp that I actually do love kids! :) haha good thing right? I learned that I have great relationships with high schoolers and middle schoolers and those can continue throughout the year but as an authority I work really well with younger kids...i enjoy it and I think throughout the year I will actually become good at it. Lets hope so. but really I have found myself thinking on it a lot lately and thanking the Lord a lot for all He taught me at camp this summer: I along with other people around me saw lots of growth, growth I will need in my position next year. I saw a change of heart and passion and I know that only the Lord could do that because if you have ever talked to me you have probably heard me say, “I will never be a teacher.” or “I don’t really like little kids.” wow. Eating those words now. Thanks Lord. 

But I do ask, that you will be praying for me as I will be anxious, I will have days when I have no clue what I am doing, and will probably want to give up. Please pray for the energy needed to love the kids on a daily basis! 

So thats a small update on what has been going on here in Ecuador with a little sidenote for next year and a small mention of what the Lord has taught me but please know there is sooo much more! The Lord has taught me so much and showed me so much this past month in Ecuador and I don’t want to keep it all to myself. So be prepared for a couple more blogs coming your way in the near future and no I don’t mean in 6 months. I promise to be a little more dedicated now. Lets hope no more computer issues to stop me! 

LOVE YALL--- 

P.S. it makes my heart smile to use the word yall! Yall just don’t even know. 

Don’t get me wrong, I use it, all the time here but its a little different knowing people are a bit confused on what word just came out of your mouth! 

Until next time, 

Saved by grace, 

Kb

Nothing was made to last FOREVER.

Nothing was made to last FOREVER. 

Its hard to come to terms with the fact that I am NOT invincible. I do not know if this is a problem for everyone but it is for me and I think it always has been. 

As an only child, (dont judge), I have always been independent, meaning: I have always been able to entertain myself (usually with the help of an invisible friend), get things done on my own, and just do me. So, living 23 years with this mindset has made me into a pretty independent person or atleast into a person who does NOT like to ask for help. 

Random Side Note: I remember when I broke my leg my biggest fear was not having to walk up stairs with crutches or even the numerous doctors appointments, not even the 35 staples down the front of my leg. My biggest fear was the fact that I was going to have to depend on people for help. I couldn’t get my dinner by myself, had to ask for rides everywhere, couldn’t carry my backpack, couldn’t go grocery shopping; the list goes on and on but I will try to refrain. My point is I hated being so DEpendent. Its not who I am, Its not who I have ever been. I don’t know if its the fact I am an only child, I dont know if its the fact that I was just made that way, who knows it could just be a pride issue but whatever it is, my independence had me convinced for a while that I was INVINCIBLE. From time to time I still catch myself thinking that I am. 

However, things like man-made technology remind me that NOTHING was made to last forever. 

I have recently had some trouble with my MacBook Computer. (if my bitterness comes out as I type this please forgive me, you have been warned) So yeah, I have had some computer issues and I have learned that one of my biggest pet peeves is technology problems. But as I sit and get angry, frustrated and all the feelings that come along with it I am reminded that 1. its a computer (get over it) 2. It was made by a  human being (a smart one but still a human being) 3. NOTHING was made to last forever. 

Not my computer, Not my clothes, Not my money ( that actually doesnt last long at all) and Not even me. 

Yep, I just admitted it. Me, in my human flesh, will NOT last forever. If thats not humbling I dont know what is. For all you people who dont think your invincible or have never thought that then you could probably stop reading now but I can assure that most of us have thought it and most of us have acted out on that thought by doing or even just saying something stupid. 

So if you are in my club please keep reading to see where this is going. 

As I was reminded that my flesh wont last forever (and neither will my computer- or two years if you want to get technical- again, not bitter) 

I was overwhelmed by the reminder that in heaven I do get to LIVE forever! My body will wither away but when that happens I will meet my maker and be made more alive that I have ever been on earth for ALL of eternity. Whoa!!! 

As much as I hate to admit I am NOT invincible (here on earth) it sure is nice to know that I will live an invincible, eternal, everlasting life in heaven and even better with the one who created me, made me in His image, my heavenly father. 

Its encouraging to remind myself of this and I hope and pray its encouraging for you as well. 

If a relationship with the Lord is NOT something you have or desire, I would reconsider because believe it or NOT my friend you are NOT invincible and I’d hate to see you NOT get to experience the eternal life I will just because you thought you were. 

Thanks for taking some time to read this! :) 

Isaiah 40:8. 

Saved by grace, 

Kb :) 

Mis Padres.

So, I turned 23 here in Ecuador last week. Milestone? haha Not the year 23 but the location in which I celebrated my birthday is pretty special to me. 
I will forever and always remember my 23rd birthday:

•  I will remember the awkward surprise party that meant so much to me. 
• I will remember getting my face smashed in the most yummy chocolate cake ever. 
• I will remember a night of italian food and of course the cute italian waiter. 
• I will remember the sweet gifts I got from my students and other faculty.
• MOST importantly though I will remember the people I celebrated with my friends and more importantly my Mom and Dad. Yes, they came to visit and I can honestly say the best birthday present is to have your parents visit you in a foreign country! 

Yep, this blog is a tribute to them and their time here in Ecuador. Check out all the pictures to see first hand the fun times we enjoyed together in the place I now call home. 
I wil admit that last part is crazy, crazy, crazy. Me, of all people, calling Ecuador my home? But you heard right. It is and to share this home with people I love is awesome. 

Check it out! 

This Blog and The pictures that go along with it are dedicated to the greatest parents EVER!!
So glad they got to come and visit! :) 

Mis Padres. 

:) 

The Fam at the Basillica

Welcome HOME, Welcome BACK!

Welcome Home and Welcome Back!

These statements became surprsingly interchangeable for me during the Christmas break last month.

 Welcome Home--Welcome Back to the United States of America and Good Ole Mississippi

I was blessed to get to make a trip home for Christmas break, I left Ecuador on a Thursday night at around 2 in the morning. (gotta love those RedEyes especially when they are delayed about an hour and a half) haha

However, Layovers are much more entertaining when you have a couple of students to hang out with, Yep, I got to ride home with one of the Juniors here at Alliance and I was very thankful for the fellowship.

I then finally arrived in Memphis at around 10-1030. I honestly cant remember, flying through the night on a delayed flight can really throw your internal clock off.

By the time I reached baggage claim in the Memphis Airport, the time didnt matter to me anymore.

It was in that moment when I was riding down the escalator that time "stopped" as I looked out to see 5 of my best friends waiting on me with posters in hand--this moment will forever me engrained in my picture book of memories, stowed away in the back of my mind to have forever because in that moment, the moment that felt like it was a dream I realized I was HOME sweet HOME and that feeling of relief, comfort, and joy overwhelmed me-- especiallly when I turned to see my parents there running towards me with great big hugs. (they got the first hugs of course) haha

So shoutout to those that were at the airport--MOM, DAD, KAYLA, LACEE, FERG, MELISSA, and AMANDA. Thanks for being there not only when I got off the plane but through this whole journey!

Afterwards it was off to my house for breakfast:my favorite :), a shower: much needed, and a whole lot of talking on my part. Surprise Surprise.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, no matter the time of day. Its even better when you get to share sausage squares, fruit, bacon, and even some pumpkin cake with friends and family.

I was just where I needed to be.

I say "needed" for a very specific reason. The last few weeks here in Ecuador were pretty rough, challenging, hard, sad, frustrating, you name it, I probably endured it and then probably cried about it. (Now all my students know what an emotional person I am-- I cant decide if thats a good thing or bad thing-- ;)--stay tuned) haha

But really, it got rough, homesickness set in, in a way I never thought I could experience. Me? Homesick? NO WAY! I was never homesick in college---no offense MOM and DAD but here I did experience the feeling of being homesick and I honestly had no clue had to deal with it so I cried, I prayed, and some moments I was tempted to start running home...but I made it till Dec 20..Thank the Lord.

To get me through those last weeks I kept repeating to myself---struggles are heightened when you go overseas. Its something someone told me during my time here and something I wish someone would have warned me about before but HEY, you live and you learn.

While at home I got to see my family and so many friends...alot more people than I expected in my short 2 weeks time. Thank the Lord for orchestrating these times to meet up with friends because I came back renewed by their encouragement and really just their presence. Getting to be with them and be a part of their lives in a real way was a cool thing to get to experience over the break.

Side Note-- I have learned to be so much more thankful for the times spent with friends now. As we grow up, the time is shortened when we get to see each other, and the times are farther apart so the times spent with any friend or family is so much more precious to me now.

Being at home with mom and dad always brings comfort---wherever mom and dad are is a safe haven. I got to cook with mom and watch football with dad and talk the dog walking, and do all those simple things that you come to find out, mean so much.

Being with friends I got to laugh, and go out to eat, and talk wedding talk, give Christmas presents, eat junk food, play games, and act like a complete kid (oh wait, I still do that even when I am not with friends---oops) I guess there is just something so appealing about being a kid at heart! ;)

I got to eat Newks (Twice), Chick Fil A (Thanks Alex Hammond), and all kinds of Christmas sweets!

I got to drive!! (I'll be honest, I dont miss driving--I hate driving but it was fun to have the option)

I say all this to say Thanks to everyone who I got to share Christmas break with. Such a blessing!!! :)

While at home I realized all I could talk about were the kids I get to be around on a daily basis. I would catch myself telling story after story after story.

Im guessing I missed them a little huh?

So you can guess I was excited about my return back to my HOME in Ecuador.

I was excited about the new year, excited about spending the next 4 months with the people I have come to love in Ecuador.

So yes I heard alot of Welcome BACKS but every now and then someone would say WELCOME HOME and that was a pretty good feeling.

Its nice to know I have a family in the STATES and a family here in QUITO.

I am thankful for the people here and the lessons I learn from each one of them.

Here's to starting 2013 in Ecuador.

I cant wait to share more about what the Lord is doing in this place and in me.

Until then,

Saved by grace,

Kirsten

Just a few PICS to make this all the more exciting: 

The Gang's ALL here. 

Amazing Race Champions (Guardians) 

Me and NICOLE--glad I got to see YOU! and then LYDIA and PAUL at Guardians Christmas Party! 

Guardians Leader, Felipe
(Can you tell I love my Guardians? haha)

We only took like 10 of these! haha (LOVED getting to see these people over the break)

AND these people 

And these are the people I got to come back to. haha 

BEST FRIENDS! 

We are the Body of Christ.

The Church, A Body of Believers, The Body of Christ---we hear it said so many different ways but do we know what the meaning is behind these. 

"The Church is Not a buiding" - Heard that before right? 

"We are the body of Christ"- And this one? 

But what is it that Christians are talking about when they say these statements???

Here is my take on it: Okay, so its really a song by Mandi Mapes but its been such a good reminder and encouragement to me as a part of the Body of Christ. Give it a listen! :) 

We are the Body of Christ. by Mandi Mapes.

So, Yesterday, I went to church for the first time in about a month and a half. I have been listening to podcasts from home but have felt convicted for NOT meeting together with brothers and sisters in Christ to worship together but I will admit church has not been easy for me here. 

1. I feel the need to go to a spanish speaking church: HELLLO I am in a spanish speaking country. haha and the worship is great but the sermons wear me out. To try and figure out which words I might know and then translate them just to get 1 word out of every 30th word preached is hard, is frustrating, is tiring, and discouraging. 

2. Church is hard because its NOT the same as at home so I compare it. I compare it to Sundays in Starkville going to church and lunch with friends. I critique it like all other Christians do after church and well, thats not my job. 

So Church has been hard but I went back this Sunday and I am thankful that I did. Worship was great. Did I understand the sermon? Well, No. haha Not all of it. haha ( it was on Luke 7:36-50 btw) My spanish is still coming along very slowly. haha but it was great to be with a body of Christ for one purpose...to glorify and praise the Lord. 

We sang this song and it was definitely a "God thing" 

Great reminder and one of my favorite spanish worship songs: Please listen!! Whether you speak NO spanish, little spanish or your fluent. Be encouraged! Be reminded! 

Recibe Toda la Gloria

In so many words the song is saying: 

Lord I believe in you, I lift up my hands to you on high: 

Receive all the Glory Lord

Receive all the Honor

Precious Son of God. 

I believe in you and what you will do in me! 

Saved by grace, 

Kb. 

**Ephesians 4:15-16. 

**Colossians 1:24