Choosing Joy: and STAYING busy.

Soooo,
If you read the title of this blog then you can guess what this might be about.
Also, if you are one of the few people that keep up with my blog then you will notice its been almost a month since my lost post and I said I was going to be better at this.
So far, not soo good but it has crossed my mind to blog so that counts for something.

Staying busy can sound like a complaint and I will be honest in the past month, when talking about being busy, I have said it with a negative attitude and it has usually been followed with a complaint:

-Why don't they get it? I have no patience!!!
- I have noo free time/ I have no life
- Not another meeting
-I don't have time for this.
-I don't want to be an adult...this responsibility thing is overrated. (Yup, if you know me well enough you will probably get a laugh on this one and you probably completely understand when I say it's been my favorite one to say over the past month)
                -If you don't know me, I apologize, but I can assume this also makes sense to you because I
                 can guess at some point you might have said these same words and if you haven't stay tuned
                 because more than likely you will at some point (if not more than once) in your life.

However, not wanting to grow up and be responsible is NOT the point of this blog. Thats too easy.
The point of this blog is to come to terms with the fact that the complaining you and I do in our lives gets us next to nowhere.

I am a glass half full kind of person so looking back on the past month and realizing negativity has been coming off my tongue so quickly makes me cringe and has made me desire to get back to the person the Lord made me, the person many people know me as, the person so many of my students have told me that I am: a positive, joyful, glass half full kind of girl. It is who the Lord made me to be so therefore I pray it be what my heart desires.


**Side Note: NO, I am not saying you can't be mad, you can't be sad, you can't complain, and you can't get angry, you can't get impatient, you can't lose you're cool....thats NOT it. Please, do these things. It is because of these things that I have this blog post. Its because of the tears, the negative comments, the times when I raised my voice from impatience, its the venting and the miles and miles I have ran from a bad day that brought me to blog about my new realization.

Will this blog post fix all my problems? Will I be back to same ole me after I hit PUBLISH? Probably not but being aware is a huge step in spirtual growth.

So some of you dedicated readers/family/friends/brothers and sisters in Christ may be wondering (I hope youre wondering) how you can pray for me and my life here in Ecuador.

So I am putting away the complaining, forgetting about the checklist, and sitting down to write to you: for the one thing I hate asking for: HELP!

Help me in praying for:
-Patience
-Supernatural Energy (each day and each week)
-Wisdom (as someone in a position such as chaplain I don't feel equipped for decisions I am faced weekly and those to come)
-My relationships ( I feed off of social interaction)- so my relationships here with faculty, students (HIGH school and ELEMENTARY), people of Ecuador, and people/friends back home.
-Anxiousness
-Thursday Chapels
-Upcoming Spiritual Emphasis Week (October)
-CHOOSING JOY

My turn:
Encouragement for yall at home.
I decided to write this blog right after I finished my presentation for chapel this week so I wanna leave you with the verse I will sharing with the kids this week:
JOSHUA 1:5
" ⁵ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Thanks, 
Choose Joy, 
Saved by grace, 
Kb

Choosing Joy: and Starting a new school year.

Some of you know and some of you don't know that my role here in Ecuador at Alliance Academy looks a bit different than last year.
Last year= volunteer.
This year= Elem. PE teacher for Pre-k, Kinder, and 1st grade. and Elementary Chaplain.

Im excited to be in these positions this coming year but also nervous.

Spidey said it best right?!! (if you wanna be technical, it was Voltaire. Yes, I will admit I owe Google Search the credit on that one) 

And I wouldn't technically say POWER when referring to my new role/positions but whatever you wanna call them; they do come with GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. 

These new positions started this week. Yes, school started this week, on Monday Sept. 2nd. The monday I knew as Labor Day for 22 years of my life might I add. 

However the start of the school year was a staggered start in which our 7-12 graders came on Monday and on Tuesday they were joined by K-6 graders and on Wednesday came our Preschoolers. Don't ask me way because the only answer I can give you is "The Ecuadorian government" would that suffice? 

So the week started off on Wednesday for me with PE classes for Kindergarten and Preschool. 

As someone who loves exercise and being physically active I was very motivated to be able to be a part of enforcing this with such a young age however the only focus we had this week for our preschool classes was learning how to get in a line and then stay there. 

Yes, that is where we will start on Monday. Sooo I learned its gonna be a slow process...slower than normal with the language barrier but i'm sure most people will tell me...."its worth it in the end" 

I ran my first chapels on thursday as the new Elem. Chaplain. 

EC chapel at 8:45

Upper Elem Chapel at 10:30 

Lower Elem. Chapel at 1:00. 

Talk about NERVOUS. wow. I was so anxious I arrived at school at 7:15 that day...and good thing I did because my MAC powerpoints didnt transfer to the PC world so I had to do them all over again. 

Stressful situation number 1 of the day. 

There were many more of those to follow being my first time and all but...when they were all finished I couldn't help but look back at the day on thursday and smile because I realized I had just got to spend the day doing something I really do love...singing...dancing...laughing...hanging out with kids...and talking about JESUS. 

Encouragement of that day: 

Jose Ignacio (4th grader) "Ms. K, you did good...for your first time."

Yep folks, I am taking THAT as a compliment. 

Friday FINALLY came after a full week of not only Elem. stuff but high school events and I was so ready to do NOTHING. 

Yep, it was Friday night and ALL i wanted to do was nothing and its EXACTLY what I did. 

So, now its the Sunday before week 2 and I sit back and ask myself am I ready??

Am I ready for another Preschooler to run off during my class--- Yep, it happened. 

(This same preschooler also saw me at church today and said... "Ms. K!!! Do you remember me?!!"

And all I could think was....you really think I could forget you?!! Crazy Kid!)

Am I ready to put on another puppet show?

Am I ready to go here, Am i ready to go there?

The answer is probably NO to all these questions but good thing the Lord is ready. 

Yep, I threw that Jesus card out there because its true. Theres no way I could have gotten through this week without Him and theres no way I will get through the next one without Him either. 

I do have to add it is such a joy to be where I am doing what I am doing and being able to write about my 2nd year in Ecuador. Its still crazy that I write to you as a PE teacher and ELEM. Chaplain but thats okay! I know there are more adventures coming soon so stay tuned! 

Until Next Time, 

Saved by grace, 

Kb

Choosing Joy: and Painting my room!

My latest adventure in Ecuador has consisted of decorating my room.
I wanted to make it more homey, more me.
So it was off to the craft store(s) on the hunt for canvases, paintbrushes, and paint of course.
With this came decisions. I had to make a decision on what to paint on my canvases, what to paint my walls...etc. NOT an easy task for indecisive me BUT decisions were finally made (the decision was maroon by the way--once a bulldog, always a bulldog-its just in my blood i guess #TrueMaroon)...room was finally painted and its as close to finished as its gonna get for now.
If anything changes I will be sure to let yall know but for now I wanted to share the results of my latest project/adventure. I have a sense of accomplishment and don't want it to go to waste! haha :)

Picture proof:

The Tools. 

#HailState

Step 1. 

Step 2. 

Step 3. Live and Love Today. 

#TrueMaroon

:) 

Until Next Time, 

Choose Joy, 

Saved by grace, 

Kb. 

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 :)