Have you ever…looked
back on a time in your life, maybe not even that long ago, and were able to
see the changes that have taken place in who you are, how you act, and the ways
in which you approach life? I have come to believe that in the moments when we
think we have no room left to grow; it is there where we most surprise
ourselves-if we are willing. Over the time that I was in Ecuador on the
counseling outreach, I thought I had been a lot of places, seen a lot of
things in my life already. But I can see now how God wanted to take me to a
new level, to a deeper growth that I had only before touched on the surface. I
had been on outreaches before, even to the same city in Ecuador, but I had
never before taught in Spanish; never talked to so many people, listened to
their stories and was able to pray for them like I did this time.
We did so many cool
things in the city of Otavalo! Located approximately 2 ½ hours away from the
capital of Quito, it is a beautiful city whose streets are heavily populated
by tourists from all parts of the world. What attracts people to the city most
is its famous “Plaza de Ponchos”, which is exactly what it sounds like, a
plaza full of ponchos…among other crafts, clothing items, and souvenirs. You
can note in the pictures my pants, scarves, purse and jewelry that are all
typical items sold in the plaza. And yes, you have to be good at bargaining to
get them to lower the prices, but my method always seemed to work. Name your
price, the seller doesn’t like it, start to walk away, and then they come to
their senses if they really want a buyer.
But more than
the plaza or the marketplace, what impacted me the most was definitely the
people. The people from Ecuador, and specifically from Otavalo, are genuinely
kind and loving. All of the families that received us into their homes showered
their love and generosity on us in a way unlike other Latino countries. And
one of the main ways in which they show their love is by feeding you lots of
food! Here in Chile, bread is one of the main food groups. Not grain, bread!
And in Ecuador, the main ingredient or main food item that is eaten above all
others is…rice! In a few of the houses we stayed in, rice was served for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I, for one, was more than a little tired of all
the rice by the end of the month, but the food in general is incredibly good,
and the people are incredibly good cooks as well.
Not only was I
stretched physically…ahem…thanks to all of that rice, but emotionally,
mentally, and spiritually as well. As I said in the beginning, there were a
lot of limits as to how much I could communicate back in 2011. And there are
always new words I am learning, but the amount that I have grown in terms of
speaking Spanish is amazing! And I’m so excited to say that I was able to
share my testimony as well as teach a whole 45 min. lesson---all in Spanish!
It is so easy for me to want to hide behind a shell of protection, but that
so-called protection is actually an impediment for going after things that God
has indeed equipped me for. And there will be moments when I am not fully
prepared in my human eyes for doing something, but why should I focus on my
own limits instead of rely fully on the One who is limitless?
“I can do
everything through him who gives me strength.”-Philippians 4:13
I had a great
time in Ecuador, more than I thought at first. I’m incredibly thankful for
God’s direction and provision, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into more
dependence upon Him. I miss home a lot, everything familiar, and especially
all of my family who are so far away. But there is nothing better than living
in the center of God’s perfect will, and I believe this is a time not only for
me, but for all of my family to experience the plentitude which comes from
doing His will---“His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2b). Whether
it’s loving on Ecuadorian children, teaching in an international school in
Malaysia, serving in your church, or working your weekly job, or all of the
above… “Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”
(Colossians 3:23).
I love you all
and thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. As always, I
couldn’t do this without you! Be blessed!
-Dawn
Marie Hoffmeyer
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