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Encouraged in Ecuador

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Pictures and more from my time in Ecuador!
Lydia Gard
Encouraged in Ecuador
God's handiwork shown in Ecuadorian scenery!

Two weeks ago, my Mexico teammates and I traveled together to Puembo, Ecuador (very close to Quito), for the One Mission Society (OMS) Latin America/Caribbean Regional Summit! It was a fun, wonderful time of being refreshed by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ engaged in the Great Commission.

These are the believers I fellowshipped with in Ecuador. We took this group picture at a Christian camp called El Refugio, where we spent one day.

This summit/retreat was made possible by generous donors who are passionate about caring for and equipping field missionaries as they minister for the Lord. They take place every other year and serve as purposeful opportunities for rest, recreation, inspiration, and connection (practically and spiritually). What a blessing!

We visited the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World), which was fascinating! I briefly stood in two hemispheres.

Ecuador has beautiful mountains and views; one can't help but remember that all of creation points to its Creator!

I took these pictures on a somewhat spontaneous three-mile hike to a creek that I completed with a group of OMS friends. The uphill walk at the end was tough, but this was my favorite experience of the week!

The summit held a great mix of personal and team development, intentional prayer, as well as time soaking up the sun, exploring parts of Ecuador, and making memories with some dear people (old friends and new ones)!

I roomed with another Mexico missionary, Ivonne, who is Colombian and works in the Circle of Silence. She is hilarious, generous, and passionate! This provided bonding and Spanish-speaking opportunities. We posed for this picture at the Mitad del Mundo.

I give God glory for the way he allowed me to interact with the right missionaries at the right times and for the abundance of laughter and life-giving conversations Ecuador held. I was in need of Christian fellowship, and the Lord graciously provided! Thank you for your prayers for my travels to and time in Ecuador. Prayers for Pumpkin were also appreciated and answered. She survived and is as feisty as ever!

These pictures are from my first week back to life and school in Puebla after Ecuador. Please pray as I continue my Spanish studies, trusting the Lord to provide wisdom, friends, and energy for each day.

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