The majesty of God is hand painted beautifully across Ecuador. Indescribable scenes that left me in awe of our Creator were displayed continuously during the two plus hour drive to Mindo.

 

No lens could fully grasp this magnificence. This was just day one.

 Missionary Juanita Vargas and I had the best seats from the back of her husband, Francisco’s, truck. God spoke to me with great clarity as Nita and I became acquainted with one another. In just a few short hours this missionary became my friend.

 This butterfly with wings resembling stained glass was one of my favorites seen at a butterfly farm we visited. Butterflies were a recurring theme throughout the trip. I came to realize that in addition to its metamorphosis, we who are born of the spirit also have this in common: we are fragile creatures with a short life expectancy.

 Bird Sanctuary seen from the deck of our Hostal in Mindo

 Our six person team minus Francisco:  Diane, Paul, me, Terry and Nita. I’ve known Paul for twenty eight years since my high school sophomore year when he taught me geometry. The bonds I’d already had with him and his wife, Diane, have been cemented. Terry is a member of their church back in North Carolina. This was also his first mission trip to Ecuador.

 Those first days in Ecuador witnessing its landscape and experiencing the thrill of zipping across its mountains were training at least for us newcomers.

 73 year old Paul zipping {or gliding} across one of the twelve lines. {He makes it look easy but it’s not his first time, folks.}

When overwhelmed, I questioned how this could possibly be right experiencing such awe and adventure while on mission. {Life more abundantly, I say now in hindsight.} Nita explained that those days are desperately needed not only for the team to become acquainted but also for us to become familiar with the culture and have a better understanding of what the children experience in their daily lives.

 Juanita “Nita” Vargas

 

 This Tucan was spotted by Francisco, Nita and Diane while Paul, Terry and I were zipping across the mountains. This display of His creation was an answer to Diane’s prayer and longing to see one of these amazing creatures.

 

 Francisco and Paul

 

 More amazing grace displayed at the Equator.

 Standing in both the northern and southern hemispheres over the dividing line of polar opposite forces—the Equator.

 Majestic mountain seen from the Continental Divide.

 The gripping reality of constant change in scenery from brilliant beauty to devastating poverty was an extreme contrast that left me with equally contrasting emotions.

 Contrast. I said it over and over throughout our journeys.

 

 “You know, it’s called The Land of Contrast,” Nita told me. Of course. So fitting.

 The people of Ecuador are surrounded by the beauty of a loving Creator. Yet their lives seem to emphasize the lack. They are bound by religious practices that can never save man.

 Nestled in the midst of half finished homes and bleak poverty is a massive pale yellow display of riches.

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. ~Hebrews 6:7

 Head waters of the Amazon

 Diane and Paul Tyler

 

Before I had the opportunity to meet the children of Francisco and Juanita Vargas’ ministry, I’d grown tremendously in compassion for them. Our faith was built as our Lord bonded us together, our team of six. Only an all knowing God could unite six unique people, bonding us instantly as we became transparent with one another. In such a short time, we came to know each other, recognizing individual strengths and weaknesses. And ultimately, returning to the realization that this work—it’s His, not ours. When He calls, He quips. Already, He had moved in our lives and we had no doubt that He would move again mightily in the lives of the children in the coming days.

And to Him be all the glory.

***Stay tuned for Ecuador Part 2 for details of the ministry of Francisco and Juanita Vargas. Learn why I’ve come to realize the importance of understanding other cultures. Experience the joy I shared in witnessing seeds sown {in part by Paul and Diane over the years} come to fruition.

Our God is an awesome God!