Second, Third, and Fourth Chances

Quito amazes me every day. The kindness and warmth of the people, the sheer size of the mountains, and the diversity of neighborhoods, architecture, and nature. It's easy to call this place home, even if only for a short time.

I came to Ecuador two years ago to visit Casa Adalia and EsperanzArt. I was a project leader in a social entrepreneurship organization at my university called Enactus. Our goal was to create sustainable, positive change in our local and global communities.

I was the project leader for EsperanzArt, which is a vocational workshop for women living at Casa Adalia as well as women taking part in Caminos de Libertad. Through EsperanzArt, the women are able to make a small income as well as learning a trade.

While my co-leader and I were here we were able to meet the women, connect with our contact, strategically plan for the organization, serve in the home, and explore Quito. I fell in love with the city and knew that I had to come back. However, it was not an easy journey.

I planned to come with Living and Learning International (another branch of Youth World, connected to ESME) in the summer of 2020. But along with many other people, my plans were cancelled due to COVID. While it was disappointing, I was still determined to make it back.

I tried to come with Living and Learning in the Spring of 2021, twice. It seemed like nothing was working out. There were issues with credits at my university, I was unable to receive any scholarships, I couldn't get a loan, and the list went on and on. I became very angry with God. There were other things going on in my life at that time that contributed to my desperation, but nonetheless I doubted God's voice and His intentions for me.

Why would He put this desire in my heart to live and learn in Quito, Ecuador and then make it impossible to get there? Why would He get my hopes up only have them dashed at the very last minute? Not only that, but I was experiencing some serious whiplash from planning to go and then not, planning to go again and then not. I felt horrible that I appeared flaky to those who had tried their best to get me there, as well as the friends and family I was constantly updating on my progress in getting to Quito.

It was difficult to resolve myself to being in Michigan for the foreseeable future when all I wanted to do was GO! Although, as I look back, I see the Lord's hand. When I thought He was being misleading and spiteful, He was actually walking with me in tenderness. He allowed me time and space to heal, grapple with some big questions, create deep and meaningful friendships, all while still getting to travel!

God is a consistent God regardless of if we see Him or not. When we reflect on the journey, we see HIM.

I am humbled to get the opportunity to be here in this beautiful country with amazing people, even in the midst of the pandemic. I am in awe of what God is doing through ESME and privileged to partner with His work while I am here.

As I look back on my journey to get here I see that God is incredibly gracious. And as I see the work that ESME does here in Quito, I am reminded that God is not a one and done God. He is the God of second, third, and fourth chances. His grace is boundless and all we have to do is humble ourselves to accept it.