El Paro

Ecuador experienced 18 days of political unrest this month, with protests by united Indigenous groups due to high cost of living, oil drilling, high gas prices and other economic difficulties. There was destruction, blocked roadways, and several people died. Finally, there was talks between the government and the protests stopped for "90 days of talks." There is a chance of this happening again if the people cannot agree or accept the government's response. 

It was alarming to say the least. We were minimally affected because our neighborhood grew quiet, many people staying home or unable to commute due to road closures and buses not operating. It's usually only quiet during "feriados," holidays. During holidays, most people here head to the coast, leaving behind clear roads and peaceful days.  This was different. There was a quiet anxiety that was felt everywhere.  As it turns out, Education Equals Hope had a team of mostly young adults on the ground. We were so relieved that they didn't cancel their trip, but we were all holding our breath and having plans B, C, and D in line for their schedules as the protest developed. My son Jonathan and I were involved in various ways. He was given the opportunity to be a host-in-training. He was to shadow the young hosts who were responsible for getting the team through their 10 days here in Ecuador. Meanwhile, I was leading a small team responsible for a mural in a small church. The protests centralizing in the historic district of Quito meant that we were able to move about, still serving in this small church.

The team who was from South Carolina, expressed some caution and concern, but the greatest attributes they displayed were of joy and compassion. Of course, they were going to come. They would not be deterred. They had prepared for months, in prayer and in study, so that these 10 days would be a blessing to the people they came here to love. It was amazing to see this kind of courage and peace beyond understanding. In fact, when they landed, they were informed that they would not be able to leave the airport until a brother in Christ with connections was able to make a plan for them to arrive at their hostel safe and sound. From then on, their time here was fruitful. And even though they weren't able to do anything tourist-like they were content just to serve. It is that sense of works fueled by faith that binds people from different cultures.

There is an eternal exchange of gifts - a painted wall, a home cooked meal, a repaired roof, hugs and fellowship in Spanish and English will become testimonies of glory.

A small church is encouraged by the love of God through new friends, and college students from a church in the U.S. grew their faith and trust that God made a path, literally, every step of the way.  --

~ Nancy Rodriguez