Unspeakable Joy

We just wrapped up eight days of Christmas Parties! The days were long, but they were fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself as this was my first year in Quito for parties!

One thing that I noted at these parties was the undeniable joy that was present. A joy that exuded beyond poverty, beyond pain and circumstances. A contagious joy that we all felt.

Here are some snapshots.

Dunamis: Dunamis, a partner project of Extreme Response, operates a safe home for girls who have been rescued from trafficking. They currently have two girls in their care and are waiting for the government's approval to receive more girls. Part of their ministry is community outreach to bring awareness and hopefully prevent the trafficking of young girls. This particular party was for the community where Dunamis does its outreach.

As the party was about to commence, an elderly lady made her way towards the entrance, where my director and I stood. She greeted both of us with the biggest hug, followed by the traditional kiss on the cheek.

As she hugged me, she whispered in my ear, "thank you so much for coming! We are blessed to have you here. May you be blessed in return!" She wasn't the only "Abuelita" in attendance. A few others joined her on a bench and took in the day's festivities with smiles on their faces. To me, it spoke volumes that elders in this community joined the party to show their support of Dunamis' outreach.

Pan de Vida: Pan de Vida is another ER partner project that works with those in extreme poverty. They provide biblical teaching, counseling, education, and work training and host a feeding program for families in dire need. This year, when thousands of Venezuelans and Colombians were fleeing their countries, many made their way to Ecuador. Pan de Vida saw a need and took action.

This particular party pulled at my heartstrings. I often found myself with tears welling in my eyes as I looked around and saw so many young families--babies, toddlers, and children. I still cannot even fathom making a journey as they did. But, one thing that struck me was the sincere joy that was present. From their faces, you wouldn't know the pain and hurt these families have gone through or the trauma that has engulfed ​​them. As I made my rounds, a family caught my eye as one of the young girls (n glasses) found out Papá Noel was at the party. Her eyes lit up when she heard that one could have their picture taken with him, and she squealed with delight as her family made their way towards the line. (Family photos with Santa are often the only photos that families have together.)

I did not catch this man's name, but I started chatting with him as he admired his photo with Papá Noel. He showed it to me and asked in Spanish, "isn't it pretty?" He came to the party by himself, but that didn't keep him from having a good time and waiting in lines with kids to play games.

Extreme Response: Our party was not just for our Quito Dream Center (aka After-School Program) but also for our Women's & Men's Ministry. About 200 people were in attendance.

Felix* is in the 3rd grade at school and attends our Quito Dream Center. His parents are also a part of our program as they recycle for a living. Despite being seven years old, Felix struggles with reading and writing. His mom is learning how to read to help her son at home. Felix is a joy to be around. He can be mischievous, but what little boy isn't? He gives the best hugs and always greets me with one upon arriving at the Center. During the party, he insisted that I accompany him to get his face painted :)

*Name has been changed.

Praises, Blessings & Updates:

• I am finally over my cold! It lingered for about three weeks, but I am now feeling much better. Thank you, everyone, for your prayers. Please continue to pray for good health.

• On a fun note, I started making granola from scratch! A 10oz box of granola is about eight dollars, if not more. I am having fun making batches of granola as well as learning how to bake at high altitudes. I will let y'all know when I have mastered cookies ;)

• Our year-end campaign is still underway! If you partner with me monthly, anything you give above and beyond your monthly gift will be matched. One-time donations will also be matched! This is a win-win situation as your donation is designated to me, ER receives the matching funds to continue to impact the lives of children we work with in Ecuador, South Africa, and the Philippines. To give, click here: Extreme Response Matching Funds. To designate your donation to my account, select my name under "Staff Program." You may also give by check. To do so, make checks payable to Extreme Response. In the memo section, add my name.

Prayer Requests:

• I am still in the process of finding a home church. I am hoping to narrow one down soon and join a small group soon! Please keep this in your prayers.

• Please continue to pray for the young girls who will be a part of our mentoring program! Pray for their hearts to be open and for healing. So many have been exposed to extreme abuse, deal with alcoholic family members, and worry about their future. Pray for me as I connect with these girls, gain their trust, and pour into them.

• Please keep a young girl named Luz in your prayers. She is the daughter of a woman who faithfully attends our Women's Ministry. This sweet girl is in tremendous pain as her family is waiting to diagnose Luz's deteriorating face. The doctors believe it may be a rare form of cancer but will not have answers until Luz's biopsy comes back. Her mother is unable to recycle at the garbage station because she must care for Luz. Luz's siblings are also missing school and our Quito Dream Center to take turns caring for her. Since her mother hasn't been able to work, Extreme Response assists with medicine and food for the family as they wait for answers.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

~ John 3:16-17

Merry Merry Christmas!