Blessings

We are entering week five of our lockdown in Ecuador. I think I prefer "toque de queda" because lockdown sounds so confining, but we truly are locked down. I am sure many of you have read a news article or two about Ecuador during this time, specifically Guayaquil. It's where our epicenter is. Thousands of people have died in their homes. Because there is a lack of testing and loved ones are unsure if their family member died from the virus or natural causes, their body is left on the street. It is a horrific scene and makes me grateful that this has not taken place in Quito.

In times like these, perspective is everything. Since being on this "toque de queda," I have written in my gratitude journal almost every night. As I reflect on my day, I quickly jot down the first thing that comes to mind. It could be a FaceTime chat from a family member or friend, the coffee that I had on my terraza, or the rain we had with the intense thunderstorm. I see every little thing as a blessing that my Abba Father has let me find delight in. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, that I can stand in line to buy groceries and that I have supporters who are generous with their giving.

Most of you who are reading this are also blessed to have a roof over your head. More than likely, you are in good health, and you can probably pay your bills. I am sure some of you may be concerned with the economy's direction, but that's okay. It's normal to have such a concern. During this time, it is a blessing if you can work from home. Maybe your kids are driving you up the wall as you now have to juggle homeschooling and your job, but count your blessings as your little ones and teens are healthy. I pray there is a deeper bonding between you and them during this time.

For others, they aren't as fortunate during this time, but they are still counting their blessings. As we delivered food bags this past week, we asked our families how they were doing, how we could pray for them, and always tried to leave with a word of encouragement. With tears in their eyes, some told us that they were healthy and expressed sincere gratitude for the food they were receiving, but stated that they were running low on propane or just used up the last of it so they could not cook what we were giving them. Some had taken to collecting sticks to build a fire to cook over, but because so many people in their neighborhood are in the same boat, wood scrapes are becoming scarce.

Besides being out of work and, therefore, not having money to buy groceries or propane, another layer of concern builds up as bills are currently backlogged. When we entered our "toque de queda," the government stated that electricity, water, and cell phones would not be turned off during this time for payment failure. But, what happens when things go back to "normal," and the families we work with receive their electric bill that was backlogged for two or three months? What then? How does one who lives off of $150 a month pay such a bill? Generational poverty is a vicious cycle, and I pray it will be broken.

I want to encourage you to find things to be grateful for during this time. Count your blessings and write them down! If you know someone that struggles with depression or loneliness, check in on them! Bake cookies for someone and leave them on their front porch. Mail cards to friends, buy a gift card from a grocery store and bless someone with it. By helping others in need, not only will your perspective change, but you will find more things to be grateful for in your life. (And no, you don't need to post about it on social media.) If you feel led, donate to our Quito Program and help us bless our families during this time! Visit Extreme Response and select "Quito Program." Our families continually express their thanks and wish blessings to everyone who has donated thus far!

I am making friends wherever I go!