Thank You, COVID

Over the past eight months, the words "Thank you, COVID" have come out of my mouth more times than I can count. It has usually been said in a sarcastic tone, but the other day as I was walking down to the fruit market, I started reflecting on the good that has happened during this pandemic. Yes, you read that correctly. I said "good" and "pandemic" in the same sentence.

If it weren't for COVID, I wouldn't have been able to join two (phenomenal) Bible studies and meet some amazing ladies along the way. Even though we have not met in person, a connection was made, and we frequently pray for one another.

If it weren't for COVID, I wouldn't have started writing my story and enrolling in a class by Havilah Cunnington called "A Crash Course to Writing a Book."

If it weren't for COVID, some of the friendships I now have probably would have been non-existent because of the "normal" work routine I held.

If it weren't for COVID, my days wouldn't have slowed down where I could carve out more intentional time with the Father. I honestly enjoy how my fast-paced days have slowed down, and I can prioritize what's really important.

If it weren't for COVID, I probably wouldn't have had the time to take the "Advance Trauma Competent Care" course, which has been on my radar for almost a year.

So, thank you, COVID. Thank you for turning bits and pieces of my life upside to show me what's truly important and to bless me with opportunities that I otherwise would not have had.

I know, for many, these past eight months have not been easy. For some, 2020 has been the most challenging year you have ever walked through. Because of COVID, some of you have lost loved ones, a job, and maybe even a house. For some, domestic violence rose in their families, and depression increased. Overnight many of you took on a teacher's role as your home suddenly became your children's classroom.

Almost all the families we serve through the Quito Dream Center experienced a loss because of COVID. Some were fortunate and could keep their jobs, but many went without work for months on end, and some still are. Some moved houses because they could no longer afford the place they rented. For some, domestic violence increased. For others, families became more united and connected, which is something we have prayed for.

Whatever you went through this year, I want to encourage you to find the good in 2020. Find something to be grateful for. Maybe you were able to finish a project that you've wanted to tackle but never had the time to do so. Perhaps you had more intentional time with your children. (I'm sure they probably drove you up the wall from time to time, but be grateful for the extra time you were given.) Maybe you were able to do a more in-depth study of the Bible, or perhaps you connected with someone virtually, and a friendship was forged. James 1:2 says, "My fellow believers when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!" What are you counting as all joy this year?

Praises, Blessings & Updates:

• Christmas Parties will be taking place this year! Although we won't be hosting Christmas Teams, we still plan to bless our families with a time of fun and games. It will look a little different due to social distancing guidelines, but we will get the job done. If you would like to "join us" in blessing our families, click here. Select "Christmas Celebration" under ER Progam, and in the note section, write "Quito Program."

• It is also matching-funds time!! Anything that you give above and beyond your monthly donation will be matched. One-time donations will also be matched. To give a year-end gift, visit www.extremeresponse.org. Select my name under "Staff Support," and your donation will be matched!

• We received word late Tuesday night that we have permission from the government to re-open the Dream Center!! I have been working on a schedule to rotate our kids because we can only operate at a 30% capacity. It has been a headache, but we're getting there. Unfortunately, because we have been "closed" for so long, the local fire department will also have to pay a visit before we're able to re-open.

• The teachers continue with "meeting" our kids virtually. It has had challenges as some high schoolers are losing motivation, but we are thinking of creative ways to keep them engaged!

• The women's program has grown by leaps and bounds (praise from COVID), and many women are attending the virtual Bible study, helping others in need within their community, and thinking of creative ways to sell things on the street to make an income.

• I will be stateside December 18th -- January 29th! I plan to spend the first two weeks with family and then hit the road and spend some time in Fairfield and Humboldt. I hope to also make it out to the Peach State, but that is pending COVID.

Prayer Requests:

• Please continue to hold the teachers up in prayer. Pray for creativity as they navigate working with our kids virtually. Pray for rest and a refreshing as they balance working from home and being at home all day.

• Pray for our staff as we prepare for Christmas Parties. They will take place on December 11th--13th, with multiple parties being held to adhere to COVID guidelines.

• Pray for the families we serve. Even though the transfer station has re-opened, many parents are still without jobs. (The transfer station is only allowing 70 people to work for two weeks at a time.)

• Pray for me as I mentor and encourage our teachers and work on documents for our Quito Dream Center Operations Manuel.

Volcán Cotopaxi, in its full splendor.