Vacation with Purpose
An NSP mom's reflections on our 2010 Ecuador Mission Trip - the first for her and her family - and the unique enjoyment of sharing it with her husband and son...
Casa de Fe orphanage in Shell, EcuadorThere were many stories to tell from this trip and definitely lasting memories. These are two things I can think of quickly off the top of my head to share with everyone about our adventure to South America. I enjoy traveling to many places but I've never traveled somewhere where I've actually had to work or do something constructive for other people's benefit. But this time I went on what I'd call a ‘Vacation with Purpose.'I'd never been on a mission trip before but have always had the desire to do so after having discussion with a handful of people who have. And I wanted to explore this uncharted territory with a few people I knew well, so what better way to serve than to team up with my family on a mission trip to Shell, Ecuador? My husband Don, myself, and our 9 year-old son Webster took the opportunity to work with the team. It was their first mission trip too, and we loved every minute of it.
The best part of the trip for me was meeting so many people from all over the world and hearing their stories of how they ended up at Casa de Fe (which means ‘House of Faith'). The world somehow seemed so small. I was intrigued at how many - and most of them young - were there for the love of supporting and helping those less fortunate than them. The orphanage was filled with children who had missing limbs, abused lives or abandoned families; problems that would indicate that they were unhappy and full of angst. But none of that seemed evident in the kids because there were people, missionaries, who were there to always fill the void and to keep these kids whole. They were loved and the kids loved them back.
It also brought joy to my heart to have my husband and especially my son Webster, participate in the mission. To see him blend in seamlessly with the team, the orphan kids and the missionary kids without bias and little complaint throughout the week made me hopeful that he would carry this experience in his heart and seek the way of God's work throughout his life. Accepting whatever task was given to him, whether it was playing the guitar, helping with the games at the orphanage, hanging out with the babies, sorting nails or mixing cement, Web seemed ready and waiting, anxious to move forward. I could sense God's spirit dwelling in his heart especially on our last day at Shell. With non-stop action from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. that day, he didn't quickly fall fast asleep that night because he was eager to share his day and recap his week with his Mama and Daddy and how he looked forward to another mission trip in the future. And that was inspiration enough for me.