I’ve been home for over a week now and as I have been processing the last three months I wanted to share some of the major things I have learned during this season. 

1. God made us to do hard things. Typically, I am someone who is intimidated by and runs away from challenges, but my time in Ecuador taught me a lot about the importance of facing challenges. Challenges lead to so much growth and I experienced so much of that throughout my time in Ecuador. 
2. I learned how to truly trust the Lord with my life and surrender it all to Him. I love having plans made and laid out far in advance and I learned during this trip that sometimes planning is preventing me from hearing God’s voice and where He might be leading me.
3. I learned the value and importance of rest. I have always been achievement motivated so taking time to slow down can be hard, but taking time to slow down is so important. Taking time to slow down is when I most clearly could hear the voice of the Father during my time in Ecuador and taking time to rest always helped me to prepare to give my all during the week ahead. Now that I’m back home I’m learning how to continue with those practices in my everyday life. 

I am so sad that this season is coming to a close. It has been so full of growth and I miss the family I made in Ecuador so much already, but can’t wait to see everyone again someday!