winding down

So hard to believe that I have begun my last of three weeks in Ecuador...time goes so so fast! I have been in Quito this weekend with Dra. Yeny, and it has been a time of rest for me, which was much needed. I am excited, however, to return to Quinindé, since the time I have left there is so little. Thank you all for your many prayers during the past week with my interviews...

I was able to conduct interviews in every community, except for Chipocentro--this community only has about 3-5 peopl in attendance for the meetings, as they are going through a rough time, so I made the decision not to perform individual interviews, as Rosaura would be left without a group for the Bible study. I am planning on conducting a focus group discussion with them the next meeting. I really admire the women in this group, however, because though they are few, the ones that come are understanding the Word of God and seem to be excited about what they learn about God. You know, these women are the ones that live in that community, and even though there are only a few of them, if these women are transformed by the gospel, they will be the ones to transform their community years down the road.

I have not had too many out of the ordinary adventures this past week, except for almost being assaulted in Quito with Dra. Yeny....almost, but not quite, because God´s hands were surrounding us with his faithful protection. This morning I read from Psalm 121... "Alzaré mis ojos a los montes; ¿De donde vendra mi zocorro? Mi zocorro viene de Jehova que hizo los cielos y la tierra. No dará to pie al resbaladero, ni se dormirá el que te guarda. He aqui no se adormecerá ni dormirá el que guarda Israel." The translation is found in your Bibles :)

Continue to pray that I would be able to finish all of my assignments throughout this week, because next week I meet with all the women´s groups again, and the week after that we are hosting a medical team from the U.S. and this means full translation for me :)

I look forward to seeing all of you soon! -Elise