"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" Proverbs 16:9

I am back home in North Carolina safe and sound, thank you Jesus.  Thank you everyone for all the prayer and support you gave me throughout my time in Ecuador!

As most of you know, as I returned to Ecuador in January, the plan had been to stay another 4 months until May.  When I returned from my last trip into the jungle at the end of January, the Lord began to lead my life in a different direction.  The thoughts to leave earlier than expected  surfaced, and I began to pray and seek the Lord about this possiblity.  One night God showed up in such a real way as I spent time seeking Him.  I had already come to a point in the days before where I had a peace about the decision to go, but wanted to make sure I had truly laid my own agenda aside to seek Him.  Again He gave me an indescribable peace about that decision. 

It's so unique because I had gone through a time last year, before I came home for Christmas, where I was seeking the Lord on if I should go back to Ecuador.  During that time I was so distraught and confused.  I had many many moments that were VERY challenging.  In returning to Ecuador,  I can say that I finally came to a place where I was OK with staying in Ecuador or with going home;  I was willing to work through the hard times and was really enjoying the good times.  I say that to let you know that the decision was not an easy one at all!!  I had become involved in the projects and could continue to do "water projects", but I felt no true passion and love behind what I was doing.  I prayed and prayed and prayed for the Lord to give the passion and I feel He revealed to me that at this point I was trying to do this apart from Him, and Jesus says "Apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5.  I want to remain in Him and remain in all He has for me, and I believe that staying in Ecuador just to fulfill what I had perceived as a good time frame was not remaining in Him.

I talked with the girls I was working with and we re-worked the schedule so that almost all the work we said we would get done will get done, minus a few reports we were going to write.  I stayed in Ecuador for a  few extra weeks to help them out with a some things and now have returned home  It was so incredible to see  how God worked things out and set things in motion for a very easy transition for the folks there.   I praise Him that He is in control and not me!!! 

I would not trade the expriences I have had in Ecuador for anything in the world!  The Lord used this time in amazing ways.  I learned so much in my time there, from doing water projects in developing countries, to relating with so many different cultures and learning about my own culture through that, and how to depend on Jesus as my ultimate strength and provider.   I have come closer to God in this time than ever before in my life!  I have come home with a renewed passion and dependency on Him.  I want to see His glory revealed through my life in whatever way He sees fit.  Please continue to pray for me.  I am on my face before the Lord as I return home to seek His direction and plans.  Pray that the enemy will have no place in my mind or heart to bring about guilt and doubt.  I am setting my feet upon the Rock, my Savior, the Love of my life, may His name be glorified through every step I take.

Thank you again for how much your love and support has meant to me in this time.  I pray the Lord continues to guide and direct your steps as well as we walk with a renewed passion for Him.  Jesus is allowing us to take part in what He is doing on the this earth, so let's not miss out!!