Embracing Adventure: A Weekend Journey in Ecuador with Faithful Friends

A Weekend in Ecuador with My Village

Our quick weekend trip to Ecuador turned out to be so much more than gorgeous views and good coffee (though we definitely enjoyed both). It became this sweet, unexpected mix of faith, friendship, and God doing what He does best—showing up when we set our plans aside and let Him take the lead. From Guayaquil to Cuenca and back through the peaceful Andes, it felt like we were watching Him weave together something really beautiful.

Connecting with the Local Community

We packed a lot into three days. And by “a lot,” I mean meeting pastors and leaders from 34 different Ecuadorian churches—yes, 34! We spent time talking about family preservation, supporting one another, and what it looks like for the church to care for the most vulnerable, especially orphans.

Having our My Village team there was such a gift. They were able to share from real-life experience and deep wisdom, and it just clicked with people. And then there was the sweet couple with us—the host family who has welcomed countless kids into their home. Their story? Total cherry on top.

Honestly, we went into the weekend expecting to gently introduce some “new” ideas and maybe plant a seed or two. But God was already miles ahead of us (shouldn’t we know this by now?). Instead of breaking new ground, we found seeds already planted—sprouting, growing, and ready for whatever He’s doing next.

The Journey Even got Personal

This trip also ended up being pretty transformative for me personally. While we were in Cuenca, I got to see three of the boys we fostered who still live in the city. If you remember, the older two are off studying in Argentina (yes, Argentina!) and still keep in close contact as we cheer them through college and chef school. The other three are in Cuenca—one totally rocking adulthood on his own, with a job and everything, and the other two bouncing between their dad’s home and the city.

Getting to hug them, sit with them, laugh with them—it was pure joy. The kind that hits you right in the chest in the best way.

And then came the moment I wasn’t prepared for: the youngest stood up and shared with the pastors what it was like growing up in institutional care, and how being in a family changed the trajectory of his life. I just sat there thinking, “Lord, is this really happening?”

In that moment, God whispered right into the ache I’ve been carrying ever since they were sent back to their father. He reminded me that the story isn’t over. He’s still writing it, still redeeming it, still stitching pieces together in ways only He can. I realized all over again that when we let God lead the way—when we stop clutching our own plans and trade them in for His—He really does bring beauty out of ashes. Each of the five boys has ended up speaking into this new ministry The Rock Family Center is building with the Ecuadorian government in such deep, powerful ways. Their voices are being heard by government officials, judges, social workers, and now even local pastors.

Honestly, I could’ve never dreamed up a plan like this. Not in a million years. This is all Him—His timing, His story, His fingerprints all over it.

It is evident that our journey is less about the destination and more about the encounters and experiences that shaped us. Our servant-hearted friends played an instrumental role in guiding us through these recent moments in Ecuador, reminding us that faith is best expressed through action. Together, we embraced our calling, not just to observe but to participate actively in the lives of those we met.