Ecuador – Day 5: “Kellie’s Perspective”

(THE FOLLOWING IS FROM KELLIE’S FACEBOOK PERSPECTIVE OF OUR DAY 5 IN QUITO)

Students from Carmen Bajo

Quito, Ecuador Day 5 Each day we become more overwhelmed at the blessings that the Lord has given us on this trip. This day was filled to the brim. So much so that when we got in the car at each spot, we were speechless. The main part of the day was at a Compassion International site called Carmin Bajo. Our drive there was across dirt roads amidst one of the very poorest sections of housing in Quito. I could tell from the looks on Nathan and Maddie’s faces they were stunned that people could live in such extreme poverty. Many of the women are single moms and there are some single fathers. Alcoholism is prevalent as well as other substance abuse. Children are on their own most of the time. The school that we went to is called Alliance Academy and within it are kids sponsored through Compassion International. We have a compassion child in the Dominican Republic that we have sponsored for the past 8 years so this was wonderful to be a part of even though we are in Ecuador.

There are 130 children in the school and when they come they receive one full meal a day. It typically consists of a meat and two starches. Potatoes and rice. This is so they can stay full. For 90% of them, this is the only meal they receive. After the weekend, the children are so enthusiastic about coming back to school. Obviously, the food is a big factor in that enthusiasm. For us, it was a convicting moment to realize how we take for granted being able to get fast food, go to the grocery store (where all the shelves are stocked) anytime. It gives me a whole new perspective on truly being hungry. We were honored to be included in serving the meal to students. There were three different age groups that we served. Tuna soup and then a plate of rice, potatoes and a very small piece of chicken and then a glass of strawberry juice.

Kellie and Grace

When we arrived, the pastor’s wife (Alliance Church; associated with the school) gave us a tour of the school. It certainly wouldn’t pass any inspection in the United States, but for these people sitting on the side of the hill, it is a mansion. Each classroom greeted us with a Spanish expression of love and a very loud “Buenas Dias!” The children were beautiful. If you don’t know anything about what Compassion does, they provide medical help with shots and a doctor is provided to the specific area, food, clothing and other assistance through the sponsorship of each child. Most of their dollars come from North America.

What touched me to the core, was a moment in the kitchen when Sandy shared with the ladies working in the kitchen (they each had their own story and are members at the Alliance Church). Sandy told them who we were and why we were in Ecuador and all about Makenzie. There wasn’t a moments hesitation with these women. They expressed their love to us through hugs and words of scripture and truth poured out of them. How could they do this when they didn’t know Makenzie except for her picture and story? Jesus lives in them. In so many ways I was convicted on my lack of spiritual fervor. They spoke of how Makenzie is now experiencing roads of gold in heaven and how she would not want to be back here. They spoke of her life as if they knew her and that God has her right where He wants her. For those of you who know me, that is the one thing I have “heard” consistently from the Lord. “I have Makenzie right where I have always wanted her, Kellie.” I was shook. How could I think that I have so much more than these people? They have what is important. Christ. Don’t get me wrong, I have Christ in my heart. But, I saw they are living Christ out daily in their lives. They have so little but yet they have so much. The children there left an imprint on my heart. They all said words of thanks and “Chow!” to us when we left. We walked back up the hill; a mixture of cobblestone and earth that easily gave way under the treading of our feet to the car knowing that our lives had been changed.

One small note. In one of the classrooms was a new wood floor that they were all so proud of. The other floors are all cold concrete. In that classroom all the children had on slippers. Their shoes were neatly lined up outside the door. Since most of their shoes are pretty tattered and frankly would ruin the floor, that is the reason for the slippers. That was one of the needs. Slippers. Funny that we came here to give out shoes from Makenzie’s project. I thought to myself, “you are so funny, Lord.” So, from the offering at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, we were able to give 130 pairs of slippers to these children. Again, I was struck at how Makenzie would have rejoiced in doing this. Again, I was hit with a flood of tears at how my baby would have loved being here and why in the world are we here and not her. She was so much better at this than me. A torrent of anger hit me as well about the accident and then I am reminded that God calls me to forgive. Forgive the driver, forgive the situation and know that God has a bigger plan with it all to bring others to Him. A true knowledge of Him. It’s what God wants me to do and what Makenzie would have begged me to do.

After Carmin Bojo, we went back to Casa Gabriel. There were a number of boys who were at school the day before that we didn’t get to give shoes to so we were able to do this as well as bless them in another way. God provided through a family at LSA (you know who you are) with a cash gift to use in whatever way the Lord led us. At the home, there is is no working stove and oven. There is one there that barely works as an oven. Some of the boys have taken on baking and know that they are good at it. They make all the bread for the home (14 boys currently) and are thinking about a micro -business where they can bake. When we asked the amount needed to buy a new industrial oven/stove it was exactly what was given to us. When we put the money in the envelope for them, we realized all the bills had M.R.S. written on them…Makenzie Rebekah Stocker. Okay, Makenzie loved to eat. She also loved bread. The two things clicked and it was just obvious that this was provided for this moment. Way cool. Sorry this is so long today, I just had to get all my thoughts out about Day 5 in Quito. We came into this blind and now come out seeing that God is in control of all things. Our eyes have been opened to so much more. We knew this would happen but I don’t think we were quite prepared for all the emotions. God is good. If you stumbled upon this, don’t imagine for one moment that God doesn’t love you. He does. He created us all with a purpose. No matter what is going on in your life, He desires for you to turn to Him, put your old ways and old life in the past, confess your sins, don’t hang on to them and live for Him.

Peace,

Kellie

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Life Changing Links …

• Makenzie’s Celebration Service Online – Click Here
• Tribute Video played at her celebration service
  
• “I Dance For You My King” (Video: Makenzie’s song by Anthony Celia)
• “Image of Grace” (Video: Song written and played by Nathan Stocker)
• “Makenzie Memories” (a blog by one of her best friends, Katie Davis)