Ecuador and MeKenzei

Ecuador seemed out of reach last summer. MeKenzei had been injured in cross country season and her running career was over. I know that was super heart breaking for her, she loved to run. I have watched her over this past year work very hard in school. Struggling to stay in the top ten percent of her classes. There were so many late nights, much more than Jakob ever had as a 10th grader. She had trouble remembering things, she has trouble staying focused, she has trouble being run down constantly. Her body just doesn't hold together like it used to. I see her frustrated, confused and alone. She tries to hard to not let her pituitary and endocrine glands get the best of her. Sometimes its hard for her to make the best food choices and I know she sees me nagging when I remind her to eat something good, drink more, sleep more. I am so proud of her for working so hard in school, for selling eggs to raise money for her trip. I am thankful to all those that donated the last two years to make it possible. She raised $1900 of the $2300 that was possible.

I know she will face some tough decisions next year with church. It is hard to work in time for youth leadership and band when you have to study twice as hard to get the grades to stay at the top. I have taken an active role in her schooling. Sometimes its like taking the classes with her. I have had to help with reading and notes and sometimes just sitting there to be moral support. I am so thankful for this time together. How lucky of a mom am I to be so active in their lives. It is exhausting at times but I am eternally grateful for the amazing children that they are. For the fact that they continue to fight, grow and love who they are despite their challenges.

I am thankful for this trip and the week that she will be gone with some amazing students. I can't wait to hear all the stories, see the journal she will keep and see the person that will be molded from this situation. It is so easy to get caught up in the troubles of teenage life. The girl drama, the hurt, the lost friendships, the disappointment, the desire to have more and be more. This week she will see real life, the life that is so much less than what we have yet so much more.

google.com/+JennWellsandSunshineOfAutumnQuilts

Mission Trip to Ecuador

I am very pleased to tell you about the amazing opportunity that God has provided for me. After much prayer, my parents and I have decided, I will join some other students in going to Ecuador on a mission trip to share the Gospel of Christ. We will be leaving Friday August 1st and return home Saturday August 9th. Some of the activities that we will possibly be leading are; Vacation Bible school, worship, crafts, work projects, a student retreat and adult leadership training. We will be visiting Camp Chacauco in Chacauco, Ecuador, where we will have the opportunity to share the gospel with children and some adults who live there. Also, we will go to the neighboring villages of Chacauco, Ecuador to share the gospel. This is something that God has placed on my heart and I have absolutely no doubts about going on this trip. There are a couple of ways that you can help me. First, I ask that you would pray for my physical health for this trip. In January I sustained an injury to my left hip and lower back, and I have to wear a SI brace for support. I am currently in physical therapy to strengthen my core so my physical health will improve overall. I ask that you would pray for me so I will be strong enough to not wear the brace and have little to no pain while I am in Ecuador, the physical therapist felt this was a realistic goal. I ask that you also pray for me emotionally and spiritually as I continue to grow in Christ. The devil uses many ways to deter our relationship with the Lord and we often find ourselves or our families under attack when we try to share and grow in the word of God. I have recently been invited to train as a leader of our Youth Group. This invite requires you to be a sophomore in High School, have a commitment with church attendance, and challenge yourself spiritually etc. I believe mission trips will help me to grow in my relationship with the Lord and others around me. I am excited to share with others that want to know about God and I will be able to see other cultures, how they practice their own religions and how the Lord moves in their lives by using us as his clay to mold and shape them. I am also praying about whether or not the Lord wants me to do this as my path in life. “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). This mission trip will help me prepare for the next step He has planned for me. We are so incredibly blessed to have this opportunity to go into Ecuador this summer and would like to also ask you to pray about helping monetarily. The cost is roughly $2,000 and includes our airfare, baggage, food, lodging, transportation, translators and materials needed to share the Gospel in Ecuador. I have already raised the$200 for my deposit and passport fees by selling baby chicks, ducks, and quail. I have also done some work for people and will be babysitting this summer. Our church will likely hold a car wash and spaghetti dinner to help raise additional money needed. If you are interested in donating monetarily you can mail a check to the church with a note that it is for the Ecuador Trip at
Magnolia Bible Church 31611 Nichols Sawmill Rd. Magnolia, Texas 77355
 Thank you for your prayers and support.
 In Christ, MeKenzei
 
google.com/+JennWellsandSunshineOfAutumnQuilts