14 days left

I was sitting in bed with a philosophy book in hand as birds were chirping in the background (which let me say is a rare occurrence here). I began to reflect on my time here in Ecuador. I wondered how would I ever be able to express all I have seen and experienced here. How could I capture the joy a child shows when he or she has received food and toys from a person who has traveled over 3,000 miles to give it? How can I describe the look on a woman’s face who has been beaten by her husband, does not have food for herself or her kids but cannot leave for the consequence of only becoming more impoverished? How can I convey the power of compassion, the depth of love or the richness of relationships I have experienced here?

I honestly do not think such a feat is possible. There are too many things that can only be understood by living. But I have the hope in knowing that I will carry these images in my heart and mind. Though they hold a certain sadness, it marks a point of change. They have impacted me to a depth in which I know I will not leave the same. The value of life has a new meaning.

My hope is that this change will not only remain inside of me but will reach the lives of those I come into contact. I know not all will see, not all will have the same opportunity to come here. But through my life that has been imprinted by these stories, these children and these faces I pray others will also be imprinted. I cannot capture it all; there is no way to summarize. But I if can bring just a glimpse of what I have seen I know that others may also be changed.

God Bless,
Breana