Lost in Translation

Down the street from our new home in Ecuador is a local pizza shop.  One evening a day or two after moving into our home Alayna and I ventured out for a taste of the local flavor of pizza.  Upon arriving and deciding what we should order, a family size cheese pizza, I began to order entirely in my limited Spanish.

I said, "Uno queso pizza familar por favor."  Right away I knew something was wrong because the pizza man said "no" which I quickly translated into English to mean "no."  However, I did not understand what exactly was "no".  So I said, "Si, solo queso pizza."  The man responded, "no queso."  I then pointed toward the menu where it clearly stated they sold quesso pizza, at which point the man said something very fast and long.  I looked bewildered at Alayna hoping she might I have understood some of what he had said and asked her "What did he say?"  The man then responds, "Oh, you are American I thought you were from Europe or something."  

After a brief laugh over the incident we were able to order in English.  The pizza mans name is Ray.  He is from Ecuador, but lived in the U.S. for 20 years.   Not only did we find a good pizzeria just down the street, but also found a man we can communicate with as we are learning Spanish.  Pray for Ray as we hope to talk with him more in the future. Also, continue to pray for us as we begin full-time language learning on Monday.       

We Come To Go!

It is hard to believe we have only four days left in Memphis before we leave for Ecuador. Excitement fills our hearts as we follow God into this next chapter of our lives, but as we reflect on the past five years our hearts grow sad thinking about leaving so many good friends. Yet, we know everyone who has come to study at Mid-Ameica has indeed Come To Go!

We Come to study, learn, and earn a degree.  We Come learning To Go "to all the world for Jesus sake" that HE might be known and that HE might have preeminence...(Colossians 1:18b).  We cherish our time here at Mid-America, but know that our time has moved from the Coming to the Going, and taking the mighty name of Jesus with us as we Go!

We Came full of pride and reliant on our own abilities. We Go humbled, broken, and reliant on HIS grace!  We Go knowing His grace is sufficient as we learn Spanish, adjust to a new culture, and are given opportunities to share HIS love with many in Ecuador!

Often people have asked: what are you going to do in Ecuador? At which point I generally respond with something like; focus on discipleship, train pastors, and plant churches.  All these are worthy goals for our ministry, but as I reflect on all the Lord has taught us this past year I think now if asked the same question I would simply reply, "yield daily and depend on GOD's grace as we Go."  Pray we do!