Two years ago, I returned to Ecuador for the first time since my year as a volunteer in Arbolito ended five years before. I could not have asked for a better week of nostalgia and reminiscing with neighbors, rekindling so many wonderful friendships while recounting numerous heartwarming memories. As I managed to reconnect with many […]

I distinctly remember my first impressions of Ecuador: the sights, sounds, and smells of my first few days in Arbolito and Mount Sinai are vividly stored in my memory.  I had so many expectations but had little idea of what to expect. The only thing I was sure of was my willingness to encounter the […]

“God, who is rich in mercy…” Ephesians 2:4 Mercy. Just seeing that word instantly brings to mind countless images and experiences and stories – my life is dripping with mercy. Indeed, our world is drenched in mercy. I’d like to share just two of those mercy moments: It’s the summer of 2003 and despite the […]

“You are loved for who you are, not for what you do.” The number of times I prayed on that phrase as a volunteer, repeating it to myself as I rode the bus to and from work each day, felt infinite. I felt such discouragement when I couldn’t get through to one of my students, […]