Hello everyone! There is so much to catch up on so let's get started! The New Year started off great after meeting with my students and going over the classes with them. They shared their opinions and gave me some feedback on how to improve the classes going forward. January went by in a flash! My classes continued in Huachi Chico and Pelileo. I also was able to spend time in fellowship with members of Huachi Chico Baptist, travelling to other communities, celebrating birthdays, and sharing fun times and forming bonds with my brothers and sisters in Christ. February began with a medical team from Kentucky that came to serve in the community of Apatug, high above the city of Ambato. They came as part of the ministry of Steve and Carol Thompson, and I was invited to serve alongside them as a translator. It was a busy time. I would translate during the day and return to Huachi for my English classes in the evening. But, we were able to see to the needs of hundreds of people, both their medical needs and, through the sharing of God's Word, their spiritual needs also. After a great week with the team, it was time for Carnaval. This is the time just before Lent that is a time of celebration for Catholic countries the world over. In Ambato, they combine it with a celebration of the city called "La Fiesta de la Fruta y las Flores" or "The Festival of Fruit and Flowers." During this time the entire city decorates their shops and sometimes their homes with flowers. It culminates on the Sunday before Lent, with a parade with floats made of flowers with some groups from other countries taking part as well. That night they also have a fireworks display like the 4th of July. This is also a family time for many Ecuadorians so my classes were canceled which allowed to rest some from the previous week. Now as February comes to a close, I look ahead to what's next. In less than a month's time I will be back in Dahlonega! I look back over these first months and I see God's faithfulness. I have seen how He has provided for my visa, He has provided an apartment near the church in Huachi, and how my relationship with Him has grown during this time. I look forward to the big plans God has for me here in Ecuador in the coming year. I am so thankful for all of you who have supported me in this journey so far! I look forward to being able to tell you in person the impact you have had on my life and on the lives of the people here in Ecuador. Until then, continue to pray that God would multiply His Kingdom here in Ecuador. That I would remain faithful in the pursuit of His will in His way and that many would come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
Blessings to all of you!
Jonathan Green