Mario Andretti, the Juice Man, and Smiles

June 17th

Artezon, Ecuador

Today was the second day of Vacation Bible School and painting at our worksite in Artezon and with it came new experiences and challenges. For example, my driving needed a little working on after yesterday’s difficulties. So today, I was determined to master the Andes Mountains via a small grey Nissan pickup truck. I’m not sure I mastered it, but at least I got a lot better at navigating the hairpin turns and extremely steep grades with the help of one of my friends and fellow staff member, Esteban. Our early morning driving sessions (think drivers school in the Andes) proved to be quite useful, especially for the amount of driving I did today. Not only did I have to drive our group to and from the camp to Artezon, but I also had to pick up about 30 kids (in one truck) from the nearby village of Gamboa and transport them to Artezon. Then after the work day was through, I had to drive twenty minutes down the mountain from Pelileo to return a work truck so that our group could travel to Banos for shopping later tonight.

I guess I’m getting ahead of myself though. Being Mario Andretti of the Andes Mountains is certainly a thrill and a great responsibility, but it wasn’t the only challenge I had to face today. One of the bigger ones I encountered today came during the Vacation Bible School when it was juice time. How do you pour juice into 25 tiny cups (that had to be rewashed after they were used) from a ten gallon jug for 85 kids in less than ten minutes? You simply become the ‘Juice Man’. And pour juice I did, with the help of a few people from our group dispensing cups I sweated out those few minutes, spilling little and pouring lots.

In all seriousness though, I was more concerned with the kids getting the message our group was sending in the forms of Bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and songs rather than getting their juice. I believe the did and will continue to as the week continues. Even the town’s people noticed something was different at the school when they would drive by and see eleven gringos painting the school’s wall an eye-opening yellow. During our painting time that followed VBS, the school’s headmaster asked me if our group could paint more around the school grounds during our time there since we had already completed so much. He even volunteered four people to help us accomplish the tasks for the day.

It’s amazing the reaction that you get from school directors, village leaders, and teachers when you ask if there is something you can do for them. They first look at you, usually with a cocked head, and wonder why in the world you’d want to help them. Then they speak enough Spanish really fast to ensure that you’re a gringo and foreigner and wait for your reply. And then they break out in this big smile when you smile back, try speaking in Spanish, and let them know that you’re there to help them.

Amazing what a smile, a handshake, and a hug do. They break down language barriers, nationalities, race barriers, and everything else that separates me from someone else. It gives you a common ground, a ministry opportunity like no other, and that is exactly what I came down here seeking. Regardless of whether I can share the gospel with them in Spanish or not, they get a first-hand glance of what the body of Christ is like. The hands and feet that come down from all over the world to share of their time, resources, money, and most importantly love that God has already show them.

Whether its playing futbol, sharing a meal, or simply helping them learn a few words in English while you learn them in Spanish, there is so much joy in investing your time and yourself in people. I’ve found that to be true here, especially with the younger children that are so receptive to learning and spending time with this strange person they just met a few hours ago. There are many thrills in life, especially when you move out of your comfort zone. Living in the Andes Mountains this summer reminds me of that everyday. But of all the thrills and sights to see and things to do, there is nothing more satisfying than investing yourself in other people and living a life than reflects Christ to them.