Homestay & The Amazon

Homestay: For my homestay, I spent a month with my Ecuadorian family. They very quickly became like real family to us and we keep in contact almost every day now that I am back living with other Americans. We went on many adventures with them throughout Quito and on the outskirts of Quito as well. We laughed, conversed, and even cried together at some points. They are absolutely amazing people and I am so honored and blessed that I had the opportunity to spend time with them and do life with them. We are family para siempre now!

Pictured: Stathi, Mamá, Juan Martín & Myself (Grandson of our host parents)

The experience of a homestay stretched me in ways that I never knew I could be stretched. Speaking your second language immediately after waking up was a different kind of challenge that pushed me very much. Also, eating big meals in the morning was tough even though the food was amazing!!! (Food post coming soon)!

Pictured: Stathi, Papá & Myself

AMAZON JUNGLE/ JUNGLE KIDS FOR CHRIST

For a week we did a short-term mission in the Amazon Jungle which stretched me a lot! Whenever people's lives are involved, there is the back and forth of whether or not I am truly helping but I hope and believe that I did. I came in humbly and let the Lord use me. This place is like no other and the people that live here are amazing.

We partnered with long-term missionaries at a school in the jungle who are working to show people who live in the jungle the love of Christ through education and much more. Their website is https://www.junglekidsforchrist.org if you want to learn more about them!

At the school, I taught Bible to sixth graders and then stayed with these amazing three students for the math and science sections of the class. In science class, we talked about sexual reproduction vs. asexual reproduction and we drew an example of sexual reproduction together from our two whiteboard monsters. We had so much fun together and the Lord showed me so much through these three students that I will never forget.

We also helped weed the entire school complex, paint a new building, and build a long jump pit for the students. These students absolutely stole my heart and are a beautiful representation of why we should have faith like children

There has been so much that has happened and plan to update everyone in more blogs. Specifically, regarding the amazing food I have been eating and the 15,500-foot mountain I summited!!

Thank you for your prayers and continued support!

- Michael Haywood