Dear mom,
I wonder when you were raising me if you ever thought I'd do big things & see the world? I hope you did. I wonder even more if you thought I had what it takes to go on a missions trip? Here I am writing about where I am going to go coming very soon, Ecuador (Quito, Lasso, Banos).
I have learned this is more than learning about their culture. That will be a big culture shock for me cause of my city life. I will be able to take what I have been learning at church and applying it to a place I have never been. This trip is not about me, it's about them. I am very curious as to what to expect.
So many things if only I had the chance to tell you. I think it is OK to be nervous. How would I take it if you didn't approve? People pleasing can be a trap. This note is in no way to get sympathy or anything out of it other than a way of expressing how I wish I could talk to you about it.
I do know a challenge is going to be that I won't be able to spend much time w/ my husband. Men & women sleep in different areas. There probably won't be time for naps. In the jungle we need a sheet & or a light blanket & a pillow. Are we sleeping outside or inside? I do not know Spanish. I have an agenda packet w/ some helpful phrases. Will bringing a camera be too touristy? Maybe I could bring a smaller one if I could find one. I am going to leave my cell phone & tablet at home. That is hard cause I am addicted to them.
This is not a typical tourism trip. There will actually be hard work envolved. There will be different types of foods. It is polite to eat as much as you can of theirs. I just wonder if we will be building something or painting things. I wonder how communication will be? I talk a lot, especially if I am nervous. So we Lea e Easter Sunday & get back on my birthday.
I have so much to learn about this trip. I can't help but wonder what you would think of it all.
-Wendy Barbarick
