Going back.

I never thought I would be able to say this. And I'm serious.... Never.

But... I'm going back.

Back to the place where it all started. Back to the place where I remember thinking "I could never learn spanish." Back to the place where the kids absolutely stole my heart, the mosquitoes completely bit me up, and where God completely transformed me.

And to think if I hadn't have been there... I wouldn't be here. 

Ecuador. 

I'm really going back.
(All Glory to Him)

I didn't even realize just how much my heart had been longing for this, until it was confirmed that I was going.

Before I came to Chile, I didn't even think it would be possible for me to return. I had always said I would love to, but us realists don't really tend to think that way. But once again, the Lord showed me how He's got everything under control. How His plans are always bigger and better than ours. 

My plan was, to go in June when I have to renew my visa. I had it all planned out- I had talked with the missionary, and even had the dates planned out in my head.

Then one week all my plans were turned upside down, and the Lord showed me something even better.

It started out with a skype date with my step-dad. Like he's so good at doing, he pointed out that maybe it would make more sense for me to stay home in June, since I'll still have work to do here, and I could pray about going in July with the team from my church. (Which I had already decided would be absolutely insane, because I would be gone my last week in Chile. Which would mean I wouldn't even be in Chile, and why would I do that to myself?)

But as soon as he said that, I realized he had a point. All I could muster up was a "huh, good point...".

(If you have the privilege of knowing this man, you know what I mean. He's good, real good, at this stuff.)

3 days later, I found out that I had received the rest of the support I was needing to stay here until July, AND another donation that was exactly half of what Ecuador trip costs.

Once again, my mind was blown .

Even though it would be absolutely crazy, to go to Ecuador literally right before I leave Chile, I knew what He was wanting me to do.

That night as I was praying, I realized things that I couldn't see before. I still don't know why I'm supposed to go on this trip, but I'm blessed with the opportunity to share one last trip with my church family here. I'll also be to talk with the Ecuadorians in their own language, and, as my step-dad pointed out, the dates work out very nicely, as we'll be leaving during winter break here.

I am so excited/nervous/anxious/excited for the month of July. It means I'll get to return to Ecuador, and work with a great team... but it also means I'll be saying goodbye to the place I've called home for the past year, a few days later.

Once again, I tell you that I am so excited to share this experience with you guys. The Lord has really blessed me with these opportunities to serve Him in other parts of the world. My prayer is that I will be used how He wants to use me, and that the people I serve will see Jesus...and nothing of me.


I have until the 15th of July to raise the remaining half for this trip. (approximately $400) If you're feeling led to donate to my ministry for this trip, you can do so online here. Or, make checks payable to "IberoAmerican Ministries" (with "Rebecca Cooper-Internship" in the memo line) and send them to "IberoAmerican Ministries, P.O Box 1493, Monroe Washington, 98272"


Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, and for your support.
 

:)

p.s: a big thanks to Rick Howerton for your awesome photos from our trip!