“God truly works in a miraculous way! I have been blessed with being able to go to Ecuador three times and each time God has worked with and through me in different ways. Of course, I could go on and on about how amazing each experience was but I will try to be brief. During my first trip, 2016, I felt an awakening with the Lord and felt His words saying “come to me.” It was after that trip that I decided to accept the Lord into my life again. During my second trip, 2017, I met a girl in my classroom that shared her story privately about her life. In brief detail she lost both of her parents in the most horrific way and was currently living with her grandparents. Several other students came forward to share their lives and every single one of them was heartbreaking but their exuberant joy never ended. God was teaching me to be humbler in life and to open my eyes, heart, ears, and soul to those I meet because we all struggle and need help. During the trip I also became extremely ill for no apparent reason and to this day I felt like the Lord was also teaching me a strong lesson of letting Him use me instead of being stubborn and only seeking my way. On my final trip, 2018, I saw God’s hands and work being shaped. Even through all the obstacles, God used me and my friends to help build His school, teach His children, and to praise His name no matter where you are. For me, this foundation has gifted me with the renewed faith in my Father, an open mind towards people and cultures, and the lasting memories of each trip. I am forever grateful for the Zola family and their mission to educate children and encourage their faith in God.”