I’ve written a little bit before about how I’ve Fallen in Love With Venezuela, and more specifically the people of Venezuela. A large part of this was the friends we made in Ecuador. We happened to cross paths with a couple of families fleeing Venezuela. We shared a meal, spent some time together, and played with the kids. It was very possibly my favorite evening in all of Ecuador.  

We spent only a short time with our new friends, but it was impactful. One of the guys was traveling with just his young daughter. She was full of laughter and smiles. He delighted in her joy and worried about keeping her safe and warm. She could spot us clear across the square (although being tall and very white, we are clearly easy to spot) and would shout to us to come play and giggle and dance. They had traveled from Venezuela, through Colombia, into Ecuador, and were on their way to Peru. We said bye to them as they prepared to continue their journey, and as we had to return to our own host home. 

I haven’t heard from them in several months, I think we last chatted in November, back when I was still in Ecuador. And this isn’t surprising. It’s quite often that we make friends, pray for people, encourage them, and then part ways, and don’t keep in touch. It’s not about getting to know the end of the story, or even the next part of the story. It is about loving people in the moment, even if there is no follow-up or continuation. 

But this time, I get to see a little glimpse of the rest of the story. A couple of days ago they contacted me, just to say hi, and let me know they are doing well. And to again thank us for taking time to get to know them, to help them, and to love them when we could. Even if only for the briefest of times. 

This contact came just after some of my friends and I were celebrating that a Ukrainian family who had fled the war and has been residing in Romania, has made it to Canada. 

All around I was encouraged. It isn’t often that we get to receive these updates, much less two updates from friends fleeing their home countries within two days. 

I want to share this encouragement, this joy, this moment of celebration. And to encourage us all to continue to love the people in front of us, even when we don’t get to know what comes next in the story. 

With love,

Kayla