Part 3 of Ecuador

Her roommates in Florida were so sweet. Mekenzie (whom she learned liked to go by Kenzie), of course, was a roomie. Her bright smile seemed to make everyone smile back at her whether they were happy or not. Her blue eyes reflected her heart which was so full of God, it was impossible not to believe that she was the real deal when it came to being a Christian. 

Then there was Bree. Bree had the prettiest blonde hair that Darria had ever seen. It fell around her face in perfection. How she didn't have the frizz that came along with the Florida humidity, Darria had no idea. Bree's love for God was reflected in her love for people. Bree could become friends with anyone within seconds. 

Emmi. Emmi was one of the bounciest girls Darria had ever met. Emmi's high ponytail flopped all over her head as she talked. She was an extremely tiny, petite girl. But don't let looks fool you. Emmi was tough. She beat records and had scholarships in swimming. She would stand up for anyone in need and could make the best of any situation.

The Wisconite Hannah. Hannah definitely had the Wisconsin accent but her voice carried something else. Compassion. Her love for helping people was reflected in the way she talked. Her eyes had that same quality. A sweetness that comes from an ability that only God gives you. 

And Sharon. Hailing from California, Sharon had to be one of the funniest girls. She had a knowledge about her. Academic and Spiritual. A well-respected girl because of that. She would never wave her abilities in your face, but the way she handled certain situations showed that this girl knew what the deal was. 

The girls immediately made note of Darria's accent. Darria assured them that she did not have an accent but that they had one. None believed her. The girls ate their supper as they all tried to get to know one another. It was strange to Darria that they all merged so quickly. That people from across the country with such different traits and personalities could  come together so quickly and act like sisters. But then again, there was someone else in the room too. God. And when God sees fit to form a friendship. He does it on His time. And sometimes, like in this case, it was a matter of minutes. 

The girls met down in a conference room assigned to Team One and met the rest of their team mates. Them almost immediately they had to go try out for parts in the drama.

This mission trip was different than all other mission trips Darria had experienced. They shared the Gospel through a drama that used everyday toys and things. When she saw the whole thing through, it moved her to tears. The drama had an air about it that was completely heavenly. And to know the impact that this one drama had had on millions of people was thrilling to think about . 


Darria was assigned the part of 'China Doll.' She was honored to even be in the play but to actually get to be a toy? Overjoyed. 


During the day they worked on the drama, but at night there was a huge worship service with speakers. She had never experienced a worship service like this before. These teens gave their all for God. They didn't worry about who was looking at them. It was just them and God. She even saw some of the girls dancing! It was amazing. You could feel God all around you. She didn't really realize she was crying until Kenzie slipped her arm around her shoulder and prayed for her. As the music was blaring and kids were experiencing a time with God like no other. Darria and Kenzie prayed for each other. God was there that night, letting everyone know it too. 


They stayed three days in Fort Lauderdale. God moved in the hearts of the many kids and adults in that hotel. Darria found she had the three am flight to Ecuador. None of her room mates were going on that flight. She wasn't used to waking up so early but she knew God would take care of her. Hadn't He already proved Himself reliable?