Student Testimonial - Spring Edition
Abigail is a Bioloa student who joined us Spring 2023 in Quito, Ecuador. Below is are some quotes from her sharing about her time abroad with Living & Learning International.
Why did you choose to this program?
I knew I wanted to study abroad either in South or Central America. Ashleigh Dellos largely impacted my decision to choose Living and Learning in Ecuador. She gave me multiple hours of her time. After chatting, I discovered that Living and Learning was a great match for my interests.
How has your world view changed? Do you see the world in a new or different way after the program?
Studying abroad with Living and Learning gave me a safe space to come broken before the Lord with a freedom unlike any other. The staff loved me before they even knew me. They prayed for me before we even shook hands. They made room for me in their hearts knowing I would leave them four months later. This program allowed me to come before the Lord just as I am- no masks nor strings attached. Loren and Janelle, in particular, taught me how to accept the Lord's mercy when I have nothing to give in return. I experienced God's closeness through people and His beautiful, multicultural rainbow of race in Ecuador. The Lord reminded me that He is no more present in the United States than He is across oceans. He taught me how to rest and prioritize relationships through Hispanic culture. He humbled me as I learned the remarkable language that is Spanish, and so much more. It would be my dream to share the wonders that await students abroad. Leaving one's home country brings many obstacles, and they are worth it. Vale la Pena! (It’s worth it!)
In Kyle's words, "It is a sacrifice to leave one's home behind." What brings tears to my eyes is that God finds us in our homelessness and surrounds us with His family. As college students near graduation, they may question if they have a home, or a people, or a place to call their own when college ends. Study Abroad reminded me that God meets us in every season, in any country, and in any language. Jehovah- jireh always provides. Therefore, we do not need to fear leaving home because home finds us.
