Reflections on Ecuador
Dear Trinity Community,
This month, I had the profound privilege of serving alongside 12 of our remarkable youth on pilgrimage in Quito, Ecuador. We departed Trinity on Wednesday, June 4, wrapped in the love and prayers of our parents, parishioners, and staff. After a long day of travel, we arrived in Quito and were warmly welcomed by our incredible Education Equals Hope (e=h) hosts and intern, Dianny, Willy and Ellie. From the moment our feet hit Ecuadorian soil, it was clear—we were stepping into a holy experience.
Our first full day began with an orientation led by e=h Co-founder and Ecuador Director Cameron Vivanco. Cameron’s deep heart for this ministry and uncanny ability to remember every single name helped set the tone for the days ahead. Together, we opened to John 15, a chapter that became our spiritual compass for the week. “I am the vine, you are the branches,” Jesus tells us. We were reminded that our purpose on this journey was not simply to serve, but to abide—to remain connected to God, to one another, and to bear fruit that will last. Sometimes, that meant being open to the ways God might prune us—removing distractions or attitudes that stood in the way of deeper growth. With that in mind, we spent the afternoon exploring Quito’s rich history and culture.
Our second day marked the beginning of our service with our host church, Misión Emaús. We joined the congregation in worship and received a powerful blessing—and anointing of hands by Reverend Nancy. From there, we were sent out to work: sanding, cleaning, and painting the walls of their church. Side by side with Emaús members, we quickly discovered that this wasn’t just a work project—it was a sacred act of shared purpose. Language barriers faded away as smiles, hugs, and laughter filled the space. It was a glimpse of the Kingdom of God—where love transcends borders and unity is rooted in Christ.
The next morning, we returned to Emaús eager to continue our work—and our fellowship. We started the day with a visit to Second Chances’ Café, Second Cup, a ministry that provides hope and employment opportunities to those building or rebuilding their lives. Over arepas, eggs, guacamole, and the best coffee we’d had yet, we heard about the life-changing work this ministry was doing. Then it was back to Emaús, where our youth worked with determination and joy to finish painting. Later that afternoon, we joined our new friends for an impromptu fútbol match in a nearby park. Teams were mixed—Trinity and Emaús youth and adults playing together like they’d known each other for years. It was one of many holy moments where you could see God’s Spirit at play, quite literally, through laughter and camaraderie.
Sunday’s worship service at Emaús was full of joy. Our own Father Jimmy Hartley delivered the sermon, and we celebrated the birthdays of two of our youth, Thomas and Shaw. After church, we split into small groups and were welcomed into the homes of Emaús members to prepare and share meals together. Each group came back with stories—some humorous (like how hard it is to peel a potato properly), some tender, all sacred. From farm animals to onion tears to made up games and belly laughs, these home visits were a beautiful embodiment of hospitality and communion. Strangers became friends, and friends became family.
On Monday morning—bright and painfully early at 5:00 a.m.—we set off for the Galápagos Islands, joined by two Emaús members, Teresa and Jeniffer. The next leg of our pilgrimage focused on the Creation Care curriculum. As we began our curriculum, we were reminded to lay down our expectations and instead approach these days with openness, intentionality, and an invitation for God to be part of every moment.
In the Galápagos, we experienced God's majesty in vivid and unforgettable ways: scaling steep hills for jaw-dropping views, snorkeling beside sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays, and walking through a town designed to live in harmony with the environment. Every detail—down to the intricate design on a tortoise’s shell—reminded us of the Creator’s hand. We began and ended each day with Scripture, journaling, and reflection. Our youth asked good questions, shared meaningful insights, and leaned into the awe and reverence this place stirred in all of us. We laughed, we danced, and we were reminded—through joy and beauty—of the God who created all of this and is still shaping us, too.
Our return to Quito on Friday was long, but full of good spirits. That evening, we gathered for dinner with Cameron Vivanco and her family at El Manglar. The portion sizes were laughably huge, but that didn’t stop us from trying to finish every bite. Like so many of our meals in Ecuador, the table was full of laughter, stories, and easy conversation. We shared about our time in the Galápagos, swapped highlights with Cameron, and of course—wrapped it all up with ice cream, as it had become something of a daily tradition.
Saturday, our final day, was bittersweet. We cooked breakfast together, then made our way to Emaús one last time. Their welcome was as warm as ever. To our surprise, while we had been engaging in the Creation Care curriculum in the Galápagos, the Emaús community had been doing the same in Quito. We shared reflections, testimonies, and growth. And then—they surprised us with a traditional Ecuadorian dance, full of color, energy, and joy. Soon, they were pulling us up to dance with them—even Father Jimmy joyfully joined in the festivities. It was one of those sacred, laughter-filled moments that can only happen when the Holy Spirit draws people together.
After a final shared meal, prayers, and—of course—one last ice cream, we made a brief stop at the artisan market before heading back to the hostel for our closing debrief. We sat in a circle, reflecting on what God had done in and through us. There were tears, laughter, honest confessions, and so much gratitude. It was clear—this was not just a mission experience. It was a pilgrimage. And we had encountered the living God.
Even now, just a couple weeks home, our group is already gathering again—sharing ice cream, memories, and stories. I see the fruit of this pilgrimage growing in many of our youth as they intentionally slow down, seek deeper connections, and show more openness and kindness—reflecting the radical hospitality of the Emaús community. Others are taking intentional steps to nurture their faith, letting God’s love shape and strengthen them. As a group, we’re exploring creative ways to share this growth and these experiences with the wider Trinity community. Stay tuned.
Personally, I want to offer my deepest thanks. To the parents who trusted me with your kids: thank you. I don’t have to tell you how incredible they are—but I will. These youth have big hearts, resilient spirits, and a deep capacity for compassion and joy. Watching God work through them was a great honor and I am incredibly grateful to have been a witness.
To Ashley Thomas and Father Jimmy Hartley—thank you for being the best team I could’ve asked for. You led, supported, and loved our youth so well. To Reverend Nancy and the Emaús family—thank you for opening your homes and hearts to us. You taught us what it truly means to live as the body of Christ. To Cameron, Jorge, John, and the entire Education Equals Hope and Youth World team—thank you for your leadership, hospitality, and vision. And to our spiritual companions, Willy, Dianny, Ellie, and Brendita—thank you for guiding us with such grace, wisdom, and love. You kept us on time, held us together, and kept our eyes on Jesus.
Finally, to the Trinity community—thank you. For your prayers, your support, and your welcome home. You made this pilgrimage possible. And because of you, we are changed.
With a full and grateful heart,
Taylor Gibby
Director of Youth Ministry