Ecuador-bound!: Jane's blog entry!

Tuesday night, at our weekly group meeting, Lizzie shared with us a beautiful reflection entitled “My Own Little World.” Her reflection, inspired by Matthew West’s song of the same name, gave each of us chills. She encouraged us to broaden our outlook on life, creating a more global perspective. Listening to the words of the song, I realized how much I take for granted.

In my own little world it hardly ever rains
I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet
In my own little world
population me

Peace, financial security, good health, and love are all I have ever known. I have never feared for my life, nor have I ever had to beg for money or food. I am a person who loves to embrace the happy, bright, cheerful moments of life. The problem is: sometimes I fail to embrace the fact that not everyone has a bright and cheerful life. People in our world are in pain. They suffer, they cry, they beg. I feel like for many of us, our “perfect” lives distort the reality of real life. Too often, we ignore the problems of the world because we believe that they will not affect us. Just because the problem does not affect us directly, this does not mean that we do not have the responsibility to address and solve the problem. We are called by Christ to serve our neighbors and bring light to the darkness.

Father break my heart for what breaks Yours
Give me open hands and open doors
Put Your Light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me

We, as a group, are excited to bring our light and to share our love with the people of Ecuador. Ecuador will certainly give each of us the opportunity to step outside of our own little worlds. We will garner a new perspective on life and a better idea of the unjust conditions that exist outside out of our own country. Ecuador will be eye-opening. Hopefully, it will leave each of us with an eternal desire to change the world… one step at a time.