Our High School Mission Trip to Ecuador

This summer, Scott White, Johnny Shields, and Debbie Cox traveled to Ecuador with a group of our high schoolers: Harrison White, Oly Vassallo, Mary Anderson, Will Ray, Rose Mills, Conner Johnston, Everett Toombs, Sam Pass, Ashe Hornthal, William Whisnant, Sawyer Shields, and Rosie & Owen Peterson. Together with our partners at Education Equals Hope, they spent a week worshiping, serving, sharing meals, and building relationships with the people they met in Quito and the surrounding communities. 

Below, Scott and Debbie share about their experiences and how they witnessed firsthand the ways God was at work—in the people they met, the moments they shared, and the experiences that shaped the group’s time together. 

(Click Here to view pictures from the trip)

The People of Ecuador, Where We Stayed, and the Food

One of the highlights of our trip was experiencing Ecuadorian cuisine. The food was delicious, fresh, and surprisingly inexpensive. Everywhere we went, we were served generous portions, and there was always plenty to eat.

Throughout the week, we enjoyed trying many traditional Ecuadorian dishes and ingredients. Fresh fruits were abundant and incredibly flavorful. Potatoes were served in many different ways, reflecting their importance in Ecuadorian cuisine. We also enjoyed a variety of seafood and chicken dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and local flavors.

Sharing meals became an important part of our mission experience. It gave us time to build relationships with one another and with our hosts while learning more about Ecuadorian culture and hospitality. We left with a greater appreciation not only for the food but also for the generosity and warmth of the people who prepared and shared it with us.

Throughout our stay in Ecuador, we stayed in a clean, comfortable, dorm-style hostel nestled in the mountains overlooking Quito. The breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Andes Mountains were unforgettable. Each morning, we woke up to beautiful scenery that reminded us of God’s incredible creation.

The hostel provided a wonderful place for our group to rest, reflect, and spend time together after each day’s activities. Although the accommodations were simple, they met all of our needs and allowed us to experience life in a different setting. The peaceful mountain atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind, pray, and prepare for each new day of serving.

One of the greatest blessings of our mission trip was getting to know the people of Ecuador. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with kindness, generosity, and genuine hospitality. Their joy was contagious, and their warmth made us feel like part of their community from the moment we arrived.

The people we met were grateful that we had traveled to their country to serve alongside them, but we quickly realized that we were the ones receiving the greater blessing. Whether we were worshiping together, sharing meals, visiting families in their homes, or serving in ministry, they welcomed us with open arms and loving hearts.

The friendships we formed and the time we spent together were truly extraordinary. Their faith, resilience, and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on each of us. We returned home with a deeper appreciation for the people of Ecuador and a reminder that God’s love unites us across cultures, languages, and borders.

An Overview of the Week

Day 1: Travel Day

Our mission trip to Ecuador began with an early morning departure. We had a 10-hour layover in Miami, so we made the most of our time by visiting Little Havana. While we were there, we enjoyed authentic Cuban sandwiches—they were delicious! After returning to the airport, we boarded our flight to Ecuador and arrived around midnight. We settled into our hostel, excited for the week ahead.

Day 2: Learning About Ecuador

Our first full day began with a meeting with our hosts from Education Equals Hope. We read John 15 and reflected on what the passage meant to us and what stood out to each member of the group. It was a meaningful way to begin our mission.

We spent the day learning about Ecuador’s history and culture. We explored Old Town, visited the beautiful Basilica, which reminded us of Notre Dame, and toured Plaza Grande. We also enjoyed a chocolate tasting featuring Ecuador’s world-famous chocolate. Later, we attended an orientation where we learned about Ecuadorian culture, average wages, and the poverty many families face. It gave us a deeper understanding of the community we had come to serve.

Day 3: Serving Through Work

Our service projects began at the Episcopal Cathedral of Our Lord, where we helped paint the outside of the church alongside members of the congregation. For lunch, we enjoyed chicken and fries together before continuing our painting project.

Later that day, we visited Second Chances Ecuador, a nonprofit organization that serves children, youth, and young adults by providing holistic training that helps them become successful Christian leaders who can positively impact their communities. Learning about their mission inspired us and showed us how God is working through local ministries.

Day 4: Building Relationships

We returned to Cristo Liberator, and we divided into two groups. One group spent time with the elderly, listening to their stories and learning from their wisdom. The other group led Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities with the children. The kids loved the crafts, games, and time spent together, while those visiting the elderly were encouraged by their faith and life experiences.

Later, we gathered back at the cathedral, where the drama group performed the story of the Prodigal Son. After the performance, we broke into small groups with members from Cristo Liberator Cathedral, Education Equals Hope, and Trinity to discuss the message and share what God was teaching us through the story. It was a powerful time of fellowship, reflection, and growing together in faith.

Day 5: Worship and Home Visits

We worshiped with the congregation at Cristo Liberator. The parishioners read the Scripture readings in Spanish, and three members of the Trinity High School Youth group had the opportunity to read the Scripture in English. It was a beautiful reminder that, even though we spoke different languages, we were united as one body in Christ.

After the service, we divided into six groups and went on home visits with several families from the congregation. Each visit was unique, but every group came away encouraged by the warmth, hospitality, and faith of the families they met. We shared stories, prayed together, and built meaningful relationships. These visits were among the most impactful experiences of the trip, reminding us that ministry often happens through simply being present with others.

Before leaving, the congregation gathered to pray over everyone celebrating birthdays. It was a special moment that reflected the love, care, and strong sense of community within the church. We left feeling blessed by the faith and generosity of the people we had the privilege to meet.

Day 6: Learning, Adventure, and Reflection

It was filled with new experiences, learning, and time to reflect. We began the day at the office of Education Equals Hope, where we had the opportunity to make empanadas together. It was a fun experience, and we enjoyed learning how to prepare a traditional Ecuadorian food. Afterward, we toured the office and learned more about Youth World and its ministry.

Next, we visited Esperanza Art, an arm of Education Equals Hope Ministry that serves as a transformational vocational workshop for women who are leaving the sex trade. Through creative work, job training, and a supportive community, Esperanza helps women build new lives filled with dignity, hope, and purpose. Hearing their stories and learning about the ministry’s impact was both inspiring and humbling.

Later, we traveled to the Intiñan Museum, where we learned about Ecuador’s national parks, indigenous cultures, and the significance of the Equator. It was fascinating to experience a place located on the equator and to learn more about the country’s unique geography and history.

Our day concluded at Hacienda El Refugio, a retreat and training center that provides opportunities for spiritual growth through rest and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, we spent two hours in solitude, reflecting on our experiences throughout the week and listening for God’s voice. The peaceful setting gave each of us time to pray, read Scripture, and consider how God had been working in our hearts during the trip.

Day 7: Gratitude, Reflection, and Farewell

Our final full day in Ecuador began with a gratitude orientation, where we reflected on the many blessings and experiences God had given us throughout the week. It was a meaningful opportunity to share what we were thankful for and to recognize how our hearts had been changed through serving others.

Next, we visited the TelefériQo, one of the highest aerial gondola lifts in the world. The ride took us from the edge of Quito high into the Andes Mountains to Cruz Loma. The breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains reminded us of God’s incredible creation and gave us a chance to appreciate the beauty of Ecuador from above. Afterward, we visited the Artisan Market, where we enjoyed shopping for handmade crafts and souvenirs to bring home as reminders of our time in Ecuador.

That evening, we shared our final meal with our hosts from Education Equals Hope. It was a special time of fellowship as we reflected on the relationships we had built throughout the week. We concluded the day with a final debrief and evaluations, sharing stories, lessons learned, and the ways God had worked in each of our lives. Before saying goodbye, we will remember Ecuador's people, places, and experiences that made this mission trip so unforgettable.

Throughout our stay in Ecuador, we stayed in a clean, comfortable, dorm-style hostel nestled in the mountains overlooking Quito. The breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Andes Mountains were unforgettable. Each morning, we woke up to beautiful scenery that reminded us of God’s incredible creation.

The hostel provided a wonderful place for our group to rest, reflect, and spend time together after each day’s activities. Although the accommodations were simple, they met all of our needs and allowed us to experience life in a different setting. The peaceful mountain atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind, pray, and prepare for each new day of serving.

— Debbie Cox and Scott White

Debbie’s Reflections on the Week

Returning from my sabbatical, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as we prepared to travel to Ecuador with 13 high school students. Looking back, I can honestly say this week was a gift from God. It was a blessing to witness these young people step outside of their comfort zones, embrace a new culture, and serve others with open hearts.

Throughout the week, I saw God at work in so many ways. I saw Him in the laughter that came from a simple game of soccer, in the conversations with the families we visited, in the joy of the children during VBS, and in the wisdom shared by the elderly. I saw Him in the friendships our students formed with the people of Ecuador and in the way they encouraged and cared for one another. Watching our youth grow in compassion, confidence, and faith was one of the greatest blessings of the trip.

John 15 became our theme for the week. Jesus reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” As we remained connected to Christ, we were reminded that apart from Him we can do nothing of lasting value. Our purpose was not simply to complete projects or travel to another country, but to abide in Him, love others as He loves us, and bear fruit that will last.

This mission trip reminded me that ministry is built on relationships. Whether we were painting a church, worshiping together, sharing meals, visiting homes, or simply spending time with one another, God was at work. We may have traveled to Ecuador believing we were going to serve, but we returned home having received far more than we gave.

I am deeply grateful for our partnership with Education Equals Hope, for the people of Ecuador who welcomed us so warmly, and for each of the 13 students who said “yes” to this opportunity. My prayer is that the seeds planted during this week will continue to grow, producing lasting fruit in all of our lives. As John 15 reminds us, when we remain in Christ, He is faithful to work in and through us wherever He calls us to serve.

— Debbie Cox