Hi Friends!

I'm currently in Limones, about to start the 7-hour journey to the airport for my flight to Chicago tonight. I'll be home for a few hours, before heading to Washington DC for the weekend to attend a meeting of movements for Global2033, an initiative fostering to form and equip missionary disciples leading to the 2000 year jubilee of Christ and the Church. Right after the meeting, I'll be traveling to India to join 270 other delegates for the Jesus Youth International Assembly. A time of prayer and discernment, to evaluate the movement’s journey, plan for the future, and to elect the next International Council. I’ll also have some time to reconnect with extended family and friends from my internship and training—hard to believe it’s already been over a year! Please keep these upcoming meetings, the travel, and health in your prayers! Below is the update from my first month in Ecuador, click here for the link to the scrapbook

In late September, seven of us led by JY US missions coordinator Sindhu Nadarajan, embarked on an exploratory mission to Ecuador. Through the invitation of the Missionary Society of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS) priests, we visited Quito, Limones, Rio Verde, and the Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Atacamas. The trip was a grace-filled time of connection—with the priests, sisters, and local families whose faith and joy bring life to the mission. Following the visit, two JY US missionaries (Celestine and Deweena) were placed in Atacamas, while I was placed on the island of Limones for the next few months.

The first month has moved at a slower pace as I’ve adjusted to life here and navigated the language barrier. My mornings are spent in prayer, studying Spanish, and handling various administrative tasks. As the day cools into evening, I meet people in the park or downtown before joining the parish for the Rosary and Holy Mass. Nights often end with playing sports or enjoying a walk with Fr. Melky with an ice cream in hand.

Much of my time has gone into learning Spanish and building friendships through small, everyday moments. Those first couple solo walks through town were nerve-racking, and pretty awkward. Yet, through this, God gently reminded me to let go of self-reliance and trust Him to guide me toward the people He desired to meet. It was beautiful to experience the quiet power of intercession, especially through Mother Mary and the Rosary, for those who would be encountered that day. Simple gestures—sitting in the park, offering a friendly “buenas tardes” (good afternoon) to those passing by, eventually opened doors to conversations, shared experiences, and deeper connections. These encounters can happen anywhere: playing pickup basketball with young adults, getting a haircut, chatting with grandmothers after Mass, stopping by local shops and restaurants to talk with owners and families, or trading English and Spanish with neighborhood kids.

A particularly special moment came when Celestine and Deweena visited for the weekend. What began as a simple outing for us to meet people, turned into a spontaneous prayer team for those in the park seeking prayer. It’s been humbling to navigate daily life with limited words, but I’ve learned that a sincere smile n' wave, often speaks louder than words and brings connection and joy in unexpected ways.

Throughout the month, I’ve also had the opportunity of accompanying the MSFS priests on their village missions. Early on, to help with liturgy music, I joined Fr. Dileep, and Jose, a local catechist, on a challenging journey to remote interior villages—traveling by off-road trails, and long boat rides. We celebrated Holy Masses, Baptisms, along with house visits, and catechesis lessons. Over the last few weeks I also joined Fr. Melky and Fr. Dino, in visiting island parish communities to celebrate Holy Mass and the sacraments—sometimes serving five or six communities in a single day. It's deeply inspiring to witness their tireless dedication to their vocation and joyfully serving others with love and charity.

This past month reminded me that God is everywhere — not only in the moments of awe and wonder but also in the simple, ordinary rhythms of each day (1 Kings 19:11-13). Even when life feels monotonous at times, the awareness that God is there transforms the ordinary into something sacred, making every moment an exciting opportunity to encounter Him.

That’s it for now, till next time. 

With Love,

Josh