Second Fiddle

June 2, 2014

Spokane à Denver

Denver à Huston

Huston à Quito

We were greeted at the air port by Katty, Alexcita, and Juanita. It made me so happy to see some of my Ecuadorian family again!

I was very much looking forward to a nice hot shower after the full day of travel. Blair got a real kick out of me showering in the ice cold water last night… Every time I ducked under the water I would scream! We also had toilets…. But they didn’t flush.

June 3, 2014

I had the opportunity to lead the team in our first devotional in Ecuador. I shared with them the story of the second fiddle, which I first heard in Kenya from one of the most inspiring men I have ever met. He will never know truly how big of an impact he has had on my faith and my life. These words have transformed so many things about my life, that I felt compelled to share them with my team. Below is the devotion:

“Do nothing out of Selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you the interests of others”
Philippians 2:3-4

Here is an example: In a bluegrass band you usually see two fiddlers. First fiddle and second fiddle. It is the first fiddle that is responsible for the melody while the second fiddle plays the accompaniment  or harmony.

The term “second fiddle” has come to be used for someone who plays a secondary role in support of another that plays the leading role. Often, the “second fiddle” carries the connotation of not being quite good enough. Musicians will tell you, however, that it is the second fiddle that has the power to create or destroy harmony in the piece. Some will even say that it is more difficult to play second fiddle. But, as hard as it is to play, it is even harder to find someone willing to play it. It is not a glamorous role. The hole point is to make the first fiddle look and sound good.

… to compliment

…to harmonize

… to blend

Leonardo Bernstine, the famous conductor of the New York Philharmonic said, “I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play second fiddle with enthusiasm… that is a problem. And,, if we have no second fiddle, we have no harmony!”

Playing second fiddle on this trip will require humility. You may not be comfortable. You may not g3et to do what you want. You priority cannot be yourself, your comfort zone, or your own interests.

Playing second fiddle is challenging in a me-centered world. However, by putting ourselves first we have the power to ruin relationships and our impact.

By complaining rather than compromising.

By disrupting rather than harmonizing.

By resisting rather than blending.

Are you willing to play second fiddle and do so with enthusiasm?

If you play second fiddle well, the music can change lives… families… countries… and nations.

-Thank you to The 410 Bridge and to Khari Manuel. Published by The 410 Bridge

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Early rise and shine after a short night at the “hotel.”  We had a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast of fruit, eggs, and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. After the devotional (above) we loaded on the bus and headed to the center of the world (also referred to by the team as “middle earth”). The military was not quite ready for us so we had to find something to do. We spent the day at lat/lon 0’0’ altitude 9,350 feet (2,850 m). Elevation in Spokane is  5,883 feet (1,793 m). Some went to the museum to learn some of the history of Ecuador, balance an egg on a nail, and see which way water flows on each side of the equator. A number of us just spent the whole day bargaining and bartering. My skills are still as sharp as last year!

The brave Mary had cuy (guinea pig) for lunch. The rest of us ate other Ecuadorian dishes that were more normal for us silly Americans.

Back on the bus!!! As we were waiting for everyone to get back to the bus we ducked into a wifi hotspot for a moment. A message popped up on my phone from the Board of Pharmacy saying, “blah blah blah, passed the MPJE, blah blah blah”! AAAHHH! I PASSED MY PHARMACY LAW EXAM!!!!!!!

The 5 hour bus ride to Riobamba was pretty uneventful. We made it to the seminary with no problems. Tonight we will be sharing the seminary with another crew who are just finishing their mission trip. They will be coming up with us to Pachancho tomorrow for their last day.

Quick side note. Someone asked Tara if she had learned Spanish in our 24hrs of being in Ecuador. Her response, "Yea! Haven't you been hearing me speaking it all day? I've been like 'buenos dias, buenos nachos'." Totally serious! Very very funny!

Buenos nachos everyone!!!!