Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Unas Fotos
Here are some pictures from the baptisms in Banos (from the blog before), some members from Street Church, and of the beautiful landscape!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Baptisms
Hello friends and family!
I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last blog! It’s been very busy, and the internet was not working for a while. Last week we went to a town called Baños so that some of the guys from the street ministry could be baptized. We drove way up into the mountain and stopped at a river called Rio Blanco. There, the guys were immersed and baptized! It was very special to be able to be there for this very important commitment in their lives. After that we were able to walk around the town, and on the ride home (in the back of the truck) we heard their testimonies. Many of them grew up in the streets and had very difficult childhoods. But at some point, the Lord sent His Holy Spirit to touch them and transform their lives! The other girls and I have been having a great time getting to know them.
This weekend the other girls and I also got the chance for a “mini-vacation.” We went back to Baños from Saturday to Sunday. We relaxed, ate some good food, walked around a very nice small town, and hiked up the mountain on a trail that leads to a famous statue of the virgin Mary. The view was spectacular, and pictures couldn’t even capture how it truly was! This particular town is in the middle of the Andes, the middle of what seems to be valleys. I always feel so small and powerless when compared to the majesty and power of God through His creation; especially these mountains and volcanoes.
Even though it may not sound like it, we did work as well! One of the baby boys went back with his mother, and another 1-week old baby came in. He had been given away at the hospital, and the person to whom he was given to sent him here. There was also another 7-year old boy who arrived last Thursday night. He had been badly beaten by his brother.
I’m still adjusting to the cold! It gets very chilly here at night, even sometimes during the day. The landscape is breath-taking, everywhere you go you can see patchwork mountains and low clouds. I can always use prayers for strength and against homesickness! So many random things remind me of my family and I think of them a couple times a day. Thank you all for your continued support and for being a part of this journey I’m on!
I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last blog! It’s been very busy, and the internet was not working for a while. Last week we went to a town called Baños so that some of the guys from the street ministry could be baptized. We drove way up into the mountain and stopped at a river called Rio Blanco. There, the guys were immersed and baptized! It was very special to be able to be there for this very important commitment in their lives. After that we were able to walk around the town, and on the ride home (in the back of the truck) we heard their testimonies. Many of them grew up in the streets and had very difficult childhoods. But at some point, the Lord sent His Holy Spirit to touch them and transform their lives! The other girls and I have been having a great time getting to know them.
This weekend the other girls and I also got the chance for a “mini-vacation.” We went back to Baños from Saturday to Sunday. We relaxed, ate some good food, walked around a very nice small town, and hiked up the mountain on a trail that leads to a famous statue of the virgin Mary. The view was spectacular, and pictures couldn’t even capture how it truly was! This particular town is in the middle of the Andes, the middle of what seems to be valleys. I always feel so small and powerless when compared to the majesty and power of God through His creation; especially these mountains and volcanoes.
Even though it may not sound like it, we did work as well! One of the baby boys went back with his mother, and another 1-week old baby came in. He had been given away at the hospital, and the person to whom he was given to sent him here. There was also another 7-year old boy who arrived last Thursday night. He had been badly beaten by his brother.
I’m still adjusting to the cold! It gets very chilly here at night, even sometimes during the day. The landscape is breath-taking, everywhere you go you can see patchwork mountains and low clouds. I can always use prayers for strength and against homesickness! So many random things remind me of my family and I think of them a couple times a day. Thank you all for your continued support and for being a part of this journey I’m on!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Funny Story
I was riding on the bus into town the other day, and an elderly woman came on. She was dressed in authentic Ecuadorian clothing and hat. I was wondering about her life, and wondered what it was like. Where she lived, if she had children and grandchildren or if she believed in God. I was a couple rows behind her so I watched for a while. As I was thinking all these things, she reached into her pocket and pulled out an "iPhone touch" to make a phone call....something I was not expecting!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Evening Meetings
Every evening before all the children go to sleep, there is a "meeting". Some nights there is a lesson from the bible and prayer, and others are just singing and dancing to music done by Isaac on his guitar. This is really a special time, and enjoyed by myself and the kids.
This is when they truly come together as a big family! Here is a video of one of the nights spent singing:
This is when they truly come together as a big family! Here is a video of one of the nights spent singing:
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hello all!
It's been a great week and weekend here. Saturday night we had the opportunity to go to a Christian "hip-hop" concert that was put together by the Iglesia de la Calle (Street Church). There were both Christians and non-Christians, many singers and break dancers. There was prayer and some preaching, and me and the other girls really enjoyed it! Street Church is on Saturday nights, and I haven't been to it yet since we've had concerts, but plan on it for Saturday. I've met some of the youth and young adults that go and they have a passion for bringing the news of Christ out. Me as well as the other two volunteers are ready to get more involved in this ministry.
I've spent much time with the babies and toddlers, and am becoming great at changing cloth diapers! There is one baby in particular that pulls at my heart, her name is Romina. She is blind in one eye and does not have a second. But her condition I believe is the same as Eli's (my brother for those who might not know!) and I think of him often. It makes me wonder what he was like at the age of one, and what his life was like with his foster family.
The babies, as well as all the children and teenagers are beautiful and are anxious to give hugs and just simply sit on your lap. It's easy to get lost in the daily life, and I've still finding myself wondering if what I do is going to be life-changing to them. That's when the Lord quietly reminds me that these are HIS children, and anything I do or have ever done for the kingdom of God is not by me, but by Him working through me. There is an extreme comfort in that and just giving my day and anything I do to Him and have Him do what He will with it.
I hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday, I was able to skype the family and they put me at the end of the table during the meal so I felt like I was there! It was pretty entertaining.....God bless!
It's been a great week and weekend here. Saturday night we had the opportunity to go to a Christian "hip-hop" concert that was put together by the Iglesia de la Calle (Street Church). There were both Christians and non-Christians, many singers and break dancers. There was prayer and some preaching, and me and the other girls really enjoyed it! Street Church is on Saturday nights, and I haven't been to it yet since we've had concerts, but plan on it for Saturday. I've met some of the youth and young adults that go and they have a passion for bringing the news of Christ out. Me as well as the other two volunteers are ready to get more involved in this ministry.
I've spent much time with the babies and toddlers, and am becoming great at changing cloth diapers! There is one baby in particular that pulls at my heart, her name is Romina. She is blind in one eye and does not have a second. But her condition I believe is the same as Eli's (my brother for those who might not know!) and I think of him often. It makes me wonder what he was like at the age of one, and what his life was like with his foster family.
The babies, as well as all the children and teenagers are beautiful and are anxious to give hugs and just simply sit on your lap. It's easy to get lost in the daily life, and I've still finding myself wondering if what I do is going to be life-changing to them. That's when the Lord quietly reminds me that these are HIS children, and anything I do or have ever done for the kingdom of God is not by me, but by Him working through me. There is an extreme comfort in that and just giving my day and anything I do to Him and have Him do what He will with it.
I hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday, I was able to skype the family and they put me at the end of the table during the meal so I felt like I was there! It was pretty entertaining.....God bless!
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