The first blog of the race, finally! It’s been a little over two weeks since I stepped foot into South America. However, time has been a weird reality since leaving Minnesota. It’s been two weeks that feel much more like two months with all that has happened both in my heart and with what each day here holds.
Flying into Quito, Ecuador I was welcomed by one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen of the Andes mountains and all sorts of different shades of green. I may not be able to wonder at Lake Superior anymore but I am in awe of these mountains that God’s created in this place.
Casa Blanca, a missionary hostel founded by an organization called IncaLink, has been my, as well as four other P squad teams’ home and the love and hospitality from our hosts Fabie, Mabe, and Gustavo have made it feel like nothing less then that.
As far as ministry, my team and I are working with a church this month called Iglesia del Evangelio Eterno. We are working at one of their new ministry sites alongside a couple: Andrea and Fabian. Andrea’s father is the pastor of the church and the one who had the vision of placing the ministry site in an area called Caspigasi. We cross the equator each day to get to Caspigasi and as you enter the poverty in the area is evident. The area is under the influence of a satanic church that is nearby and is a dry place both literally and spiritually. Hence why the location was chosen-to reclaim the area for the Lord! As of now the ministry site consists of three brand new buildings that will eventually be a church, a place people can seek medical help, and children can come to receive hot meals, tutoring, and hear about the Lord!
My days have been spent loving, praying, and preparing an oasis amidst the desolation. We are painting the children’s building, planting flowers, and helping with vacation bible school on Saturdays.
The vision for this place is incredible. I am so excited to see what the Lord is going to do in and through this ministry. I may not be here for the harvest but I am so honored to help plant the seeds for the harvest that is coming later and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that when that time comes this ministry site is going to build the Kingdom tremendously and the people of Caspigasi will not only know but have a love for the Lord.
Other than that..
Guinea pig has been eaten.
I have ziplined through the canopy of the rainforest.
I cross into the northern and southern hemispheres four times a day.
Eat some of the best food I have ever tasted { If I don’t gain weight this month it will truly be a miracle}
Have consumed more peanut butter in two weeks than I have in the last year.
Realized how much I take for granted something as simple as a HOT shower.
& have a new found love for Community.
Most importantly the Lord is wasting no time in transforming my heart, soul, and mind and bringing to life new things within me and revealing more and more of who He is and He is pretty darn incredible!
All my love-xoxo
Anna
