Another week, another great experience

Wow, freakin incredible week thus far. Saturday we finally installed the front gate for the church, which looks great. Also, the youth went out to the neighborhood and preached the gospel to the neigbors. It was really great to watch them speak and share openly. I spoke some but had some difficulty. It was great to see the people talk about their beliefs about God and see some begin to understand. Others accepted Christ and still others we were able to pray for that someone else might open them more. It was a great experience. Sunday began with another great service. However afterward, the pastor explained the church's plans for the future. eventually they want to build up to 4 floors and have a school there also. They are currently trying to buy the property next to the church for more space. Also, on Sundays they will begin classes for all ages. They will last 6 months and then progress to subsequent levels. A great way to give people a better and deeper understanding of the bible. It is great to see the plans that this church has to grow and the interest and enthusiasm from the people. Monday and Tuesday we continued working on the church as we prepare to pour the floor this Saturday.

Wednesday was incredible. I went with Fernando and Juan, who I am living with and Franklin, the youth leader of the church and we went to Rucu Pichincha, one of the mountains surrounding the city. We rode the Teleferqo (gondolo) half way up and ensued to hike another 2 hours to the top. It was incredible, steep hills, plants, rocks, rock climbing. It was hard, dangerous in parts but absolutely incredible. We were surrounded by clouds and wind. We crossed a death pass, a "bridge" no more than 2 feet wide and from there had to climb a 5 foot wall. haha. I don't know how but we all made it safely. At the summit was awesome. Surrounded by clouds and wind and bit of snow. All around seemed to fall away to steep rocky slopes to nowhere. Afterward when we finally made it down, we traveled into the city for a late lunch. We had pan de yuca, which is one of the best things I have tried here and its freakin incredible. By the end of it all I was exhausted and my legs were more or less rubber however, it was a phenomenal day.

Today was another long day of work, we are almost ready as we finish up preparation for Saturday. The group of 10 from the states arrive tonight and they will be here for 12 days. Saturday is the big pour as people from a number of different churches are coming to help, we are guessing around 60 people to help. It should be incredible. Overall everything is great. I feel good and God continues to refresh me everyday. Its been incredible. Thanks so much for your love and prayer, its going a long way. Hope everything back home is going well. I love you and miss you all.

The "death pass". yeah I was a bit nervous, haha. But we all made it alright.

The 4 of us (and a picture of Franklin's sister who couldn't be with us) at the summit. Lots of clouds and wind.

A view of the city from a bit below the cloud line. The city is huge and this is only one angle but it was incredible to see it all laid out.