Ecuador: July 15, 2012 - Church at Semilla de Mostaza

July 6, 2012: The Day Before

July 7, 2012: Traveling
July 8, 2012: First Day
July 9, 2012: Teleferico, Iglesia de La Compañia de Jesus
July 10, 2012: The Basilica and the Stolen Backpack
July 11, 2012: Last Day in Quito
July 12, 2012: Travel to Loja
July 13, 2012: Catamayo
July 14, 2012: Loja and Alfredo
July 15, 2012: Church at Semilla de Mostaza
July 16, 2012: Back to Quito
July 17, 2012: Traveling



Note:  Many of the pictures in this blog series are taken from the internet, because we had our camera stolen halfway through the trip.

\Three years ago, I came to Loja as part of a team from Eastridge Baptist Church.  We participated in a variety of ministries, visiting two orphanages, helping at a mobile clinic, and conversing with ESL students.  But the main project we worked on was building a new church building for Iglesia de la Semilla de Mostaza.

The old church building, I remember, was packed to the brim, with people standing outside in the hallways.  It was a rented building - a school, I think - and it didn't meet their needs very well.

This morning, Leo drives us all to church and I get to see the completed building for the first time!  Sure, it still needs finishing in a few places, but it's totally functional!  It's four floors of administrative offices, Sunday school rooms, youth rooms, and a sanctuary.  It's amazing to see the product of a project in which I had a small part.

We attend a Sunday School in Spanish, led by Leo's brother James.  I try to follow, even though my brain is fried from trying to understand all the Spanish.  I am convinced my Spanish is actually getting worse.

At the service I see the family that hosted me last time I was here, but they have to take off before the service ends.  At least I got to wave to them!

The youth group is raising money for a mission trip, and serving a meal after church.  We eat, and say goodbye to Alfredo. 

After church, I take a nap and a bath while Leo, Lulu, and Pablo head to a graduation party for a friend.  We were invited too, but I'm still not feeling great.  Joe and I have a really nice, relaxing afternoon and evening at the Calvas', watching a movie and eating junk food.  Though we love being here, I think we're both just a little "socialed out" and we need some quiet time.