I hand-washed clothes last night, so I was able to sleep a few minutes longer this morning than usual. That was a blessing! I cooked us some eggs for breakfast, washed up dishes. We packed our backpacks, and headed to the Ranchera, walking 30 minutes to get there. We’re going to Puyupungo today for service.
The Ranchera was so full today, we barely found a seat! Charles got one on the 2nd row, and I was on the 4th. There were 6 adults to a row, ‘squished’ in. Those who came after us were standing up and some were on the roof. And the Ranchera actually left at 12 today instead of 12:20! Good thing we always get there early!
We made it to church safely. Had 4 new children from another community today, so we were very happy about that. Even though many think it’s a children’s story, I taught about Jonah and the big fish today. It’s really a story of obedience (or in Jonah’s case, disobedience). But it teaches us the consecuences of our actions, how he suffered greatly because he disobeyed God. So, they learned a good lesson today, and service was real good.
We worked in the yard afterwards. Charles transplanted some platanos and papachinas to the back garden area. We have a small garden we’re raising behind the church. It’s beautiful. Well, to me it is:-) We have platanos (plantains), yuca, papachinas (a type of potato), green beans, pineapples, and sugar cane. They’re all growing good and coming right along! So beautiful to see the fruits of our labor. In the garden and in the church!:-)
While working with the papachina, Charles dug some up and carried a big bundle of them in his bare hands to the next planting spot. He began digging the new hole, so I picked them up to put them in. When I did, a huge spider fell out of the dirt! Yes, and it was a brown tarantula! Of course, we killed it, and thanked God for always protecting us! The jungle life is not just for anyone!
I worked with the machete some, too, cleaning the fence line down and ‘mowing’ the grass. It rains so much here that everything grows so quickly, so I have to clean once a week or it gets way too tall. But I like ‘playing’ with my machete!
The Ranchera came right on time today, at 5:30, and we saw our friend Enrique and his family on today. We chatted with them and Enrique asked how our service was. They are very nice people, but they do not serve God, although we have invited them to church before. Today, however, he asked again when we had services, and said he and his family would like to come and visit the church there someday. I was very excited about that!
We made it back to Puyo at 7:15. Stopped by the grocery store for some milk and eggs, and walked on home, arriving at 8PM. We each took a shower, then I cooked us some rice and eggs. Put away the laundry that had dried today, and yes, I did hand-wash some more laundry tonight, preparing for tomorrow already.
We went to bed very tired tonight, but knowing it had been a really good day in God! And that is the very reason I am here anyway!
