And that's a wrap for travel season, '19! We couldn't have asked for a better first couple of months. We didn't imagine all of the things we would learn or the ways that we would be stretched. That being said, this is somewhat of a re-cap newsletter so bare with us as it will probably be a bit longer than normal. As life slows down we want to be sure to fill you guys in on all the cool things that have happened that we weren't able to share in the midst of the craziness.
UPDATES
- In the end of September, a lady from the ministry Faith Comes by Hearing brought audio Bibles in the Yanesha language. She did a two day seminar on how to best use them as well as basic Biblical teaching. Although the Yanesha language is dying and most of the younger generation solely speak Spanish, it was the coolest thing ever to watch the older generation hear the Bible for the first time in their own language. Because some are unable to read/write, this resource will be greatly used.
- Another group from Engineers Without Borders came from Minnesota! They began a five year project in the community Santa Rosa. Matt and I were able to assist with in-home surveys as well as land surveys, translating and helping wherever needed. It's so cool seeing the collaborative work that comes from a group of passionate engineers and the local community to accomplish a common goal.
- Our friends from Minnesota, Luke and Bridget came for a week! Not only was it awesome having house guests in San Ramón for a couple of days, but doing ministry with friends is a blast. We spent the week in the schools in the community of Shiringa (who is also in the process of getting drinking water through EWB). We taught an hour and a half class on clean water, how to know if you can drink water, what contaminates the water, basic hand-washing principles and wrapped up with sharing about Jesus and how only through Him are our thirsts ever truly quenched. It was the first time Matt and I have been able to teach in Spanish and we loved it! Matt and Luke also spent a couple of days at the training center construction site, putting in hard work and building relationships. HUGE thanks to Luke and Bridget for making it happen...you guys were/are such an encouragement to us! Bridget took tons of incredible pics throughout the trip as well that she's given us permission to use in our newsletters in the future. We 100% recommend taking them with you on any and every travel excursion you find yourself on.
- So what's next: Because rainy season is here, thus making it too difficult to travel in and out of Yaneshaland, we will be here in San Ramón until the rains let up! We are excited to be in one place for a little while and to have time to get connected with the community here. We have plans of volunteering in the local clinic and teaching English. We are also excited to begin learning more about what it would look like to connect Yanesha people and the resources they have (primarily cacao), to a market in which they can sell them for their value. If you have any experience/resources about this for us, we would love to hear from you! prayer requests
PRAYER REQUESTS: - During our next couple of months in San Ramón, we will be featuring a few Yanesha individuals to lift up in prayer. First up is a lady by the name of Graciela. She was in a mototaxi accident 3 years ago, and ever since has been bed-ridden, unable to move much more than her eyes and fingers. Thankfully she knows the Lord but has asked that we pray for her family who does not. It's nearly impossible for her to share with them at this point, but her attitude and joy-filled heart, despite circumstances, is such a testament and beautiful reflection of Jesus. Would you join us in praying for her and her family!
- Our teammate Ellie just completed her two-year commitment and moved back to the States. Selfishly, we're so sad to see her go but are thankful for her heart and ears that are truly attentive to God's call for her. Pray for a great transition back to the States.
- Our transition into rainy season: help us to find open doors and get involved!
WE HAVE SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR: - An incredible travel season! Our journals are full of stories, large and small, of God moving. We're so thankful to be a part of the ministry He is doing here!
- Health and safety for teams! Besides weird stomachs, which comes with the territory, we're so thankful for God's provision over all the travels and sometimes sketchy food.
- We're so thankful for all of the relationships that have begun in our short time here so far. We've been able to see a bigger, fuller picture of who God is through this and we're so thankful for the opportunity to share Him with them as well!