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I apologize up front for not being able to depict to you all of the thoughts that are going through my mind because of everything that we've have seen.  Some of this is difficult to put into words.  Most of this must be EXPERIENCED to be able to understand and I'm sorry you're not able to be here.  I will try to do my best.

After reading Mike and Lance's post from earlier today, it is apparent to me that God is at work within our group.  At 9 am the construction team departed for the new church site where we attended church service with the congregation.  Until today, I can probably say that my perspective has probably been skewed.  People who live in America and have never been on a mission trip cannot fully understand true poverty.  As we stood there and worshipped with the (Ecuadorian "Mike Rickles") leading the worship, I began to cry.  This seems to be the overwhelming theme for the day anyway so why not.  There were approximately 120 or more of us counting there congregation and the folks that just walked up.  We had church in the street.  What struck me the most was that the people's condition, status in life, or circumstances did not keep them from worshipping God and having church.  Even though I didn't understand but about two words of the songs we sang, it didn't matter.  I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit in that place.

Our prayers are coming true.  Isn't that a novel idea.  What started as an idea for doing missions work, then expanded into an action, executed with prayer and determination, is now coming to fruition by the grace of God.  WOW!!!!  My God is good.

This was the only "off" for the construction team so we did little site seeing here close to the hotel.  Of course a little site seeing means more bus rides and a lot of walking.  There were deals on every corner.  My roommate bought a Seiko watch for 6$ and by the way, gas is 1.49$ a gallon down here.  There is still no place like home.

The evening was capped off by a praise and worship service on the roof of the hotel.  It was supposed to start at 9 but was about 15 minutes late.  I said that to say that I almost missed it.  I'm extremely tired and I wanted to go to be early because we have to be up by 6 and on the bus by 730.  Something made me change my mind and I encouraged a few other tired folks to go with me to check it out.  Can I say that God does not disappoint?  WOW!!!  Once again I felt the Holy Spirit moving again.  I can say that I started and finished the day crying and I'm still crying as I'm writing this post.  I wish I could share what I'm feeling with you right now.

We finished the praise service with prayer and I finished the night by saying this:

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

Today my heart was filled up and there is more to come.  I wish you could all be here.

Joshua