May 17, 2022

Community members in Azama gather with CODEINSE staff before beginning their day of work

 

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).  Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

When they all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. - John 6:8-13

I am beginning to settle into life in Riobamba. I returned to the mountains on Easter weekend, eager to dive into the engineering work. Since then I have worked in a few communities, checking up on current construction in the community of Azama and completing a topographic survey in the community of Pull San Jose. 

I was in Azama for three days with the CODEINSE team. We took a look at the spring protection that was completed last year and checked up on the progress of the construction of the transmission line that will carry the water from the spring to the community. The community members form a “minga”, or work bee, to complete the trench digging and pipe installation of the transmission line. A member from each home that will receive water must be present each day, so roll call is taken each morning to confirm all are fulfilling their share of the work. 

In Pull San Jose, the CODEINSE team spent two days collecting survey data, completing a drone flight for aerial photos, and visiting the springs that will serve as the source water for the community. Members of the community were present throughout the process, running from house to house with prisms to help collect the data and also helping identify which house belonged to whom.

Community members in Pull San Jose were eager to assist with the topographic data collection (photo credit: Chris Visscher)

As part of the CODEINSE team, I play a role in the work in these communities, whether that be in the form of standing behind a survey instrument collecting data or reviewing a system design with my fellow engineers. 

You, the reader of this newsletter, also take part in this work. You encourage me with notes and emails, lift me up in prayer, and support me financially. Some of you may also support Life Giving Water International, one of the other partners in this work, who provide funds to pay for pipe and other materials to make these systems financially feasible for these communities. 

When I returned to Riobamba, I attended church on Easter and part of the message focused on John 6:1-15, which I have partly quoted above. In the text we see Jesus feed the five thousand. The disciples question how this work will be completed. They bring up concerns about money, and when a partial solution has been presented, they question how this solution can address the entirety of the problem. 
 
We do the same in our lives. We wonder if the resources are available. We question if what is present is enough to make a difference. I think what we are called to do in these scenarios is trust in God’s blessing and perform the roles that are in front of us. The boy brings the five loaves and two fish. After questioning Jesus, the disciples distribute the food to the hungry people. And it is Jesus who blesses all of this to solve the problem that is present.

Without the help of community members throughout the data collection, design, and construction process, spiritual and financial partners in the United States, or fellow engineers from the US,  Ecuador, or Colombia, this work wouldn’t happen. What a blessing it is to see so many hands take part in the important work of having access to clean water. And what an incredible opportunity it is to see God’s blessing throughout all of the work. Thank you for your contribution!

Just wanted to drop in this photo of Chimborazo, the highest mountain peak in Ecuador at 20,549 ft. It is located just north of Riobamba

Prayer Requests

• The language study continues to progress - prayers are still appreciated for improved fluency and patience!
• Prayers for the design process in Pull San Jose as well as construction in Azama.
• Summer interns from the United States will be arriving at the beginning of June. Please pray for safe travels and for their studies and work experience here in Ecuador.

Financial Update
With the addition of a few church partners in the past few months and many of your monthly commitments, I’ve now reached 100% funding for my first year of ministry. Thank you all!