April 19, 2023

 

Leaders of the four communities of Pisabo Azama and members of CODEINSE pose for a photo at the principle reservoir. 

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. - Psalms 95:2

The four communities of Pisabo Azama celebrated the completion of their new water system on March 18. In total, 300 families now have reliable access to clean spring water at their homes. Working side-by-side, the four communities dug 24 kilometers of pipe and built four new tanks to receive the clean water. 

The ceremonial first opening of the spigot at the celebration. 

I had a great time at the celebration along with CODEINSE staff, interacting with the community members and congratulating them on all of their hard work to accomplish this achievement. The community sang songs, performed traditional dances, and put on a short skit to explain the work and effort that had been required to access water before the new system was constructed. As we packed up to leave the festivities around 4pm, a local band was setting up to continue the celebration with more music and dancing. 

As a board member of Life Giving Water International, it was an honor to receive recognition for financial support of the project alongside Bruce and Cherith Rydbeck

CODEINSE field staff Wilson, Fredy, and Julian (not pictured) were vital to the success of the project. 

In the past month we also had the opportunity to work with a group of students from an English-language high school in Quito. Seven students and two professors joined the CODEINSE team in the community of San Martin Bajo to pour the foundation for a new pump house and dig 300 meters of trench for a new transmission main form the new pump house location to an existing tank. 

For the students, four of whom were native Ecuadorians, it allowed them to experience a different culture and lifestyle within the country, while also helping them gain new appreciation for the comforts they have at home. As CODEINSE staff, we had the opportunity to work through a few Bible studies with the students, one of which was on the Parable of the Good Samaritan. With US-based interns or church groups, this study carries with it a global answer to the question "Who is my neighbor?" For these students, and also for myself, this short trip was a good remainder of the ways we can serve and make an impact in close proximity to where we are each and every day. 

The students led two days of Bible lessons for the community children and also played games with them. 

Finally, I was able to enjoy wonderful Good Friday and Easter services at my home church in Riobamba. It was wonderful to be able to sing familiar hymns such as "Low in the Grave He Lay" and "Christ the Lord is Risen Today". Easter weekend also marked a year that I have been working in my role with CODEINSE. I am grateful for the friendships and relationships I have built in this work, and grateful for the support and encouragement I receive from family and friends back in the States and around the world. Thank you all for your support!

Prayer Requests
A few prayer requests for the upcoming months:
  • The project in Pull San Jose is wrapping up soon. Thanksgiving for the work that has already been completed and prayers as final details are addressed. 
  • I will be traveling to North Carolina in May, along with Chris Visscher, to attend a weeklong well-drilling training. Prayers for a good learning experience. 
  • Immediately after the training, three civil engineering interns will be joining the ministry in Ecuador for two months. Pray that final preparations for these three students will go well. 
I have been working here in Ecuador for over a year. I am grateful for new experiences, new friendships, and the beautiful landscape that has been a backdrop for it all. 


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