We have arrived!

Team Ni arrived in Lima last night after a LONG, tiring day. We had long delays getting out of D.C. due to deicing procedures for the planes and we were all pretty wiped out when we got here. Today it was just gorgeous here...about 80 to 85 degrees with lots of sun! It was truly a beautiful Easter. We headed out to the city square of Lima this morning and toured the San Francisco Convent. Lots of families were out enjoying the good weather and heading to church.
After taking pictures in the square and lunch, we spent a couple of hours in the Indian market. It is amazing how quickly language barriers can be broken during shopping. : )

We attended church in the evening- Iglesia Shalom in the village of El Salvador. That was an AMAZING experience. The members greeted us with big bear hugs and kisses, as if we had known each other for years. The service, of course, was conducted in Spanish, but Ricky, our guide, went up on stage and translated for us. It was nice to be able to follow the message, but truthfully, the energy that was present transcended any language barriers. The pastor spoke about David planning the tabernacle for God and how, even though the structure wasn{t built for a long time, the church was not a building but existed in the hearts and minds of the believers. As we listened, I thought about how strong the Holy Spirit was in that makeshift church on the outskirts of Lima...the lack of facilities (or maybe the lack of permanance) didn{t dampen those people/s faith one iota. In that aspect, Ni River has a lot in common with the congregation of Iglesia Shalom.

Tomorrow is Compassion Day and we will be spending the entire day with our sponsor children. I feel like it{s Christmas!! I{m not sure if I{ll sleep much tonight. I{m sure I{ll have a lot to write tomorrow night.

Adios! Dios te bendiga!


amy