We traveled about 30 minutes from Otavalo to the small village of Pijal, where the church we are serving is located. We traveled up a winding and eroded dirt road to reach the two story church. Worship takes place on the top floor, and you can feel a lot of give in that wooden floor as you walk across it! The downstairs appears to be unfinished, but it is where some cooking is done and the children go for Sunday School. There is a small bathroom on the side of the building accessible from the outside. 

They have a level plot of land behind the church, where the new church will be situated. We met with Pastor Luis and several other leaders in the church and discussed their vision for the new building. Then we went inside where he presented a sketch that the church prepared showing what uses the ministry needs in order to better serve the community. 

I loved meeting the children at the church! They were so warm and friendly and reminded me of my daughters back home. I gave them all some paper and pens to use during our meeting and their handwriting and drawings were beautiful! I am lucky that they let me take them home with me. 

We concluded the busy day with team devotions at the house. Fortunately our FEDICE hosts joined us as well and enriched the sharing with their experiences. I went to bed reminded that sometimes to grow closer to Christ I don't need to "do" something, I just need to let go and be attentive to God's abundant grace and blessings that surround me. 

The church we are serving in Pijal. Evangelical Alliance Church of Central Pijal.