Hanging out at the day care with this cutie.
So, as I’ve been sharing with you all, we do a LOT of construction here. We’ve moved sand, rocks, and cement with wheelbarrows, we’ve helped get the re-bar ready for the roof, I’ve used a pick-ax (?!), and we’ve made bricks with our feet, Israelite style. For real, that is most of what we do. I can only describe the same construction so many times, so that’s why this month you’re not seeing tons of blogs about it, because I think you get the picture 🙂 So… here’s a different take on the same ol’ same ol’…
(our desert)
Like I said, we make bricks with our feet. We’ve realized that technology around here hasn’t changed since… well, we weren’t sure how long, but it’s been a while. When you see how the houses are made, you’d know what we mean. These bricks are made of the desert sand, some straw, some rocks – whatever. And that’s what the houses are made out of. (Side note: I went to upload a few pictures of the process and realized I left my memory card an hour away at home. Boo. This is all I have for now.)
Like I said, you get the picture 🙂 Anyway, yesterday, after church, a few of us went to check out some ancient ruins. They’re pretty legit. Apparently these temples were uncovered “20 years ago in 1991″… (p.s. 1991 was 20 years ago?!) under some gigantic sand dunes, so excavation is still new. They were awesome, and definitely put us in the mood to watch some Indiana Jones movies (except that last one, I mean come on, aliens?)… anyway, we noticed that not only were the bricks and buildings made EXACTLY the same as the ones where we live, but they were from the time of CHRIST. Um, hi ancient history, nice to meet you. The people of Peru still use the same technology today as they did back then to make bricks and build with them (minus some shovels, wheelbarrows, and work gloves of course.) Apparently, some things never change.
We did notice, however, that their gods changed. Throughout the temple, there were various depictions of god: happy, sad, angry, etc. This wasn’t just depicting the emotions of god, but literally a god who changed depending on his follower’s devotion.
Happy God.
These faces were all around the altars for human sacrifice, where they would kill young boys to try and appease their god. All I could think of was how blessed we are to serve the true God, a God of emotion yes, but a God who does not change. A God who is all loving, all powerful, all just, and all good: all the time. Just like something as simple as the technology of making bricks, some things never change. Thank God. Literally.
Us trying to do what the people behind us in the ruins are doing.
Pretty sure we look like ancient warriors, no?
And FINALLY, here’s the video I’ve been trying to upload. It’s just us crossing the border into Peru and some clips from the first few days. Enjoy 🙂
I am praying for you…I love hearing what God is doing through you and in you….
Blessings and love
What an amazing experience you’re having. Wow!
I praise God that he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is our constant in an ever changing world. Yes you all look fierce holding hands and smiling lol.