He is Risen!!

And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. John 19:19

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

I think this may have been my favorite moment in Ecuador....climbing and panting my way up this mountain, coming over the hardest stretch, looking up and my face just lit up with a huge smile! I had made it, I had made it to the cross...it was pure joy.

Today was a beautiful day! It dawned warm and sunny, church was wonderful, we sang many old and familiar hymns that are dear to my heart. The pastor had everyone that spoke a different language stand up and say, He is Risen, in their language  It was so neat and there were so many languages, it made me realize how many people and tongues were confessing today that Christ is indeed risen from the dead and is there Lord and Saviour!  There was a baptism and a lady that has traveled around the world in a ship doing mission work, shared with us about what Christ mean to her. After church we had a dinner and ate outside. It felt like a church picnic! With the sun beaming down...it was a beautiful time to celebrate and marvel in the sacrifice that Christ has made for us. On the way home from church we all joined in singing....I love singing!

When I got home I ate my chocolate egg that Natasha gave me just before she left! Its the oddest egg I have even seen...nothing like you would find in the states, but its chocolate and its delicious! Thank you Natasha! I could go for some marshmallow peeps though....or malt ball eggs....or...well anyway, Easter isn't celebrated to much in Ecuador, beyond black Friday, they have a parade with Jesus figures and crosses and things, I've heard its pretty intense. They have a traditional soup they eat here at this time called Fanesca, made from a lot of fresh grains, different kinds of beans, potatoes, salty cod, onions, milk, squash, tomatoes, peas, peanuts, cheese, spices...anyway its a lot going on and everyone makes it different, but it is quite a topic of discussion! They only make it once a year though. I have enjoyed not seeing all the other things that surround Easter in the states. It has been easier to forget about all the party things and remember the cross alone. I was not really looking forward to this weekend, being away from my family and with Natasha just leaving, but it has been very special, I felt so loved by so many people even though I am far from home. It has been such a sweet and precious time...making it harder to leave...just what I wanted! But what a blessing!

For even hereunto we are called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in His footsteps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose striped ye were healed. For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Peter 2:21-251