tungurahua

Our church has a mission team going to Ecuador again this year, and we have the privilege of working with my dad and Samaritan's Purse in the village of Penipe to build homes for those displaced from the eruption of Tungurahua.

3,200 people were evacuated last year, and three communities were completely wiped out. Many were treated for burns caused by lava flows and incandescent rocks that burned them as they tried to flee, as well as by vapor and the elevated heat in the zone. Only one death was reported as a result of the eruption; it was the first reported from a Tungurahua eruption since it came back to life in 1999 after being dormant for eight decades.

I think I possess a certain infatuation with volcanoes ever since I awoke to my best friend's phone call early one morning in high school, and was directed to go outside immediately and look up. This is what I saw when I did. Guagua Pichincha blew on October 17th, 1999; we had been prepared for it to happen for months, but nothing can explain the feeling of actually experiencing the ash cloud mushroom 5 miles up into the sky before making it's way across the city, enclosing the entire valley under a blanket of darkness as it rained down ash for days. We were thankful to have been kept safe by the mountain range that could have prohibited lava flow had it occurred. I wouldn't have understood had anyone questioned the awesomeness of God in the circumstance, as we had all witnessed an incredible natural phenomenon while being out of harm's way.

After Tungurahua destroyed and injured many last year, that sentiment was not as wide spread, as they lost their homes, livestock, crops, and any security they thought they had. There are many who are angry and questioning God and His awesomeness. I would say I understand the anger in this circumstance. I'm not sure what those we encounter will have to say one way or the other, but I am hoping to get even a small glimpse into how God is moving amidst this disaster...

it's official

I am thrilled to announce that my dad is the new Country Director of Ecuador for Samaritan's Purse. It has been a process for my family to make a transition out of his business, but it has been so amazing to see how God has worked in their lives as they have been faithful to His call.

Congratulations, dad! I love you so much and am so proud of you!

henri nouwen

"A human being is not someone who once in a while makes a mistake, and God is not someone who now and then forgives. No, human beings are sinners and God is love."