Mendoza 2011--Our ♥s calling

Mendoza--what can I say? It's truly amazing to look back at where God has brought us from to prepare us for the day that we will move to this city. And we are getting closer. Such a mixture of emotions that comes with this. Excitement, to see HIS plans for us unfolding. Anxiety, to think of all the changes and challenges that are yet to be faced. Awe, at how the Lord is working in our lives to make this a reality. And the list could go on and on...

As you will see in these pics, Mendoza is a wonderful city which rests at the bottom of the Andes Mountains. As it is so near the mountains it has quite a dry, arid climate. Thankfully, it has an amazing watering system to bring water from the mountains to the city and keep it green and beautiful. The city and suburbs combine for a population of around 1 Million people. That's 1,000,000 souls in need of a Saviour. There are only 2 good, Bible-believing Baptist churches in this whole area that we know of. Sounds like their is plenty of room for a few more, wouldn't you say?!

So let me introduce you to our city. Doesn't that sound nice?! At least it will be our city and God has already placed its mark upon our ♥s.
 

The city from a distance

Outdoor amphitheater near the city

"Hill of Glory"

Statue of General San Martin (Famous Argentine Liberator) at the front of the monument

Mendoza from above with the beautiful Andes Mountains backdrop

Another "Bird's Eye View"

Fountain in the Park

Small {man-made} lake in the park

Hotel Villavicencio

Sadly, it is not in use today

Hiking up to the outlook

Many times throughout the trip I was put in awe of the beauty of God's creation. From the lovely purple hues
of the sierras, to the crisp blue sky filled with puffy cotton-ball clouds, to the vibrant greens of trees and the rich golden fields just waiting for their day of harvest all of this beautifully accented by the sun's shining rays beaming down and warming the earth and my heart.

Definitely worth the climb!!

A lovely fall day!

The wonder of God's Creation

Love the yellow in the trees!

♥ ♥ ♥

Chapel near the hotel

Old-Timey Chandelier in the chapel

Pic of Jesus {SUPPOSED} Baptism

My first impression of this picture is to laugh {at its ridiculousness} and then I am instantly angered and saddened by the fallacy of it. In case you are wondering, Jesus' baptism did not look ANYTHING like this!! It's a shame that Satan has so perverted the simple and pure truth found in God's Holy Word. I am thankful that the Lord led me to the Light of Christ and that we can go to Mendoza and share Him with others.

Sign warning of the eminent dangers ahead {We did NOT go that way!}

 

A demonstration in the street, thankfully a peaceful, quiet one

A Museum about the founding of Mendoza Capital

This was the most interesting thing to me--Check out that Windshield!! LOL

These next few pics are kind of random, but they are of the area that we are praying about starting a church in.

Catholic church in front of the plaza

You might be thinking, "What's so special about that place?" And if you visited us in Argentina, you would realize even more that it is very typical for down here. Just a normal neighborhood, filled with buildings, streets, cars, and people. The only thing special about it is God's direction in our lives to go there and the people that are waiting. Waiting to hear the Good News of Jesus' unconditional love and be saved. It doesn't get any more "special" than that.

Obviously, this is just a small glimpse at the city I will one day call "home". Please pray for us to have wisdom in the many, many decisions that we need to make before moving and starting our new adventure. Pray for us as we continue to minister here and prepare for that day. Most of all, pray that God will begin even now to open doors and hearts in Mendoza.

God is good!