In preparation for this vision team, we have traveled around Quito trying to immerse ourselves in the culture even more and to understand the backgrounds and beliefs of the majority of the population. One place we went to visit was the Temple of the sun god. What an experience, and we learned a lot! Ecuadorian ancestors have close ties with the Navajo and Apache people of the Americas. They very much looked to the earth as a source of health, energy and healing. They believed that god appointed the sun, moon and earth as celestial beings that had the power to heal and restore. These beliefs are coming back more and more in present day, along with a strong influence of shamanism, as people are wanting to get back to their "roots" and be more earth conscience.
Here are some pictures from the temple of the sun god... We just happened to be there as the clouds rolled in over the mountains that afternoon, which just added to the ominous atmosphere!
Outside View:
Inside View...
The "Healing Room"...
Looking up in the center of the temple..
Please, please be praying for the people of Ecuador and Latin America who are searching for God in all the wrong places. We don't clean our spirit through the elements. Our hearts and minds are made pure when we allow Him into our hearts, and give Him reign in our lives.
The temple also happens to be on the equator! So here is a picture of my feet in both hemispheres at once!
This week we are prepping for that team and I will be getting ready to move into my apartment here! I will get the keys on Thursday :) Praying that I can find lots of good deals on furniture!
One last thing, everyone meet Zippy....
Zippy was given to me by someone who is very near and dear to my heart, so I have decided to take him along for the adventure! Be on the look out for him to show up in random pictures throughout this year. He will be like a little "easter egg" for you guys to be looking for while I'm in Ecuador!
Keep those prayers coming! Love to you all! ~Kati
