Day six started early, but a number of delays pushed our schedule back more than an hour. No worries! This is Ecuador! But even in Ecuador, our car wasn't going to fit all of us. God provided a large van for our now group of twenty as a second vehicle from a partner ministry called Extreme Response.
First stop, the middle of the earth at the equatorial monument.
And Phil's favorite place, an insectarium!
These rhinoceros beetles are pretty cool,...and a bit intimidating.
Next stop was the bull ring...there were no live bulls, just the boys!
Our view as we drove. The Andes are ever picturesque!
The terrain changed quickly as we dropped in elevation.
Another delay, road workers cleared a small landslide ahead.
Miguel Zova drove our car. Chris braved driving in Quito before we met Miguel at the equator.
(My driver's license needs to be renewed which has not been a simple process.)
We spent the rest of the day and night at Mindo Rio, a beautiful lodge in the mountain jungle.
We enjoyed God's beauty and continued to build relationship through play and relaxing together.
Miguel and Desi Zova's beautiful daughter and our first "granddaughter" Janoa.
Nathan found a way to avoid the afternoon rain shower.
The name for this region is aptly called cloud forest.
Dinner - delicious tilapia! Or you could choose chicken...
Juan Miguel led us in worship on the veranda. Alejandro and Jesus rapped. Corrina shared her story in the safety of God's family and those who understand the deep pain of life. All of us were impacted with the beauty of God's story being worked in her through His redeeming power and love. Miguel immediately said when she finished, "I have three things I want to say to you, but first I just want to give you a hug." Her "little brother" Joel spoke up next with words of encouragement. Then we surrounded her with arms of love and prayers. My heart filled to overflowing with the powerful and encouraging prayers of our Casa G boys. When much grace is received, much grace is given.
Thank you, King of my heart!
These pictures bring back so many memories of our visits to Ecuador! Two of my daughters and I have been down twice each as our local church partners with OMS and the Central District Churches of Ecuador with the FLET Leadership Training as well as trips down to build relationships with the churches we work with. I absolutely love Ecuador and will be making another trip in the next couple years with my younger daughter, wife and hopefully my middle daughter again!
ReplyDelete