Living Conditions in Ecuador

It is sometimes easy to become indifferent to our surroundings and all the material comforts that we claim. It was extremely humbling to see how these sweet people live. Let's not forget to be greatful for what we sometimes consider to be the little things.

Iguana Park

these lovely iguanas were everywhere! You gotta watch where you stand if you know what I mean

Quito Ecuador Temple

Even in Ecuador the temple is amazing!

Appreciating the finer things

I of course had a different approach to how the time in Ecuador should be spent, such as taking in the fine architecture and wondering why we can't build more beautiful buildings?

THE REAL EQUATOR

The Equator according to Tio Jefe's gps

Michael expresses a triumphant pose after finding what he believes to be the true equator. Let me explain. We went to visit Equator Park. Uncle Jeff had brought along his GPS and Michael was thoroughly intrigued. They walked along until we came to the "Equator', at which time they announced, "rather loudly" that the line was wrong and where was the actually equator? So, while Mary and I had to fight to get a picture with them over this fraudulant line, they were in a mad rush to find the actual equator. We walked around the park and finally back to the car where they asked the driver where the real equator was? The driver promptly drove us to another little park where they claimed another equator line. Surprise Surprise this line did not "Line up" with the numbers either! (like the pun?) Anyway, they marched off to find the true line according to the gps. They found it and thus the above picture. Well, the owner of the little equator park realized what they were doing and decided to explain why the different lines. The first park line was done according to maps. Pretty close I'd say. The next park was done according to early military gps technology. And the line Uncle Jeff and Michael had found, well . . . . . . . .they were informed that they had to calibrate their gps to read correctly in Ecuador so the owner told them how and together they went to the real equator!!! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Thank goodness. Frankly I was only in it for the picture!

Ecuador

Recently Michael and I were able to travel to Ecuador on a Humanitarian Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Michael was able to teach other doctors and nurses how to resuscitate babies after birth. It was so much fun! I feel so fortunate to have been a small part of this great work!