Whitefield Academy Ecuador Mission Team: Otavalo to Cotacachi: Saturday June 9th

Ecuador Day 1 (Saturday June 9th):

Today we spent the whole day out and about throughout Quito and the surrounding areas. Poncho and Pity graciously toured all 27 of us around this beautiful country. We hiked to a view of a beautiful lake and mountains. We took a boat ride around that lake, and we bartered at the market for Ecuadorian souvenirs. It was a full, but fun day of communing with each other and experiencing a new culture— one very different from our own. We were all in awe of God’s creation and were reminded of the power and beauty of the God that we serve. We stopped for burgers and milkshakes on the way back to where we are staying for dinner. The best part of the day, though, (in my opinion at least) was the evening gathering. It was nothing fancy or too lengthy. It was simply 27 followers of a Christ of all different ages, coming from different places in life, feeling different emotions, struggling with the different things, coming together as one to worship God. We were reminded of our purpose here to serve God through face to face interaction with His people in Ecuador so that our joy may be complete in Him as he promises in 2 John. We sang 2 songs (thanks to Mr. McCune’s guitar playing and leadership). It was quiet and humble. There’s truly nothing in the world like gathering together with only your voices and one or two instruments and intimately singing to God. It ended our full day in a beautiful way, reminding us that we serve a good God and that He is glorified most when we work together as one to serve Him. We love all of our family and friends at home and miss you all dearly. Thanks for following along on our trip.

-Grayce

Our home for the next 10 days

Our other home for the next ten days! Lots of singing, game playing, napping and building of friendships

Mariana, Jared, Emma and Temi take in the highlands

The sassiest llama you ever met!

The market at Otavalo. Many of us learned to haggle for the first time!

Maria Victoria is the sweet daughter of Pancho and Pity. She is a blessing to the group, praying for us and encouraging us. Below her is a traditional Ecuadorian mean of pork, plantains, mote, llapingachos, avocado, and toasted corn kernels.

The view from the hike above lake Cotacahi

The lake at Cotacachi. A volcanic lake formed thousands of years ago and still bubbling from the bottom. The mineral content and acidity means no fish live there but there are many plants and water foul and the most beautiful deep blue color.