We loved the Prophet's message on Friday, November 20th, inviting all to #GiveThanks! We are grateful for our faith, our family, our friends, our finances, our frustrations, our failings, and our future. Life is busy, and it is easy to let the highly charged atmosphere of today's world interfere with our countless opportunities to ..... #GiveThanks.
Thanks to all who view our blog, who pray for our well-being, and who express their appreciation for our kinship and friendship. Your influence and examples have blessed our lives abundantly! We hope and pray that the Prophet's, the Lord's counsel and prescription for managing the ills of today's world, beginning with the simple remedy of gratitude, will continue to touch your minds and hearts throughout the holiday season.
We know from experience, that giving thanks and acknowledging blessings, unites us with the divine; increases our faith in and love for God; enlarges our desires and abilities to love others; magnifies and expands our opportunities to serve; and motivates us to make the world a better place.
This Thanksgiving week we were blessed with a visit from our youngest child Natalie and her husband, our son-in-law, Brad. They reminded us of how much we love and miss being near family. Their visit was also a great opportunity for us to show them what we've been doing for the past 16 months, and the beautiful land of Ecuador.
Natalie and Brad arrived on Friday, November 20th. Since we don't have a car, we hired a driver with a nice van, to transport us from place to place when Ubers or taxis were not easily found. Our first stop after dropping their luggage off at our apartment was a walk to the nearby Menestras Del Negro (Ecuadorean fast food chain) for an Ecuadorean supper consisting of fried chicken breast (pollo apanada), beans or lentils, rice, french fries (papas fritas), and ensalada.
A sweet reunion and some happy tears after 16+ months.
Natalie....meet Quito! Quito.....meet Natalie!!
After supper we walked over to the old mission office and showed Natalie and Brad our original stomping grounds. We finished the evening with a game of Rook. Girls won!
Saturday morning we rode the Teleferico (gondola) up to it's drop-off point, and then hiked to the base of the Pichincha volcano. We were impressed by how well Natalie and Brad acclimated to Quito's 9600 ft. elevation from Gainesville, FL. Hiking up and down the Pichincha trail for 6+ miles at 15,000 ft. worked up an appetite. We ate lunch at a small Ecuadorean restaurant by our apartment complex. It was a full meal of soup, entree w/rice, salad, fries, drink, and a dessert all for $2.75/person.
A view of Quito from the Teleferico.
On a clear morning at the top of the Teleferico, you can get a glimpse of the volcanic mountain range.
Brad swings high over the Quito valley.
A view of Pichincha Volcano from the hiking trail.
Stopping to catch our breath and take a few photos.
Max, Natalie, and Brad at the base of Pichincha.
Just over 14,000 ft on the Pichincha trail.
Brad and Natalie at the base of Pichincha.
Saturday evening we visited El Panecillo. A small volcanic hill in the middle of Quito where a large aluminum monument of the Virgin Mary is placed. It is also the place where on October 9, 1965, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, dedicated the land of Ecuador to the preaching of the restored gospel.
After touring the site and the monument, we enjoyed a beautiful evening view of Quito while eating a delicious dinner at Pim's Restaurant, the only restaurant on El Panecillo.
The Virgin Mary Monument
Dinner at Pim's with our sunburned faces from hiking Pichincha.
Sunday we attended Church, introduced Natalie and Brad to the office missionaries, and then toured the Basilica del Voto Nacional.
On our way to Church.
Frontal view of the Basilica del Voto Nacional.
Climbing the stairs to the north Basilica spires.
Walkway above the arched ceiling of the Basilica to the stairs that ascend to the north spires.
Brad and Natalie on the north tower with the south clock towers and Panecillo in the background.
Monday morning our driver Jose, picked us up at our apartment for our trip to Quilotoa and Banos. The drive to Quilotoa was about 3.5 hours. We arrived at the site, took a few photos, and then began our descent to the lagoon at the bottom of the crater. On the way down, a woman asked us where we were from, and then answered her own question ..... "Utah!" We thought that was interesting because my missionary tag happened to be covered by my rain jacket. She then went on to say that we must be "Mormon." "Yes," we responded that we were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but we didn't live in Utah. Our conversation continued as we hiked down the hillside. Sarah was from Australia, but lived and worked in England. She and her husband had purchased a home in Alta, UT twenty years ago. She loves to ski, she loves Utah, and she is always impressed with members of our faith. As we talked, I felt like I'd made an immediate new friend.
Stopping for photos on the way to Quilotoa.
Another breath taking view of the twin volcanos - Lliniza Norte y Sur. Two of Ecuador's 84 volcanos.
A view of Quilotoa from the top. Note the hiking trail leading to the base of the crater.
Brad surveys Quilotoa Lagoon.
Meeting Sarah at Quilotoa.
A motorboat (rubber raft) ride on the lagoon.
Part way down the trail....another picture perfect view of Quilotoa.
Satisfying Natalie's Ecuadorean bucket list....a photo with a llama.
Found this little cutie at the top of the trail. Cost = $1
Hiking Quilotoa was probably the most difficult hike of the week. The trail is extremely steep and you need to be very careful not to slip on loose sand that conceals a rock base. We all thought this hike was more difficult than hiking to the base of Pichincha or Cotopaxi. After our hike, we enjoyed an Ecuadorean lunch before heading off to Banos.
Banos did not disappoint. It was beautiful! We stayed at the same resort that Elder Lewis and I had stayed at in October - Luna Volcan.
Beautiful Luna Volcan!
A view of the valley while walking to our rooms....#31 and #33.
The first evening in Banos began with a delicious dinner at the Luna Restaurant. We then suited up and went to spend some time in the thermal pools.
A sample of our appetizers and dessert at the Luna Restaurant.
Thermal, light-changing pools are beautiful and relaxing in the cool night air.
Tuesday, we hiked the Ruta de Las Cascadas. In October, Elder Lewis and I biked and hiked the route. This time we decided to have the taxi driver that we'd met in October, Luis, be our driver for the day. He picked us up as planned and as soon as we got in the car, he showed us the pass-along card that we'd given him last time.
Starting our Ruta de Las Cascadas excursion with a photo on the mountain top before heading down to Banos.
First stop along the waterfall route...the longest zip line in Ecuador! What a rush!!
Brad and Natalie letting go for a 1000 meter flight.
Flying solo and loving my airtime! I've always wanted to know what it feels like to be a bird in flight.
This is probably the closest I'll ever come to that experience.
With the help of a waterfall in the background, Elder Lewis looks like he's feeling a little under the weather.
Photo idea from our driver, Luis.
Tourist sites and/or communities often have the name of the area displayed in large, 3-dimensional letters.
Each letter has a colorful collage of images that showcase the unique features of that area.
Brad and Natalie at Cascada del Diablo. The largest and most popular waterfall.
We hiked down, around, up, and underneath Diablo. It was an exhilarating and wet experience.
When we finished the Ruta de Las Cascadas, we ate a late lunch in Banos and visited a chocolate shop before returning to the resort. Once we arrived at the resort, we rested for a little while, changed into our swimming suits, and relaxed in the thermal pools.
Fruit drinks and pool time.
Later, Natalie and I had appointments at the spa for manicures and pedicures while Brad was taking an online exam. We reconvened afterwards for a late dinner and a game of Rook.
Wednesday morning we took a walk, ate breakfast, and returned to the thermal pools, before checking out at 12 noon and meeting our driver, Jose. Before leaving Banos, Jose drove us further up the mountain to experience the large swing - Columpio, and Casa del Arbol.
Can you find Brad swinging on the Columpio? He's the little speck of gray
in between the poles where the colors change from red to blue.
Natalie swinging in the shadow of the Tungurahua Volanco that overlooks Banos at La Casa Del Arbol.
I think Brad loves to swing as much as I do!
The drive from Banos to Quito was about 3 hours. Upon arriving at our apartment, we unpacked, and then walked to a popular empanada shop near our apartment. After eating empanadas for supper, we went to Supermaxi to do some last minute Thanksgiving Day grocery shopping.
When in Quito, you have to visit Mitad Del Mundo or the Middle of the World. Thanksgiving Day was the perfect morning to do that, it was sunny and warm. Mitad Del Mundo is a 30 minute drive from our apartment. We walked the grounds, took photos, enjoyed the beautiful weather, and felt grateful for the blessing of this amazing world - both the northern and southern hemispheres!
Welcome to Mitad Del Mundo!
When President & Sister Nelson visited Ecuador in September 2019, Sister Nelson shared their experience of kissing one another while standing on different hemispheres. We shared the Nelson's experience with Natalie and Brad.
They thought it was a great idea!
Brad straddling the hemispheres!
A view from the top of the Mitad Del Mundo monument.
FACT - the actual equator is not at Mitad Del Mundo. It's about 50 yards north of the monument.
With the help of our cellphone apps - Google Maps (Brad) and Apple Compass (Max), we arrive at
0 degrees 0' 0", which happened to be at the gate of a brick and paver manufacturer.
When we finished at Mitad, we went back to Quito for a light lunch. Elder Lewis and I eat lunch at a little restaurant near the mission office - La Bon. Not only is their food delicious, but it's always well-presented and not too filling. We did't want to ruin Thanksgiving dinner.
On Thanksgiving Day, our excursions included a stop at the Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, a small and bustling market full of artisan handiwork that is just a few blocks from our apartment complex. It houses permanent stalls that sell Ecuadorian hand-knit goods, wood carvings, leather, silver jewelry, blankets, native musical instruments, and other items. A must to visit when in Quito.
Natalie wanted to find a blanket and a small nativity set. Thursday was our day to wander through the shops and see what was there. Natalie found a blanket that she liked, but we didn't make any purchases. Thursday evening we enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, and then played a game of Rook. Girls lost!
Friday morning we were up and out the door by 7:30! It was our day to hike Cotopaxi, the famous volcano that we have only seen once since we've been in Ecuador. It's in the mountain range, on the horizon, and everyone is always talking about it, BUT it's rarely visible because of the clouds. However, it is amazing to hike!
Elder Lewis and I hiked to the first refuge of Cotopaxi last year in clouds, cold temperatures, wind, and snow. Our hike on Friday was also in the clouds and snow, but it was a gentle peaceful snow and there was no wind or rain. We also had a guide this time who took us on a trail with switchbacks. It was a much easier climb, and as the indigenous guide Paulina explained to us, there is an energy at Cotopaxi that stirs your soul. Agreed! I felt it last year when we hike Cotopaxi, and I felt it again this time.
Following Paulina, our guide, up the Cotopaxi trail.
Arriving at the first refuge of Cotopaxi, just under 16,000 feet elevation.
A victory kiss after arriving at the first refuge.
Taking a moment at the refuge to drink a hot chocolate, visit with other hikers, and get Natalie's & Brad's passports stamped.
Stopping for another photo as we hiked down the steep trail. The steep trail is more protected from the snow and not as slippery.
If you look closely, you can see the refuge positioned at 10 o'clock from the hikers further up the trail.
Laguna Limpiopunga, at the base of Cotopaxi.
We returned to Quito around 4 PM and went to dinner at a nearby middle eastern restaurant - Fairuz. After dinner, we returned to the Mercado Artesanal. As soon as Natalie walked up to the blanket shop, the young Ecuadorean woman reached down into a pile of colorful blankets and pulled out the one that Natalie had shown an interest in the day before. With a little negotiating, Natalie purchased the blanket for $18. She also found a small wooden nativity set.
Friday evening we played Rook and watched a cute Christmas movie. It was a full day and we were exhausted.
Saturday was departure day for Natalie and Brad. Their plane didn't leave until after 3 PM, so we thought it was a good time to show them the northern part of Quito and a nice shopping mall, El Jardin. We took an Uber to the mall, but it wasn't open yet, so we walked to La Carolina Park, Quito's version of Central Park. Saturday was a beautiful day and there was all kinds of activities going on. We enjoy the sunshine and paddle boats before walking back to the mall.
Paddle boats at La Carolina Park.
A visit to Quito wouldn't be complete without taking some form of public transportation.
A ride on the bus for $0.25 per person = $1 for all four of us. Elder Lewis is smiling behind his mask.
This little donut shop is just around the corner from our apartment.
A perfect treat for after lunch and before departure. We also ordered donuts to take to the
office on Monday morning to say 'good-bye' to Elder Pincay (AP) who completed his mission.
What a wonderful week it was! We were reminded again of the blessings that family brings into our lives, and the blessings we've enjoy as missionaries.
"When Jesus Christ was born, angels proclaimed, “Peace on earth, good will to men.” This December, the promise remains the same. As we serve others the way Jesus served,
we can end 2020 on a hopeful note."
(Light the World Calendar)
Blessings to all!
Elder & Sister Lewis
