Day One in Ecuador

We both had a fitful sleep after a long day of traveling. We did get a hot shower, though, and that doesn't always happen in Ecuador.

The LLC issued cell didn't work so Walt had to buy a new one. We walked downtown. 

Avis said "no" to walking up hill to the supermarket. Avis went to work to find everything including pots and pans. 

Miguel Santana went with us. It would have been near impossible without him. Not so easy in a city of 2.7 million people plus some munecas. Yup, they were everywhere today.

 

Here is one muneca or image of some public figure to be burned at midnight.

 

Another muneca image of some other famous person.

 

Munecas are adult size dolls. They usually have the face of a politician. At midnight of the New Year they are burned to help people release their frustrations. We should initiate it in the USA. 

Miguel warned us sleep will be difficult because of the noise. Already people are stacking the beer crates on the sidewalks for party time.

Walt and Avis

We are on our way and now here!

December 30, 2014 has arrived! No turning back now. Let the mission trip begin.

Lori brought us to the airport for about 8:30 am. Close to zero degrees... Cold! We departed on time for Atlanta at 11:30 am.

Avis, our taxi driver and daughter Lori Redman and Walt at the airport

 

The travelers at the Minneapolis airport soon departing for three months in Ecuador.

 

Avis and Walt on the plane and awaiting departure.

 

We arrived in Atlanta ahead of schedule after a two hour flight. And, we left Atlanta a little late. Arrived in Quito early. It is the same time zone as Atlanta and therefore Michigan.

Alex Panizo and Miguel Santana were awaiting for us.

 

Above pictures of our neighborhood in Quito.

 

Walt and Avis

We Will Live in Quito

 We will live in Quito. It is the capital city of Ecuador and has a population of about 2.7 million people.  The city was established on December 6, 1534 and lies in the Guayllabamba River Valley (which is about 15 miles wide and 40 miles long, or so we have heard).

The official elevation of Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level or nearly twice that of Denver, Colorado. There are several volcanoes near Quito. The city has a few interesting nicknames: Luz de America (Light of America), Carita de Dios (Face of God), and Ciudad de los Cielos (City of the Heavens).

The equator runs through Ecuador
from which the name comes. Quito
is very near the equator.

 

Just in case you are wondering, it will take about 5.4 minutes to soft boil an egg. Hard boil eggs are an art form above 10,000 feet.

Ecuador has a population of about 16.2 million. Of course it gets its name because the equator runs though it. The equator is just north of Quito and it is possible to stand with one leg in the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time. The country is a popular place for mountain climbing. It is increasingly a popular destination for Ex-Pats. It is the most oil rich of the South American countries.

South America

The average daily temperatures for Jan-March (the duration of our stay) is constant at 66.4 F. It rains  nearly every day but not much at a time. 

Climate Statistics

 

Walt and Avis

Our Apartment

We have a nice furnished apartment. It has two bedrooms, living room, kitchen, bathroom, washer-dryer, and fiber optic internet. We live on the third floor, and there is no elevator. The view from the roof-patio is fantastic.

It is located in a good neighborhood near a police station, banks, large shopping center, pharmacy, and etc. 

Our living room

 

Our dining room

 

 

Our bedroom



 

Some are contemplating a visit. "We'll keep the light on for you."

We will travel by taxi, bus, and plane while in Ecuador. Driving is a possibility but the traffic is heavy and aggressive at times. Knowledge of the neighborhood is a must. Accidents can mean jail time if it is unclear who is at fault.

Walt and Avis



The apartment laundry

Christmas Eve - Christmas Day, 2014

We spent Christmas Eve at the Hillukka's in Buffalo, MN. The Hillukka, Thomas, and Lampi families gathered.  Evening services were held at the Rockford Church.  Afterward, during our family gathering, the Christmas Story (Luke 2: 1-20) was read by Aaliyah.

We spent Christmas Day at the Redman's in Dayton, MN. The Redman, Sturos, Thomas, and Lampi families gathered. We watched the family video for year 2014, compliments of Jodi's hard work. Christmas Day services were at the Minneapolis Church.

A nativity screen at the home of Steve and Lori Redman of Dayton, Mn.

 

Many wishes for a blessed trip were conveyed by the believers in Rockford and Minneapolis.

We are worried this might be our first ever brown Christmas. Central Minnesota does not have any snow cover at this time. There are, however, a few snowflakes in the air.

Walt and Avis

Leaving Home December 2014

Dear Friends,

It has been over one year (October 2013) since the initial discussions began about us making an extended mission trip to Ecuador. The time of departure is December 30, 2014 and is soon upon us. Our emotions have ranged from excitement to anxiety to doubt to eagerness.

Lot of details to take care of: rerouting of mail, paying of bills while away, snow removal, medications. . . and so forth.

We left Ishpeming, Michigan on December 22nd after an early Christmas with some our children and grandchildren: Leah, Buzz, Art, Alex, Austin, Rachael, Jodi, Greta, Joella, Kasey, and Ella.

Many of our brothers- and sisters-in-faith from our home congregation in Ishpeming sent us with prayers and well wishing. 

The Seniors Group in Ishpeming remembered us in a special way at the December luncheon. Many from away sent Christmas cards and promised to remember us.

December 23

We visited at the LLC offices in Loretto, Minnesota. Again, we were encouraged and promises were made to remember us in prayer and operational support. Randy, Keith, Helen, Kathy, Ruth, Paul, and Elizabeth were there.

One more SKYPE visit with Jon Bloomquist was arranged at the office. We plan on one per week while we are in Ecuador to discuss the various issues which will surely come up.

Many sent greetings to the Ecuadorian believers.

Walt and Avis