From Guayaquil to Balspamba to Riobamba

We were up at 5 am and left shortly after 6 am. We stopped in Babahoyo for breakfast and headed to Balsapamba for services. The early start also helped us avoid giving any further donations to the "highway men."

While eating breakfast, we found out that the ladies of Salinas would not be there today so there would be no services in Salinas. Yesterday they said there would be there, but now they are all travelling to Guayaquil for a conference on weaving sponsored by an Italian group.

So we headed to Balsapamba for services with the Domingues'. When we got there all was quiet. We decided to wait for awhile, and it was a good thing as Uvalde soon returned from feeding the pigs.

We held services using the text Matthew 7:24-29, a person who hears and lives by the sayings of Jesus is like a wise man who builds his house upon a rock. The house is able to withstand the wind, floods and rain. The rock is Christ.

Uvalde Dominguez - first believer in Balsapamba

 

Miguel translates.

 

Pamela Martinez, daughter of Milton

 

After the services, we visited briefly. Uvalde didn't have any questions. The day was hot so Milton suggested a swim in the river that ran through town. He and Miguel had suits. Walt didn't but went wading. The water was cold, clear, and fast moving. Walt noticed the glitter on the stream bottom and started a crude panning operation. It is filled with gold colored flakes! Walt suggested to Milton to return and pan some sections of the river to verify if it is really gold. When we got  back to the village Milton related what Walt had thought to Julia Domingues. She said a "technician" had been in the village just in the past week and had thought the same thing - it is gold. It would be ironic if it is a major gold find as the villagers have lived right next to it for a long time and have made their living picking bananas.

We continued our ride back to Riobamba stopping on the way for a small snack of pork, pig skin, banana, potatoes, and bean combo. We shared it as it was only meant to keep the hunger pains down until we could find a suitable restaurant.

A common find at the grocery store.

 



Llamas - a few of many which we see when crossing over the mountain.

 

The camel of the mountains

 

An odd looking animal.

 

Later over supper we reminisced about the gold. Walt told Milton he could be a rich man. Milton said he would buy a helicopter and the next time Walt comes he will transport him to the services it in, and as a bonus we will avoid the "highway men."

Walt and Avis