The beginning.....

06/08/09
After six hours of a plane ride we were excited to see what Ecuador looked like. We soon arrived at the hostel where we met our youth world host for the trip. Then we sat around for the Compline which Baylor Banks led us in. And we were inspired by John's reflection on finding God with in ourselves so we can gain a better relationship with God.



06/09/09
Our first official day in Ecuador began at seven thirty! We were greeted with an Ecuadorian breakfast, scrambled eggs and rolls. After enjoying our first breakfast in Ecuador we left for Eucharist. We all enjoyed the Eucharist in Spanish. We were then told about how the priest had to come in and rebuild the church in order to restore faith in congregation much like how we are going to rebuild ourselves in Ecuador in order to obtain a stronger faith. Next we went to the Youth World office, where they informed us of all the wonderful leadership and missionary opportunities we could find here in Ecuador. They also explained the different kinds of street kids and helped us better understand the culture here. We then went to the mall where we surprisingly found the same kinds of stores as one would find in our mall. Lunch followed, which we all tried Empanada and fruit salads. Everyone seemed to enjoy them. As I am writing this, we are now we are traveling for two hours by bus to Cayembe, a volcano. We are staying here for three nights. - Virginia Kelly