The middle of the world and Pambamarca

6/10/09

This morning we started things off with a deliciously prepared breakfast, and then went off to our morning meditation. The meditation was in the courtyard of the Hacienda in which we were staying and broke off into separate groups to reflect on poverty and how each person and God has experienced poverty in their daily lives. After our morning meditation we went to see the Equator and the “center of the earth”(La Mitad Mundo) as this part of the Equator has been classified. After learning about the equator and the importance of the it being the center of the earth we hopped on a truck that carried us to the mountain Pambamarca where we were able to see some pre-Incan fortifications. The view from the top was unbelievable until the rain came and the entire mountain was surrounded in fog. We soon hurried back down the mountain for fear of a possible thunderstorm. On the way back to our Hacienda for dinner at the same place we stopped at for lunch, soon after we had our nightly compline lead by Max Crudder.

-George

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

Arrival

After a long day of travel we are in Quito. Our internet connection is very unreliable right now. Hopefully we will be in a better hot spot tomorrow. It has taken me 30 minutes to get a connection that has lasted more than 30 seconds.

We were given a welcome by members of Quito Quest of Youth World tonight. Basic instructions (do's and don'ts) were reviewed.

After an evening meditation, Baylor Banks led us in Compline. It is time for lights out. The plan is to get the pilgrims posting their reflections throughout the week. Keep checking in. If we have a reliable connection, you will hear from us. Plase keep us in prayer

Peace,
John

Countdown to Ecuador.....

On Sunday 11 Teenagers and 5 adults will seek God's blessing for their pilgrimage. On Monday, June 8th that group will embark on a spiritual journey to the middle of the world.

Cayembe, Otavalo, Pambamarca and Quito all await. It is time to start making the mental shift from Atlanta life to soulful travel. What do we seek at the middle of the world?

"Pilgrimage is the kind of journeying that marks just this move from mindless to mindful, soulless to soulful travel. The difference may be subtle or dramatic; by definition it is life-changing."

Phil Cousineau: The Art of Pilgrimage