We woke up to a delicious breakfast before we explored Old Town, cultural epicenter of Quito. It is one of the best preserved historic centers of Spanish America with buildings dating back around 500 years. While at Old Town we explored the Basilica, a beautiful Roman Catholic Basilica with an amazing view. Only then could you put into perspective the size of the city. One interesting part about the Basilica is it did not have classic gargoyles, but native animals that represented the biodiversity of Ecuador including the condor, the national bird.
Outside of the basilica
Inside the basilica in front of the rose window. Roses are one of Ecuador's main exports
The view of Quito from the top of the basilica
After an enjoyable lunch of empanadas we headed to explore churches in Old Town, with heavily ornate interiors, we explored the local surroundings and culture. After we got to experience this amazing culture and history in Old Town, we headed to the Youth World center. Caroline Allen broke down the entire ‘world’ and we got to learn about the amazing work that is being done in and even out of Ecuador. Soon after we got to learn about the partnership between Education Equals Hope (a foundation under Youth World) and missionaries.
Inside the church of San Francisco we visited in Old Town. Just a little bit fancier than St. John's
The Casa Grande where the President of Ecuador lives
A monument to Ecuador's independence from Spain in the Plaza Grande outside the President's house
After a little break we headed to Casa Gabriel, a house for boys who used to live on the street. We got to learn about their amazing ministry there, but also some of the problems the boys faced and are facing and how they combat and get around them. Casa G is a family, and we got to know and eat dinner with the extraordinary people there, even through the language barrier.
After a great evening at Casa G. We even got cake because it was Javier's birthday
An epic international basketball exhibition
Today was remarkable with interesting history, architecture, culture and learning about the fantastic ministry here with E=H and the greater Youth World. But what stood out to me the most was Casa G. The amazing family that was created for these boys who have been through such hard things was so great. The joy and community that they and we all felt there was marvelous.
-Martha Childs
No comments:
Post a Comment