Reflection of Ecuador

People keep asking me, "which did you like better: Ecuador or Kenya?" Impossible! They were both totally different.

Kenya was very relationship based. The love I developed for the people of Kiria rocked my world. My emotional connection to Africa is so strong and I do not think that will ever change.

Ecuador was totally different. I was able to use my gift of knowledge, my carear to help people. It was really cool to see that my passion can make such a big impact. So, my emotional attachment was not as strong, but my love for Ecuador is still so strong.

People are also saying, "this must make you feel so good going on these mission trips." Let me be totally honest... These mission trips make me feel like crap. It is so difficult to see peoples most basic needs not being met. It is so difficult to compare what I have in such abundance to what others have which is nearly nothing. There is such a huge emotional burden that is placed on my heart. Being home is hard. It is nice to have some of the comforts of home, but every time I use these I am reminded of all the people who don't have them.

The reason I serve is to give someone else a better chance at a better life and a chance at eternal life. If one persons life was saved or made better than my trip was worth it.

Homeward Bound, But Not Like The Movie

It was difficult for me to say goodbye to the paradise of La Selva Lodge. I know that I am going to dream about that place. A wonderful last night ;)

The boat ride back was substantially longer than te way there. Fighting the current and the wind added an additional hour to the trip. It also left both of us looking pretty haggard.

Short flight from Coca to Quito.

Katty picked Alicia, Andres, and I up in Quito. That sweet, sweet woman fed us, provided us with a hot shower, and took us to get mani/pedis. Both Alicia and I did our hair and put makeup on. It's like we are real humans again... Weird. Oh! Qtips!!! Thought maybe I died and went to heaven.

Alicia is very excited to behome. I, on the other hand, think that I could sty much much longer before needing to go home.

And We All Ate This Little Red Berry

La Selva Jungle Lodge has an observation tower. It is located approximately five stories up a humongo tree. We began the day with bird watching. Sergio and Andres have some amazing skills at spotting. I was wearing my white shirt, it attracted a ton of little bugs. I felt like Pig Pen from Peanuts.

A Bird In Her Nest

Hike after was wonderful, as always. Our guides found us a couple of poison dart frogs. Awesome.  I was surprised how small they were. A safe bet would be the size of a key on the keyboard. Walking through the jungle I often found myself so focused on the ground that I was forgetting to look up at the canopy and at the beautiful surroundings. Just like life sometimes.

There is also a butterfly farm. Andres showed us the eggs, the caterpillars, the chrysalis, and the butterflies! They have over ten species of butterflies, all of which are beautiful.

Unsuccessful parana fishing today. It was mostly just feeding the fish and making the local guides laugh at our skills. After a full bag of meat we called it quits. On our way back to our cabin to take naps Sergio found monkeys. So, we sat and watched them for a bit. They are so much fun to watch!

We had a super special afternoon excursion because we are young and agile. Apparently, this trail is not often used, but it is also where there have been taphir sightings. Since Alicia and I are in such good shape they decided to take us on this trail. It was rough, but fun! All of us ended up muddy and soaked. Alicia and Andres took in lots of water into their boots. And, Alicia and I both got the “sting of death” by ants. I know that you are all worried, but we made it through. Still alive! Unfortunately, we did not get to see the taphir. The hike was totally worth it though. Even though we did not see many creatures, it was such a cool experience to be in a part of the jungle that is not often seen and is very untouched.

Happy Birthday to Alicia!!!!!

A big huge thank you to Sergio for being such an amazing native guide. For having eagle eyes, for trail blazing, and being a bomb Rambo.

The Masters At Work

Another big thank you to the super good looking Andres. So full of fun facts, knowledge, and fun adventures. For catching me every time fall like a stinky turkey and for protecting me from the ridiculously large spiders.