Christmas in Quito

Here we are in front of our Ecuador Christmas tree, which looks a lot like the trees we had in the states, with one exception: it’s our first artificial tree ever! We had brought some of our old ornaments from New Jersey with us, so we had a bit of the familiar, along with a bunch of ornaments we bought here.

Christmas morning started much like it does for us in the states – very early! Despite limited resources we had a real bounty under the tree, and everyone was thankful for all the generous gifts. We weren’t used to spending Christmas day in short sleeves.

Remar Orphanage Christmas party

On Saturday morning December 23, several of us missionaries went to the Remar orphanage in Quito, which is home to about 119 children. About 50% of the kids are actually available for adoption while the rest are there because their parents can’t or won’t take care of them. We had the party outside in a courtyard. We set up tables to do face painting, tattoos, decorate paper ornaments (which we then taped to the wall on “Christmas trees” outlined with green garland), and made baby Jesuses. We brought sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and beach balls so kids could play if they didn’t want to take part in the activities. The sun was so intense that day that the crayons on the ornament table literally melted into a pool of wax, even though the temperature was only about 80 degrees.

The children seemed to have fun and after a few hours of the activities we fed them hot dogs, chips, and soda. Then Santa (aka Derrick Amsler, Missionary Associate from Kentucky) came and gave them presents. These are probably the only presents the children will receive for Christmas and probably the only time Santa has come for them. They were each given a gift and we took pictures of each kid with Santa. The ages were from less than a year to 17. Many of the older boys and girls were not at the party because they were selling items on the streets (the girls sell cleaning detergent made on the premises, but we don’t know what the boys sell). How strange does that sound, “She isn’t here to get her gift because she is out selling on the streets.” It’s a different world here. The children had a grand time.

The best thing about that day for Karen was that the whole family participated and enjoyed themselves. Joe was the still photographer and he shot 680 photos. Overall, it was a great but exhausting day.

The fire-breather

You don’t see this in Times Square. Squeegee guys, look out! This guy does his thing at busy intersections around Quito for handouts. I don’t know what he’s drinking but I’m sure it can’t be good for you.

Thanksgiving in Ecuador

Thanksgiving is not really a holiday here so life goes on around us. Our friends Dan and Susan were in town so after the kids got out of school (half day) we all got together for some good ol’ touristy things.

First was Teleferiqo, a tram ride up to the top of a mountain about 4,000 meters high. The usual afternoon cloudiness threatened, but the Stupids pressed on. We got up to the top just as the clouds rolled in so we got a good view of the inside of a cloud, which is almost like the inside of your eyelids only a little lighter. We did get peeks of the city below through some breaks in the clouds. But we made the most of it and had a good time anyway.

Next it was off to the middle of the world, Mitad Del Mundo, the Equator. At the bottom of the mountain we asked about cabs to Mitad Del Mundo. The Teleferiqo people were very kind and offered to take all of us in one of their shuttle busses for $15. When we got to Mitad Del Mundo they offered to pick us up at 6 for another $15 and bring us home. Done deal.

There are two equators in Ecuador, both about 20 minutes north of the city. The big touristy monument is not really actually exactly technically ON the equator. They were a bit off when they measured in the 18^th century. But the place is pretty cool even though we had little time and didn’t do the museums and such. There is a small village of souvenir and craft shops and restaurants.

Sidebar: When Karen and the Monmouth Worship Center team were in Ecuador in 2002, they went to this monument and Karen bought two ceramic bowls. When we moved to Ecuador four years later, one of the bowls broke in transit. Karen was able to find the very shop where she bought the two original bowls and was able to get a replacement.

On to the REAL Equator! Karen remembered that there was another Equator museum near the big monument. It took a bit of doing to find it: walk along the busy main highway and down a dirt road. But find it we did, and it’s worth the trek. This is where the real line is as proven by the fact that water runs straight down the drain. Even a few feet away the Coriolis effect is evident, with water swirling one way or another depending on which hemisphere you are in.

All in all it was a great day, but very un-traditional.