Reception after the Juda de Bandera

Juda de Bandera

This is a tradition that occurs every year at all the schools where they pay respect to the Ecuadorian flag and the country of Ecuador. Only the sixth and twelth grades were able to participate because they represent the graduating classes of the school. However, students from different grades had the honor of carrying each of the international flags that you see surrounding the gym. What a experience!! If you were born in Ecuador or an Ecuatoriano, you kissed the flag followed by the loud chant, "Juda."

Dustin marching in with the sixth grade class

Dustin placing a rose at the foot of the Ecuadorian Flag

Michael performing a service for Carcelen church

Dustin and Ellie with Rio

Ecuador Team Ladies Retreat

This retreat was in Rio Bamba where Tungaragua was erupting. It was quite a site but we had a great relaxing time.

Our new dog, Rio!!!!

We bought this cute little fellow under a bridge in the back of a car. He is called a Castellano which means Spainard. He is only two months old.

Quichua Mestizado children singing before the baptism

The girl on the far right with blond hair is the daughter of Paula and Steve King who are our supporters here in Quito. Her name is Ruby and she was born and raised all her life in Ecuador.

Papa and Nana and the Wolletts at Mitad del Mundo

Ellie and a little Quichua girl

This was taken at the market in Otavalo. Little children are called "Wa Wa's" in Quichua

Quichua wedding

The couple is exchanging their vows. This wedding was done in Quichua and Spanish

Quichua Choir

These Quichua ladies sang at the Quichua wedding that we attended.

Dustin and Ellie at the top of Cotopoxi

Cotopaxi

Michael,Dustin, Ellie and I finally reached the top after climbing up the second largest active volcanos in the world .We made it to the refuge at 14,500 feet.

The whole family at the top

As descibed below, this is one of the highest points in Quito as we hicked up the mountain after traveling some of the way on the cable car.

One of the highest points in Ecuador

Our family and my parents took the Teleferico up the mountain to get a birdseye view of Quito, Ecuador. We were at 14,500 ft. elevation.

Mitad del Mundo/Middle of the World

This is Mom and Al, my parents, at the middle of the world where you can straddle the northern and southern hemisheres. Please take note of the latitude. Neat huhh!!!

Quichua little girl carrying her baby sister

The custom is the mother carrying the baby on her back wrapped in a homemade device but occasionaly, the siblings will carry their baby brother or sister.

Quichua lady in Otavalo

These Otovalinos are the wealthier of the Quichuas because they make and sell their goods at one of the biggest markets in the world. They sell sweaters, hats , blouses, coats, belts, etc....