What Heights!
A cluster of friends…some tears…and a strong sense of God’s presence transformed a quiet part of the bus into a beautiful sanctuary tonight as a couple of us huddled together and reflected on the events of the trip. Our last complete day in Ecuador was coming to an end, and there was plenty to reflect upon.
The first part of the day was spent doing our duty to the economy as we browsed a large handicraft market. We all did our best to promote economic equilibrium as we moseyed around the vendors and enjoyed some fabulous buys.
In the afternoon, we travelled to the 13,500 foot height of TelefetiQo. Here we experienced astronaut training 101 as we boarded the gondola and were propelled up the mountain, leaving behind much of the air we human beings seem to find necessary. 
Incredibly dramatic views awaited us at the top, and it truly felt like we were on top of the world glimpsing sights reserved only for eagles. Quito is a long, spread-out city, nestled between the peaks of the Andes Mountains. The view was amazing as we could scan the entire length of Quito, from one end to the other. One had to wonder just how the Spaniards found the native Indians in this part of Ecuador and just how they conquered and then built the beautiful buildings that are scattered throughout the city.
Coming to the end of this trip is, in a way, like our descent from TelefetiQo. We have participated in amazing things, and while we look forward to returning home, we have been forever touched by our experiences here. A huddle of friends and a few tears will be a common experience as we finish out this trip, because we are reluctant to leave our Ecuadorian family and the ministry encountered here. But we return with a new knowledge of the reality of Jesus’ promise to heal the broken hearted and set the captives free, and the confidence that God’s beautiful work will continue in Ecuador.
Molly for the team
Boarding the gondola.
It was kind of like a ski lift, only higher. Don't worry, moms, it was totally glassed in. No chance of falling out.
Loriann and Ben at the top of the world.
We were actually higher then some of the clouds!
It was much, much cooler at the top then down below but the view was spectacular.
Contrasted with the hustle and bustle of Quito below, it was calm, quiet, and still here at the top.
Photos courtesy of Laura Clawson, Loriann Hodgdon, and Elizabeth Fox.