Baños
Since I last posted, I have moved to Ecuador, I have seen my family and we had a time of debrief with the whole squad. From Colombia, I spent an amazing week in Quito (the capital) seeing my parents. There was an organized parent trip that all parents could attend to see their kid. The week consisted of ministry work (like working in the feeding kitchen and with after school programs), exploring the sites of quito (cathedrals, cafes, volcanoes, botanical gardens, museums), and time together with all the parents at night for worship sessions. I loved getting to see my family and have some amazing conversations. After the parent week, we traveled not too far to the city of Baños for a short three day debrief with the whole squad and leadership. We had some great sessions in the mornings and evenings discussing how we want to finish the program, our goals for coming back home, and some healthy ways to trust God with the unknown of future plans. So now I am stationed at one ministry for the month back with my smaller team with only three more months!!
Where am I?
Our location is Baños, Ecuador (full name is Baños de Agua Santa). Yes this word in English is bathroom. This small town is very touristy and is known for its many rivers, waterfalls and hot springs. Natures bathroom! It is located in the valley in-between some amazing mountains! Lots of fun adventurous things to do around here!
What do I do?
This month we are paired with a church. This first week, our assignment has been to help with their church dance/drama group! I have been teaching dance, how cool. This church likes to utilize their artistic abilities to perform for their church and the community around Baños. So each night this past week, we have met at the church to teach them dance, play games with them, and we are currently working on two skits. We intend to perform our skits and dances in two weeks at the end of our time here!
Who is hosting us?
This month our hosts are Lorena and Marcelo. They are an amazing couple who work at a Spanish school for foreigners trying to learn Spanish. I have started to attend see classes on the side to help my language skills as well. They also help out with the church. They are a groovy and artistic couple, who have an amazing love story including writing letters back and forth as Marcelo was traveling pursuing his musical passions! They are a great couple full of grace.
Where do I live?
This month, we live in home of a family from the church. We live on the top floor of the house, using one bedroom for the girls and one for the guys. We share a bathroom. This house comes with a few fun additions. We have a living room and TV. It is a great space for us to hangout and sometimes watch movies! We also get a kitchen and fridge. We get a shower with hot water (most of the time). Finally, we are blessed with a cute cute puppy named Toby. He is not yet potty trained, however he is a fun addition to our team family! The house is just outside of the main center of Baños city, just a 5 minute taxi ride away!
What do I eat?
Since we have a kitchen, we cook on our own. This is the first time I have really lived in a home and had normal access to eat whatever I want whenever I want. We are back to our cooking team schedule, so Tyler and I will tag team the cooking twice a week. Usually we eat on our own for breakfast and dinner with a big lunch together.
Currency?
The money here is actually the US Dollar. 1 USD= 1 USD!
Transportation?
Since our home is just outside the city, it is normal for us to take just a $1.50 taxi ride into town to go to the church. However, sometimes we walk into town which takes about 30 minutes. 
Exercise?
Exercise again consists of finding places to run. Again, this town is a bit hilly so I get to run up some hills! I have been feeling the hilly runs in my legs these days, feels good to be active!
Tourism?
Finally, in Baños I have seen some fun sites like, La Casa De Arbol (the tree house), which is a beautiful tree house and swing set that was built on the side of the mountain. When you swing it looks like you are going off of the cliff. It is an incredible site! In the next few weeks I hope to visit some of the waterfalls along the Ruta de Las Cascadas and maybe I will be able to make it out into the Amazon jungle. Here’s to more adventure! 
