10 lessons God has taught me during 10 years in Ecuador

1.       Patience, patience, patience…. For paperwork, bureaucracy, & more paperwork….

2.       Be kind – I have no idea what the person next to me is going through.

3.       Humility – those who have nothing give so much more than I do from my plenty.

4.       Be generous.  Do not fear.  God always provides for our needs.

5.       What it is to be misunderstood.  What it is to feel helpless. Living in a culture different to my own has created many opportunities to learn these lessons!

6.       The joy of thanking God for the simple gift of another day to live and to love.  Having seen so many patients and neighbours die young, I no longer take life for granted.

7.       Our lives are like a breath, here today and gone tomorrow.  Live each day to the full and for His glory.

8.       God is with us, no matter what tragedies befall us. 

9.       I need to forgive and to be forgiven.

10.   God loves me profoundly and eternally.  

Alausi, Ecuador

My 10 favourite places in Ecuador

I arrived in Ecuador 10 years ago.  Here are 10 of my favourite places in Ecuador...
1. Baños - the bustling tourist town with stunning waterfalls and zip-wires.
2. Cuicocha lake near Otavalo, the extinct volcano which offers walks and boat rides, and the chance to see volcanic gases bubbling up to the surface of the water. 
3.  Mitad del Mundo - the equator monument just north of Quito.  A great place to take visitors so they can stand on the line between North and South. 
4.  Ingapirca Inca ruins  - a fabulous chance to look back into history. 

5.  Cotopaxi Volcano - the majestic snow-capped peak with llamas wandering in the National Park.
6.   Chimborazo Volcano - another spectacular summit with freezing winds and wild views. 

7.  The Pacific Ocean - wonderful, warm water to swim in, and crashing waves to catch.
8.  Mindo - home of exotic birds, fluttering butterflies, a chocolate tour and spectacular humming birds.

9.  The Galapagos Islands - there is nothing to compare with walking amongst giant turtles, iguanas, penguins and blue-footed boobies.
10. My home amongst the anthuriums and the orchids, the colourful birds and the iguanas, with bananas ever on hand and a beautful river to swim in.