We are out of Quito and into the jungle! I could feel an increase in humidity as soon as I got off the bus in Tena. Very few of us have gotten sick. Emily Hilton-Nickel ate street food twice and she’s still trucking! I’m loving Ecuador. Christy and I jumped into the creek by our cabin last night. It was a lot warmer than Lake Michigan! The current was just strong enough that we could float on our backs downstream. Super lovely. This morning I went for a walk before breakfast and saw a massive, neon-blue butterfly. It was a little bigger than my hand. I felt spoiled.
Sunday was amazing. We went to church in Quito. I didn’t understand a word, but the hugs and smiles from the congregation transcended the language barrier. The service was held in a simple room and we all sat on plastic lawn chairs. Together we sang “They’ll know we are Christians by our Love” in Spanish. That’s one of my all-time favorite songs! Great experience! Today, we’re taking a 5-hour bus ride deeper into the jungle. I’m gonna close with a belated birthday shout out to my mom! Love you and thinking of you on your 51st birthday!
By Autumn Hilton
