I went to Ecuador in June of 2006, not knowing what to expect from a "mission trip." Living a few short hours from the Mexico border, I was familiar with this kind of third-world situation, but not at this level. Arriving in San Pablo, Ecuador, 3…Read More

I went to Ecuador in June of 2006, not knowing what to expect from a "mission trip." Living a few short hours from the Mexico border, I was familiar with this kind of third-world situation, but not at this level.

Arriving in San Pablo, Ecuador, 3 hours to the Pacific coast from the major city of Guayaquil, I was prepared, yet saddened. This village is poor, underdeveloped, and simple. Its location on the coast provides a small means of income and nourishment for the villagers. They rely on a large catch of the day to sell into town and to feed their families. At sunrise, boats that usually litter the shore are bouncing along the waves, full of men dragging large fishing nets. The sandy beaches could be the site of beautiful oceanfront resorts, like its neighbor Salinas, but during the day, they are occupied by a few bands of local kids who can't afford to go to school.

Speaking Spanish in Ecuador is a must. (The Latin American lingo works better than Mexican Spanish because some words are not easily translated, but they are able to understand.)

We went in June, when the temps were a little hot, but nothing compared to highs in the 120s during the later summer. Because of Ecuador's location on the Equator, sunscreen and eye protection is a must. We had vaccinations for all the recommended diseases, but since we were not there in the wet season, we hardly saw a mosquito. I would recommend them just the same to be sure. Eye drops would also be on my packing list next time. By the end of the 7 days, I couldn't even put my contacts in because of all the dust in the air in this part of the country. Our team leaders also recommended chewable Pepto Bismol tablets "just in case" (do not drink the water!)—and not to take more than three per day. I had no problems after using the water at the Hilton in Guayaquil to brush my teeth, however.

The large city is like all others (visit the central market, city hall buildings, and the cathedral), and seeing the countryside is a must to understand the division between rich and poor in this small country. Mission trips are such a unique way to experience other cultures and truly understand their plight. And nothing's more rewarding than helping others.

Guayaquil is city of 2 million people and is the main port of Ecuador and its largest city. It is the world's leading exporter of bananas and second leading exporter of shrimp. Only 156 miles from the equator, temperatures average near 90°F and the rainy…Read More

Guayaquil is city of 2 million people and is the main port of Ecuador and its largest city. It is the world's leading exporter of bananas and second leading exporter of shrimp. Only 156 miles from the equator, temperatures average near 90°F and the rainy season is December through May.

My first night in Ecuador was spent at a friend's house, where I slept under a mosquito net. Walter drives a 1970 Volkswagen and keeps a fire extinguisher in the front seat. He is our chauffeur and will take us north to the beautiful beaches and scenery along the coast.

Our first stop that morning was at the Malecon, where we saw a statue that commemorates José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar. It was at the Malecon where the two dictators were asked to join a revolt against Spanish rule in South America. They held a secret meeting to see who would claim credit for liberating Peru. Ecuador had already been liberated in 1820. Bolívar became Peru's great liberator and has been called the "George Washington of South America." San Martín exiled himself to Europe and never returned. It was never known what was said at this meeting.

Then we went to a modern mall and enjoyed dinner at one of many restaurants there.

It was late in the afternoon when we left for Puerto Lopez. The distance is about 60 miles, but due to numerous stops along the way, it took 4 hours and was dark when we got to our destination.

En route, there are many roadside vendors where you can purchase honey, bananas, and corn on the cob. Walter had to stop his car every so often to let it cool down and each time we would stop at the roadside stands. Once a vendor came running to the car and tossed some freshly roasted ears of corn into our hands while we were still inside the car. At another stop, we got out and I bought a jar of honey and drank coconut milk through a straw. The drive took us through an unusual dry forest where we saw the weirdly bottle-shaped trees and beautiful mountains. The tropical dry forest used to stretch along the Pacific coast of Central and South America, but has now almost entirely disappeared. Finally by nightfall, we reached our destination and prepared to walk the beach the next day.

Just Click on the link below and You will be able to see a beautiful video from Guayaquil, Ecuador right at is traditional Malecon 2.000:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgJQZ6wQQ9s&feature=channel_page…Read More

Just Click on the link below and You will be able to see a beautiful video from Guayaquil, Ecuador right at is traditional Malecon 2.000:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgJQZ6wQQ9s&feature=channel_pageClose