A crazy few days!

The past three days have been ACTION-PACKED. We have traveled from the coastline to the cloud forest to the Andes Highlands and back to the capital city of Quito in those three days, experiencing four very different environments. And we packed those days as full as possible! And we are tired but exhilarated!

Thursday morning saw us finishing our work in Esmeraldas-working in the clinic, painting, helping with dental education, and connecting with many local people. We played a terrific game of soccer with many of the people we've been privileged to work with, and Juana, our homeowner, and other family members fixed a delicious lunch for us all. Afterwards there was dancing and many thanks all around. It's always tough to say good-bye to new friends.

After we checked out of the hotel, we began the long, slow drive to Mindo. A two lane road and many trucks and buses and winding mountain roads turned a 2 and a half hour drive into a 4 and a half hour drive. So it was dark and foggy when we arrived at our home for the night. We quickly checked in, drove to a nearby cafe for dinner, and then called it a night. Everybody was tired from a packed day.

I don't mean to tease you with this glimpse, but as I type this, we face our drive to the airport in a little over 5 hours. So I am going to say good-night and continue this message at the airport sometime tomorrow. Buenos noches!