Jude, can you draw me a picture like this? When you paint a large picture on a wall it is called a mural.
Draw me a picture that would look good as a giant mural, por favor?

This where I teach classes in English. It is so important to learn new languages. I am studying Spanish and it is so interesting. Your mom studies French because she loves Montreal, Canada and that is their language.

I am glad you like your school.  I like it too. When you look at the world map on the wall in your cafeteria see if you can find where I am. It is near the word “amistad”  which means “friendship” :)

Do you know what  “Gracias a Dios para Jude” means? Te quiero! Te amo mi nieto

It

Do you know the story in the Bible about Noah’s Ark? God told Noah to build an ark (a huge boat) to save all of the animals from a great flood. When the flood was over God sent a rainbow as a  promise that he would take care of Noah and the animals.

Do you see the rainbow in this picture?

It rains here almost everyday. In the morning it may be sunny and warm. In the afternoon it will cloud up and rain. It is not too hot or too cold here. I think the temperature is just right.
The rain helps make all the pretty flowers grow and bloom.

I always carry an umbrella, even when the sun is shining bright.

This is the view from my back window. I am blessed.

My selfie was photo bombed by a giant man eating insect! Do you ever get the feeling that someone or something is following you?

Did you know Panama Hats come from Ecuador? I wonder why they are not called Ecuador hats? I haven’t bought one yet. Laura looks good with a hat. Do you want one Jude?

Cave : como se dice "claustraphobia"

This the opening to a cave. I came out the other end about 10 meters later.

Llama llovin on the “active" Pinchincha
Volcano. The view of Quito in the valley
is breathtaking. Local merchants make money
from tourists with their llamas. Fifty cents for a picture. I don’t know who was more nervous me or him (or her I didn’t look)

Otavala, Ecuador.

I usually don’t like shopping
but this market was fun.
There were lots of colors, art, food
and friendly local native people.
I went with two Spanish teachers
and two other students. We practiced
Spanish during the two hour car ride
from Quito. I understand many words
but it is difficult for me to make sentences.
Therefore I listen more and speak less
which is a very good habit.

This lovely local woman sold me a nice
alpaca pancho, scarf and woven mat
for 40 dollars. One very good thing about
Ecuador for me is that they use U.S. money.
I didn’t have to learn a new money system
while I was here. My focus has been on
learning the numbers in Spanish so I know
how much change I should get back.
She was so nice to let me take her
picture and she took mine. We laughed.