Friends in Quito

We met Fernando while we were hiking Pichincha volcano.  We invited him to lunch at one of the local restaurants.  Recently went through a divorce and is struggling economically.  He won gold and silver medals as an ice skater.  We invited him to Church.  I hope he comes!

This woman sells tourists all sorts of stuff from her little store on a street near the office.  She told us she was a member of the Church but Clara a nearby vendor told us she wasn't telling us the truth.  I guess she just wanted to make a sell.  Mom spent $15

You can see her little store.  Her grandson was learning her trade.  I guess this will be his carreer.

We were visiting  Hermana Bustos in her small apartment.  She is wealthier than most!  She rents a bedroom to the woman in the middle. who lives with her husband and two small children.  Sis.  Bustos recieves $60 a month for the room.  She rents a smaller room to a single gentleman  for $40 a month.  She also rents a ground floor room for $300 a month that is used as a small store.

This young girl (the one on the right) is carrying her baby.  She is trying to sell candies from the small package she is holding in her arms.  That's her career! She was very persistant so finally Mom decided to buy her small package of candy.  We will give the candy to children at church this Sunday.   She told us her husband's career is polishing shoes at the side of the road.

I thought I would include another picture with Mom in it!  That's how they carry their babies here in Ecuador!

This is Mom's personal tailor.   He is adjusting her new custom made leather jacket.  We invited his son and wife to meet with the missionaries.  A really nice man.

This is Sis. Bustos niece.  They live together in a small apartment with just enough room for two twin beds.  We usually buy something from Clara and then give it to her aunt or the small children that rent a room from her.

This is where Clara works all day!  She is lucky to have such a good career.