Segundo Día de Ecuador...

Sunday morning we went to church in Quito to a ward that Ben served in. It was probably one of the most spritual meetings I've ever attended. The sisters there were so sweet. They all came up to me and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. They just radiated this amazing spirit and I was holding back my tears the entire meeting. It's amazing to me that even though I couldn't understand the language, I was so touched. I already loved the people of Ecuador and could see why Ben loves them so much too.
After sacrament meeting, we talked to the Bishop and the Elders that were there serving. They seemed excited to talk with Ben. We snapped a few pictures outside the church.


Later that day we went to the Quito Zoo. All animals there are native to Ecuador and/or South America.

Here's just a little of what we saw...

Time for dinner...

Jaguar

Giant Galapagos Tortoise...

Riding Jorge, the Giant Galapagos Turtle...


While everyone was checking out the animals, I was slightly distracted by the flowers everywhere! So pretty and so different than anything we have here.

Lazy Ocelot...

Spectacled bears are the only surviving species of bear native to South America.

I think that they're weird looking. I think the mouth and eyes look almost human...

That evening we hooked up with Chuck and Melissa took a taxi (a very squished taxi) to Plaza de la Independencia, located in the heart of Old Quito.


Carondelet Palace, Ecuador's "White House"


Hotel Plaza Grande

Side entrance to La Catedral (the cathedral)

Goofin' around...

At the cathedral doors, which were really cool. You can't see by these pictures, but they have Peter holding the keys of the priesthood. Cool...





Ben proves that he can still hold Chuck like a baby...

Wild Hydrangeas were everywhere...heaven!