When I came to Shell, I knew I was going to live near the rainforest. Naturally, I pictured Fern Gully -- green trees, bright flowers, talking bats. . . What I didn't process was the word "rain" in rainforest. I didn't realize that it would rain here at least twice, if not three times a day.
I know, I know, that's pretty obvious.
Over the last seven months I've gotten used to typically dreary skyline. It's become predictable, even. Magically it always seems to rain around 2p, which is a perfect time to take a nap! (School finishes at 1p here). Then at night, there are these occasional fantastic thunderstorms! It rains so loud that I can't even hear the person across the table.
But truth be told, the most amazing part of living with the continual presence of the gray, cloudy skies is when the clouds finally part and colors spring to life. Vivid blue skies, white puffy clouds, forest green mountains, and golden sunshine. On special nights we can watch the mountains envelop the sun in the deep hues of an orange, red, pink, and purple sunset.
God's creation is so amazing!
Realization Two: The mountains are volcanoes!
I knew that Ecuador was situated amidst the Andes, so I expected to be living somewhere surrounded by mountains. What I didn't realize was that within these mountains there are THIRTY volcanoes. Yes, thirty. And that's just on the mainland. The Galapagos Islands have their own fourteen. Crazy!
From where I live, on a clear day, I can see the snow covered Sangay. Usually that only happens in the morning, so it's kinda like a pick-me-up on my way to work.
After it erupted in November, I could see Tunguarahua shooting ash for weeks. I'd wake up and there would be a layer of ash on cars and gates. My phone company even sent me a few different texts advising me to wear a mask while walking outside. Kimmy, however, got to see it actually erupting as she traveled past it at night on her way back to Shell from the coast. So cool!
This weekend in the north of Ecuador, my friends and I drove past Cayambe on a beautifully clear day on our way to Otavalo. Then, on our way back to Shell, the Lord granted us the most beautiful sight. In the cloudy land of Ecuador, the Lord swept away the dreariness and revealed three volanoes to us at the same time! Cotopaxi , Chimborazo, and Tunguarahua (<-- it's a different link. Check it out! ) That's a viewing distance of at least 85 miles!
Realization Three: Extremes and constants
This is definitely a country of extremes. Rainforests and deserts. Elevations of 6268m (that's about 20, 564 feet) and 0m at sea level. Snow and heat on the equator. Yet that the same time, nothing changes! No seasons, no time changes, sunrises and sunsets at the same time (+/- a minute) everyday. Reliable constants (pretty sure that's a hyperbole).
I love living in this diverse country! You should come visit sometime. ;-)
Love,
Kristin
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