Exactly Where I'm Supposed To Be

So, I think it might be time for a little update, eh?

 (I've been hanging out with too many Canadians lately).

Anyway...

This last weekend, most people had a five day weekend (Saturday-Wednesday). Tuesday was Day of the Dead and Wednesday was Cuenca day. Monday was declared as a day off of school and people were allowed to take work, but it would be counted as a day that would need to be made up in the future. Almost everybody took off Monday anyway. 

Because of the holidays, my family and I went to Papallacta Friday-Monday with a whole bunch of people. For those of you who don't know what Papallacta is, it's a city that's about a two hour drive out of Quito, and it is known for its hot springs and beautiful places to hike. There is a work team house up there that HCJB used to own, but recently sold. Thankfully, the people who bought it are still allowing for HCJB missionaries to come up and rent it. 

It was such a fun weekend. There were about 23 people staying in the work team house...not to mention two other families staying in the house below. The weekend consisted of...

- Lots and lots of game playing. From Rook to Signs to Pictionary. I learned several new games this weekend...I even learned how to play poker (don't worry-we just used the chips):). On Saturday night I stayed up until about 1 in the morning with a few other teens there because it took us about 3 hours just to finish up a game of Phase 10. 

- Hiking. On Sunday, a whole group went out at about 10:00 in the morning for about a 3 hour hike. Even though it was muddy, the scenery was beautiful and it was definitely worth it. 

- Hot springs. I loooovee the Papallacta hot springs. They are so refreshing. 

- A lot of good food. Each family took 2 or 3 turns to make a meal for everyone. Every single meal was delicious.

- Fellowship. I got to know everyone there better and got to meet quite a few new people too. I just loved how each person there had such a joy to be there, enjoying God's creation. 

The gorgeous view from the Papallacta work team house.

It truly was great. I'm actually going back to Papallacta tomorrow for our church's youth group retreat. I was actually worried not a lot of the teens in the youth group would want to come, but every single kid in the youth group is expecting to be there (a total of 30 teens). I'm excited to see what God has in store for this weekend and I plan on telling you all about it. :) 

Other than last weekend, not much else has been going on. I had less school this week and no soccer, but even with not as much to do I still feel like I'm really busy. But, I definitely would much rather be busy than have nothing to do. 

On one last note, I can't believe it's November already! I know this isn't my first time saying this (and it definitely won't be my last), but it seems as though time just keeps on going faster and faster. With that being said, I know that I am exactly where God wants me to be - and I'm loving every second of it.