“Wanderer, there is no road, the road is made by walking.” -Antonio Machado
On this early morning, we set off for the Mt. Chimborazo volcano. This dormant volcano is the highest point from the center of the earth and closet point to the sun. Measured from the center of the earth, it is technically 2,000 meters higher than Mt. Everest. We were lucky enough to have witnessed two more volcanoes (Sangay and El Altar) on our drive because of the clear, blue sky morning. According to an old Quechua folktale in Ecuador, “Taita Chimborazo” or Father Chimborazo fought El Altar after his wife “Mama Tungurahua,” had an affair. El Altar collapsed and holds a sulfur lake now.
On our way, we spent a lot of time acclimating to the altitude, which led to some difficulty of breathing and getting easily fatigued. Thankfully, we had plenty of Salinas chocolates, brown sugar candy, and PBJ’s to keep our energy up. Everyone marched on with unwavering strength! We ended up at the Primer Refugio and took lots of pictures!
Mt. Chimborazo Prayer
Mt. Chimborazo Hike
Highest Point Above Earth’s Center
Olga, Carlos, Glimpsers, GGLs (missing Carlos), and PCs
This perseverance is testament to this group’s incredible determination and thirst for experience. Going back to the 3 C’s, this ultimately comes down to commitment. Despite the fatigue, the group did not complain once. The group was also compassionate because everyone was there for each other. No one left behind! The group was filled with courage as we stood together, on the walk to the highest point we may ever reach.
“Y’all led me to the highest point in my life.” – Brendan
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to follow through with the hike down Chimborazo, due to timing issues. However, we were successful in our Community Action Project Panel Presentation with the Llullundongo School committee! :’)
Per usual, we walked down to Verbo Divino for English Tutoring and ate a fish dinner at Feroz.
We are so glad that you guys are leaving such heart-warming comments, which we have all agreed to read every night from now on. It was emotional, but relieving to hear from all of you. It’s slowly curing all of our home sickness.
Big Love to Carlos for his perseverance and resilience. Big Love to Vi, Katrina, Apryl, and Mikeala for helping us make the PBJ’s for the entire group. Also, big love to our tour guide, Carlos, for keeping us safe throughout the journey, as well as teaching us new things about Chimborazo! Once again, we want to end our blog with “Yupay Chani,” meaning “Thank You” in Kichwa!
Chimborazo Prayer Song
Meia, we miss you and love you! Enjoy and we will see you soon! Give me a call. Awesome! Looks like fun! Be safe!
The video is AWESOME!! I kept refreshing and refreshing the page til this blog came up. I was nervous when it didn’t get posted last night. lol. As a worry wart parent, it makes me so happy every night to read about your day and see all the lovely pics. Love you Iana and I’m so proud of you for making it up that volcano!! Hopefully the altitude didn’t affect you too much, but even if it did…YOU MADE IT TO THE TOP!! Sorry for all the exclamations but I’m just so darn excited and proud of you and ALL the Glimpsers!!!!!!!
One more week to go so enjoy, embrace and finish strong.
Love you to the moon and back, MOM 🙂
Hi Lauryn,
Wow, so scenic… It’s so cool to see you getting a chance to see all these awesome places that you normally wouldn’t otherwise.
Can’t believe you’re halfway through with your trip and we’ll get to see you in one week ? take good care until then & enjoy.
Love,
Mom ❤️
Wow! Looks like it was beautiful up there. You guys must be exhausted.
Miss you terribly Lolo! But at least we get to see you through these photos.
Love u ?
I miss you unnie❤️
Such a wonderful enriching experience! You will treasure these memories forever!
Dear Eunice,
It is so realistic to read your story about Mt. Chimborazo. I feel like I am climbing up to the highest point of the mountain with you. Even though San Ramon is very warm those days, the snows and winter jackets in the photos cool me down and feel the freezing weather.
I walked so much today at work, so my legs are so tiring. But it seems maybe your feet are more tired from a long hike. Hope you can have a good sleep and a sweet dream:)
We love you and miss you very much.
Love, mom and dad
Hi Nava and other Glimpsers,
Your pictures are amazing. It seems you guys have had a lot of fun. Making bricks from scratch must have been a fun experience. I can’t wait to see you and talk about your experience. It was sad that I missed your call the other day. I hope you can call us again.
Love you
Wow! What a beautiful sight going up Mt Chimborazo. Such a wonderful experience.
Hi Sophia! I see you! It’s that bright teal jacket & sandy cap. You climbed a mountain!!!? You are so blessed to have this wonderful experience, so always remember your prayer of gratitude. I’m excited to hear all your stories & see your pics when u get home.
Much love,
Mommy, Daddy, Iffy, &Pluto & Mars
Vi,
I’m not sure when they post the blogs and stuff, so I don’t know when to write a comment because I’m not sure if it’ll be skipped. Don’t be mad at me, okie? Are you doing well there? Make sure to eat and dress warmly. Take care of yourself and rest when you can. I can’t wait to see you and I hope you’re having fun. I love you! <3
Hey kat, i hope youre having a wonderful time. I miss you so so so much!!! Cant wait to see you next week keke much love
Thank you for a lovely pictures? Sounds like another great day filled with wonderful adventure and exciting life experience!
Good job for taking care of each others, we are so proud for each of you.
Apryl, remember to rest more & enjoy your time there ok.
we missed you so much,
XOXO ???
Mom, Dad, Nathan, Nicole, Maegan and Bagel
Hi Kayla,
Wow!! You hiked at Mt. Chimborazo and reached the highest point. Proud of you and the rest of the glimpsers!!! Happy to hear that you helped making PBJ’s for the group too.
Miss and love you so much!
Dad, mom, Nikki and chai
Hey Katrina!! . The hike looked so beautiful, we have to go on a hike when you get back :). Again, miss you lots and I’m glad everyone agreed to read everyday. I have so much to say when you get home, I hope you and all the other glimpsers are having so much fun.
Meia! Wow, Highest point in your life indeed! I’m sure this experience definitely counts as one! I mean, how many people as young as you all can say they’ve hiked up a volcano?! That is so awesome and I’m sure this is definitely one in the books for you 🙂 All these pics are great and I love that we can see how much fun everyone is having.
With less than a week left, I’m sure the rest of your trip is filled with much more adventure, so enjoy every moment of your time left there. We all can’t wait to hear about your experience and the new bonds you’ve made. We love and miss you so much! The boys especially are always looking for the Ate.
Have lots of fun, be safe, and we’ll see you when you get back! Love you to the moon and back!
You all are on “top of the world!”
Hi Sheena: I am astounded and tickled. Reading this particular blog post, I was just wondering if you recall when I quizzed you only a few weeks ago before your trip to name the “tallest” mountain(s) in the world. Remember the answers? Everest, Mauna Kea and the one you found yourself facing — Chimborazo!!!
I can’t help but be reminded of the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”… because…oh, the places you’ve already been!!! 🙂
Can’t wait to hear your first-hand stories… Stay well. See you soon!
P.S. Thanks for the FB chat!
Grace Bunny –
Ecuador looks so beautiful! The birthplace of the pre-Incan shamanic lineage…
What an auspicious time, as we approach the Solstice, to be trekking Mt. Chimborazo.
I’m very proud of you for creating this Ecuador experience for yourself.
Hope you’re having a blast and can’t wait to hear all the stories.
Miss you…
Carter (and the rest of the crew) Those pictures look AMAZING! What a great accomplishment! We’re so proud of you. Miss you so much. I hope you are taking lots of picture and journaling. And um, Carter- didn’t your parents send you with a jacket? Brrrr.
Ahhh, today’s post gave me lots of smiles. What a cool accomplishment. I watched the video twice. I loved the part of the written post about doing it together and encouraging each other and eating chocolate and peanut butter on the way up. That’s a good crew. More good days to each of you. Miss you babe but super happy for you.
Looking good Katrina!
Good thing you brought some warm clothes.
Try and take lots of photos! Remember to stay warm and healthy.
From your family.
Hi Meia!
I hope you’re having a lot of fun. I know you’re homesick because dad told me but you’re gonna be home soon and we are going to welcome you with open arms. We all love you so much and we all miss you right now, even Rocky and Urijah. I miss talking to you and I miss it when when you annoy me. Come back soon please.
I wish I could hike up a volcano too! Maybe you can take me there one day ?
I love you!
From your annoying little brother,
Kayleb
Hi Meia! This is one to add to your scrapbook, photo album, wall, etc. Whatever you choose. Such amazing pictures!!! The blogs and picture surely help me imagine being there too. Everything looks so majestic out there. It makes me want to take a pause during the day, look all around me and take in the scenery as I take a deep breath…
Do your best to enjoy your time even while you’re working hard. Home isn’t going anywhere, so do what you gotta do and come home with lots of stories to share ok?
Love you mucho!!!
Mom
looks sick
from: Henry and chibi