Decorating the Tree

 Before the Caldwells left Quito in February, they left us a Christmas tree with ornaments. We've moved it to Lago Agrio, then Coca, and now we can actually assemble it. We invited the missionaries over for dinner and they had fun putting it together.

Sister Rodriguez says that her family doesn't celebrate Christmas, so she was excited to do something fun. Here is Elder Grimmer, Elder Ardaya, Hermana Rodriguez, and Hermana Meyers. They are all hardworking missionaries!


We were able to get our tire fixed at a local shop. It cost all of $3.25.

Although Ecuador uses the US Dollar, they have specific coins minted for them. The most common coin is the $1. It has a golden color. However, we have come across Sacagawea $1 coins as well. 


On the top left is a regular US quarter next to the Ecuadorian quarter. They use a softer metal which is not as hard-wearing. George Washington is on the left and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo is on the right. The dollar coin with Washington's image is in the middle. On the bottom are the $.50 pieces. On the bottom left is Eloy Alfaro, right is JFK. Alfaro was president twice in Ecuador's history and there is a street in every city named for him. It is rare to see a dollar bill here; most buying and selling is with coins.

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