September 26th through October 2nd

 September 26th through October 2nd:

Monday: We went downtown to the Plaza Grande, the principal square in Quito surrounded by the presidential palace, municipal buildings and the Metropolitan Cathedral.  I have a ton of memories of going there at least once a week and setting up the story board in front of the steps of the Metropolitan Cathedral and selling copies of the Book of Mormon. 

These are the steps in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Elder Goodman on the left was my first companion after I had my appendix out on the 3rd day after arriving in Ecuador.

These are the steps today.

We visited 4 churches close to the Plaza Grande.

First:  The Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción, the church of the immaculate conception. Founded in 1577 it is one of the oldest convents in South America.

Second:  We visited the Metropolitan Cathedral.  Construction started in 1535 and it was completed in 1572 and further additions were made after an earthquake in 1797. It is the senior most Catholic church in the country and has an amazing coffered ceiling. 

These pictures were all taken off the internet because they would not let us take photos inside.

Third: We visited La Compañía de Jesús de Quito,  started in 1605 and finished in 1765.  This was the first Jesuit church in Quito and is famous for the amount of gold leaf covering much of carvings and surfaces.  

These were all taken off the internet also.  We both remembered the incredible beauty of this church and it was just as exquisite this time.

Fourth:  We visited the  Basilica and Convent of San Francisco.  Started in 1535 and 1765.

This is San Francisco

The New Basilica is at the end of this street. An adventure for another day.

Panecillo is hill in Quito with the Virgin of Quito statue on top of it.

These are the inside of San Fransisco

These 4 churches are very close to each other.  2 sit on the corners of the Plaza Grande, one is 1 block away and the other is 2 blocks away. There are 27 historic churches in Quito.

We then went to lunch with the Elder and Sister Cameron, who are the office couple for the Quito mission

Tuesday through Friday:  Were a repeat of last week with training sessions in the morning and the evening.  Saturday: We went grocery shopping in the morning and then spent the rest of the day listening to conference. Sunday:  We were invited to President and Sister Winters home to listen to the first session of conference and then have brunch.  The Camerons were also invited and it was a great way to spend the morning. 

The view from their apartment is one you would never tire of.  Conference was great.  7 of the 18 new temples are Spanish speaking.  Just saying.