Football Equador style

Football in Equador.

We had just arrived in town called Tulcan,it is in Ecuador. Ecuador just won their World Cup Game. It was like winning the Super Bowl in the USA. The town erupted and guess who was in the middle of the festivities?? Horns were honking, people were screaming. Happiness was everywhere. They really know how to celebrate. The streets were going crazy, I just joined in and they welcomed me. I was walking down the street in Quito, and everyone was sharing their drinks. I had so much fun with my wonderful daughter in law Beatriz and my son Joe. As you can see I had to wear the local colors. This was one of many thrills from my son's wedding in Colombia.

I have more stories to write about this vacation and the wedding. I can't wait for my son and his family to move there so I can visit all of their friends again. But, I really wish they lived in KC. Christine and I miss Thomas. I am telling you, you wouldn't be able to deal with him after Christine spoiled him.

Hope our game is as much fun this Sunday. Who will be our hero's??

Love to all my Colombian friends ... you brought much happiness to my life..

Mike

Our Lady of Las Lajas

I have been to churches all over the world. I remember the first time I was at Orvietto in Italy, what a beautiful church. Two years later, I went back and prayed and contemplated what is important in life.

My daughter in law, Beatriz, took me to Our Lady of Las Lajas, which overlooks the Guaitara River in Colombia, near the border of Equador. The church is well-known for it's miracles. When you look at it from above, it looks so small way down in the valley. But, I am telling you, you must be in good shape to get there. We walked for a long time. Along the way I had to rest often, with the thought that it would be even harder going back up. My son Joe, Beatriz, and her college friend Vicki and I started down. I knew I had to see this sight.

The closer we got the more anxious I became. Along the way you could see plaques on the walls and other items people had brought to tell the story of their miracle from this church. This would make a believer out of almost anyone. People were flocking there for a miracle. There was a little hut- like building where people were lighting candles in front of the church. We went inside and prayed. It was a very moving experience. We prayed for our own hopes and dreams, and for the good of all. After some time, it was time to move back up. I kept stopping to rest,but also to read the stories of the miracles. I could have spent days there.

We made it back to the top, I was worn and moved. I just had to reflect for a while. This memory will never leave me.

I cannot thank my wonderful daughter in law, Beatriz, for taking me there. I did not know her well at that time, but I knew my son had the right wife then. Her heart is always in the right place and her priorities are right. I love her very much for the wife she is to my son, and the mother she is to my Grandson. I know they are in great hands with her leading them. Her mother and father taught her well.

A memory forever. Hope you go to the websites and enjoy.

http://www.traditioninaction.org/SOD/j145sdLasLajas_8-16.htmhttp://www.ipitimes.com/lle.htm