PEOPLE IN ECUADOR - To know them is to love them!

Our most special times about living in Ecuador are the people we continue to meet.  So, I wanted to share some special photographs of the beautiful Ecuadorian people I've captured through my lens.  Always, my hope is to continually touch a life here - whether it is through friendship, kindness, or just the simple gift of putting a coin in someone's hand, caressing their face, and blessing them in prayer.  

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." Unknown 

It always touches my heart to see the young walking along side their mother or grandmother - so lovingly assisting them and patiently talking to them as they walk side by side.

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. 

Charles H. Spurgeon

One day we watched this little woman hobbling down Padre Aguirre.  We followed her and then introduced ourselves.  When we asked her if we could buy her an "almuerzo" from the street vendor near us, she smiled.  We waited until she was situated and enjoying her meal.  One kind deed and it meant the world to her!

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
— William James

Ecuador women are beautiful and beautifully attired.  Who is she?  So adorned and so serious......  I often wonder what their story is after I've photographed someone and have time to reflect on that moment in time I've captured.

Don't wait for people to be friendly, show them how. 

~Author Unknown

The beautiful aged of Cuenca!

The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.

- Mother Teresa

This aged woman watched us pass by as she stood behind her gated "tienda."  

How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.

— Anne Frank

The children of Ecuador are beyond beautiful - they are respectful, loving, and gentle.  

“You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.”

Harvey S. Firestone

On a long walk in the town of Chordeleg, these children giggled, waved, and then posed for me when they saw my camera.  Four sweet adorables!  I smile every time I look at this special capture.

Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.

— Unknown

We see Luis often around El Centro - sometimes his hand reaches out for a coin......

The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious.

Martin Luther

    

......at other times, he is eating a meal and watching the world go by.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

— Winston Churchill

Saraguro is a small town near Cuenca.  This woman was in a peaceful place and in deep thought when my lens captured her.

“The shortest distance between two people is a smile.” 
― Victor Borge

Servillo collects wooden sticks in different shapes and sizes and then hand-carves them into animal and people figures. He sells them for $1 to $5 and is proud of his art.  

You and I must be perfectly willing to part with anything at any moment. It matters not whether I leave two thousand dollars or merely two. What matters is whether I can leave what ever I have without a twinge of regret.

    

Watchman Nee

There are many aged couples here.  Many of them work into their 90's, until they cannot walk or carry heavy bundles anymore.  This couple was resting by a church.  Do they still work?  Or are they hobbling along together, begging for their coins?

"The only gift is a portion of thyself."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Walking is the only mode of travel for many - from one place to the next, and sometimes miles and miles.

Where is she going?  What is she thinking along the way??

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

— John Bunyon

Who are these two adorable boys?  What are they looking at inside their painted sack?  

"Remember that there is no happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share. Smile. Hug. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."

— Og Mandino

Three - sitting on the side of the road with a large bundle of straw.

  “Money is but one venue for generosity. Kindness is an even more valuable currency.”

— Alan Cohen

My sweet Sharon - To know her is to love and adore her!

"Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain."

— Helen Keller

Our friend, Sr. Diaz.  He opens his arms and calls our name when he sees us coming - and his kind greeting and words touch our hearts.  Bo cooks delicious meals and packs them for Sr. Diaz - and we know he is eating healthy and delicious meals every day!

If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.  Mother Teresa

How are you blessing someone today?