One thing I have always loved about Ecuador is the way families are so united and how they love being together. It reminds me of when I was a small child before we left for the mission field (I was 7 years old when my family became missionaries) I very much remember holidays and gatherings in the states because it always revolved around my family, my mother's side was a large family with 6 children and my dad's with 4 kids. Every holiday was jammed packed with cooking, baking, coffee, playing, there was never a boring moment when it came to family, we kids always found something to do outside (and it never revolved around the tv or video games). However, here in Ecuador, it's not just during holidays that families get together, it's every chance they get, late nights around the kitchen drinking coffee and empanadas, chucking corn together on a bench outside, sitting around a fire that was previously used to cook dinner but now gives the light for conversations, cooking or baking and a whole slew of events that make family time the perfect place to be.
This week is a national three day holiday, starting with "Dia de Difuntos" or Saints Day, where families gather around the grave sites to honor their dead. It is much like what we call in Alabama "Decorations". Families gather together and make dough, where everyone get's there hands dirty and create and decorate their own little "wawas" a traditional "baby" bread (see photo). We also made "Colada Morada" a drink made with purple flour, fruit, and spices. It's a great accompany to the delicious bread. These items are traditionally prepared and taken to the graveside to leave for the families that have passed but we only enjoy them at home in the company of those still with us! Today is the Independence of Cuenca, and since in Ecuador, everyone celebrated every major cities Independence day, we get another day of rest!
We have enjoyed these few days with family and friends. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing my kids getting right in the middle making "wawas" while making friends!
