(Saturday) After a nice breakfast at Esmeraldita's, we went to walk along the river, Sacha Runa. We met Chris and Mandy and their family, an independent missionary family, and Manuel, a local native minister. The area we were to visit is remote and tourists are not normally invited.  Manuel is well known and often provides the introduction and guidance needed for this trip. We hiked along a narrow rock path to arrive at the lovely home of Pedro and Maria and their family. The home might be considered primitive by some of us, but it was very neat, clean, self-sufficient, and beautiful!
We sat at their fire and enjoyed fellowship, songs, and some amazing ministry provided by Manuel. Most of us visitors could not speak the language spoken by Manuel, Pedro and Maria.  Non the less, we found ourselves understanding the message from Manuel, and communicating with each other with laughter.  We all agreed this visit is going to be one of the most memorable moments of our trip.

After the home visit, some of us retraced our steps back to the road.  Others continued along the river for a more adventurous walk with Manuel as guide: