Day Adventures: Good Friday

Today we went into Quito to witness the Good Friday procession, which is by far the most exquisite display of penance I have ever seen. Thousands of people gathered on the precession route to watch as thousands more people processed through the streets of Quito wearing purple penance robes with masks carrying religious reminders of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. There were also at least twenty people dressed up like Jesus carrying full-sized crosses on their shoulders and backs. Some even tied the cross to their shoulders. Others were dressed as guards and followed the cross carriers. There were also people carrying large crucifixes on a bed of flowers like you would carry a Queen in the old days. This procession went on for over three hours, which just blows my mind. I have no idea how they could carry such weight for such a long time. It really hit me right in my gut to think about what Jesus did for each and every one of us. We could never repay Him for the sacrifice. The people of Quito and surrounding areas came out in large numbers and bought religious merchandise and flowers in great numbers and brought their items to church to be blessed. Matt and I were truly humbled and amazed today. What a blessing to be a part of this day in this amazing culture!
By the way Lucas took all of the precession pictures and a few others. Also we just forgot to blog the last two days, but nothing new happened.