Recuperating...

We tried to get solid answers from the U.S. Embassy regarding a concern we have, but we didn't.  So we gotta go to some office and ask... yeah...

We left to the market at around 8:30am.  I couldn't help but think we'd be at the foundation at that time.  Anyway, it took us a while to get there because of all the traffic due to the Quito festivities this week.  Everyone and their dog is in our neighborhood because we live so close to the Plaza de Toros.  I must say I was thankful to God that both taxi drivers, the one that took us and the one that brought us, did not rip us off.  The market was alive, full of handmade stuff as well.  It's interesting to see some of the indigenous people wearing stuff "made in the u.s.a."  It's weird to see girls wearing Aeropostale shirts.  Oh, and it's so annoying now to see the weed symbol everywhere!  What's that all about?  After the market we walked around a bit and headed home so that Yonseili and I could have lunch at home.  Lunch was good.  Didn't do much after that until the night.

Don Manuelito y Yonseili

Yonseili invited me to go with her and her host parents to get pinchos.  We went to the Isla Floreana and at the corner of it and Amazonas we ate at a place called El Pincho Sabroso.  The street was alive.  The chicken pincho, the choclo, and the papas were good.

Highlight of the day: Going out at night.  It's not cool to see the young folk drinking, but the walk was good.  I feel like I haven't gotten enough fresh air in a while.  Getting distracted was a good way to feel better.

Papas y pincho de pollo y de carne

Choclo

Yummy

Emo status

Friday was not as tough as today.

The first chance she got when we went into the classroom, Yonseili let Carmen know that it was our last day there.  Carmen wanted to know why and asked, "¿Que, ya se desilusionaron?"  She took the words out of my mouth.  Yonseili had looked back at me and I looked at Carmen, "Honestamente si estamos desilusionadas en la fundacion."  She wanted to know why but we told her 2 or 3 times it was best after class.  Knowing her, we'd be sharing everything with the entire class and it was a matter to be talked about outside the classroom...something she obviously has no idea about.  I was so shut down, unmotivated.  I had nothing in me to really give anything today.  Yes I helped, but I was not myself today.  I know that if I would continued with the project, I would not give 100%.  The kids deserve that and more at the very least.  I was sad to look at them and feel like I couldn't help them.  If the head of the foundation is not functioning correctly, how are temp's going to help?  If the people who are with them everyday, all day, and for years, cannot give them a good example then how could volunteers do it within a month?  There is a psychologist paid for by the foundation for the kids so that the parents could take them on Saturdays.  You think the parents take them?  I think you know the answer.  I will never forget these kids.  I won't forget the kids I see working on the streets, the emptiness I see in them.  I won't forget.  I hope that we were able to move something in them in the two weeks we were here.  I hope they grow up to be considerate, respectful, loving, educated adults with a bright future.

There was an eerie feeling today in the classroom.  Did the kids know something was up?  I know so.  When we decided to leave, Yonseili told Carmen and I told the kids.  I will never forget Henry's face or Marlon's comment when I said it.  Henry looked up shocked and bummed but immediately looked down as if he was scared to show a 'weakness.'  Marlon said in a low voice, looking down at his paper, that he didn't want us to leave.  It breaks my heart all over again as I write this.  I wish I could save them all.  Then they all hugged us and we stepped outside to talk to Carmen.

Carmen made excuses.  Again, not surprised.  We explained to her why we were unhappy/disappointed with the foundation and also some of her actions.  These kids have enough bullsh*t to deal with at home, I hate to see them deal with any other little thing at a place where they are supposed to have the most love, where they're supposed to be getting taught values.  Before leaving she said she'd like to see us go back because we are leaving her with an emptiness.  She looked like she wanted to cry and also as if she was nervous.  I was thinking she was either really sad with the situation, or scared she'd get in trouble...My gut feeling is the second thought.

...

We got home pretty upset and so unmotivated.  I just wanted to fall asleep, maybe cry a little.  I was on my bed laying down next to Yonseili while she was on the computer.  My host mom was trying to encourage us to go out and do something so we wouldn't be so miserable.  I covered myself with my brown blanket, bought for me from my parents whenever I needed to get cozy... that's all I wanted to do to forget what just happened.  "Solo se va a deprimir si se cubre con esa cobija cafe," is what Adriana kept telling me.  So, I said I would cover myself with the orange cover on my bed...

The ladies convinced me to go out for pizza and instead of Hornero we ended up at Ch Farin.  Very good place and very good pizza.  We each got a small pizza that had 8 slices and I ate 6.  My topping was ham.  When we got there I went to the restroom to wash my hands.  As soon as I walked in I was startled buy a guy who came in to put a piece of paper on a door to say he cleaned it.  What is up with this?  Little things like this make me miss back home.

When we returned I worked on my final paper.  The rest of the evening wasn't too eventful, but we did decide to go to the market the next day bright and early.

Highlight of the day: No comment.

"¡Que viva la tarde del censo!"

Yes, today was census day.  No one could leave their homes from 7am-5pm.  High school students would be going to all houses to count and ask a series of questions.

At around 9:30, during breakfast, two high school girls were walked to our door by Don Manuel.  They came in and already seemed tired of the process.  They asked a lot of questions to my host parents about the house.  Then they needed to ask questions to each one of us.  They started with my host dad and asked, "¿El sexo de Carlos Polit?"  There was a moment of silence and I just looked at the girls and my host dad.  He responded with a, "¿Pues que no es obvio?"  Everyone laughed.  They explained it was protocol.  While they interrogated him I went upstairs to shower and when I got out, Juan Jose knocked on my door to let me know it was my turn.

They asked for my name, my birth date, what language I speak the most, what level of education I'm at, if I've completed any degrees, what kind of ID I have here, yadda yadda yadda.  They also asked for my sex.

After they left I finished getting ready and at 1:30pm we were invited to go over to the Zabala home to have hornado.  The lunch was good.  We also had arroz de mariscos at the table, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and I had coke.  We had a good talk overall... but it was a bit tense when my host dad mentioned to Yonseili's host mom that they must keep the gate closed.  It really is not safe but she still got defensive.  Fortunately no argument came out of that and Don Manuelito brought his huge accordion out to play it.  I loved watching him play it with such passion.

Yo soy el chullita quiteño...

Because of yesterday's lack of shades at the volcano, I had a hard time shutting my eyes last night.  They were burning but thank God I was tired enough that my body just took over and I knocked out.  I woke up and my eyes were a bit watery and a bit swollen.  They were sensitive.  I believe Yonseili noticed I wasn't feeling too good so she offered eye drops to me.  We went up to her room and she put them in.  I stayed resting in her room and slipped into sleep.  It wasn't a deep sleep but a good rest for my eyes.  I would hear the accordion in and out and then heard Don Manuelito yell, "¡Que viva la tarde del censo!"  I heard everyone else laugh and clap.  My host family went back to the house and I slept on Yonseili's bed while she worked on a few things on her computer.

The rest of the evening we pretty much just rested and figured out how tomorrow will go down...

4.800m / 15.744ft

 My day began at 6:30am.  Fortunately I had already taken a shower the night before so all I had to do was wash my face and wet my hair again 'cause it was all messed up.  Oh, and I brushed my teeth as well.

My host mom had called Robert (host dad's brother in law) to confirm he would be renting a vehicle for us and also driving all of us to Cotopaxi.  He showed up at 6:30am, an hour early, but we still left at 7:30am.

Bummer there was no radio in the vehicle.  It had been stolen so the ride was good, but not as fun as it probably could have been with music.  We ate breakfast near our destination which was about 1hour and 30minutes long.  The name of the restaurant was El Cafe de la Vaca.  It was delicious.  I had ham omelet, bread and chocolate.

Things that happened during the ride that I think are worth mentioning.  

--The road is not in good conditions here so Juan Jose hit his head a few times on the window because he was too close to it and because the vehicle would swerve a little because of the bumps and potholes.

--It was neat traveling far in a vehicle as opposed to a bus.

--The view was better because of that.

We stopped at the park entrance, paid our entrance fee and continued on the dirt road.  It was a very bumpy ride.  It was annoying.  But as we approached the beast it was amazing.  It was soooooooooo white.  The closer and closer we got we were further amazed and saw people and vehicles up the mountain.  We went up as far as a vehicle could go and were surrounded by snow.

It wasn't my first time at a volcano, but it was the first time my feet had ever gone so deep into the snow.  It literally went up to my knees.  I was very excited!  When I had gotten off the vehicle, I geared up a bit more and than ran to the snow with my host dad and brother and started throwing snowballs.  Woah, I felt dizzy and lightheaded rather quickly.  It was a sucky feeling.  I walked back to the vehicle and sat there for a few minutes until I felt better.  Then I went on track with my host dad and brother again, walking up the mountain.

It was insane to look up and see some people clearly, but those that were further ahead I could barely see because of the clouds and/or fog.  It looked like some people were slowly disappearing.  I liked looking back because I saw snow and further down there was dirt; crazy contrast.  Stupid me left my shades in the vehicle and I realized it a little too late.  At one point the sun was really strong and the snow was obviously reflecting it on to my eyes.  It was not good for my poor eyes.  Compared to the Pichincha walk we did, this was a bit harder because of the altitude but easier because of the track.  At times it was slippery in the snow but that made the going downhill part awesome.  

Highlight of the day: When we got to the refugio it was cool.  It snowed very little but enough to make you think "wow," and it seemed like it was a way of God saying, "Good job you made it."  

I was impressed with my host dad because he was fast.  He had to return at the beginning and leave Juan Jose at the vehicle because he wasn't feeling good.  He caught up to me, passed Yonseili who was way ahead of me, got to the refugio first and still waited a while for us.  Yonseili had a soup and I a chocolate inside.  When we headed back down it was THE COOLEST THING EVER!  When I barely started sliding down in my black Nike shoes, I slid down for a while and I felt like I was snowboarding.  It was harder on the legs than going up because I had to make a bigger effort to stop myself or I could keep sliding uncontrollably and then fall.  Because of this my feet got really wet.  The Nike shoes were not the best shoes for this.  By the time we got down my socks were soaking wet and so were the bottom of my jeans.  Fortunately I had brought an extra pair of pants and Yonseili let me borrow her extra pair of 'feet.'  Her brown boots were comfy and dry...-er than my shoes.

We left and it was nice to enjoy the scenery.  We were all shut down energy-wise so exiting the park, right next to the booth to pay for the entrance, we ate corn.  As soon as we got inside the place it started raining cats and dogs.  God must really like us because we were lucky for the good weather that day and we were lucky the rain didn't get us at the top of the volcano.  Before leaving, Robert drove the car closer to the corn stand and we ran inside.  We all felt much better.

We stopped at some place to have lunch.  It was good.

Moo

Our ride

Family portrait

Dun dun dun

Juan Jose was pretty tired

Almost there!

Yeah yeah we did it, we did it, we did it yeah!

Insane in the membrane

After we got back Yonseili and I got ready to go out with Raquel.  She picked us up at around 7:30pm and caught up at a coffee shop, Sweet & Coffee.  We shared with her more than she shared with us.  I was reminded not to say "haiga."  The correct term is "haya."  She's awesome.

"This is one of the worst days of my life"

The morning was awful.  It was mentally and emotionally exhausting what we went through.  I wanted to cry because I was so mad and upset at the same time, but I couldn't do that because I somehow knew that it would make the kids think they somehow had power over me.

We arrived to the foundation and were preparing for our English class.  We didn't do much because we had to wait for Anita and Melisa to finish their homework first.  In the meantime I shared cereal with all the kids that Adriana had given me to take to them.  They were all happy and very thankful.  Some had trouble sharing, and that's when it all went down.  When I went up to ask Carmen for some worksheets, she was telling the kids they needed to share.  She then looked at me and said that what she was about to tell me was supposed to have been said the day before, but there was no time.

In summary, I was told I wasn't supposed to have favorites and that if I'm going to buy something for someone I have to buy for all of them.  Obviously I was getting scolded for buying bread for a few kids when they went with me to the store.  She said this and a bit more to make it a point that what I did was horrible.  I was not surprised by her action, but I was upset by it.  Sure, maybe what I did was wrong, but that's not the way she should have told me so.  I just stayed quiet and in my first chance I asked her for the worksheets.  I could care less about what she thought really, but what happened next is what really got me.

When I went to ask the boys what they were coloring, Henry looked up at me and made a face as if he was ashamed by my actions.  I saw and heard Joan whisper to him, barely looking at me from the corner of his eyes, not to talk to me.  They were giving me the silent treatment.  My heart sank.  The kids were now against me.  This was coming from Daniel and Joan who we rewarded for behaving well, and Henry who I talked to about his interest in art.  I stepped out to see if Yonseili was coming back from the store to share this with her.  You see, she went out to get some cokes for a birthday party upstairs.  Anyway, when I saw her I just told her it was one of the worst days of my life and how I overheard the kids say they wanted us to leave.  I was so hurt to see that kids could have such feelings.

During English class, the kids were quiet.

We left knowing we wanted to stop volunteering for a place we had not many good things to say about.  Not just because of today's event... but many other little things that made this the breaking point.

............=(

We went to CCI to buy Harry Potter movie tickets for the night then we went home for lunch.  I took a nap and when Yonseili got out of class she gave me a call so that I could meet her in front of Pinto at Quicentro.  I called a cab and went over.

The taxi ride was the cliche annoying ride.  The driver asked me where I was from and bla bla bla.  He talked about how I was the first Mexican he drove around and how his friend was in Mexico D.F. and bla bla bla.  Then he gave me his cell number so that I could call him when I was leaving the country so he could take me to the airport... then he ripped me off.  What-ever.  I would have argued but I was by myself.

I saw Yonseili with Julius in front of Pinto.  They bumped into each other there and they were waiting for me.  We went up to the food court, had coffee and chocolate, and chit-chat for a while before we had to leave to CCI for the movie.  It was good catching up with the dude, with someone familiar.

Highlight of the day: The movie was great.  I enjoyed hanging out with Yonseili AWAY from our computers.  We also enjoyed our nachos with jalapenos.  Good stuff.

First manicure and first Thanksgiving away from home... Ecuador-style

The kiddos eating the pasta

Today we took the ingredients needed for the pasta  we needed to prepare for the kids.  I forgot the cheese in the fridge and so I went to the store up the hill and got 3 mozarella cheese's while Yonseili got fresh cheese at another store nearby.  I had gone with Daniel and Joan and bought them two little chocolate breads they liked.

Yonseili prepared it and I helped cut the ham in squares.  It came out good but I was disappointed that the kids already didn't want to eat it because they thought it wouldn't taste good...well most of them.
The rest of the time Yonseili and I were asked to cut out squares from the foam paper and construction paper.  Meanwhile the girls took pictures with our cameras.  We had to keep reminding them to use the strap.

These were unsure of what the pasta was...

The kiddos taking pics with our cameras

Playing hopscotch Yonseili drew for them

Jumping... yay!

Yummy and pretty

 Before our Thanksgiving dinner, Yonseili went to class and I made some napkin rings out of paper.  Juan Jose and Adriana helped me out with them.  I drew a few and Juan Jose drew most of them.

Napkin rings Adri and Juan Jose helped me make

Dinner table all set up.  Guy is Yonseili's host mom's son-in-law

The dinner was great!
It started at not when it was supposed to.  It was planned to start at 7:30pm but because of the Liga game, it didn't start until later.  Carlos showed up at about 8:15ish during the game halftime.  Most of the dinner conversation was about the game.  I wish it would have been on a different topic, but oh well.  Clementina... or should I say "Florentine," did a good job on the food she made.  I say Florentine because when Stephen Price showed up for our dinner, he thought Yonseili had said that instead of Clementina.  Stephen Price is studying business administration at the university (Universitas Equatorialis) and we had him for one or two days in principles of marketing before we went up a level to marketing research.  His mom is Ecuadorian and his dad's from the U.S.
It was interesting to have Jasmine's family there.  Their dynamic is not the friendliest.
The radio was on so they could listen to the game.  Liga lost to Argentina.  My host dad was bummed to say the least.  What bummed me out was that Clementina and her girls didn't eat with us at the same table.  Overall it was a good night and I'm glad Yonseili and I got to share our holiday with them.  They were very appreciative.

By the way, today I got my first manicure.  I didn't feel too comfortable... I felt maybe even too girly waiting for my nails to get done.  The design was pretty cool and the lady did a good job.  It took about 15 minutes.  Yonseili and I would have also dyed a piece of our hair, but they didn't have the colors we wanted.

Highlight of the day: The dinner of course!

Picture time

"¿Y se van caminando?"

Talked to Henry about abstract art

So we got the same taxi driver and headed to the foundation.  I was excited to show Henry two pictures of paintings by Picasso and Guayasamin to show him art is expression, and there are many ways to express.  I printed them out yesterday at the internet cafe hoping he could somehow be inspired.  When I did show him, he liked them but I don't think he quite understood what I was really telling him.

The kids were read a story about a dolphin and a monkey, and the lesson was to be humble.  Yonseili  later pointed out to me that Maria Jose was upset for some reason.  I tried talking to her but she wouldn't budge.  FINALLY after convincing her to go to the store with me up the hill, I got her some bread and talked to her.  I just really want to help her and let her know she can trust us.  I didn't get through to her as I would have liked but I did talk to her enough to, I think, let her know she can ask us for help when she really needs it.  When I asked her who she admired and looked up to, she said God.  I talked to her about some values and then we went inside after she had finished her bread.  Yonseili and I would love to have one-on-one time with all these kids, so I hope we can.

I got a chance to talk to Maria Jose.  I made her several questions, and she shared with me her parents' names, that she prays with her grandma at night, and that her role model is God.  Before leaving I got to play with tazos with the kids.  Brought back memories.

Yonseili and I then went to Super Maxi to get things for the next day's cooking class and also flowers for the Thanksgiving dinner table.  We went home and had lunch.  Yonseili, while I had lunch, went to buy containers for the flowers and then worked on them with Clementina's help.  They came out beautiful.

When she left I went to sleep at around 3 and woke up at 6:30pm... at that time Yonseili was downstairs in the dining room working on homework before we started making cornbread with Yonseili's family recipe.  It came out scrum-diddly-umcious.

And I must mention randomly that it's important to share how we feel because we don't know if we'll be here tomorrow.

We had dinner with Carlos and Adriana.  Adriana made choclo with queso for us because she knows we've been craving that.  We shared jokes and talked about our plans for Cotopaxi.  The Polit family is coming with!!! =)

Highlight of the day:  Kids say the darndest things. Anita asked us where we lived.  We asked her if she meant her in Quito or country-wise.  I then got up and got the little globe they have in the class to show her where she lives and told her we lived aaallll the waaaay over in the U.S.  She then asked, "¿Y se van caminando?"  I could not help but laugh.  Henry helped clarify that we have to go by plane.

helping them out

with the beautiful flowers we bought for thanksgiving dinner

Speechless

With Anita

When I woke up this morning, I didn't think I'd be going through one of the most unforgettable moments in my life.

Yesterday we had a mini meeting with the director of the foundation, Galo, as well as with the teachers Carmen and Narcisa, and all four of us volunteers.  Galo talked about the foundation and then wanted to touch base with us as far as what we thought.  He wanted us to give our insight on everything.

I told him we'd noticed how the kids, not all of them, do behave bad.  They need to learn more about values and why they're important.  Games are for fun, so why are some of these kids cheating?  Friends are for having good times and to be there for each other, so why are some of these kids picking on each other?  I mentioned it would be a good idea to share with us what each kid is going through, what their home situation is like.  Narcisa said we could even visit their homes and talk to the parents, or parent, if we wanted to.

Well I wasn't expecting to go to anyone's home today, but that's what happened.  As I explained to my host mom and Yonseili last night, I was scared to not know how to respond, scared to see how these kids are living, where they're sleeping.  I had to mentally and emotionally prepare myself in a few minutes, I said a little prayer.  Thank God Carmen was going with me.  Yonseili stayed in class with the kids.

Marlon, Henry, Daniel, Joan

We went to Henry's, Viviana's, and Maria Jose's property.  We went into Henry's and Viviana's house.  Carmen knocked for a while before a young guy answered the door and then she asked for the mom.  She came to the door and I immediately thought Viviana looked like her a lot.  Carmen told her we just wanted to talk to her and told her I just wanted to see where the kids lived. After she hesitated because she said the house wasn't all clean, I told her she can let us in only if it's okay, no pressure.  But Carmen then kind of insisted.
So we went inside and to the right there were two little chicken coops, and I saw a few eggs inside.  There was one building, kind of like a shack, and that's where Maria Jose lives with her grandma.  We walked behind it and went inside Henry's house.  Inside was the lady's brother-in-law who was in town or something like that for a few days.  The house was a bit cluttered, but it did seem like the mom did the best she could to keep it somewhat together.  The kitchen was to the right and there was a dining table.  There were two couches close to the table, so it was a kitchen/dining room/living room.  On the left there were simple stairs.  The house was built by the dad who, if I understood correctly, is a construction worker.  It was kind of cold.  Carmen and I sat on one couch, the mom on the other, and the brother-in-law in the table.  He stayed quiet the entire time and maybe said a few words here and there when we walked upstairs to see the rest of the house.  We saw the rest of the house because Carmen asked if we could so that I could see.  Again, I only wanted to go up if the lady was okay with it, and she was.  There were two rooms upstairs.  In one, there was a double size bed cramped in there next to shelves and a television, which is where the parents sleep.  Next to that room is the childrens' room.  There was a bunk bed.  Tatiana, the older girl about 15 years old, sleeps in the bottom and Viviana and Henry sleep on the top one.  Henry is supposed to be sleeping in the room on the third floor, but does not want to.  When I saw the room upstairs I saw why.  Yeah, there was a bed and windows, but he'd be sleeping by himself and he'd probably get very cold.  I would be scared to sleep up there, so I can see why he wouldn't want to sleep up there.  Upstairs there was that room which the dad uses to put tools in as well as the manual 'washer.'  The mom had clothes up drying.
The home was the least of my concerns after everything the lady shared with us.  There was plenty that she said, well Carmen did ask a lot of questions.  It was more of an interrogation.  And although it was good to know all of that, it bothered me the way Carmen asked things.  But, anyway.  Other than the maybe two questions I made her, and the comments I had about her son, I was quiet the entire time.  We were there about 1/2 an hour, but let me tell you, it seemed like way longer.
She talked about how there was domestic violence-I'm sure there still is.  She talked about the domestic violence as if normal.  I would have expected to see someone get emotional, a bit teary-eyed, when talking about this, but she didn't.  It just makes me wonder if she's completely over it and she's strong... or if she really thinks it's 'normal.'  I'm thinking she sees it as normal, as painful as it may be.  My host mom shared with me that women, indigenous women, let themselves be hit by their husband.  Even if someone tried to help them, as apparently some people have, the indigenous women will not want help.  The reason? Husbands have the right to hit them.

There is a lot of machismo in this country, a lot of alcoholism, a lot of fanatics for soccer (Liga to be specific), a lot of poverty.  Seems like at least two of these are what's prohibiting the possibility of having a good core in families.

...

I thanked the lady.  I told her kids need love, affection, attention.  I let her know that although Henry is a handful, he is smart and has a lot of potential.  I would have expected a mom to say thank you and/or to say she knows... but she was kind of blushing as if she'd never received any compliment in her life... or, I don't know.  As soon as we stepped out of the property I just let it all out.  I just wish Carmen wouldn't have seen me.

In class Henry and Viviana asked why we had gone.  I simply told them I wanted to get to know everyone's families.  I told Henry his mom was pretty... he smiled and blushed... it was a great compliment to him.  He really loves his mom.  The rest of the day Henry was acting a bit quieter, a little more behaved.

Watching a Justin Bieber music video

Anita and Maria Jose dancing

At 11am we had the dance class like last week.  Toward the end Yonseili tried to hype things up a bit by choosing a song that everyone can dance to, but the kids didn't want to dance with us.   Al-righty.

We went to school to talk to Paty regarding our final presentation.  To get there we took a taxi.  We includes Florentina and Natacha.  I sat in the front seat and had the longest ride of my life.  The taxi driver must have worked for a travel agency before because he just kept talking and talking and talking to me about Ecuador and bla bla blah.  He kept saying, "Si niña linda..."  I just wanted to get out and run away from him.

Yonseili and I had been stressing about this final presentation for the longest time but it ended today.  Although our tutors said we couldn't do so, Paty assured us we could talk about anything we wanted... even personal things, as long as it wasn't a controversial topic.  Apparently one student talked about gays once, and there was a gay student in the audience.  It did not end well.  Yonseili will talk about New Mexico, I will talk about my experience here overall.  They simply want us to have fun presenting and to make sure we feel good about the topic so that it comes out naturally with emotions and excitement.  Then we came home to eat and after that I slept.

The rest of the evening was routine. =)

Highlight of the day:  The insight I got of more than just one house, not sure if to call it a home.

Picturesque

-Speaks for itself-

With Marlon

 The view was insane, unbelievable…

After Yonseili and I had breakfast we decided to go to the store on Tomas de Berlanga to get chocolates for the students who behaved on Friday.  We told them we’d be giving prizes to whomever behaved so of course we had to keep our word.  Thankfully we got a good taxi and right before the taxi driver parked at the corner of Manuel Ambrosi and Eloy Alfaro, Yonseili tapped on my shoulder and told me to look to my right…

Joan and Melisa painting with toothbrushes

Highlight of the day: …It was the picturesque view of the CAYAMBE VOLCANO.  Holy smokes, it was right in front of us all this time and because of the weather we hadn’t seen it until today.  There has been a cloudy curtain this entire time, hiding the incredible view.  It is truly inspiring to see that.  It is absolutely surreal to look at that active monster.

We walked down to the foundation and as other mornings began to take the benches off the tables and put the tables in place.  One by one the students showed up and put their backpacks on the shelf.  It’s funny to see Melissa put away hers because she stands up against the shelf and places the backpack on the shelf she can reach and then slips out her arms.  The backpack looks big on her.  Class started and Carmen read a story to them about a donkey who tried to shortcut his work and ended up having to do more work.  We were asked to draw the donkey and make copies for everyone.  Then they got paint and toothbrushes to color the drawing.  I had mixed feelings about the toothbrush.  Yes, they probably were using them because they're cheaper than actual paint brushes... BUT I really liked the idea.  I don't think these kids have been told that art is not 'perfect'... I mean, colors don't have to stay inside the line... Their work turned out very nice.

At El Corral

After school we didn't go home because we had to buy several things for the thanksgiving dinner we will be having Thursday, including the turkey.  Wow, it's not cheap.  We ate at El Corral in El Jardin.  The meal was worth the $9 I paid for it.

When we came home we put the groceries down in Yonseili's kitchen and I came home.  I slept forever.  Well, I slept from about 3:30pm until 7:30pm.  I woke up because Yonseili came over and I heard her knock.  I will miss my nap times here in Ecuador.  I will also miss not driving by the way, and not pumping gas.

yummmmmmm

Then we worked on our blogs and such.
=)

For our Thanksgiving in Ecuador

Get Silly

HORNADO

What a weekend… I had to wake up early again today.  Well I didn’t really have to but I actually really wanted to so that we could continue with some shopping at the market.  We woke up early enough to be at the market by 9am and I had to ask Adriana to give me something not too time consuming for breakfast.  I had Milo cereal and mango.  Although some folks told us the market wouldn’t be open until 10, it was open.  Not all the booths were up yet, but there were enough open.  We have concluded it is good to either be at the market really early or really late to get good deals.

I’ve yet to be bored at the markets.  There is sooo much to see.  Sure, the peer pressure from the sellers is intense, but they’re just trying to do business.  Some are nice, some are rude.  Be ready to be laughed at or be talked about the second you leave a booth after you’ve ‘wasted’ their time looking at what they have and asking how much everything is.  I will never forget the lack of customer service in this country.  There are older people and kids selling.  It’s amazing how good at selling the kids can be.  There is color everywhere and pretty much everything is handmade.  Negotiating has now become fun for me.  I love it when I can get a good deal.

We had to leave at least half an hour before 11am.  That is when Doña Aida and Don Manuel told Yonseili we’d be leaving to their daughter’s house for lunch.  Their daughter, Jasmine, has a young daughter that is about 17 years old and who is not very friendly… just as the mom.  Her name is Alejandra.  Jasmine’s husband, Renee, is much nicer and friendlier than they are.  Anyway, back to the market.  When we wrapped it up, we went to look for a taxi and saw one parked across the street.  As we approached it we were unsure of whether he was taken, waiting for someone, or simply asleep.  We got closer and I asked him if we could get in.  Immediately and smoothly he woke up and said, “Claro señoritas.”  Suurree buddy.  When we got in the car he was saying that of course we could get in… blah blah blah, and I told him he was asleep so, how were we supposed to just get in?  Throughout the entire ride when Yonseili would tell him where to go through, he would answer, “Si niñita.”  He said that so many times he got annoying.  So first, this dude was asleep but played it off ‘cool’ since he had his cool shades on; second, he treated us like little girls; third, he freakin’ covered the taxi meter!  What the hell?!  Yonseili pointed that out to me when he put the typical taxi rag that’s always red over the meter.  When we got to the house he asked for $3.  We knew we were getting ripped off.  I told the man, “Oiga, y eso es lo que dice el taximetro?”  He looked down at it kind of embarrassed and said yeah.  I told him that what he was doing wasn’t right, that we got the ride to the market for less and it was even through a long route.  What-ever dude, keep it.  He knew what he did was wrong and he figured it was too late to admit it so he continued acting 'smoothly.'

Playing pool

So we were happy to see that Yonseili's host parents weren't there yet because apparently they had told her we had to be there 15 minutes 'til 11.  When they got there we were told we were leaving right away so we got into the car and waited for them to get in.  And Don Manuelito drove off in the northern direction.
Jasmine's house was big.  It is two story.  She has a small front yard and when you walk in there are a bunch of family pictures welcoming you.  To the right there is a big living room and next to it a big dining room and a bar as well.  To the left there is a staircase, a guest restroom, a game room in which we played pool and ping-pong.  Before walking into the

game room, to the right there's the entrance to the kitchen.  We sat in the kitchen for a while until Renee asked if we liked to play pool.  So we did that.  Jasmine called Alejandra (the daughter) to come downstairs for the longest time, but she never did, until lunch time.  For lunch we had to sit down with her and her little cousin.  It was a bit awkward but the casual conversation eased things.  Overall Yonseili and I had fun playing pool and ping-pong.  The people were nice.  They have a huge German Shepherd by the way and a nice gray cat.  It rained most of the day and I really enjoyed the drive back especially with the bull-fighting music in the background that Don Manuelito put on.

Yonseili invading the lady's space

The rest of the afternoon we just chilled.  It was nice.

Highlight of the day: Just having fun with Yonseili.  We were acting really silly, especially with the ping-pong, and just laughed a lot.  Although we put ourselves into situations that may not be easy, simply awkward, or that may even be boring, we help each other make the best of it.

Bible study

Doña Martica, Adriana, Juan Jose

FYI-Yonseili's wearing purple and I'm wearing maroon

Yes laughing is good for the soul we have confirmed.  But what’s also done good for us was what we did this morning.  Adriana invited us to go with her, Martica and her mother-in-law to a Christian bible study for women.  Glenca, the lady who hosted the bible study at her home, was nice and shared with us that she has involved God in every aspect of her life since she was 16.  She’s married and has three girls.  We prayed, we watched a video and we had a light and healthy breakfast that consisted of bread, cheese, and fruits plus hot chocolate.  Yonseili and I stepped outside for a while to get some sun because the house was like being in a refrigerator.  Glenca's wife David talked to us for a bit.  We talked about their dog and how Estrella was not acting normal.  She needs to be taken to a vet.

We left the house and walked down the street around the curve to get a taxi.  The four of them got a taxi and Yonseili and I got a separate one since we needed to go to an ATM in Fybeca.  We needed money for the Mercado Artesanal.

Wishbone's wife "Estrella"; Glenca's pet

When we got home Adriana told us she was about to call us to let us know she would go with us to the market and the park El Ejido.  She had previously said no because she'd probably be busy trying to fix/replace the microwave she got from SuKasa.  She made quick breakfast for Carlos and shared some with us.  Carlos was dead tired from the night before because he did the Caminata del Quinche.
We left with her and Juan Jose.  When we were halfway to Shyris she stopped and said she wasn't going anymore because it was going to rain down hard core.  It in fact looked that way but Yonseili and I still wanted to go.  Yonseili told her she should still go with us and if it rained a lot we would go back.  We got a taxi and headed to parque El Ejido.
There were many stands at the park and thank God they had a porch-like things to block the rain.  We were there for a long time.  Thankfully my host mom is really good at negotiating because she helped us get so many good deals.  When we were leaving, I had to put on a plastic poncho.  That was interesting but awesome.
McDonalds was the same as in any other place in the country.  The difference is that here you have to ask for more ketchup because they only give you two packets of it.  Then, when you ask for more, you get two more.  It's the same with napkins.  It's great because there's less waste but it's horrible when you want more than two packets of ketchup.
We came home in a taxi and by that time the rain had stopped.  Later Yonseili and I watched the movie TAKEN.  It was nonstop action.  We liked it.

Highlight of the day: I enjoyed the bible study very much.

Las chicas enseñando ingles

So, yes, as you heard, one of our students didn't go to school today because he didn't have clothes to wear.  We found out after Carmen the teacher asked his sisters why he wasn't there.  Yonseili and I were in shock and I couldn't help but notice that the other kids took it in as if it's normal.  We were heart broken... I hope we can somehow help Daniel makeup the two hours of English he missed with us.  On a happier note, I am very happy with how today turned out.  We were well prepared and I am glad that even Carmen was able to learn from us.  It was a bit tough to get their attention often, but they are kids so their attention span is not very long... plus they don't really like English.

Students:
Henry - the oldest (11 yrs. old)
Marlon
Joan
Daniel
Maria Jose
Viviana
Melisa
Anita - the youngest (5 years old)

The taxi ride to Thomas de Berlanga was insane.  The driver looked like he was in his mid 50's maybe, not Ecuadorian, and was singing along with the songs on the radio.  There was one song that came out by Marco Antonio Solis - I forgot which one now - and he even pretended to cry or something.  Okay, maybe not cry, but as if he was about to start.  He was swerving all over the street and making car sounds.  He would speed up when he'd see people crossing the street and even swerve over to them.

I called Adriana and told her we'd be eating out today.  We wanted to change things up a bit since all week we didn't do too much.  We went to Ajo Macho.  The owner lady cut her hair and it looked pretty.  I don't know if I've mentioned it before but this place is a Mexican food restaurant owned by Ecuadorians.  Then Yonseili accompanied me to Fybeca, we came to my house, hung out with my host mom for a few minutes in her room.  When Yonseili shut her eyes for a bit, I slammed my hand down on the bed and scared her.  It was hilarious... to me of course.

Then "la chica" left me and took off to school.  You see, at the foundation they refer to us as "la chica" if they don't say our names. Oh! Which reminds me.  Every time I say my name here, people repeat it as "Déniz".

Highlight of the day: Teaching English! I kept thinking of my mom because she loves teaching.  She studied in Mexico to be a teacher =)  Shout out to my mom!

Laughing is good for the soul

The evil steep hill

At Fundacion

Activities for today:

Help the kids with their homework

Bible study

Christmas decorations

Home ec.

Used to be a project, is now a foundation

I helped Viviana with her math homework.  I let her borrow my fingers since hers can’t go up to 17.  Again, she expected me to help her out with the homework by giving her the answers.  I am not giving in.  Bible study was really neat.  The kids were gathered around and there was a lady and a man who came to talk to them about the baptism of Jesus.  Some were listening, others weren’t.  Then again, some of them are too young to have a long attention span.  Viviana was not being cooperative.  She didn’t have enough time to finish her homework so she was upset to have been interrupted.  She was doing a lot to try to get her backpack, her notebook, to the table where she can finish her homework.  If there’s one thing that’s impressed me, or made me very intrigued, is that the students really want to get their homework finished, especially Maria Jose and Viviana.  Both of them girls have gotten very upset and given an attitude if they are not given enough time to finish their homework.  And, by the way, they are cousins, many are family.

     -Henry is brothers with Viviana and with Mariana who is on the second floor.  They’re all cousins with      

       Maria Jose.  Maria Jose is a tough cookie.

     -Anita is sisters with Melisa, Daniel, and Alex who is on the second floor.

Yonseili giving a hand to Marlo

Helping them make the Christmas decorations was fun.  They turned out really nice.  The students who finished their decorations first advanced on to the next activity.  They made strawberries and cream.  It was funny when I heard Yonseili all of a sudden say, “No le vayan a meter el dedo, eh?”  I wasn’t facing them because I was helping Anita with her snowman.  Apparently the kids looked suspicious when they were making that because they kept looking back.

Mi almuerzo (not dinner)

We took the taxi home because we had a lot to do.  We are teaching English tomorrow so we printed out a lot of material for them and for us to use at the internet cafe.  I left out that we will be teaching English for two hours.  I have great confidence in us.

Yonseili left to school and I got online to talk to my grandma.  I got a message from Nadia, my cousin, that she was at the hospital with her and some fam.  I was able to see them and talk to them.  I could not hear them however.  I was very happy to hear that possibly tomorrow she will be going home.

Dinner was good, Yonseili joined me for it.  Then Adri gave us pie for dessert.  Between you and me… and Yonseili, I dropped my pie running up the stairs behind Yonseili.  I didn’t want to tell my host mom so we just picked it up, Yonseili helped me clean, and I wrapped it in toilet paper, and put it in a plastic bag so that Yonseili could take it home to her trash can.  We couldn’t leave any evidence behind.  Geeze, this sounds horrible when I read it.  I MUST clarify my host mom is not mean at all.  I simply felt bad.

Tonight there was a Liga game.  Liga played against an Independiente from Argentina.  I believe the final score was on Liga’s favor, 3-2.  The goals scored were very good.

Highlight of the day: I cracked up tonight with several YouTube videos.  After Yonseili tried to make a cracking sound by saying "crack," I remembered the good sound effects skits that Whose Line Is It Anyway had.  I loaded some of them and showed them to her.  Then later my brother was letting me listen to some videos through his computer that were bloopers by news anchors.  It was hilarious.

If there is one thing I cannot and will not forget about this trip abroad, is that I have laughed a ton.  Yep, laughing is good for the soul.