September 23, 2009 Last Day in Quayaquil until next year

Nothing special most of the day as I was packing and getting ready to leave in the morning. I have to get up at 2:30am as I have to be at the airport at 3:30 to leave at 6:45. Not fun.
We went for one last trip to the mall and ran into Kathya, the past president of Partners and she had a wonderful book on Guayaquil for me. We had desert with she and a friend and talked about future projects for Partners. The friend is also interested in becoming a member.
Althogether we have inducted 1 new member and have 4 that want to join right away and about 10 that are pending. All in all I think it was a great trip for Missions for Visions and Partners of the Americas.

Off to sleep as 2:30 comes too early.
Thanks for all your support and prayers without them it wouldn't have been so successful.

September 22, 2009 Clinic and Family Dinner

What an exciting day this has been. We have been so blessed that my heart is overflowing with Praise.
The day started with the breakfast I am becoming accustomed to. Mango Juice, toast, coffee and either an egg or hot cereal.
We were scheduled to be at the University where Patricia works at 9:00 to do an Eye Clinic for the seniors in her program. I was looking forward to it, as I had met most of them last years and saw them again at “The Birthday Party”.
Larry, Ghislaine and Olga, Ghislaine's mom, were going two meet us there. Patricia and I arrived and the other hadn't arrived yet, they were on an Ecuadorian schedule as most are. Awe went to several of the classrooms and talked to the students about Missions for Visions and Partners of the Americas. I wanted to get them interest in volunteering and joining Partners. In one of the classes where most of the women that I felt very close to for some reason, I started to talk about leaving on Thursday and all of a sudden it was like a dam burst inside me, I started to cry and felt so much love for these women that I couldn't explain. Pulled myself back together and asked for their help in helping the less fortunate her in Guayaquil and a large amount of them want to join Partners to help. My heart was pounding with joy. We went to about 5 classes and then went back to Patricia's office. Her secretary, Jasmina, who I met last year and had become friends with, welcomed me with a big Ecuadorian hug. I always like the hugs.
The other arrived, and we started seeing the seniors. As word spread around the campus we had more people come. We had people from the janitorial staff, the secretaries, the administrators and just general laborers. All in all we saw 104 people. Each one unique in personality but all very grateful for what we were doing and for bringing them reading glasses. Watching the expression on their faces when they can read the fine print on the chart is worth the time and effort that we put into these trips. As I write this I am very emotional about leaving on Thursday. I know I can't stay any longer this time but joy this brings to my heart is indescribable. I want to hold onto that feeling with everything I have. If you have not felt the love of another person you have gone the extra mile to help, please please go out and make that effort. You will be so rewarded. It is something that will change your life forever.
Moving on. We finished at the University, said our goodbyes to Larry, Ghislaine and Olga as I won't be seeing Larry until I pick him up from the airport on Monday afternoon. Ghislaine is staying here for 2 months until the end of November to help her mom and other projects. Again was sad to say goodbye to Ghislaine and her mom since I won't see Ghislaine until she returns to Boise in November.
Patricia and I came home changed clothes, had some lunch and she decided to go shopping for things we needed for the family dinner. I stayed home and Gyesella and I got started on dinner. Well when you have 18 people coming for dinner you need all the help you can get. But between the two of us we got things prepared and ready for cooking. BBQ Pork Ribs, Cheesy Potatoes, Salad and of course Beer Batter Bread.
Everything went in the oven at the right times and was ready when the quests arrived fashionably late as customary in Ecuadorian fashion. We all talked for awhile waiting for everyone to get here and finally sat down to eat at 8:30, dinner was scheduled at 7:00, but knowing the guests arrival practices we adjusted the cooking time.
We had a great time and it was like being at home again. This is truly my second family and they treat me that way. So many hugs and kisses (on the cheek) maybe that's why I like coming to Ecuador ????
After dinner they surprised me with gifts and I was taken back by the beautiful gifts. Again my emotions got away from me and the tears of joy flowed easily for several minutes. Then everyone was crying so I had to stop. I had given presents to everyone through out the week at various times and they were very happy with what I brought.
We said goodnight and goodbye to everyone about 11:00 and now I am very tired, emotionally and physically. I know I will sleep soundly tonight.
Gyesella, our domestic helper had stayed to help serve and clean up so I helped her in the kitchen which I know she appreciated, even though it is not the custom. Patricia and her mom also help as she is more like family. I gave her a special gift for helping me with the dinner and she was happy and I am sure tired as well.
Heading for bed and a good night's sleep.

September 21, 2009 Monday

Slept in this morning, guess I needed it from all the activity over the week end. After breakfast I did some computer work and downloaded some CD's from Patricia. Ironically they are American oldies that I do not have.
Patricia came home from work and we went to the mall to get a few things we needed. I had a pair of glasses thast needed a screw in the frame, as I lost one and was looking lopsided everytime I put the glasses on. They are my favorite pair and you have to wear shades when outside in Guayaquil.
We found an Opitcal Shop and amazingly, while talking to the gentleman assistant there, learned that the Optician was a member of the Lions Club in Guayaquil. I had been trying to make contact with the Lions Club for awhile now. Anyway he took my card and was going to give it to the Optician and have him contact me. If I don't hear from him before I leave, Patricia will follow up with him. Another God thing!!!!!!!
I had been trying to change my departure date for 2 days with no success in contacting either Copa Airlines or United Airlines, so made a call from a "cabinas", telephone service, to the US United and found they want $280 + the difference in the two tickets. So needless to say I am keeping to my original plans and returning on Thursday. Apparently that is God's plan as well.
We had a copy made of a Spanish Tutorial that was written by Dennis Ohrtman, who is one of Idaho's Partner members. It will work great with my computor program and Spanish Classes.
Went to the Super Maxi to pick up some last minute things I neede for the family dinner I am cooking tomorrow night. Hailed a cab and came home to organize the dinner menu and plan the day tomorrow as it will be very busy as we are seeing the Seniors in Patricia's University classes to test them for reading glasses. Am headed to bed 12:00. 7:00 will come to fast.

September 20,2009 Sunday Clinic at La Roca

Up at 8:00 this morning as we had to be at La Roca at 9:30 to start Clinic at 10. I hadn't seen Sam Wells, the Pastor in 3 years so was anxious to see he and his family again. I had brought him some Starbuck's coffee as that is his favorite and that is one franchise they do not have here yet.
Again we got a taxi driver that was either blind or was trying to set a new record on how close you could get to another car without hitting it. Then he dropped us off at the wrong church. I hadn't seen La Roca in 3 years and knew they had done some upgrading and this one looked like a possibility, but after stepping inside, it was obvious it was a Catholic Church. Oops!! So had to call back the cab, find out exactly where La Roca was and try again.. We had to stop and ask someone on the street as we had an incorrect address, as did Larry and Ghislaine. They also went to the same wrong location. We all arrived at the right place at the same time. God is good.
Our helper had already screened the people that didn't have glasses that needed them from the ones that just wanted a second or free pair. That worked great for us.
There were four of us doing eye tests, Larry Ghislaine, Patricia and myself. It was Patricia's first time to do something like this and she loved it and wants to help next year when we come. You will find that after you do this, it becomes addictive.
We saw 125-130 people approximately, a 3 hour time period. We went to the various classrooms and handed out stuffed animals to the smaller kids, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to the others. To give you an example of how God works, we had 37 toothbrushes w/toothpaste left from our supply we brought and there were exactly that amount of kids there. We ran low on the glasses, especially the +100 strength and had 4 pair left. We had exactly what we needed in all sizes, with the exception of 3 people we had to refer to an eye doctor as we didn't have anything strong enough. It never ceases to maze me how he takes care of our every need if we put our trust in him. I am learning nit to stress over whether we will have enough supplies, as we always do.
I had a great conversation with Sam and learned that they were planting 3 new churches in south Guayaquil, one on the coast and we talked about partnering to enable us to provide needed supplies and services to these needy areas. We are not involved with church planting but it does give us the opportunity to help these motivated people. We are going to keep in communication and plan for next year's trip and include one or two of these locations in our trip. As it turns out Ghislaine's best friend is Sam's secretary, another God thing I'd say. It seems in looking over all the scenarios, that Guayaquil is where we are meant to concentrate our efforts. There are so many places that need our help and this area is better for us to travel and more cost effective for us. We have realized that, with some help there is at least a hope for the future for these kids. They have the motivation to make a better life for their future. When we travel to the remote areas. Even though we know they need help, it never is enough to make a difference. It's just a temporary bandage. It is really a hard decision where to put our resources but we have to be realistic and put our time and resources where it gives people and opportunity to better themselves for the future.
We left around 1:30-2:00 and came back home.
Patricia and I decided to go to the mall and get a few groceries and look around the mall. As it happened we ran into an old friend of Patricia's, Kathya Lara Convantes, who is a past president of our Partners Chapter here. We talked for about 45 minutes and learned that she works in the Guayaquil government office of Culture and Education. She wants to come back to Partners and become active again. She has great energy for Partners and wants to see projects started and continued. Gave her my card and she is going to email me and she and Patricia are going to get together and get her signed up again. Another member, yeah. We proceeded to the check out stand and a lady heard us talking in English and wanted to know where I was from, I told her and told her what I was doing here in Guayaquil. She told me she used to be a member of the Peace Corp and that she and her mom had a house with an extra room that they rented out, and that when I or any of our women members team needed a place to stay that she would donate that room to us to us for the length of our stay. WOW! We talked to he about Partners and she is interested in possibly joining. She also has a sister who has some kind of shop in the front of the mall an she would be interested. I think I need to stay a few more days and do some more recruiting. Patricia is seeing how easy it is, just by talking to people where ever you go.
All in all we had another great and productive day. I am mentally and physically drained so know I will sleep well.
Thank you again for your prayers, obviously they are working.
I am trying to change my flight to Monday but cannot get thru to airlines, maybe I am not suppose to stay.
Good night my friends

September 19, 2009 Saturday at the Beach

Got up early today and had breakfast as we were going to Playas for the day. Patricia has a beach house there and her friend Maria Delores was going to drive us down there. We were going to site see and work in the garden at the house.
The drive took about 2 hours, I had been there last year but, just like in Boise, things are changing all the time and new housing projects and more beggars along the road. It was a beautiful but humid day. The conversation was non-stop, and of course in Spanish. I can catch about every few words now, but occasionally they would stop and talk to me in English. If you are familiar with Spanish, you know that it is spoken very fast, so there is a lot of words there. It was great, we laughed a lot and we were so comfortable with each other that the language difference didn't matter at all.
We arrived safe and sound and changed into out swim suites as she has a small pool there which had started to fill and so was full pretty quickly. We worked in the yard, had lunch, prepared by Juanita, Patricia's domestic helper there. The lunch was excellent as usual, we had fish, rice and a wonderful fresh avocado, onion, etc. salad. Worked some more in the garden and got into the pool. We spent about 2 hours in the pool having a great conversation in English. They wanted to practice English and also discuss some future projects and goals they had. Maria Delores teaches teachers for children 3-5.
She is interest in connecting with BSU for possible future educational exchange
Patricia and I talked to her about Partners of the Americas and she is now our newest member. I think she will be a wonderful addition to the Chapter. She is very outgoing, and motivated for future projects.
We decided to leave and stopped by the beach front to take a picture and buy some more souvenirs and head home. The water was warm but the surf was high and strong. The walk from where we parked to the water made for good exercise.
Got some good Ecuadorian sun during the day, so my tan is looking pretty good, uneven in certain spots, but I can live with that.
Got home about 6:30 and had to change and go to another birthday party,
This party was for Patricia's sister-in-law. Her husband, Patricia's brother passed away a few years ago of a heart attack. Ironically he was a cardiologist. They have 2 daughters, one that is fighting anorexia and just got out of the hospital and still has a feeding tube. Really sweet family.
Had Lasagna, salad, spinach quiche, and bread. Had a meringue desert, all of which were delicious of course.
Finally got home around 11:30. Needless to say I had no problem falling asleep and sleeping all night despite the noise.
Fantastic Day!!!!!!!

September 18, 2009 Friday PARTY TIME

My mornings are usually routine, as the sun comes up early and the neighbors, who are only a couple of arm lengths away are also early risers. They are very vocal from early morning to late at night. I am sure I could learn a lot about them if I understood more Spanish. The lady of the house is on the phone most of the day. When she gets off the the phone, the dogs bark continuously, makes for a very noisy atmosphere.
I spent the morning doing some more research for Partners and for Missions for Visions. Have some great new contacts and resources.
When Patricia came home for lunch we ate and then got into our party clothes as we had been invited to a Birthday Party for one of her seniors.
If I hadn't mentioned it, Patricia runs senior program at the University and has 125-150 participants. I met most of them last year. I hadn't met this gentleman however.
We took a taxi, which was an experience in itself. I would describe it as the ride from “hell”. The driver thought he was Mario Andretti and in the race of his life. Coming close to cars is an under statement. Maybe there was 4 inches of clearance between us and the car he “had” to weave in and out to get in front of, just to turn left from the right hand lane. I haven't decided whether these drivers are brave or just plain reckless, maybe a combination.
Anyway, God had us in his hands as we arrived a little rattled, but safe and the main thing in one piece.
I had my first experience at an Ecuadorian Birthday party. The house was what is referred to as “upper class” accommodations. It was gorgeous. Very simply decorated but elegant. The house is owned by his daughter and son-in-law. His son in law in a well known Plastic Surgeon here in Guayaquil. I told Patricia I wanted his card as I could use his services. I didn't get one. I did talk to him as he is very fluent in English.
The guest list included 20 single senior ladies, 2 single senior men, and 1 married couple.
On to the party: If you haven't listened to senior women who have just learned to play the guitar and have a difficult time carrying a tune, even in a bucket, you haven't lived. But it was fun listening to them try and well I can't say it mattered as the music they were playing were old songs and it really didn't matter if you were on key or not. That is the great part about Spanish music.
The birthday boy served the snacks and wine and made sure everyone was having a good time. After about 3 hours of singing and and hour of visiting, in Spanish of course, hot chocolate and what we would call tea cakes were served. The small cakes were made of various ingredients, mostly Yucca. Nothing sweet. We finished that, cleared the table and had Birthday Cake. It was an Ecuadorian cake that if baked and then three kinds of milk put over it and it absorbs that and then frosted with a meringue frosting. It really melts in your mouth. We cannot duplicate it as the milks used are not used in the US, darn.
After a little more talk we got a ride home with one of the ladies there. That ride was great, needless to say. Had a cup of Lemon Grass Tea and crashed. Dogs and people were quiet, YEAH!!!!

September 17, 2009 - Thursday

Today was lost somewhere. I didn't sleep last night and got up with a headache that felt like a hangover. I would have felt better if it had been a hangover I think. Just litterly hung out all day and didn't even go outside. The weather was overcast and high humidity and thaswt could have been the problem.
Oh well better days are coming. Keep reading.

September 16, 2009 - Wednesday

Up early to work on some narratives for pictures. Had a good breakfast as I do everyday. Have realized once again, that breakfast is important.
I had decided a couple of days ago that this was the day I was going to cook. I got the ingredients for this meal when we were shopping the other day. American Mexican Burritos was what I was fixing. It took a couple of hours and some searching for a couple of spices but we sat down for lunch at 2pm. They thought it was great and I had to admit it tasted pretty good. The good part of cooking here is I don't have to clean up the mess. I made a large batch so there is 12 more in the freezer for some other time.
I have two other meals planned while I am here. Saturday is family dinner night and I am going to fix sweet and sour ribs with chessy mashed potatoes, a mixed salad with a honey mustard dressing. Some is bringing a cake as we will be celebrating 3 birthdays, one is my youngest daughter Vicky's. Hoping to Skype her during dinner.
We had planned a Partner's Chapter meeting so we got ready for that and we planned to go out to dinner afterwards with the members.
We had a meeting and inducted a new member, Ghislaine's mother, into this chapter. Patricia's sister-in-law stopped by to see me and Patricia's mom. Since Patricia uses taxi's and drivers when going places, we were going to call a cab to take us to the restaurant but the sister-in-law had us use her driver. This was a great surprise for me as it was Julio whom we had drive us last year while I was here. It was great to see him again as he is a very nice, polite young man and I might ad a great driver. We had a nice visit.
The restaurant was a very nice buffet which we had been to before. We had a great meal and wonderful conversation, even though it was in Spanish. We said our goodbyes and came home around 9.
Patricia and I had the nicest visit, sitting in her kitchen drinking Oregano tea to settle my very full stomach. Finally got in bed around midnight. Wonderful night

September 15, 2009 - Tuesday

Very uneventful day. Had breakfast as usual and worked on organizing picture albums from previous trips.
Went to shop for some souveniers to bring home. Found exactly what I wanted at the first three shops, so we headed home. We sat around and talked and planned for future trip.
Hit the sack early. Am tired even though I hadn't done anything.

September 14, 2009 - Monday

I woke up early thanks to a barking dog next door but was ready to get up. Patricia was already gone and breakfast was waiting for me. I could really get use to this. I am certainly eating healthier here. Everyone is on a health kick which is good.
I worked all morning on planning our mission trip for next year and Patricia and I are putting ideas together for a project for the Partners here. It will be a fun project as well as raise some money for another activity. Will keep you posted on the progress.
Patricia came home and we had a late lunch, early dinner, meal. Gisella, their domestic helper is a wonderful cook and I threaten to sneak her in my suitcase and bring her home with me.
Patricia and I decided to go do some grocery shopping so off we went. I did a lot of price comparisons and some things were much higher but other were much lower, so all in all it averaged out about the same as we would spend. Had a great time.
Came back, put groceries away, made some rice pudding, talked and talked and then crashed. Another good day.