Sunday in Quito

The dizziness has gone but if I don't drink water every hour I am in trouble.

Didn't have the energy to go to church, but in the afternooin Geovanna decided I needed and outing so we packed the kids in the car and headed for the city. There was a sort of fiesta for some physically/mentally challenged people. There was singing, dancing and the main event was food. The dish was sort of a spanish rice with clams, oysters, shrimp, crab and I don't want to guess what else, but it was cooked in a hugh pot over open fire and served from that pot.

There were a lot of people there and it was interesting that's for sure. Batteries in the camera went dead again so no pictures. The batteries over here I swear are from Japan. Came back to the house and had rice and milk, talked a little and crashed again.

I know tomorrow I will be feeling better.

Chao

No Action Day

I spent the day sleeping, waking long enought to eat a little and drink lots of water and then we know where that led. But I was so lethargic that I couldn't hardly walk. I never thought altitude could make me that weak.
Hope tomorrow is better.

First Day in Quito

I had a light breakfast and made arrangements for Jorge from the Ecuadorian Brass Band to pick me up for a day with him at his school.
I had the priviledge of meeting 5 of the top students who were preforming in a concert that night to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a Lutheran Church here. They played a couple of songs to practice. They are awesome.

We went for lunch at a place they picked and all I can say is that I wouldn't eat there again. The food here in Quito so far has been very bland. No taste that tickles my taste buds.

After lunch we went to a class Jorge was teaching. The students were 5-12 years old. All of his students are from the streets. They have no money for lessons, so his foundation pays for instruments, lessons and clothes for when they have performances. This orchestra has toured all over the world including Boise, Idaho. We have people in Boisewho are supporters of the foundation.

I watched in awe as he worked with this children. It is quite apparent in watching the mistro teach why his students have gone on to be great musicians in their own right. Some have full scholorships at major musical institutions throughout the world.

After meeting Jorge, and finding out about the band, he asked him to have the bnd play for the Breaksfast Conference. Jorge and his wife will be my guests.

After the class I needed to go back to the casa and rest. The altitude is starting to take its toll on my body. My muscles are so tired I can hardly put one foot in front of the other. I am suppose to drink lots of water, which I hate but I have forced myself and have to eat. I have found that they eat lots of carbs. Rice and spaghetti, plain at one meal.

I am going to crash and see how I am in the morning.

Chao

Thanksgiving Day - TRAVEL DAY

This day has started with very mixed emotions for me. I am leaving all the new friends I have made. It is amazing to me that you can become so close to people in such a short time. This is like leaving family. After coming home from the party last night, we were all very quiet but thankful that we had had this opportunity to get to know each other.
Patricia's mom said she wants me to consider her my second mom so now I have a mom in the US and one here. She made some special Xmas decorations for me which will always be part of my Xmas's.
The weather is a little cooler this morning with a nice breeze. I am finishing some paperwork and getting ready to go to the airport at 12:00 my plane doesn't leave for Quito until 2:00 but getting these suitcases all checked in may take some time. I thought by leaving things here, that I brought for everyone, it would lighten my load and I would have more room, but just the opposite, people gave me so many things that I am having a really hard time getting everything in to 3 bags.
Hope everyone is well this Thanksgiving day and my thoughts and love are with you all. Will write more tonight when I am settled in Quito.

6:00pm
Arrived safely and Jorge was heremto meet me but Diego was no where in sight. I really was worried as both of them said they would be there. We waited and Diego came and I told Jorge we would get together the next day.

Diego had some errands to run for the breakfast conference, so we did that and went to his house, had dinner and visited for a short time and I crashed. New town, new bed, and the altitude change should make for a challenging night.

Paula

School Visits

Today I was asked to visit a foundation that supplies libraries to public schools in Ecuador. Met some very dedicated people. I went to a girl’s school that has 10,000 students. They have two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was amazing. The students all wear uniforms. They do regular studies but have special things they concentrate on; right now it is violence at school and home.
I was amazed to see that they had no computers. They had an antique typewriter they were using in the library. One of the students was doing some repairs on it. All the books they get are donated from various sources and the foundation purchases some as well for the various schools.
We went to another school that the children were from very low income families. The library there was very small. In this small neighborhood the students leave this school when they reach high school age. They can go to high school if they are chosen by a committee. Of course they have to have good grades and other qualifications.
The one constant in all the schools I visited is that they want children to have a better education. They need their teachers to be brought up to date on new teaching methods. Of course they need better books, computers, etc. but we can help with investing the time to help these teachers reach their goal. We have the ability to get grants to bring us here to help and there isn’t a good reason that I can see not to invest a small amount of time for these children who might someday, with the right education, be the leaders in their country. In America we have the resources to get an education, these children do not.
I went to lunch with several of the officers of this foundation and had a great time and made some new friends.
Came home and Patricia and I went to join members of Partners at a final meeting to sum up what we all learned and what we hope to accomplish in the next year.
After that meeting we all went to a very nice restraint. The food was typical Ecuadorian. Talked for hours and saying goodbye to all the team was very difficult. Don’t know who was more upset about me leaving, them or me. The tears flowed freely and emotions ran high. People I had not known for long are in my heart forever.
Got back to the casa and started packing. Finally got it organized. Had to take something to help me sleep so I wouldn’t be awake all night.
More tomorrow

Hospital Visit

Today has been the most emotional day of my visit here. I went to a children’s cancer hospital with Patricio’s wife Pilar.
We visited with all the children there including the terminal patients. There were about 50 + children all ages. The youngest was 6 months old.

I did have the opportunity to minister a father and his young son. The boy has leukemia plus he has asthma and they had to put a breathing tube in his throat. The father is a strong Christian man with 6 children. I was able to witness to him first hand as I know what he is going through with his child being sick and not knowing what the outcome will be.

Your faith gets you through most days but your emotions are all over the chart depending on each breath your child takes. To see a very strong man reduced to uncontrollable tears is a gut wrenching event that I tears your heart out.

We prayed together and hopefully I made a small difference if only for a short moment. I let him know that we would pray for his son and for him and that God would be there for his son no matter what happened.
I did take pictures of each child so when I get the pictures on you will see these sweet children, and please pray for each of them.

In the afternoon I was a quest at a Bingo charity event. It lasted 6 hours, as they play much different than we do and it was for charity so guess the rules were different they gave out more prizes for each game. Didn’t get home till after 8 and then just relaxed.

Will write more tomorrow.
Paula

Northern Guayaquil

School Visits
Today was Wilson's day to show me his projects. He works with a foundation that supports a private school in the north part of Guayaquil. It took about 45 minutes to drive to this town.
I have to say that I was highly impressed by the teachers, staff, programs and the students. Even though this is a very poor town, the school is making a great stride in educating these children in hopes of them becoming whatever they want to in the future. I was especially impressed by the English Teacher. He has gone above and beyond to further educate himself so that he can give his students a better education. Their classroom has a audio system set up so that the students each have a headset and listen to the lessons in learning English. I gave them a copy of the book that my friends John and Yolanda Blackstun (Boise) have written on teaching basic English. This is a great book and the teacher feels it is a wonderful tool. I will give you more information on this book later.
The children in this school wear uniforms and are well behaved and very courteous. You can see the hope in their eyes of making a better life for themselves. Their penmanship is very good, in fact I think they are ahead of our kids are the same grade level.
The government pays the teachers so that the foundation buys supplies and necessities for classes. The government also pays for 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch. The new government in Ecuador recognizes the fact that education is the key to the future.
We went to another area where we met a young women who had changed her town completely. Betty, at the age of 15, realized that she had a learning problem including reading. She found the resources that could help her and knew if she had problems there were other children the had problems as well. She made arrangements to get help in the schools for slow learners. This you women is now in the mid 20's, has 3 young children, is attending her 3 year in college. She is taking classes on how to improve the environment and other associated things. She found a way to get a fresh water system for her town, and many other daily necessities. There was a contest in Guayaquil, I don't know the details except it was on making a difference in the world. She won the contest and was awarded a new fuel efficient car. In talking with this special women, I was in awe as she is so young to have accomplished. She got a school started in her town, started a co-op child care and so many more things. I will post a bio on her later so you can see and appreciate what she has done and continues to do for her small town.
I cam home and cleaned up and we met one of our youth ambassadors, Geraldine and her mom and took them to another member of the chapter, where we had real hot chocolate and Yucca cakes. It was very good. We had about 10 of us there and talked about future projects for the Chapter. There are so many things we can do and we can incorporate them with the things we are already doing with Missions for Vision.
After we were through with that we came home and walked to the Bakery that Patricia's niece and her husband own. It is right around the corner from Patricia's house. I was teaching them how to make beer batter bread. It turned out really good. Everyone loved it. I got a lesson in making and rolling out crescent rolls. All in all it was great.
Needless to say I was pretty spent when we finally got back. But it was a good tired and I knew I had accomplished several things I needed to today.
Tomorrow is a busy day as well as I will be going to a Children's Cancer Hospital.
Goodnight friends, and God Bless
Paula

Family Lunch

Day of Reflection

As I was having breakfast this morning, I thought that today would be a good day for writing down some of my thoughts. I look back remembering each place, I have been and each person I have met and wonder if I can make a difference in their life as they have in mine. In my prayers, at night, I pray God will give me the resources and the wisdom to help make a difference in these peoples lives.

Despite their poverty, you can look in their eyes and see that spark of hope. Like parents around the world, they want more for their children than they have had. They want the everyday necessities, but also, an education for their children, as they know that that is the key to a better future for the generations to come.

As I have said many times, despite the fact they have nothing, they are happy and smiling. On Sunday, they walk down the street/road, in clean clothes, all holding hands, fathers caring babies as well as mom.

I watched these families for awhile, and even though it brought tears to my eyes, there was a joy in my heart that was indescribable. I think of our families in America and know that the majority miss that feeling of family love and togetherness. We can learn real life lessons from these sensitive loving people.

I have identified many projects that we can do to help these people. Some will take more effort than others, but each one will make a difference in their lives. Several new grant possibilities have come out through Partners which fit right into our plan.

Even though they have come a long way in the past 5 years, there still is much to be done and most is simply in educating and teaching what we have already learned.

On a personal note: I have learned many things while here in Guayaquil, 10 of which I will share with you.

I will never complain about Boise traffic again. In a city of 2 million people, with over ½ driving I think it is a war zone out there. Funny thing I have seen some of the same gestures that are made in Boise. Also try and take a gas mask as the fumes are horrid.

Always remember there is a possibility of seeing a lizard creeping up on you or at least by you, no matter in doors or out.
Don't plan on a hot bath/shower as most of the water is luke warm.
Water pressure is minimal.
You will be drying all your clothes on a clothes line as there is non dryers.
You will eat more food in a 24 hour period than most of us eat in a work week.
Be prepared to kiss every person you meet on the cheek. It's the custom.
Men here are very polite and even open the door for women. They listen to what you have to say and husbands and wives even hold hands in public. Imagine!!!!!

Children are taught tom respect their elders. (Go figure).
Families gather together once a week to have a meal and share their weeks events. Every member of the family is expected to be there.

Activities today:

Went to Patricia's sisters for lunch. They have an awesome house. Gorgeous plants and it was a wonderful meal. Patricia and I then went back to Malacon 2000 to get pictures as I didn't get any the other day, camera had bad batteries. Home now and working on agenda for next week. Busier than the last one. I leave Thursday for Quito.
Bless you all
Paula

Day of Leisure

Southern Part of Guayaquil

Today was a very stressful and emotional day for me. I worked with Teresa and Veronica of Fahum, a volunteer humanitarian effort. They have a foundation that supports part of their work but supplies for the workshops, 2 breakfasts a week for the children that go there, plus scholorships for the really needy families are all donated. This is not a school but a place where the children, of below poverty level, come to learn life skills. These are things like loving yourself, family issues, hygiene, manners, etc. They also have classes with the parents on how to raise children in a loving home. How to avoid child abuse, no violence in the home, etc. It is a great program and something that the schools do not teach. The schools here are so over crowded, 60-65 to a class that it is impossible for teachers to give any individual attention to students. This group goes out into the community and meets with parents, and finds those that need the greatest amount of help. I was able to see the value of this project first hand by watching the children participate in the lectures. Several parents were there and you could see the joy in their eyes and how proud they were for the sons and daughters and very thankful that they have an opportunity to make a better life for themselves.

We went to one of the schools and visited with the children and took pictures, of course all of them wanted their picture taken. These people live in deplorable conditions but yet in spite of it they are always smiling. We have a lot to learn from these people.

I went home with Teresa for lunch at her house. We had hot dogs and fried potatoes and crab soup. What a combination. It was good though.

Came back to Patricia's and worked on the computer and Patricia and I went to a concert downtown at the culture center. The music was provided by the students from the college and was amazing. A lot of it was Beattles music but a couple of Spanish songs as well. They all are aspiring professionals. They could be that now they are so good. We took more pictures and came home and had dinner. I am not used to eating late and Ecuadorians always eat late. We had a friend of Patricia's come over to show us some silver jewelry that she makes. It is georgeous. They are one of a kind pieces. She will have a web site soon and I will share that. The jewelry is very reasonably priced too. Well tomorrow comes early and I am going to a school soccer game so will close for tonight.

Good night sweet prince where ever you are !!!!!

Paula

Sightseeing

Today was a sightseeing day in the morning. One of the partners took me to a historical museum on the waterfront. We then went to another museum that told the history of Guayaquil. It was the most artistic display I have ever seen. They had minatures behind glass depicting each event in it's history. The minatures were hand made perfectly detailed. My camera wasn't working right today so am going to go back specifically to take pictures so that everyone can see. I think they should make a DVD in English so that American's can appreciate what this city has gone through to survive.

I went to lunch with my guide and met her family. They were the couple that came with Patricia to the airport to pick me up. The husband speaks English and we had a nice visit. He has his own import business with his son here.

Came back to the Casa and cleaned up to meet a friend of Patrticia's, Fatima and her husband Antonio, for dinner and talk about partners. He is a lecturer and teacher here at a small college. His is fluent in English and wanted information about partners and how we could help facilitate the further education of students in economics and future technology in computers. Also there is a sea port here Manta that needs additional training and education for it's older workers so they can work along side of the upcoming young workers. I am having Antonio give me an outline of what he has in mind. That way we will have a clear understanding of what we might do to help. This is an exciting time for Partner's and for Idaho to help Ecuador in development for the future.

Well I just had a slight hear attack!!!! I looked down and there was a small green lizard running on the floor towards my foot. Geeeeeze I am still shaking. So if there are misspelled words, please overlook them.

Tomorrow I will be working at a Humanitarian Agency learning how they take care of the less fortunate and handicapped people of Guayaquil. Should be very educational for me.

Please keep me in your prayers my bites are really itching today but hopefully they will be clearing up soon. I had some Benadryl so put that on and it seemed to help.

God's Blessings to you all

Paula

University - Seniors

Hello friends!

Today started with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, cheese, mango juice, toast and coffee. I don't know why everything tastes so good here, maybe because I don't have to cook it myself. At home I usually have a bowl of cereal and that's it. Guess I will be changing that habit.

So my day began early, and I went to work with Patricia today at the University. She teaches pyschology and runs a program for senior citizens. Needless to say I fit right in to that program. They teach, reading, today they were learning a play. They have dance, exercise, crafts and art (painting or drawing). It was so much fun watching these ladies, and a couple of men as well. They had a birthday party for one of the ladies with refreshments, music and dancing. Imagine my surprise when one of the male teachers pulled me out to dance. I do have pictures but will show them to you later. The dance lasted so long I was really winded at the end but was so much fun. They were all so nice to me.

We went back to Patricia's office and the man I danced with was there and I found out he is has a radio program and wanted to interview me. Wow, I was kind of thrown off guard. But did the interview and it went very well.

We left school and went over to one of the Partner's houses for lunch and ended up staying there for 3 hours. The husband and son came home for lunch so we talked with them too. The son is in his early 20's and working and attending college. He wants to be in the film industry, behind the scenes, making movies. He is going to New York to visit relatives for 2 months and reaqlly wants to attend school there in the future. Very nice young man.

Came back to home and I am working on notes, blog and tyring to figure out the picture issue.

We are going to have a light supper, cheese sandwich, mango, rice pudding and a spice cake. Oh and lemon grass tea.

I found that the mosquito's that we encountered yesterday at the coco plantation, had a feast on my arm. Have about 8 bites and they itch like crazy but luckily I brought some itch medicine. I guess they just like that good "old" American blood.
I loved talking with my "home group" last night, it was great. Don has the Skype program on his computer as I do which enables us to see each other and talk for free. If anyone wants to know about it just go to the Skype website and get the details for downloading, it is very easy and free.

Hope you all have a great evening and I will get back to you tomorrow with more of my activities.

Your friend

Paula

Coco Plantation

Today was very interesting. I went to a coco plantation. Saw the whole process, from the nursery to the shipping. Ecuador has the best chocolate in the world. It amazed me that so much is still done by hand. The man that took me on the tour is a member of Partners and is an Engineer for an American Company that processes and ships the coco all over the world. He started a new procedure for the company of buying straight from the farmers rather than them going thru a middle man. This means more money in the farmers pocket. Now they are trying to educate the farmers to take better care of their crops so they can produce crops year round.

The roads were terrible, ruts and rocks and of course very dusty.

In meeting the people in the small villages I found them the same as other villages in Ecuador. They have nothing, but they are happy and always smiling. Unlike Guayaquil where they frown, especially in traffic.
It is overcast and very humid today. A slight breeze makes it ok.

Am going out with one of the other members later this afternoon. Will write more later.

Paula

Planning Day

An easy day today. Had great breakfast as usual, and worked on this blog. I think I have finally figured most of it out except for the pictures part, but will tackle that tomorrow.

Patricia and I had a chauffer today (her brother's driver) and we went shopping. Also did some sight seeing. Found a place to have some pins made that I can give away.

Tomorrow will start my week of interviews and talking to people all over Guayaquil. Each day a new partner member will take me out for the days activities. This will be a great way to get to know each partner member and get their opiniions on different things. I will be going to a coco plantation operation tomorrow and then in the afternoon some exhibit.

It is really fun with Patricia as she is learning more English and I am learning more Spanish. We call it Spanglish. We end up laughing more than talking.

The weather is very humid so it makes it seem hotter than it actually is. In the evenings the clouds come in and there is a breeze so it cools off a little.I really am blessed to have had this opportunity, I will always treasure these memories.Please pray for my stamina and that I stay healthy.

God Bless

Paula