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