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

August 2008: Amazon Trip

This year we are Embarking on our biggest challenge. The team has expanded to 15 members rather than just the 8 we started with, and we are going to 5 villages along the Amazon River in Ecuador. Mission Aviation takes supplies and medical aid for emergencies.

We will do a limited scope of medical exams, vision testing and giving glasses, helping their teachers expand their curriculum, and promote dental and personal hygiene. We are planning on painting a church or school house, fixing windows, helping with electrical issues, etc. We are there to enable the villagers to help themselves after we are gone. This we know will give them a hope for their future.

The Missions for Vision Team, although the members may change from year to year, will continue to grow in its efforts to help the people in Ecuador help themselves and give them the love and encouragement that God intended for them.

August 2007: Quito - Small Villages

In Progress

September 2006: Riobamba

In Progress