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!!!!!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
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!!!!
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.
Oh well better days are coming. Keep reading.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sept 13, 2009 Sunday - Clinic Day
6:30 came earlier than normal this morning but amazingly I woke up at 6:15 and felt ready to go. First good nights sleep I have had since my surgery in April.
Patricia fixed breakfast for me as the taxi was coming to take me to the place where we were having our first clinic. Light breakfast this morning.
I got to Casa Comunal San Esjidio and met the people in charge and a lot of helpers. To my surprise there were 8 senior students from the dental college there to help us with the dental care. They would clean teeth and give each child a lesson on proper dental care and then give them a new toothbrush and toothpaste, which we had brought from two dentists in Boise.
We started seeing people at 9am. The dental clinic were seeing only children and the vision clinic was seeing only older women, a couple of younger women were also seen. Both clinics were very organized and ran very smoothly. I was very impressed by the professionalism of all the clinical staff members and volunteers.
We finished about 2pm and I got a taxi and returned to Patricia's where she had lunch ready.
As I reflect back on this clinic I am amazed how well it went, the new friends we made and also a new partnership that was established with XXXXX, thanks to Larry and Ghislaine Urban. Their contribution to this trip is immeasurable. I couldn't in anyway have done it without them.
Our logistics person that we have used in the past was unable to assist us this year, for various reasons, so we had to shift gears and come up with a plan on our own. Ghislaine, being from Guayaquil, had numerous resources and was able to put two clinics together for us. The next one will be at La Roca Church next Sunday, which our team has been to in the past with clinics. The dental college students asked to join us so we were blessed again. God's hand in these projects never ceases to amaze me and leaves me in awe of his plans for this mission team.
With all the opportunities we have learned of here in Quayaquil and surrounding communities, we are going to do more clinics in this area. We will use this as our base and go out from here. It will be more cost effective for the team and future volunteers as well. There are so many people that are volunteering to help us it is amazing. They want to travel with us to communities all over this region. Again and again I can visibly see God's hand in every part of this work we are doing. This trip has proven to me again that when he closes one door he opens another, especially when we are doing his work. Things work out the way they are suppose to according to his word. We just have to relax and trust in him. He has us in his hands.
A day of rest tomorrow as far as I know, but with Patricia you never know. We could be visiting with future project leaders, who knows. I just go where she leads me.
Partners Chapter here is planning a project which I will share with you later this week. Time to rest.
God Bless
Patricia fixed breakfast for me as the taxi was coming to take me to the place where we were having our first clinic. Light breakfast this morning.
I got to Casa Comunal San Esjidio and met the people in charge and a lot of helpers. To my surprise there were 8 senior students from the dental college there to help us with the dental care. They would clean teeth and give each child a lesson on proper dental care and then give them a new toothbrush and toothpaste, which we had brought from two dentists in Boise.
We started seeing people at 9am. The dental clinic were seeing only children and the vision clinic was seeing only older women, a couple of younger women were also seen. Both clinics were very organized and ran very smoothly. I was very impressed by the professionalism of all the clinical staff members and volunteers.
We finished about 2pm and I got a taxi and returned to Patricia's where she had lunch ready.
As I reflect back on this clinic I am amazed how well it went, the new friends we made and also a new partnership that was established with XXXXX, thanks to Larry and Ghislaine Urban. Their contribution to this trip is immeasurable. I couldn't in anyway have done it without them.
Our logistics person that we have used in the past was unable to assist us this year, for various reasons, so we had to shift gears and come up with a plan on our own. Ghislaine, being from Guayaquil, had numerous resources and was able to put two clinics together for us. The next one will be at La Roca Church next Sunday, which our team has been to in the past with clinics. The dental college students asked to join us so we were blessed again. God's hand in these projects never ceases to amaze me and leaves me in awe of his plans for this mission team.
With all the opportunities we have learned of here in Quayaquil and surrounding communities, we are going to do more clinics in this area. We will use this as our base and go out from here. It will be more cost effective for the team and future volunteers as well. There are so many people that are volunteering to help us it is amazing. They want to travel with us to communities all over this region. Again and again I can visibly see God's hand in every part of this work we are doing. This trip has proven to me again that when he closes one door he opens another, especially when we are doing his work. Things work out the way they are suppose to according to his word. We just have to relax and trust in him. He has us in his hands.
A day of rest tomorrow as far as I know, but with Patricia you never know. We could be visiting with future project leaders, who knows. I just go where she leads me.
Partners Chapter here is planning a project which I will share with you later this week. Time to rest.
God Bless
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sept 12, 2009
September 12, 2009
After a good night's sleep, I awoke to a prepared breakfast. Bowl of apples, bananas, cheese, roll w/butter, jam and coffee. What a way to start a day.
Patricia and I and her friend went to visit XXXXX , which is a beach community. Their main income comes from tourists. They have a sausage factory their that was funded by a Foundation in Spain.
We had tea at a local outside cafe after a 2 ½ hour drive from Guayaquil. We went to a children's recreational center and met with several of the staff. Very nice people and very dedicated to helping women and children. We had a great meeting even though it was all in Spanish we laughed at the fact that my Spanish is limited and their English is almost none existent. But amazingly we each knew what the other was saying. Funny how God gives us an understanding of what is important exactly when we need it.
The meeting was about an hour and a half and then we left and went back to the small outdoor cafe for lunch. I had garlic shrimp, rice, fried bananas and a delicious salad. Enough food for two people for only $5. Such a deal!!!!
Beautiful drive home, I am exhausted, still have jet lag I guess.
It is family dinner night and we are waiting for all the relatives to arrive. I am looking forward to seeing them all again.
More later, after dinner.
Had 11 family members here for dinner. They are a wonderful family. Very close knit, which I think is rare these days. They are lucky to b all be in the same town, except Patricia's other daughter.
Had a good meal, they all tried to speak in English which brought us all to tears, the difference in languages just doesn't make any difference. As typical in Ecuador dinner wasn't until 9pm. It is now 11pm and time to get some sleep as 6:30am comes early. Have to be at the clinic at 8am. I am really looking forward to it.
Good night all!!!
After a good night's sleep, I awoke to a prepared breakfast. Bowl of apples, bananas, cheese, roll w/butter, jam and coffee. What a way to start a day.
Patricia and I and her friend went to visit XXXXX , which is a beach community. Their main income comes from tourists. They have a sausage factory their that was funded by a Foundation in Spain.
We had tea at a local outside cafe after a 2 ½ hour drive from Guayaquil. We went to a children's recreational center and met with several of the staff. Very nice people and very dedicated to helping women and children. We had a great meeting even though it was all in Spanish we laughed at the fact that my Spanish is limited and their English is almost none existent. But amazingly we each knew what the other was saying. Funny how God gives us an understanding of what is important exactly when we need it.
The meeting was about an hour and a half and then we left and went back to the small outdoor cafe for lunch. I had garlic shrimp, rice, fried bananas and a delicious salad. Enough food for two people for only $5. Such a deal!!!!
Beautiful drive home, I am exhausted, still have jet lag I guess.
It is family dinner night and we are waiting for all the relatives to arrive. I am looking forward to seeing them all again.
More later, after dinner.
Had 11 family members here for dinner. They are a wonderful family. Very close knit, which I think is rare these days. They are lucky to b all be in the same town, except Patricia's other daughter.
Had a good meal, they all tried to speak in English which brought us all to tears, the difference in languages just doesn't make any difference. As typical in Ecuador dinner wasn't until 9pm. It is now 11pm and time to get some sleep as 6:30am comes early. Have to be at the clinic at 8am. I am really looking forward to it.
Good night all!!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sept 11, 2009 Friday Travel Day/Arrival
A special thanks to Jolene for taking Larry and I to the airport. The check in was perfect even though we worried if we were over the weight limit.
Our plane left on time and the flight was a little bumpy but all in all went well.
Los Angeles International, what can I say? It was confusing to say the least and disorganized beyond belief. We had to get our boarding pass there for the rest of the trip as we were changing airlines. The process took us up and down and around the airport, which burned an hour of our 5 hour lay over.
We grabbed of bit of dinner, which I will say was very good and continued to wait for our flight.
We got on the plane and took off on schedule for Panama City. I had never been there or even flown over it, so it was a great experience for me. The airport was a little primitive, no Internet connections but you cant have everything I guess. We were there about 2 hours and got on a different plane and headed for Guayaquil. Most of the way there was nothing to see out the window except a white out. That was a little unnerving but then that broke up and we were able to see some beautiful scenery before landing.
We got off the plane and headed for customs not knowing what was going to take place since we didn't have our friend Diego there this year. He usually takes care of all the customs paperwork but wasn't able to this year. Ghislaine took care of it all with letters from the group we would be helping this year. It was a blessing that she had traveled to Guayaquil ahead of us. Since she is from here and her mom and other relatives are here it was a double blessing.
We got to customs and with God's hand and blessing, we were able to get through customs with no problems. They were very nice to us and just glanced at everything in the trunks, and wished us luck on our projects. Praise the Lord.
My dear friend Ana Patricia and another friend whose name is also Patricia, met me and Larry's mother in law and Ghislaine met him. Needless to say we had a wonderful welcome. It is so great to see my good friends again, especially Ana Patricia. We have become more like sisters. I met Ghislaine's mom and she is a wonderful lady.
We loaded up the cars, Larry and Ghislaine taking the trunks with the donated items and I just had my things with gifts.
Got home and rested a little, had dinner and crashed early as I had been up since 7 on Thursday. Needless to say I was really zonked.
I am going to try and post daily so I don't get behind, I know all of you can hardly wait to see whats I am doing, yeah right!!!!!!
Take care my friends, I do miss all of you and wish you could be here with me.
Our plane left on time and the flight was a little bumpy but all in all went well.
Los Angeles International, what can I say? It was confusing to say the least and disorganized beyond belief. We had to get our boarding pass there for the rest of the trip as we were changing airlines. The process took us up and down and around the airport, which burned an hour of our 5 hour lay over.
We grabbed of bit of dinner, which I will say was very good and continued to wait for our flight.
We got on the plane and took off on schedule for Panama City. I had never been there or even flown over it, so it was a great experience for me. The airport was a little primitive, no Internet connections but you cant have everything I guess. We were there about 2 hours and got on a different plane and headed for Guayaquil. Most of the way there was nothing to see out the window except a white out. That was a little unnerving but then that broke up and we were able to see some beautiful scenery before landing.
We got off the plane and headed for customs not knowing what was going to take place since we didn't have our friend Diego there this year. He usually takes care of all the customs paperwork but wasn't able to this year. Ghislaine took care of it all with letters from the group we would be helping this year. It was a blessing that she had traveled to Guayaquil ahead of us. Since she is from here and her mom and other relatives are here it was a double blessing.
We got to customs and with God's hand and blessing, we were able to get through customs with no problems. They were very nice to us and just glanced at everything in the trunks, and wished us luck on our projects. Praise the Lord.
My dear friend Ana Patricia and another friend whose name is also Patricia, met me and Larry's mother in law and Ghislaine met him. Needless to say we had a wonderful welcome. It is so great to see my good friends again, especially Ana Patricia. We have become more like sisters. I met Ghislaine's mom and she is a wonderful lady.
We loaded up the cars, Larry and Ghislaine taking the trunks with the donated items and I just had my things with gifts.
Got home and rested a little, had dinner and crashed early as I had been up since 7 on Thursday. Needless to say I was really zonked.
I am going to try and post daily so I don't get behind, I know all of you can hardly wait to see whats I am doing, yeah right!!!!!!
Take care my friends, I do miss all of you and wish you could be here with me.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sept 10, 2009 Leaving Boise for Guayaquil
A special thanks to Jolene for taking Larry and I to the airport. The check in was perfect even though we worried if we were over the weight limit.
Our plane left on time and the flight was a little bumpy but all in all went well.
Los Angeles International, what can I say? It was confusing to say the least and disorganized beyond belief. We had to get our boarding pass there for the rest of the trip as we were changing airlines. The process took us up and down and around the airport, which burned an hour of our 5 hour lay over.
We grabbed of bit of dinner, which I will say was very good and continued to wait for our flight.
We got on the plane and took off on schedule for Panama City. I had never been there or even flown over it, so it was a great experience for me. The airport was a little primitive, no Internet connections but you cant have everything I guess. We were there about 2 hours and got on a different plane and headed for Guayaquil. Most of the way there was nothing to see out the window except a white out. That was a little unnerving but then that broke up and we were able to see some beautiful scenery before landing.
We got off the plane and headed for customs not knowing what was going to take place since we didn't have our friend Diego there this year. He usually takes care of all the customs paperwork but wasn't able to this year. Ghislaine took care of it all with letters from the group we would be helping this year. It was a blessing that she had traveled to Guayaquil ahead of us. Since she is from here and her mom and other relatives are here it was a double blessing.
We got to customs and with God's hand and blessing, we were able to get through customs with no problems. They were very nice to us and just glanced at everything in the trunks, and wished us luck on our projects. Praise the Lord.
My dear friend Ana Patricia and another friend whose name is also Patricia, met me and Larry's mother in law and Ghislaine met him. Needless to say we had a wonderful welcome. It is so great to see my good friends again, especially Ana Patricia. We have become more like sisters. I met Ghislaine's mom and she is a wonderful lady.
We loaded up the cars, Larry and Ghislaine taking the trunks with the donated items and I just had my things with gifts.
Got home and rested a little, had dinner and crashed early as I had been up since 7 on Thursday. Needless to say I was really zonked.
I am going to try and post daily so I don't get behind, I know all of you can hardly wait to see whats I am doing, yeah right!!!!!!
Take care my friends, I do miss all of you and wish you could be here with me.
Our plane left on time and the flight was a little bumpy but all in all went well.
Los Angeles International, what can I say? It was confusing to say the least and disorganized beyond belief. We had to get our boarding pass there for the rest of the trip as we were changing airlines. The process took us up and down and around the airport, which burned an hour of our 5 hour lay over.
We grabbed of bit of dinner, which I will say was very good and continued to wait for our flight.
We got on the plane and took off on schedule for Panama City. I had never been there or even flown over it, so it was a great experience for me. The airport was a little primitive, no Internet connections but you cant have everything I guess. We were there about 2 hours and got on a different plane and headed for Guayaquil. Most of the way there was nothing to see out the window except a white out. That was a little unnerving but then that broke up and we were able to see some beautiful scenery before landing.
We got off the plane and headed for customs not knowing what was going to take place since we didn't have our friend Diego there this year. He usually takes care of all the customs paperwork but wasn't able to this year. Ghislaine took care of it all with letters from the group we would be helping this year. It was a blessing that she had traveled to Guayaquil ahead of us. Since she is from here and her mom and other relatives are here it was a double blessing.
We got to customs and with God's hand and blessing, we were able to get through customs with no problems. They were very nice to us and just glanced at everything in the trunks, and wished us luck on our projects. Praise the Lord.
My dear friend Ana Patricia and another friend whose name is also Patricia, met me and Larry's mother in law and Ghislaine met him. Needless to say we had a wonderful welcome. It is so great to see my good friends again, especially Ana Patricia. We have become more like sisters. I met Ghislaine's mom and she is a wonderful lady.
We loaded up the cars, Larry and Ghislaine taking the trunks with the donated items and I just had my things with gifts.
Got home and rested a little, had dinner and crashed early as I had been up since 7 on Thursday. Needless to say I was really zonked.
I am going to try and post daily so I don't get behind, I know all of you can hardly wait to see whats I am doing, yeah right!!!!!!
Take care my friends, I do miss all of you and wish you could be here with me.
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