I started off by waking everyone up to have breakfast with Rosario “Charito” Salas. She came in sharing with us ripe platano, Humita (milk, corn, and cheese inside a corn husk), blackberry juice, homemade hot sauce, and butter on the side. Besides food, she told us her story. A volcano took everything from her in 1999. As a result, she lost her business and a part of her was destroyed because she worked so hard. Her son went to Europe to try to find a job to make money to repay the family’s debts. Charito was homeless for ten years and picked up any jobs that she could find.
Charito had to adapt to the circumstances that life gave her. One of the things that she said that stood out to me was, “It was really hard to see all my hard work, all my passion, and energy swept away so easily.” It made me realize that not everyone is as fortunate as I am. Not everyone gets the opportunity to have a house to live in and a family that supports them.
We were lucky to celebrate Charito’s 71st birthday with her. Besides the delicious breakfast, she brought a delicious cake and gifts for all of us.
After that deep speech that Charito gave, we went shopping for the CAP project for Casa de la Mujer. Students went to the mall, to the hardware store, and a gardening center to buy supplies. We are all very excited to support this nonprofit organization that helps women in need.
For lunch we had rice, beans, and a fried egg, and a little bit of ice cream. After that delicious meal, we came back to Hotel Del Tren and quickly worked on our English lessons that we had to teach later in the day. Then we had free time. We were allowed to go out in groups of four on our own after signing out with a GGL.
From 4-6pm we taught English classes. The second class was much better than my first class. I only had one student in my class. Anika and I managed to teach about countries, states, punctuation, and grammar. My student, Kerly, told me about her day today. She did laundry. I couldn’t believe, that at age 14, she was doing laundry by hand and completing other heavy chores. Sadly, it seemed Kerly needed to grow up more quickly to fulfill the expectations that her parents have for her. Just like Kerly, my mother has high expectations of me, and I have to do chores, but nothing as heavy as Kerly.
We returned to Roma Santa, our restaurant, for dinner, and had hamburgers. Isabel, the cook, offered us quail to try. It was a lot like chicken.
Overall, my experience today taught me that there is a huge difference between the people who have to live through poverty and the people who don’t. The difference between the rich and poor is much greater in the United States than in Ecuador. In Ecuador, people are not as concerned with material goods and they live with a lot less. They are more concerned with their traditions and culture. I also realized that I don’t think enough about all the things that I have. I will carry this experience back to the States by being more grateful and not complaining about the little things.
FANTISTIC blog Ingrid! I love the detail you gave and the pictures to accompany your descriptions. I also appreciate how you shared with us specific things you learned from the people you met today… and your reflection on your own life. Very insightful. Sending you Big Love! I miss you! And I love the scarf you have on in the pictures 🙂 you look beautiful as always!
Really fantastic blog! I feel like I was there with you and I wish I was! What a beautiful and eye opening experience. I hope you all take these learnings back to the states with you.
You all impress me everyday. I share the details of your journey, and everyone is amazed at the work your group is doing. I loved getting a glimpse Sara teaching as well. I hear the energy in your voice when you call home, Sara, and see everyones faces in the photos which vividly shows the enthusiaim in this group. I am impressed and inspired by each and every one of you each and every day!
Great blog Ingrid! Very detailed! I loved when you said –
“I also realized that I don’t think enough about all the things that I have. I will carry this experience back to the States by being more grateful and not complaining about the little things”.
Nothing like being out of your comfort zone to help with perspective. Well done!
Love the pictures! So happy I can see my girl! 🙂
Soleil – we miss you but so very, very proud of you! Love, love, love you!
How great was this blog, Ingrid! Such an amazing and sad story…perfect opportunity to reflect on how much we have and to be grateful and appreciate the little things.
As I read what you had for dinner, I was brought back to my childhood in Puerto Rico, where we also have that dish, when there wasn’t any meat…it was fast and economical.
This is a Hispanic comfort food. “Horse mounted rice” arroz a caballo” is a folkloric expression that means a plate of rice and beans with a fried egg “mounted” on top.
I’m so excited to read about the next experience!
Charito seems like an amazing person. Sounds like this was a very humbling experience for everyone! I hope you all will come home and look at homeless people in New York differently.
I look forward to reading the blogs everyday! They are intelligent and insightful! Keep up the good work! Enjoy every second!
Arriana, it was good to see you! We miss you and love you so much! We can’t wait to talk to you again! ??
Be well! Stay safe everyone and God bless!
Hey sa!!! You look so cute teaching 🙂 I’m sleeping in your bed tonight bc I miss u so much lol. Have fun <3
Carmen!!! It’s titi Tammy, just wanna let you know your in my thoughts and I love you. Have a blast, I’m PROUD proud of you.
Happy Birthday to Charito.
Looks like you guys are doing an awesome job.
Carmen mommy loves you and can’t wait to hear your voice again.
This is a very insightful blog! I was moved by Charito story, particularly her generosity with the group in spite of her poverty. I am so glad you all are having this incredible experience.
I miss you Mikaela!