Hola queridos!
This morning we got to sleep in a little bit (7:15am!!) before heading to La Estancia for a great morning breakfast, where we enjoyed the addition of jam to our pan. We then walked to MIES, an Economic and Social Inclusion Ministry. We began with a seminar led by a couple of employees from the foundation who walked us through the various forms of aid that they provide to the people of the Providence of Bolivar. These services benefit those with disabilities, offer protection and support for families, and front programs for child development. A major part of their foundation includes pensions for those with physical and mental disabilities, those who are single mothers, those who have retired, and those living in poverty. Depending on the severity of their situation, the pensions given by MIES range from $50 to $150.
After the seminar, we were guided through the retirement community portion of the organization. We saw where the residents eat, sleep, paint, and participate in activities that allow them to keep up with their motor skills through occupational therapy. During our walk, we learned that many of the residents had experienced abandonment, poverty, or had suffered emotional/physical abuse. It helped us gain a new perspective on the importance of aid for communities that are underserved and overlooked. We then visited the childcare center, located on the other end of the foundation. We were split into small groups, and were able to visit various classrooms of children aged 12-36 months. Emily was put into a classroom with the youngest class, where we learned how to identify body parts and danced along to music. Lucy was put into a classroom with some of the oldest students, where they also danced and did various activities. After our dance sesh, we joined the rest of the classes in the cafeteria and helped the teachers feed students their lunch. The kids were very sweet and loving, and were excited to speak with us in Spanish! MIES Infantil provides three meals a day, free care from 7:30am to 4pm, and all of their funding (for diapers, etc.) comes from the state. While this experience was fun and heartwarming, it also allowed us to gain some insight into the availability of childcare within the Providence of Bolivar.
After our field trip to MIES, we walked to La Estancia for a great lunch consisting of fried rice, maduros (sweet plantains), another great juice, and ice cream for dessert! After lunch, we walked back to the hotel for a little break before the next field trip. We grabbed more water and changed into workout clothing for our trip to Betesda! Betesda is a foundation of social and familial assistance. The foundation offers counseling services for families and community members who are struggling with emotional, drug related and familial issues. We visited their gym, a new addition to their foundation, created just four months ago. The founders of Betesda, Diana and David, led a combat and Zumba class for us. Although some of us struggled to exercise in the high altitude, it was really fun and nice to work off all the carbs we have been eating on this trip. Our Zumba class integrated different types of Latin American dance such as Bachata, Salsa, and more. We had great discussions, used our Spanish skills, and got a great workout in!
We returned to the hotel, took showers, and had a snack break. After that, we had a two hour seminar to plan our CAP project and made lots of progress, but stay tuned to find out what it is (just trying to keep you all reading the blog!). We are now passing the torch (trucker hat/LDD hat) to Skyler, and want you all to know that we miss you and are having a blast here in Guaranda, Ecuador.
Sending lots of love!
Emily K. and Lucy R. <3
(P.S. we’re all starting to get a little homesick and love reading all of your comments! I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from us and we would love to hear from you).
What an amazing experience to get this type of insight into the social issues in that part of the world. And high altitude Zumba too! Ariana we are so proud of you and your new friends. Bijan and I are currently in Indiana packing up his apartment. We extended our stay for an additional day since we cannot do everything in one day like we thought we could! We wish you were with us but we are so glad you are having this unique and exciting experience. We also are excitedly waiting for the next blog so that we can find out what your CAP is going to be! Hard to believe you have been gone for almost a week. Enjoy every moment ♥️ Mom and Bijan
Wow! You have such a great opportunity to really understand how marginalized groups function in Ecuador! Lindsey I hope you’re doing ok with the altitude! Don’t forget to drink lots of water and rest when you can! That goes for all of you 🙂 PS got to the end of GOT – we need to talk when you get back!
Hi Glimpsera, Sounds like a great day of experiences – i love seeing Guaranda and the culture through your eyes. An impressive group!
Kieran, hope you are having a blast, and the the CAP project comes
together we’ll later this week. I know y’all will make a super contribution to the local community.
We are missing you to pieces.
We can’t believe you did Zumba – you’ll have to teach us!!
<3 m d n t p
I love the blog posts of your daily activities – I hope my daughter isn’t getting annoyed with me commenting 😁. Hey Ellery, Not sure if you’re getting local news there – we saw here (on CNN) that this week Ecuador legalized same-sex marriage: https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/13/americas/ecuador-same-sex-marriage-intl/index.html?no-st=1560578123 High court judges in Quito decided the case which is a big deal in a predominantly Catholic country.
You are sharing the dificil situations that others are going through in other countries, so that our children see how blessed they are, and value and continue studying so that they finish their careers and they can also help others. Josue you have that wonderful gift to help other children, talk to those people practice your Spanish and help translate when someone of your classmates needs it, I love what they are doing and the places they are visiting, Josue today was the graduation of your sister Esther received her medal of honor and her golden cord you already know by following your steps !! It was very nice everything, we miss you today with us, we love you, take care of yourself and rest well, enjoy !! Thank you Emily for sharing all this with us.
A detailed narrative … we are joyed at the fabulous time and the excellent comradeship… keep it up. Best wishes .::
Asha – great to hear about the retirement and child care centers. I am glad the community there is pretty advanced and well equipped to deal with the issues and support that the people need. I can’t wait to hear about you guys CAP project.
Ravi is back at Berkeley. We went to a graduation party today. Dad and I danced our hearts off. It was a fun party. I got a raise at work today. So excited.
Love you lots. Hope everyone is doing good and staying hydrated.
You take care and have another fabulous and fun filled day tomorrow.
Mom Dad Ravi Sparky
Oh by the way, loved that you did Zumba. Way to go
Hello Glimpsers,
I really loved your update Emily K and Lucy R. The blogs are the highlight of my day (and probably all the families). We are all living vicariously through your adventures and so proud of all of you and touched and humbled by the community that you are visiting. I feel like I’m starting to get to know all of you a little. I’m missing you Simone and so is Dad and the cats and of course your sister, but happy that you are with such a wonderful group of people and expanding your worldview. Both Grandmas send their love. Mom Xoxo
Emily K and Lucy R and past and future glimpsers thanks for your lovely blogs – we feel smarter every day and connected to something greater. How a society cares for those most in need tells a lot about their core values. Social programs can provide hope and security for the future and connection to deep cultural roots by taking care of everyone. It seems like your Education Day in Guaranda has given you a unique look how government aid programs can make such a huge difference to secure the well being of so many. What would life there be like without the programs and assistance you’ve seen in action? Have you thought about what recipes you want to try and recreate back home? Maybe the chef at La Estancia could write down some of your favorite recipes? Are there ingredients or spices that may be hard to find here that you should bring back? Can’t wait! Miss you! xoxo, woof, woof
Hi Kalei – It’s Saturday and miss you loads xoxo. How was the ice cream compared to here? Don’t forget you have your notes from me if you are feeling a little homesick. Carter is here for the weekend and saw him briefly Friday night. He says hi:) Sounds like long days for you but the Zumba sounded fun:) How is your body doing with all the carbs? I am thinking of you always. xoxo Mama
Hi Glimpsers,
Thank you for sharing your daily adventures with us! Like many parents I’m sure, I look forward to seeing what you’re up to as I miss knowing how my child is spending her day. (Hi Mads!! Xoxo)
I am always moved by learning about your experience! It is my hope that this “glimpse” of the world expands your perspective and enables you to see your world at home as part of a larger ecosystem. What you do matters. Who you are and how you interact with others matter. You will shape the world by being in it!
You are loved! Stay safe and explore everything you can. We can’t wait to see you 💕
Madison’s mom, Shannon
Hi Lucy! It is great to hear all the super cool things you are doing 🙂 It sounds like you are learning a lot and experiencing many difference aspects of the Province. I’m also very glad to hear you are eating plantains-one of my favorite foods as you know!! I love you lots and miss you! I can’t wait to see you and hear even more about your amazing trip. Xoxo Isabel
great blog! love seeing all the amazing things this group delivers!
To emily:
HEY BRO summer here sucks without you. i guess you could call that clingy uwu xD edward wanted me to tell you “HAGS you toe.” anyways we miss you. try not to get sunburnt AGAIN and take care of my gopro pls thx.
to lucinda:
HEY HOMIE hope youre having fun out there doing BIG THINGS. i think you left a hair strand in my car…. ill return it when youre back
Kaleilei! Hope you had a great Saturday! Carter is here visiting. He and Melissa hung our here at bit Friday evening. This morning we went to Sean’s bday party and lunched rockets. Then had lunch with the family. The village barber shop is closing and today was their last day in business so Carter went over there to say goodbye and take some photos. His first haircut was there at age 1! Then we met grandma and grandpa at a Brazilian festival. Busy day! We miss you and hope you’re learning a lot, contributing to the community and your group. Love you ! Dad
Hi Lucy!!
I wrote a long message and then forgot to “submit” – silly me. I loved reading your and Emily’s blog post. Wow… you “guys” are packing so much into every single day. Your minds and hearts must be expanding exponentially! You mentioned altitude – how is everyone doing with that? Maybe one of the next blog posts will tell us.
I couldn’t write yesterday because my wifi was out. But I’m back online now.
Love you,
Mom
Hi Glimpsers,
I am always looking forward to your blog. Reading each blog makes me smile;)
Josh, hope you are having a great time. Tomorrow is Father’s Day & we’ll miss you & Ate!
We are loving the blog posts and the photos, Lucy. It is great to see all the wonderful and fascinating things you are doing. It seems as if many seeds of goodness are being planted by your hosts, and by you all. We hope the experiences don’t fly by too fast—although we are looking forward to hearing more about it in person. Lots of love from all of us in Happy Valley!
I am so happy that your mom shared your blog with me! Sounds like a long, amazing and inspiring day. I love that you are dancing too. So many sweet faces in the photos that lift my heart.
Uncle Jim and I are sending love and miss you!