We started this wonderful day with a beautiful wakeup call at 6:45 AM. After, everyone gathered downstairs and did our daily headcount and wellness check. Ryan and I then split up into partners which enabled people to connect with different sets of people.- Peter. We had partners link arms to make sure we stayed connected as a family. The journey began with our to go breakfast from the wonderful La Estancia.
On the side there was a Donkey that hee hawed at the wind. Our guide took us on a magical ride tour to experience queso in the quesero. We ate the strongest cheese in our lives. We descended down a thousand stairs in hurricane winds to experience salty water. Once we made it to the salt mines our guides explained how water released in the 2000 year old mine evaporated on the surface allowing the salt to be collected. Oh…a group photo was taken. After the salt mines, we realized that the voy-AAAGE of our day had barely begun. Like Mr.White said, “What goes up needs to come down.” Instead it was the opposite, we had to climb the stairs back up to the surface with 5 cripples; we barely made it back to the top alive. We visited a textile store, where women make hats or knitted crafts. May, Peter and I got matching fox hats.
Then we got to speak with Padre Antonio Polo, which was my highlight of the day.-Peter. Padre Polo opened our eyes on what a true business should be like. He taught the group a valuable lesson in valuing workers rather than caring about how much money you can make efficiently, which is the case in most of the states. We breathed in the gusty but fresh Salinas air and realized that there is only local businesses instead of super-stores like Walmart and Target. We ate lunch at a local restaurant where we drank fresh guava juice, but I think everything tastes like capri-sun or pineapples-Peter. We had crisp and juicy chicken, and also scrumptious chicken noodle soup. We then headed back to our home, the Hostel Bolivar.
We had an hour of free-time. Some of us bought out the Akí Supermarket and others bought stuff for their Community Action Project. Afterwards we attended a seminar where we talked about our day and had a new perspective on business. And how in America we’re screwed-Peter. Dinner was at La Estancia our favorite, but its only our favorite because it’s the only restaurant we’re allowed to eat at. We enjoyed delicious chicken with rice and creamy white potato or cheese sauce, one of them (the debate is not over). To top it off, we had a Peruvian Andes dish, which was their version of a cinnamon sponge cake. Finishing the night we had our nightly meeting where we are now typing this blog for your enjoyment. Goodnight, your lovely and sweet sons, Peter and Ryan.
Special shoutout and big love to our friend May, for typing this while we dictated. Like real business owners. 🙂
Thank you Peter and Ryan for the update. It seems like you had a tough day with the salt mine, the weather and the climb. Good for the soul and character.
Padre Pablo sounds like a wise man with much to teach.
The souvenirs look like fun and will certainly bring some good memories to you.
Lilly, Charlie and I are crying and listening to “gary come home” and screaming your name on Instagram. We miss you 🙁 I love you and I’m jealous of all the fun you’re having. I cant wait for you to come home so I can see how much a burnt chicken nugget you are 🙂 <3
Haha, the two business young men didn’t have to type but their beautiful secretary May did it. How cute! Thanks May!
This afternoon I got a phone call from Ecuador. I was so excited expecting to hear my son’s voice but the caller was a lady asking me “Are you Kimberly, Peter’s mom?” Oh My God! My heart seemed stop beating because of the fear. She then informed me that Peter’s having a fever and diarrhea. Never in my life I felt the sense of release like this! This is the best bad news I’ve heard because we can deal with easier than any bad news! I appreciate the phone call from the Lady whom I didn’t even know her name because I was so scare at that moment!
I’d like to thank Mrs. Marti Cooper and Mr. Davis for taking care of our children. You must have a big heart to do this for the children. You’re so kind and your heart’s so beautiful! I appreciate so much!!
I keep praying for our children every night. Hope all of you will be safe and healthy!
Love you all!
Kim
Hello Glimpsters,
Sounds like another interesting day.The wind sounded very scary.The hats that you 3 bought are very cute.Lilly,did you buy a hat?
I love hearing about your adventures and I love hearing about the food that everyone eats each day.
Miss you Lilly,
Love Grammy
tbh Peter you are the salt mine
true
Gives new meaning to “working in the salt mines!” What an incredible and exhausting experience–quite a full day.
I did wonder how you felt about eating in one restaurant all the time. But it’s understandable that it’s safer that way.
Keep up the great work, and know you all are and will make a big difference through your experiences there.
miss you. Lilly!! LOve mama xoxo
Awww… my #Tony I love that Puppy 😉 (4 Princess) I love hearing your voice today, and how much fun you are having!!! :):):) Keep Enjoying Ecuador and all your new friends!!! LoVe u Son!! Miuah!!♡♡♡♡♡♡