Today, we began with a staple of Guaranda; tortillas, a delicious blend of corn and cheese that gave us energy for the long day ahead. We then made our way to the Las Gradas community where our future CAP (Community Action Project) project will take place. The school of Las Gradas was historic and dated with unique features like a large soccer field. We observed large broken windows and many needed repairs. Nevertheless, the classrooms and courtyard we filled with happy and curious children. We were allowed to ask the children questions about their school and typical day. There were not many responses, but their respectful attitude showed us that they cared about deepening their understanding our purpose for being there.
While the principal of the school, Gernan, gave us a tour of the campus, we met the youngest students. Without even knowing our names, the children sat with us, played with our hair, and hugged us. It opened our eyes to how kind, curious, and welcoming the community was. We had a blast playing games with them, such as racing melon-like pumpkins, piggy back rides, blob tag, and more!
After our time with the younger students, we visited the garden where the community harvested uvillas and more. However, the community faces a problem with animals destroying the crops, which decreases the amount able to be harvested. Therefore, for our CAP project, we will build a fence around the perimeter of the crops in order to prevent this from happening. The planning stage has just begun and we are confident that it will be a success. That evening, we completed a second successful day of English tutoring that was filled with engaging games, activities, and lessons.
In short, we learned about the significance of education and culture in the path to success. Additionally, we discovered the challenges that face students in Ecuador and how factors such as transportation and food can affect a student’s daily life. Our eyes were opened to know how difficult it was for many students to show up to class and what factors may affect their future education. We are so thankful for the experience that the people of Las Gradas gave us and what we have learned from them.
Fantastic! I continue to be impressed and inspired by all of you. Keep up the good work, and keep the posts coming!
Sounds like another amazing day! You all are really getting to see different aspects of Ecuador. Makena, dad was SOOOO happy to talk to you today and said that you sounded really happy! We also loved getting your emails! Lili, Sierra, and I were with the babies today and had fun at the pool but we all missed you and talked to many people about your wonderful adventures! Love you, mom and all!!
Sounds like an awesome trip so far, love the updates.
Meanwhile back home… Lili “says what” on my command. LOL
Miss U Love u.
Have blast!
Alex, so good to hear from you in two ways today! I am glad you are learning a lot and having fun, too.
Hi Anna,
Just caught the blog entry you and Roberto wrote yesterday —–very informative and well-written, by the way. Sounds like you are learning a great deal and having some fun doing it. How wonderful that you have had this opportunity ! I’m so happy for you and looking forward to reading more about your experiences each day.
Love, Grandma Rita
It’s nice to see you guys are helping other folks, I hope you are having fun while helping out, keep enjoying it.
Adio poio, diviertete, te veo cuando regreses.
That sounds like a fantastic CAP project and will be incredibly helpful. Were you able to try a uvillas? What does it taste like? It is so cool that you are gaining such a greater understanding of others. Keeping be awesome! We love you.
What a wonderful project that yo have chosen to do! I am sure that the school will be very appreciative. Fun to see the pictures of all the fun you are having!
What a wonderful project your group has chosen to do! I am sure that the school will truly appreciate it. It is really fun to see all the pictures of the fun you are having!
Very impressed and proud of the work you all are doing out there!
Larissa, we miss you very much! Can’t wait for you to hear all the new words Julian is saying now. Love you!
Looks like you are having a lot of fun. What a great project that the group has decided to do. I am sure that it will be very appreciated by the school! Love all the pictures of the games you played!
Dear Anna,
Wow! I really enjoyed reading you and Roberto’s blog! I think
it’s great that you and your colleagues care enough about the folks
of a nation like Ecuador-far away from our own , dear USA-to
try to learn, and work to help them in any way that you can. More
than you realize, you are a symbol of hope and love for the people
you meet and with whom you work. As usual, I’m proud of you, and
all of your colleagues, as well.
Shalom, love,
Gramps
Yvette, another great experiencel!!! I can’t wait to see the outcome of the great project you all are planning. So proud of you of you all.
-Mom & Dad
Alex, This looks amazing. What a different culture. Can’t wait to have you tell us all about the whole trip. You are making a wonderful difference in the world and we are so proud of you. I love you.
Grandma