Cristina & Juan Carlos here, your soon-to-be coordinators! We hope that you are excited about this trip and are getting ready to share awesome adventures and experiences with us. We have been working hard on your itinerary and want you to have the best time here!
But first, let’s introduce ourselves:
My name is Karla Cristina, but I prefer to be called Cristina 
I’m from Quito, Ecuador. Since I was a child, I have been passionate about animals and the environment, which led me to a degree in Geography in Environmental Management. Throughout my career, I have come to understand the importance of people in bringing changes that will revolutionize the world, so I understand the importance of sowing in the new generations the desire to change the destiny of humanity and the planet. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to Argentina, Spain, Colombia, and the United States, and I’ve learned that the experience of traveling and leaving your comfort zone shapes your character and opens your mind. I also find it interesting to work with the community, among different cultures, doing social work and volunteering for humanitarian and environmental causes. Lastly, I love my country, especially, the highlands. As for hobbies, I enjoy staying active, taking care of my pets, and listening to music. This is my first year with GG. I became motivated by the GG programs and the structure of the organization. l am excited to share this experience with all of you.
My name is Juan Carlos Santovenia Morales, but you can call me JC
I was born in Cuba and raised in Nicaragua, and I’m a lawyer. My experiences in law, as well as the language and technological skills I have developed, have given me the chance to work in many areas and collaborate with many wonderful people. I have always been passionate about food, sports, video-games, and technology. Also, I have had the chance to travel to various countries such as Cuba and the UK and see how different the world that we live in is. I love meeting new people and helping the youngest generations to fulfill their dreams. This is my first time in South America, and it has been great to get to know Ecuador, collecting knowledge about its culture and its people. This is my second year working with GG, and I am very excited to work with you.
One of the activities that have us really excited is our “Deconstructing Poverty” day. We will be fundraising for Manitas Trabajadoras, the organization that works with children who work on the street to ensure they are fed and have access to resources they might not otherwise have. Recently, they started a leadership program for those who are older. During your stay, we will be working, eating, and spending time with them.
Another activity is our “English Tutoring” days! We will be teaching English classes at Maldonado High School, which is one of the monumental architectural works that make up the National Artistic Heritage. We are sure that you will have an uplifting experience, sharing the beauty of the place!
We are going to visit plenty of other interesting places that will help you get a better idea of what Ecuadorian culture and customs are. Riobamba can get pretty cold, especially at night, so don’t forget to bring warm clothes. Gloves, hats, and scarfs are highly recommended.
Also, if you have working gloves for our Community Action Project, don’t hesitate to bring them – they are always useful!
Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have. We will be happy to answer them.
We look forward to reading your blog posts and meeting you all in a week and a half!
Saludos, (Greetings)
Cristina & JC