Marie

Primeramente, antes de comenzar, quiero agradecer a mis padres por todo lo que han sacrificado por mí y por mis hermanos. Estos últimos días, me he dado cuenta de lo muy afortunada que soy en poder tener un hogar, comida, y sobre todo una educación. Hoy, tuve la gran bendición de poder ir al mercado y probar fruta, miel, maní, y hasta poder comprar los ingredientes para hacer ceviche. Es algo muy lindo poder estar aquí en un país lleno de fe y gente linda. Me doy cuenta de lo muy importante que es la palabra “familia” cuando puedo ver a los niños hablar sobre sus hermanos o sus papas, y hablar de ellos con una hermosa sonrisa. Aunque extrañe mucho a mis hermanitos y a mis papas, estoy muy feliz de poder estar aquí disfrutando el carisma de los niños, la gracia de las familias, y la hermosura de los paisajes. :)

Emmie

Today we went to the local market, we were able to walk around and see all the produce and products that the vendors were selling. There was everything including fruit, animals, clothing, and jewelry. Everyone in the market was very friendly and it was clear how much the community cared about the things they were selling. The prices of the goods were extremely shocking in comparison to the United States, as we were able to buy 8 avocados for $2 and two dozen roses for $3. Personally, I got homemade cookies from one of the stands. Before we left for the market we were challenged by looking at the average weekly food budget for some families at the Center.  Budgets started at 4 dollars but most were under 10. These budgets were for families of 5 or more.  This is reality for many of the people in Ecuador. Also, two members of our group bought ingredients at the market to make ceviche for us all. When we got back we helped with some on site projects that included moving wood, mixing cement, and helping install the new gate to the Center. After lunch we did a scavenger hunt throughout campus. At the end of the day a 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit before dinner which was a crazy experience. Overall, the day was packed with lots of activities and was very fun.   

Ryan

We started today by walking to the market. They sell everything from fresh produce to new clothes. Despite it being entirely outdoors, there was no problem with insects or theft. All of the stalls look out for one another, and the community that shops there is very tight knit. It shocked me how far my $5 got me. I purchased a jar of honey, a pound of grapes, and some ground coffee. 

When we got back, we helped install a new gate for the front of the campus and helped move some wood to be donated. Then Olivia set us off on a scavenger hunt to find things around campus. The more things you found, the more points you earned. I’m fairly confident my group won. We also decorated a wooden box that would be scored and added to our total score. We will find out the winner on Sunday. Apparently there was also a 5.1 magnitude earthquake as well around 6pm, right before dinner. I didn’t feel anything, but some people said they could see the building sway back and forth. Everyone is okay as far as I know.