To all you who have missed our daily posts, I bet you have been wondering why? Well, I've been sick in bed with the stomach flu since Friday night! Sorry to keep you in the dark!
Saturday was the worst of it, but luckily, we have a doctor in house who was able to give me IV fluids on sunday morning, so I'm on the mend and ready to come home.
Maria and Fr. Craig took the kids to two museums on Saturday: Mitad del Mundo (middle of the world) and Inti Ñan (a solar museum) both on the equator.
Sunday morning, our wires got crossed with the staff here about what we were supposed to do, so they ended up with just a short project working in the kitchen of the dining room on CMT #2. Then free time in the afternoon.
Today I was well enough to join the group for a bit this morning. We met Rudolfo who started us on a project, painting the hallway of the CMT #2 near the library. Everyone is pretty wiped out, so took naps this afternoon. We had our final reflection meeting at 5pm tonight, packed, cleaned our rooms and are just getting ready to r return home.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Gota de Leche & City Tour
Yesterday was our city tour day. Vincente (CMTbus driver) picked us up at 9am to go to Gota de Leche (another place we hadn't seen on our last visit). The Gota was origainally established as a place for young mothers to come to learn about nutrition and get free milk for their babies. Now they have moved the elementary school from La Marín to the Gota for more space. We saw the special education program where kids who have never been to school get caught up so that they can be integrated into their regular grade. We also visited each of the classrooms, in 1st grade a little boy recited a opoem he had written for his mom, he was so animated and cute! A little girl who was much shyer recited a poem for us. In another room, a little boy sang a song for us. Then finally, the 4th graders sang the ABC song to us in English. Super cute!!!After our tour, Vincente picked us back up to take us to the Cathedral basilica for a tour. The Cathedral was built in the 1800s in a gothic revival style and modeled after the cathedrals in Europe. The difference is that the stained glass windows feature Ecuadorian saints or bishops. The rose window is the fourth latest in the world and instead of roses, features Ecuadorian flowers. We also visited the gift shop and made some purchases.From there we walked to La Compañía, the Jesuit Church that was established in 1605, it took 165 years to complete. On the way, we walked through the Plaza de la Independencia, saw the presidential palace and the archbisops palace, both of which face the square. The church is very austentatious, baroque style, totally gilded. I was modeled after Il Jesu and St. Ignacio's in Rome. The relics of the first Ecuadorian saint, Mariana de Jesus are interned there. From their, we walked to another Jesuit chapel we're we stopped to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.We finally arrived at La Marín for lunch at 2pm, everyone was totally hungry! We had sandwiches, chips and drinks. After a brief break, re boarded the bus with Vincente and Teresita and Mariana to do home visits. The first home we visited was in the barrio de manuelita saenz. There were eight people living there, 5 children, including a 5-6 month baby, mother and father and grandmother. They had chickens and guinea pigs, a fully functioning kitchen and two rooms. It was relatively well apportioned. The next house we visited was further up the hill. The kids went, Maris, fr. Craig and I didn't walk up, the hill was very steep and slippery as it had just rained. They said the people were really nice who lived there. Maggie shared that the mom wanted to show her everything they had and was really proud.After the home visits, we headed home. Vincente drove us all the way to CMT 2. We got home, had our reflection time and then helped set up for dinner. After dinner, we played a game of Apples to Apples.
Shops with Marco Polo
On Wednesday, we were invited to work in th shops! This was a new experience for me, last time we were here, CMT didn't offer that experience. So we started out in a classroom with Marco Polo who gave us a brief orientation of the vocational training programs that they offer. Marco polo fist came to the CMT in 1978 and has been here ever since. He coordinates allt he vocational training programs that the center offers.he explained the tracks that the members take. After completing 6 years of elementary school, learning to read and write and do math, the members shadow in each shop for 6 weeks. At the end of 6 weeks, they are asked to choose which one they'd like to pursue. Once they've chosen, they study in that shop for 3-4 years while still continuing their basic education. So by the time children are 15-17 years old, they have a trade and can they get a job in the world, after passing an exam given by the union that they will join. Adults can also join a shop, they do school in the mornings to learn to read and write and then o shops at night. There are several chooices for them: carpentry, metal mechanics, automechanics, bakery, beauty salon or sewing.The kids in our group were invited to choose one of the shops to work in and then go with a representative from that shop to work for the day. I choose to work in the panadería (bakery). I worked with Carla (who will be receiving her certificate soon) and Oscar who has been the bakery manager since last October. We made all sorts of differently shaped rolls, gusanos and enrollados, plus a type of sugar cookie, called bostones (sort of like palmiers). At 12 noon we all took a lunch break until 2pm. At lunch we ate at the restaurant next store and returned to work at 2pm. Then we made chicken empanadas! All morning long, Oscar had been cooking a chicken and peas and carrots for the filling (the peas they use here are dried so it takes a long time to reconstitute them). The fillings was anchored oil, butter, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, sautéed then chicken, peas and carrots were mixed in. After that flour was added to the pan with chicken broth to thicken it to a paste. The dough was already rolled out and cut into circles. We brushed the edges of the dough with egg, filled them, folded them over and brushed the tops with egg. Baked them at 200 C for 20 minutes. They turned out a golden brown!While I was in the bakery, some of the kids ana Maria were in the beauty salon. Both Jonah and Chris had manicures, Maria got her hair straightened, and Chris learned how to braid hair. Lena went back later and got her hair straightened later that day. Matteo and Aidan worked in the metal shop, welding and zack worked in automechanics. It was an interesting day, we got a first hand view of what the members experience on a daily basis. Oh, on more thing about Oscar - he told me that he has four children here at the center and is marketed. Although he appreciates that the center taught him to be a baker, he doesn't want to do that forever. He takes classes in the evening and is studying to become a lawyer! He has set up a bakery at his house to help support himself and his family.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Guayaquil
Yesterday we flew to guayaquil to visit Sister Annie at Casa Damien. We hitched a ride with Vincente and the medical students on the center's bus at 7am. They dropped us off at the airport before heading to La Marín.
The airport was a bit stressful. When I went to check is in for our flights using the computer for self check in, we didn't have the right reservation number. So I went to the LAN desk and she gave it to me. Went back to the computer and all of us were there, except Jonah! I had paid for all the flights back hom, our reservation said that all of us were ticketed and confirmed so I'm not sure what happened. Anyways, after another trip to the desk, I was told that I'd have a purchase another ticket for Jonah. Luckily, we were able to get on the same flight! Once we got that figured out, we headed to the gate, it was supposed to be gate 5, but ended up being gate 1.
Got on the plane and the ride was totally uneventful!!!
Arrived in Guayaguil and Annie greeted us with pan de yucca and cold waters. They have gotten a new van since the last time we were here, so we were all able to ride together.
We picked up Pat and drive thought the "rich" part of the city, filled with gated communities and huge homes on the water. Then into Durán, the very poor part of town where the houses are made of sugar cane built up on stilts because of flooding. The weather is much hotter and humid on the coast.
We visited a day care center that Pat established - there were a set of guadruplets there and the children were learning body parts - eyes, hands, feet
and mouth, both in English and Spanish.
After that, we visited Nuevo Mundo school, also established by Pat and her business partner, Sonia. The rich children come in the morning and at tuition to the school and the poor children come in the afternoons for free. He school is totally state of the art and hs classes for preschool - high school aged children.
Next we went to the mall so that we could eat in the food court.
Maria, fr. Craig and I had Ecuadorian food, kids had a variety of pizza and Chinese food, I think. We had ice cream for dessert.
Next we headed to Casa Damien were we visited with the Hansen's Disease patients. They were so loving and generous, hugs and kisses all around. Many of the men just wanted to tell you their stories and even though their Spanish was really difficult to understand, we were all very polite and listened intently. The patients all make crafts, with wood, jewelry, etc so we were able to purchase items to help the residents.
Next we loaded back into the van and went downtown to the Iguana Park. There are iguanas in the trees, on the grass, everywhere. There was also a turtle area. We left there and headed to the artisan market. Fr. Craig had seen some wooden chalices in the chapel at Nuevo Mundo and wanted some for our parish - he found some at the market to bring home. They will be used for the first time at st. Matthias on the weekend of July 7/8.
Finally, we headed back to the airport for our flights home. Arrived back in Quito and got taxis with no problem. Got back to the house at 8:30pm! Maggie led our reflection and prayer.
The airport was a bit stressful. When I went to check is in for our flights using the computer for self check in, we didn't have the right reservation number. So I went to the LAN desk and she gave it to me. Went back to the computer and all of us were there, except Jonah! I had paid for all the flights back hom, our reservation said that all of us were ticketed and confirmed so I'm not sure what happened. Anyways, after another trip to the desk, I was told that I'd have a purchase another ticket for Jonah. Luckily, we were able to get on the same flight! Once we got that figured out, we headed to the gate, it was supposed to be gate 5, but ended up being gate 1.
Got on the plane and the ride was totally uneventful!!!
Arrived in Guayaguil and Annie greeted us with pan de yucca and cold waters. They have gotten a new van since the last time we were here, so we were all able to ride together.
We picked up Pat and drive thought the "rich" part of the city, filled with gated communities and huge homes on the water. Then into Durán, the very poor part of town where the houses are made of sugar cane built up on stilts because of flooding. The weather is much hotter and humid on the coast.
We visited a day care center that Pat established - there were a set of guadruplets there and the children were learning body parts - eyes, hands, feet
and mouth, both in English and Spanish.
After that, we visited Nuevo Mundo school, also established by Pat and her business partner, Sonia. The rich children come in the morning and at tuition to the school and the poor children come in the afternoons for free. He school is totally state of the art and hs classes for preschool - high school aged children.
Next we went to the mall so that we could eat in the food court.
Maria, fr. Craig and I had Ecuadorian food, kids had a variety of pizza and Chinese food, I think. We had ice cream for dessert.
Next we headed to Casa Damien were we visited with the Hansen's Disease patients. They were so loving and generous, hugs and kisses all around. Many of the men just wanted to tell you their stories and even though their Spanish was really difficult to understand, we were all very polite and listened intently. The patients all make crafts, with wood, jewelry, etc so we were able to purchase items to help the residents.
Next we loaded back into the van and went downtown to the Iguana Park. There are iguanas in the trees, on the grass, everywhere. There was also a turtle area. We left there and headed to the artisan market. Fr. Craig had seen some wooden chalices in the chapel at Nuevo Mundo and wanted some for our parish - he found some at the market to bring home. They will be used for the first time at st. Matthias on the weekend of July 7/8.
Finally, we headed back to the airport for our flights home. Arrived back in Quito and got taxis with no problem. Got back to the house at 8:30pm! Maggie led our reflection and prayer.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Center Tours
Today we had our more formal orientation with padre Juan and Madres Miguel and Cindy. They explained the history of the centers and gave some information about the mission.
After that, we met Rudolfo for a tour of center #2. We saw all the stores - Beauty salon, restaurant, bakery and furniture store that the center runs. They all serve as on the job training facilities for the graduates of the program. He also showed us the workshops, auto mechanics, industrial mechanics, sewing, and then the children's classrooms and library. There are classes for children 1-6th grades then they move into one of the vocational training programs. We ended up in the dining room to help cook lunch for the members. Our group was split into different groups, some peeled carrots, some made empanadas, some served soup or poured juice. At noon, while we were still working, Fr. Craig said mass for everyone at the opposite end of the room. When lunch was ready, it was served to the children and their families.
At 2pm, we met with the St. Peter's Prep group (New Jersey) to go to the downtown center for a tour of Center #1. We met Rocio who have us the tour. We saw all the classrooms, preschool aged children sleeping,and babies sleeping. We saw the girls art workshop and religion classrooms.
We returned to Center #2 (where we live) at about 5:30. We have some free time now until our reflection at 7pm.
After that, we met Rudolfo for a tour of center #2. We saw all the stores - Beauty salon, restaurant, bakery and furniture store that the center runs. They all serve as on the job training facilities for the graduates of the program. He also showed us the workshops, auto mechanics, industrial mechanics, sewing, and then the children's classrooms and library. There are classes for children 1-6th grades then they move into one of the vocational training programs. We ended up in the dining room to help cook lunch for the members. Our group was split into different groups, some peeled carrots, some made empanadas, some served soup or poured juice. At noon, while we were still working, Fr. Craig said mass for everyone at the opposite end of the room. When lunch was ready, it was served to the children and their families.
At 2pm, we met with the St. Peter's Prep group (New Jersey) to go to the downtown center for a tour of Center #1. We met Rocio who have us the tour. We saw all the classrooms, preschool aged children sleeping,and babies sleeping. We saw the girls art workshop and religion classrooms.
We returned to Center #2 (where we live) at about 5:30. We have some free time now until our reflection at 7pm.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Minga
Today was our minga day. We went with Gonzaga. We left at 6:30am for Center #1 to meet Edison. The journey required 2 buses and took about 1 hour to get there. Once there, we checked in with Edison, who asked our group to split up. 5 of the Gonzaga guys went one way and the test of us got on another city bus for another hour long ride. We got to the site and meet the owner of the house that we were going to help, Luis. He took us up to his house, up a very steep hill about 1 mile. Our job was to dig holes for a latrine system and pilings so that he can extend his house. The boys wee amazing - they really rallied to the task and dumped right in - literally. There was a hole that was about 12 feet deep that needed to be even deeper.the task required the boys to dump into the hole, shovel dirt and pull it out in a bucket. At the end of the day it started raining lightly. We left at about 1:30 to head back to the Center #2, we got back here at 4:15 and celebrated mass at 5pm.
The boys decided to go down to the mall with fr. Craig and Maria and I stayed home with Maggie and Lena and ordered pizza to be delivered.
The boys decided to go down to the mall with fr. Craig and Maria and I stayed home with Maggie and Lena and ordered pizza to be delivered.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Rain at Otavalo
Today we started off from Center #2 At 9am on the cmt bus with Guillermo. We headed off with the Gonzaga group (Washington DC) and the Fordham prep (Bronx, NY) for Laguna de Cuicocha and Otavalo. On the way, we stopped for a snack of bizcochos and queso (bizcochos are a native snack, sort of like a biscuit, meets a savory biscotti) that are eaten with a type of string cheese.
We drive through Cotocachi, a town known for its leather, and in to Laguna de Cuicocha. It's a crater lake that we took a boat ride on. The boat takes you to the middle of the lake where volcanic gases rise to the surface in bubbles. The area is protected for the wildlife, so there are rabbits, the birds, guinea pigs, etc. at the end of the ride, there is a snack bar that serves free canalazo - a cinnamon tea. Very yummy!
Back on the bus to Otavalo. We arrived at about 2:40, so had until 5pm to shop. Otavalo is a town with a large open air market, the largest in south America, of indigenous handicrafts and food. The boys went off by themselves, Fr. Craig and Chris paired up and Lena and Maggie hung out with Maria and I. All of a sudden, thunder struck and rain started pouring down! Not just a little rain, but a real downpour. We decided to go back to the bus to wait it out. We half expected the others to come back too, but only our group did. After about 30 minutes, the rain stopped so we decided to go shop more. We met back at the bus at 5, to head home. The roads were wet, but Guillermo kept us safe. We got home just in time for dinner, our prayer, and now bed so we can be up early for the minga.
We drive through Cotocachi, a town known for its leather, and in to Laguna de Cuicocha. It's a crater lake that we took a boat ride on. The boat takes you to the middle of the lake where volcanic gases rise to the surface in bubbles. The area is protected for the wildlife, so there are rabbits, the birds, guinea pigs, etc. at the end of the ride, there is a snack bar that serves free canalazo - a cinnamon tea. Very yummy!
Back on the bus to Otavalo. We arrived at about 2:40, so had until 5pm to shop. Otavalo is a town with a large open air market, the largest in south America, of indigenous handicrafts and food. The boys went off by themselves, Fr. Craig and Chris paired up and Lena and Maggie hung out with Maria and I. All of a sudden, thunder struck and rain started pouring down! Not just a little rain, but a real downpour. We decided to go back to the bus to wait it out. We half expected the others to come back too, but only our group did. After about 30 minutes, the rain stopped so we decided to go shop more. We met back at the bus at 5, to head home. The roads were wet, but Guillermo kept us safe. We got home just in time for dinner, our prayer, and now bed so we can be up early for the minga.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Briefing and free day
This morning we had a free day. We met at 11am for a mini briefing and to get our schedule for the weekend (we'll have a more formal orientation on Monday).
Our briefing including some notes about the house - clean up after yourselves, help with dinner, what time dinner is (8:40 M-F and 7:15 Sat), were on our own on Sunday. And what our schedule for the weekend is...tomorrow were going to Otavalo and Laguna de Cuicocha, and Sunday is our minga.
After our briefing, we unpacked the rest of our donations, then went down to the restaurant and bakery for lunch. At the restaurant, we were able to have a full lunch for $4!
I took the group on a brief walking tour of the campus and then returned for some downtime. At 4:00pm, fr. Craig will concelebrate Mass with Padre Juan
Our briefing including some notes about the house - clean up after yourselves, help with dinner, what time dinner is (8:40 M-F and 7:15 Sat), were on our own on Sunday. And what our schedule for the weekend is...tomorrow were going to Otavalo and Laguna de Cuicocha, and Sunday is our minga.
After our briefing, we unpacked the rest of our donations, then went down to the restaurant and bakery for lunch. At the restaurant, we were able to have a full lunch for $4!
I took the group on a brief walking tour of the campus and then returned for some downtime. At 4:00pm, fr. Craig will concelebrate Mass with Padre Juan
Miami to Quito
At the airport in Miami waiting for our last flight. We're supposed to board at 7:55, but looks like we'll be delayed a bit. Ecuador is two hours ahead (not three as I previously thought). So we'll be arriving at 10:55 pm local time (8:55 San Francisco time).
We made it!
We finally made it to the Center last night at 3:30 am. Our flight from Miami to Quito was delayed three hours because of bad weather. Two volunteer coordinators picked us up at the airport and Vincente (our driver from the 2010 trip) was our driver again. Got all our stuff loaded on the bus, drove us and dropped us off at the center. Sheila and judy met us and gave us our room assignments. The house is crowded this year, there are 90 volunteers her e now. So we've had to double up. Maria is rooming with 3 other ladies, as am I. All five boys are rooming together, Lena and Maggie have 2 other roommates and Fr. Craig has his own room.
When we arrived last night, Maria and I sent everyone to bed, then crashed on the couch in the living room. We didn't feel comfortable barging in on our roommates at that time in the monring! We actually got a decent amount of sleep on the couches, so that was good.
Today is a free day after our 11am orientation (in just a few minutes). We'll do a walking your to get acclimated to the center. More later!
When we arrived last night, Maria and I sent everyone to bed, then crashed on the couch in the living room. We didn't feel comfortable barging in on our roommates at that time in the monring! We actually got a decent amount of sleep on the couches, so that was good.
Today is a free day after our 11am orientation (in just a few minutes). We'll do a walking your to get acclimated to the center. More later!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Progress!
Just boarded the flight at DFW to MIA. We will change planes in Miami and carry on to Quito. The flight from SFO was great, no problems. We were all scattered throughout the plane, some made some adjustments. I happened to be sitting next to a girl with her doggie, named Optimus Prime! He was very well behaved and just sat in her lap the entire time. Very cute!
At SFO, Fr. Craig led our prayer and acknowledged all the people who he' s had contact with who have expressed their support and offers of prayers for our group.
As we were getting ready to get off the plane in Dallas, the flight attendant announced the connecting gates, I heard "B17"so led the group there via the Skylink Tram. We got there and discovered that she had really said "d17"! So we got back on the team and returned to where we had just come from! Luckily, we had plenty of time To make it back.
On the plane now, getting ready for take off. More from Miami!
At SFO, Fr. Craig led our prayer and acknowledged all the people who he' s had contact with who have expressed their support and offers of prayers for our group.
As we were getting ready to get off the plane in Dallas, the flight attendant announced the connecting gates, I heard "B17"so led the group there via the Skylink Tram. We got there and discovered that she had really said "d17"! So we got back on the team and returned to where we had just come from! Luckily, we had plenty of time To make it back.
On the plane now, getting ready for take off. More from Miami!
Safely on the plane!
We are all safely in the plane. We are all spread out, unfortunately, but safe and sound.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Ecuador bound!
Tomorrow morning our group is finally Ecuador bound! We are meeting, bright and early at the airport at 5am. Today I finally got all members of our group checked in after some frustration with the American Airlines website (sorry, American airlines). Brenda, at AGroup Travel, was super helpful in talking me through the issues I was having with the site. Thank you Brenda!
Came home early from work in order to organize my bags and finish packing. Planning to make a big dinner, with plenty of leftovers to feed Alan (my future husband :) for at least a couple of days, do a couple final errands and (try) to go to bed early. My daughter, Ana, will drive me to the airport tomorrow morning to meet the group.
Liz came by the office today (Wednesday, not being a normal work day for her) to ask me a couple of questions and drop off a gift for us. A big bag of fresh baked cookies! I'm sure they will come in handy as we're waiting at the airport between flights. We have a flight to DFW then MIA before we arrive in Quito at 10:55pm (EST). When we arrive, we'll settle into our rooms and say a prayer of thanks for having arrived safely, then say goodnight 'til the morning. More tomorrow...
Came home early from work in order to organize my bags and finish packing. Planning to make a big dinner, with plenty of leftovers to feed Alan (my future husband :) for at least a couple of days, do a couple final errands and (try) to go to bed early. My daughter, Ana, will drive me to the airport tomorrow morning to meet the group.
Liz came by the office today (Wednesday, not being a normal work day for her) to ask me a couple of questions and drop off a gift for us. A big bag of fresh baked cookies! I'm sure they will come in handy as we're waiting at the airport between flights. We have a flight to DFW then MIA before we arrive in Quito at 10:55pm (EST). When we arrive, we'll settle into our rooms and say a prayer of thanks for having arrived safely, then say goodnight 'til the morning. More tomorrow...
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Sunday, June 10th Our Send Off...
Tomorrow at 10:30 mass at St. Matthias, our group of ten will be blessed for the trip. We leave the states early Thursday morning. Our group consists of ten people: myself and Fr. Craig, our pastor, Maria Cornell, and seven teenagers. Chris McCreddin, Matteo Salom, Zack Toussaint, Aidan Pierce, Jonah Walker, Lena Herbert and Maggie Eichler. The oldest teen just graduated from high school, all the others just finished their 9th grade year. Stay tuned for more!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Blessing for the Trip
This Sunday, the Mission Trip group will gather at the 10:30 Mass for a Blessing before we leave for Ecuador on June 14th. Following Mass, we will meet for our final meeting, go over any last minute questions and pack up all the donations that the parishioners of St. Pius and St. Matthias churches collected.
Honorary Doctorate according to Daycare children in Ecuador.
WBC Daycare Students Memorialize
Madre's Honorary Doctorate
Click here to watch as the daycare students act out their interpretation of the Marquette University Commencement ceremony where Madre received her honorary doctorate.
In the skit, Padre (with the bald spot) is a bit jealous but gives in and graciously photographs Madre as the crowd cheers. Madre truly enjoyed the show and felt it was an accurate depiction.
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Monday, June 4, 2012
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