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.