On June 19th, 2018 our next group leaves SFO bright and early for our flights to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Our group consists of Sabrina Harper (that's me!), Maria Cornell, Sam Hutkins as chaperones and seven young men, Chicco Adamo, Benjamin Schembri, Charlie Gillet, Ryan McAfee, Ryan Truby, Brendan P. Smith and Brendan E. Smith (yes, there are TWO Brendan Smith's in the group). All told, Benjamin's older brother, Noah, Charlie's older sister, Eva and Brendan P.'s grandma have done this trip before. It is such an honor that parents would trust their children with us again!
This year's trip will be different. Sr. Annie recently had two knee replacement surgeries and is recovering at the BVM motherhouse in Dubuque, Iowa. She is not able to fly until August so won't be at Damien House to accompany our group. But, we have a Rostro de Cristo volunteer there named Nathan who is planning an amazing trip for us! We'll be there from June 19-27th then head to Quito!
In Quito, we'll be staying at the Working Boys' Center (El Centro del Muchacho Trabajador). Although Madre Miguel and Padre Juan are still there, there has been some reorganization due to financial constraints, and new legislation in Ecuador concerning child labor and education. Our experience there will likely be different than what we've encountered in the past, it will still be great.
One of my biggest joys of this trip is experiencing this through the eyes of the young people. They will see things that they've never seen before. Their hearts will be stretched and their faith will be bolstered by the people of Ecuador.
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