Feliz...happy...is truly how I am feeling right now. I arrived in Ecuador after a long long day on flights and layovers in airports. I am still in awe of the beauty of this country. It is unlike anywhere I have ever been. I arrived in Quito around midnight of February 4th. My group and I stayed in the OSSO house in the city for the night and caught a flight early the next morning. We FINALLY arrived in Cuenca that afternoon. This is a beautiful place and I could not be happier about my decision to come here. Streets have are lined in cobblestones and there is a European feel here. There will be a huge cathedral in the middle of a run down part of town, it is very random. After arrival we were sent straight to work. My first experience was with the special needs kids of Milagros. They are so sweet and I can´t wait to get to know them better. Later that night I had the privelege of working with the babies is Cunas, which is an orphanage within Todeo. This particular orphanage is run by catholic nuns and workers. There is such a contrast between the kids I have worked with at home and these children. They are so in need of love and attention. The sanitation in these orphanages is not ideal and my mom would freak if she saw it, definately wouldn´t pass "inspection" were it in the states. No disinfectant spray, no washing hands, no gloves, and no wipes...hows that for adventure mom? Coming to this place is going to be an experience unlike any I have had or any I will ever have. Each day has brought new suprises and challenges...I am only two days in!
We got to go to sacrament today after shift. It amazes me that no matter where you go in the world the feeling inside the chapel is always the same. I didn´t understand anything that was said as the members stood up to bear their testimonies but I could understand how they were feeling and it was down right awesome.
These next couple of weeks are carnival. Which is an Ecuadorian holdiay that is basically for young people to find "potentials" and also to have huge waterfights in the streets and wherever. That is the whole purpose for the holiday, no one really knows why it is such a huge holiday Last night there was a huge party going on next door for carnival and these people get so excited about it. We are going to have our own carnival party next week sometime. Should be fun!
Due to volunteering 8 to 9 hours a day and lack of sleep this blog will come slowly..so stay tuned!
The view from our balcony.
Shalyse, you are so cute! I love that you wrote about inspections, and your mom! :) I am glad to hear you are doing well. I am excited to read your blog!! Good luck out there. We miss you at home. :]
ReplyDelete