Happy to Be Scrappy

Life as we know it

2010-08-18T20:40:00.000-04:00

All is well with the family. Highlights: Tyler, ("15.9") years old, is driving us all around town. We are in full back to school mode (uniforms, book reports). Work is crazy for Joe and I both because it's Back to School season for his university and my world of pre-K consultation.

lately I have been smitten with scrapping babies and small children

2010-08-18T20:29:00.000-04:00

Enjoying my Final Days in Quito

2010-03-21T22:34:00.004-04:00

Today was a lovely day, with partly cloudy skies and a five minute rainshower that ushered in cool, sweet air. I spent most of the day walking around the city, enjoying the dramatic quiet of Sunday afternoon. I'm actually still in the city of Quito because I decided not to go to the orient (jungle) with the others in my class. I turned down the trip due to the fact that I'm still a little sick and I feel safer near Quito. Instead, this week I'll be taking one-on-one classes at the Academia, which I am very excited about. In respect to Rotary, I finished my last Ecuadorian club presentation last week. It has been nerve-wracking but fun to share about my personal goals, family, and career with Rotary members IN SPANISH! I've had the pleasure of meeting with the following Rotary Clubs: Los Chillos Milenio, Quito Norte, and Quito Eqinoccio. Next week I will be giving my final presentation at La Academia. Based on my surveys, I'll be sharing a complilation of what mothers living in and around Quito have to say. I have genuinely enjoyed talking with local moms, who have provided me with inspiring cultural snapshots.

Rainbow halo around the sun, oh happy day!

2010-03-21T21:44:00.000-04:00

City of Quito, view from afar (next 3 shots offer zoom-in perspective)

2010-03-21T21:32:00.000-04:00

Quito, zooming in on the city

2010-03-21T21:19:00.000-04:00

Famous hill in the middle of Quito called Panecillo

2010-03-21T21:09:00.000-04:00

The famous "Virgen" statue atop Panecillo

2010-03-21T20:44:00.000-04:00

Another amazing stained glass window in a Catholic church

2010-03-21T20:42:00.000-04:00

Museo Monacal de Santa Catalina de Siena...LOVELY!

2010-03-21T20:36:00.001-04:00

Each monjita (nun) lives in a humble bedroom. They are silent 23.5 hrs. per day.

2010-03-21T20:22:00.000-04:00

Memorable painting that illustrates Jesus' life purpose

2010-03-21T20:09:00.000-04:00

Sitting on the famous 'Banca de la Fertlidad', and praying to Jesus

2010-03-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

Fast food!

2010-03-21T19:41:00.000-04:00

Yummy Ecuadorian Fruit

2010-03-21T19:35:00.000-04:00

Yummy Ecuadorian Fruit

2010-03-21T19:26:00.000-04:00

Corn, potatoes, and fruit are the staples of the Ecuadorian diet

2010-03-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

Corn, potatoes, and fruit are the staples of the Ecuadorian diet

2010-03-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

Corn, potatoes, and fruit are the staples of the Ecuadorian diet

2010-03-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

9 weeks + in Ecuador

2010-03-07T17:03:00.001-05:00

As I enter my 10th week of life in Ecuador, I must say, I do feel somewhat changed. I already knew we were fortunate to live in the USA. But now I also know, WITH ALL 5 OF MY SENSES, exactly how profoundly blessed and spoiled I am. Ecuador is not as devastatingly poor as some other countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Haiti, but many systems here are still developing. I'm thankful for the unique experiences so far and I wonder if/how they will affect the way think or act when I'm back at home. Hmmm... Later this month we'll be taking a trip to the jungle. From March 20-26 we'll be on safari as our language school changes location for a week in "Amazonas". Quito, where I am now, is located in the western mountains. To get to the jungle we'll be travelling to the rainforest more in the center of Ecuador. Stay tuned...

Coaching Roxie

2010-03-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

Coaching Roxie

2010-03-07T16:25:00.000-05:00

Roxie: mother of 2, resident of Remar, teacher in the making

2010-03-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

I love teaching preschool at Remar

2010-03-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

We visited Calderón to see the ancient technique of Masapan sculpture

2010-03-07T15:59:00.000-05:00

We visited Calderón to see the ancient technique of Masapan sculpture

2010-03-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

My Rotary Host Counselors in Ecuador

2010-03-07T14:22:00.000-05:00

Spanish lesson, anyone?

2010-03-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

Sign at a museum entrance (with a few funny english translations)

2010-03-07T12:51:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this quote from Guayasamin (even though the English translation is a little off)

2010-03-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

Everything needed to cure "bad energies" traditionally

2010-03-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

Rena getting cured of "negative energies"

2010-03-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

Traditional curation ceremony w/ healing herbs and smoke

2010-03-07T11:46:00.001-05:00

Faces of Indigenous Ecuatorianos

2010-03-07T11:39:00.000-05:00

My Outdoor Classroom

2010-02-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

In Class

2010-02-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

Teaching preschool at Remar

2010-02-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

Teaching preschool at Remar

2010-02-20T16:55:00.000-05:00

Thinking of Joe

2010-02-20T16:51:00.000-05:00

My Favorite Painting by Oswaldo Guayasamin

2010-02-20T16:45:00.000-05:00

Painting by Oswaldo Guayasamin

2010-02-20T16:41:00.000-05:00

Painting by Oswaldo Guayasamin

2010-02-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

Painting by Oswaldo Guayasamin

2010-02-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

Quote by Oswaldo Guayasamin

2010-02-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

Hospital Flashback

2010-02-20T16:27:00.000-05:00

President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa (between the yellow flags)

2010-02-20T16:24:00.000-05:00

Presidential Palace, Changing of the Guard Ceremony

2010-02-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

La Plaza Grande

2010-02-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

"6 Weeks Down, 6 Weeks to Grow"

2010-02-17T20:54:00.000-05:00

Currently all is OK here in Quito. During the first part of February, I battled a mean intestinal infection. As of now, I think I've won. The doctor actually wanted to remove my appendix, but I high-tailed it out of the hospital with all my body parts! Here in Ecuador you can buy almost whatever medication you want at the pharmacy without a prescription, and thankfully the antibiotics and other meds worked. Much of everything edible here is potentially contaminated with germs my body just isn't used to, but I'm trying my very best to stay healthy.

The rains have started, so now the weather is cooler and wetter. We really need the rain! Unfortunately the rain is also is also responsible for many dangerous mudslides all around. They clean up one mudslide, and then another, and another, hilly landmass gives way. Such is life here in these severe mountains.

I've been thinking a lot about the preschool in the homeless shelter, "Remar",that I've grown so fond of. I've been having informal preschool with the small children in the preschool room on Tues. and Thurs. afternoons. I'm falling in love with the kids there, and I really want to help enrich their early experiences.I haven't done anything as far as writing letters to companies about helping about Remar yet, but I need to get busy with that. I'm trying to wait a bit to since so many caring companies are deeply involved in a massive effort to help Haiti. -We recently took a donation to the Red Cross office here in Ecuador, to be sent to Haiti. That was very cool!

I purchased some books for the children at Remar, and I've been reading to them, but if we leave the books in the preschool they just disappear. There is no regular teaching staff, there are no regular operating hours. Whenever a volunteer comes, you just gather the children and spontaneously open up the preschool room.(Volunteers from all over the world come and go often.) First, I walk through the shelter grounds to let the younger kids know I'm present, and then they just come. We try to teach them little songs, encourage them to draw, play catch, jump rope, etc...I try to reinforce concepts like up and down, pro-social skills, colors, and counting. Some of the kids are orphans ans some have families.&'s a sad situation, but it's a good place that really takes care of the people. The shelter director, Maria, has a good attitude. The shelter's greatest needs are TWIN MATTRESSES, durable plates, spoons, cups, and supplies for the children. If anyone had any ideas, let me know. I'm thinking about how to help meaningfully, how best to move forward.

At La Academia we are working like crazy students! The pace and demand of our classes still baffle us, but I like the challenge. In culture we are studying the Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamin, and Latin American folk healing beliefs. Guayasamin was an incredible artist that amplified the faces, hands, and silent voices of sufferers worldwide. --Google him and check out some of his amazing paintings, -THEY ARE POWERFUL! We've also watched some videos of native healers that are very interesting. There is often much spitting, and rubbing of eggs and herbs on the bodies of the ill --Intriguing. Last week I spoke about Ecuador's national anthem and next week I have to give a presentation (in front of everyone) on two South American herbs. We speak Spanish almost 24/7 and I'm getting much better. My reading and writing are surprisingly good, and my speaking and listening are coming along as well, but with more of a challenge.(It's funny because on the contrary, reading and writing are more difficult for most second language learners.

Well, that's all for now. Take good care!

What I see & what I hear all day (AND all night) in this great city

2010-02-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

Check out the line of people waiting at the bank

2010-02-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

In the clouds

2010-02-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

I love the way moms tie their babies on their back

2010-02-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

I love the way moms tie their babies on their back

2010-02-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

More animal market pics

2010-02-06T12:40:00.000-05:00

More animal market pics

2010-02-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

All in a day's work

2010-02-06T12:18:00.000-05:00

Indigenous weaver

2010-02-06T12:10:00.000-05:00

Classmates and I visited the middle of the earth museum, "Inti-Nan"

2010-02-06T12:03:00.000-05:00

Self-service restroom

2010-02-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

A house in the country

2010-02-06T11:51:00.000-05:00

Countless dogs roam everywhere in Ecuador

2010-02-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

Dog or Cow?

2010-02-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

Adorable little girl and her puppy

2010-02-06T11:04:00.000-05:00

Preschool classroom at Remar

2010-02-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

Remar preschoolers

2010-02-06T10:52:00.000-05:00

Photo of love: My host dad and his grandaughter, Lu

2010-02-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

This week in Ecuador

2010-01-31T18:47:00.000-05:00

I've been in Ecuador for 4 weeks. My status- healthy and homesick. Here's the latest news: Just as Rena and I finished eating in a restaurant, an elderly woman approached us and asked for the uneaten food on our plates. Frozen in shock, we watched her scrape our chicken bones and leftover crumbs into a dirty bowl which she then tied beneath her shirt. She thanked us profusely and I was unable to hold back my tears... Two friends received counterfeit $5.00 bills in Quito this week....... I have become dangerously addicted to coconut flavored ice cream....... I'm getting on the wrong bus less frequently these days........TV channels have been suspended and citizens continue to be arrested for making negative gestures or comments about President Correa. (Free speech is quite limited here in Ecuador).......Amidst a very crowded Otavalo street market my friend lost her sacks of souvenirs. We had shopped for over four hours and afterward she suddenly realized that her purchases were missing. We got off the bus which we had just boarded to return to Quito, and desperately retraced our steps. There were thousands of people in the market and hundreds of taxis cruising the congested streets. After a while we gave up, tired, frustrated and in despair over a day ruined. As we were heading back to the bus station, we looked up and there was the same taxi driver we had ridden with earlier. He gestured to us and we discovered that he had actually been looking for us. He returned Rena's things and we were so amazed. Considering the immense scope of the market and crowd, it was a true MIRACLE!

Elderly woman

2010-01-31T18:11:00.001-05:00

Ecuadorian child

2010-01-31T18:05:00.000-05:00

Native Ecuadorian teenager

2010-01-31T18:01:00.000-05:00

Native Ecuadorian teenager

2010-01-31T17:57:00.000-05:00

Traditional woman "Indigena" and baby

2010-01-31T17:52:00.000-05:00

My friend Rena in the Otavalo craft market

2010-01-31T09:55:00.000-05:00

Otavalo animal market

2010-01-31T09:51:00.000-05:00

Otavalo animal market

2010-01-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

Otavalo animal market

2010-01-31T09:44:00.000-05:00

Otavalo animal market

2010-01-31T09:43:00.000-05:00

Otavalo animal market

2010-01-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

How about some breakfast?

2010-01-31T09:34:00.000-05:00

Fake $5 bills are circulating through Quito, Can you tell which one is real?

2010-01-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

My favorite Ecuadorian fruit, "pitahaya" or dragon fruit

2010-01-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

Sprawling city of Quito, the hill in the back is called "Panecillo"

2010-01-31T09:06:00.000-05:00

Amazing architecture

2010-01-31T08:58:00.000-05:00

Check out the gargolyles; they are native Ecuadorian animals

2010-01-31T08:53:00.000-05:00

Intricate hand-carved detail

2010-01-31T08:47:00.000-05:00

Intricate hand-carved detail

2010-01-31T08:43:00.000-05:00

Beautiful stained glass window

2010-01-31T08:31:00.000-05:00

Beautiful stained glass window

2010-01-31T08:23:00.000-05:00

Inside la Basilica

2010-01-31T08:19:00.000-05:00

Inside la Basilica

2010-01-31T08:17:00.000-05:00

La Basilica: Stone carved cathedral with stunning detail

2010-01-31T08:12:00.000-05:00

2010-01-24T21:59:00.000-05:00

So far I've been in Ecuador for 3 weeks. All in all, I'm doing well. CHALLENGES: homesickness, smog, noise, observing poverty, fear of being robbed, electricity rationing, intermittent tummy trouble, understanding the culture -- FAVORITES: low prices (bottle of water .30, a good lunch incl. beverage 2.50, bananas and mangoes .10/ lb, yes 10 cents!), my wonderful host family, Spanish classes, the mountains, the children of Ecuador, new friends, sightseeing, marvelous fruits

What a wonderful world

2010-01-24T21:45:00.000-05:00

Me and my Ecuadorian Mom, Lupe

2010-01-24T00:44:00.000-05:00

Fruits Presentation

2010-01-24T00:40:00.000-05:00

Cemetary

2010-01-24T00:39:00.000-05:00

Hillside Homes- typical in Quito

2010-01-24T00:24:00.000-05:00

Parade

2010-01-24T00:19:00.000-05:00

"Cuy" (Guinea Pig): Traditional Ecuadorian Cuisine

2010-01-24T00:08:00.000-05:00