When we signed up in for this project, I wondered if three weeks was too long. As Sylvia knows, patience is not one of my virtues and I have never tolerated boredom well. I can truthfully say, with these precious children, I have practiced patience with joy, and I have not experienced one moment of […]
We woke up to another beautiful day in Quito. Katie immediately warmed my heart when she said, “I can’t wait to get to the center to see the kids again.” After another great breakfast with a surprise of tamale-like humitas and quimbolitosand a whole pitcher of blackberry juice, we heard the message of the day […]
Our last day in Calderón was an eventful one. Between hurrying to finish the extra last-minute final touches to the painting, near-constant cries of “empújame” (push me), and the performances by ourselves and the tías, it was quite the sendoff. Leaving the kids was bittersweet, but I know I’ll remember them, and hopefully at least […]
I’m in love! In love with a wonderful group of Cook Island children who meet me every morning with bright smiles and warm “Papa Bob” greetings. They don’t know where I’m from, could care less about what I do or what I’ve done. They care because they sense I care. A group of strangers on […]
Interview with Giovanna Luna Victoria, Director of Puericultorio A. Perez Aranibar (PPA) Q: What is your opinion of Global Volunteers’ work at the PPA? First of all, I would like to thank Global Volunteers for helping us greatly since 2004. We have a totally vulnerable population and I have seen a lot of social sensibility from […]
Today was a bittersweet day. It was our last day in Santa Elena working with the students. I am excited to be going home, but it was really hard knowing I probably won’t see any of these students or teachers again. We started the morning off with one last delicious breakfast from the Mar Inn. […]
Today Ellie, Justin, Maggie, and I continued to provide our services to the students and teachers of Colegio. Our day started around 6:45 this morning when we had breakfast prepared by the Mar Inn. Coffee was drunk and fresh fruit consisting of pineapple, banana, and watermelon, coupled with granola and raisin cereal were consumed. After […]
Hello again! After an awesome weekend exploring areas outside of Monteverde, today we finally made our return to Colegio. Matt, Ellie, and I began our day with a brisk three-hour period of shoveling dirt out of old garden plots, which quickly got us back into the spirit of volunteering with the students. As we were […]
Today we continued working in the gym to get ready for the science fair. Our preparations today included moving desks and chairs from the classrooms down to the gym, building a stage, and making floral arrangements. I was really surprised how everything came together at the end of the day. The stage looked very nice […]
¡Buenas noches! Today was our first full day in Monteverde, and, as expected, it has been an adventure. I mean, when you wake up at six in the morning and the sun is out in full force, you know the day is at least going to be interesting. Today was our first arrival at Colegio and […]