Ecuador - Day 5

Today was our last full day in the Riobamba area.  We went to Los Corderitos Student Center at El Corderito Church (EC468).  Like the project on Sunday, this was the first
Compassion Exposure group to visit the project and so we were greeted with fanfare!  At this project we were able to see a Respond with Compassion (Complementary Intervention) program.  With $28,000 from Compassion and another $11,000 plus donated labor from the church, a special building was constructed on the church property.  One room was for the teens (computers, ping pong, etc) and the other included children's activities (pictured left).

Manuel, his wife & 4 of 9 kids

After going through the meticulous record keeping of the program (accountability and transparency are top priorities), we divided up into 5 groups to do another home visit.  Today's visit was for us to experience "a day in the life of a sponsored child".  We met Manuel and his family and were able to bless them with some food.  They do have electricity, a water well and an outhouse.  They also grow quinoa but it wasn't quite ready to harvest yet.  Instead, we helped them collect clover for the cows, something the kids would do after school.

Thanks for taking this picture Li!

Back at the project after lunch (local delicacy guinea pig was one choice!), we were able to see some classrooms in action and then had time to play with the kids.  The sun finally came out and I had fun blowing bubbles with the kids. . .they never ceased to tire of it!  Again, I didn't need to know Spanish - hands were in the air and they were jumping up and down when they thought it should be their turn.  Another amazing day, meeting wonderful people - both those who work for Compassion and those who rely on Compassion for help. Tomorrow we head back to Quito and that means that I'll be meeting Evelyn soon!!