Our First Weeks
Hello friends and family,
We have been in Quito for almost three weeks now. To start, it's beautiful here. We are surrounded by mountains and active volcanoes here near the equator. The weather is also ideal; the average is about 70 degrees all year around. We are still adjusting to life in Quito, but I'll take the next few paragraphs to introduce what we have been up to.
We spent the first week getting familiar with Quito and our work with the refugee project and after-school program. Peter and Delicia are our mentors while we our here; they will work with us as we navigate culture, language, spiritual learning, and Ecuador life, in general. They have two daughters, a four-year-old and a baby. The 4yo has especially welcomed the three of us into their family as we wait to move into our permanent apartment. We have spent many recent nights coloring, playing the violin, and reading together.
Most of the places we need to go are within walking distance. Our work with the refugee project is at the church which is about a twenty minute walk. We are also close to a grocery store, pharmacy, and several fruterÃas (fruit stores). We do take the bus to the after-school program (Vida Juvenile), which is on a large hill that overlooks Quito, called Jardines del Inca. The bus takes us to the bottom of the hill and we climb up a couple winding paths to get to the program. The first time we went, Peter told us about the nearby geography as Shannon, Karina, and I took in the views (and caught our breaths). On a clear day, we can see several volcanoes, including Cotopaxi, which is one of the world's tallest.
We will work at the refugee project three-four times a week. Since we've only completed one week of work, I am looking forward to finding more of a rhythm with our tasks. Right now, it is still a bit of a challenge to know what needs to be done. Our directors do not speak much English, and Kiernan (MCC SALT volunteer) and I know the most Spanish, so communication primarily goes through us. I am thankful for patience from both them and us!
As for language study, we have individual Spanish classes three times a week for one hour. We are each at a different level, so the one-on-one instruction will help us progress at our own rate. Thanks to three wonderful Spanish teachers at Hesston and EMU and several Spanish-speaking friends, getting back to language study has been smooth. I am comfortable and familiar with hearing Spanish, but am really looking forward to gaining more confidence in my speaking.
We generally have evenings free, and lately, I have been putting my sewing skills to use. Delicia and I are working on sewing eighty cloth diapers for people with infants who come to the refugee project. It is a process and everyone has been able to help in some way. I sew the pieces together, Delicia sews the elastic, and Karina, Shannon, and Peter put on the snaps. They are really cute when finished.
Happy International Day of Peace to you all (Sept. 21)! We celebrated with our monthly Edu-Paz workshop for local kids and a special church service with music, dancing, and skits. How did you/will you celebrate?
Thanks for reading. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Until next time,
Quinn
Our first Ecuadorian hike to Rucu Pichincha took us up over 13,000 feet!
The view from Jardines del Inca
Viewing Quito from the top of the BasÃlica del Voto Nacional meant climbing several steep staircases.
We made these adorable diapers!