July 4, 2008 (oops, out of order)

Yesterday I went to Ayora for technical training. At the beginning of the day we were each given an egg to take care of the entire day. We decorated our eggs and gave them names. My egg was named Jessie. To make things more difficult, eggs could be stolen by anyone saw the opportunity. I took great care of my egg the entire morning, but in the afternoon someone stole my egg while it was sitting right next to me while I was watching a presentation! I had to make a formal apology to get my egg back. Oh well, I guess that means I’m not ready for kids.
After training ended I went to the bank to see if I could access my new Ecuadorian bank account. I could and I withdrew half the amount of money that I owe Mama Inés for the month of July (I didn’t feel comfortable withdrawing all the money I owe here). When I got back home I wasn’t feeling great so I hung out with Juan and Dorrian and watched Monsters Inc. Juan asked me if he could play his computer games on my computer, but I said no. I’m happy to share most of my things and I don’t mind him playing the few games I have on my computer while I’m next to him, but I want to maintain some boundaries.

After dinner I accompanied everyone on the drive home. In the car the kids listened to the ‘High School Musical’ soundtrack. It was cute listening to them trying to sing along. When I returned I popped my malaria pill, read a little of my training manual, and settled down for a long night of crazy dreams. (One side effect of the malaria pill is crazy vivid dreams.)

Today I had Spanish class in Cayambe. When I got back I held my first ‘youth group’ with Mayra, Isabel, and Juan. I taught them several games, we ate snacks, and then we played soccer. When we got back they wanted to watch High School Musical and my computer because Dorrian wouldn’t let them use the TV. During dinner I got tired and there were a lot of people in the house and all the Spanish became confusing. I stopped understanding a lot of stuff so I declined going on the drive home and instead helped Mama Inés wash the dishes and paid her as much money as I had. The ATM was out of money when I went back today so I was unable to withdraw the full amount. (*Remember to pay $78 more dollars on Monday!) She was fine with it. I then packed for my trip to Mindo tomorrow. Now I am exhausted and half to wake up early tomorrow so good night!

Some Projects that I would like to do in my site

1. Build Wooden Trash Bins- to promote a clean environment
2. Theater group
3. Open House—fill one room of my house with books, crafts/arts supplies, games, etc. and have a designated time when youth in the community can come and hang out (good opportunity to teach them stuff too)
4. ‘Take the Students to Work Day’- to encourage children to stay in school and allow them to explore different future career options
5. Mural Paintings (an alternative to graffiti)
6. Holiday Carnival (if I get ambitious)