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Ecuador
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Paquita and friend. She is carrying Mateo, her 1-month old brother, on her back. |
Summer 2010
On a quick mission to Cachimuel, Ecuador, to help repair the village church/community center, we found the local people to be warm, friendly and generous and patient with us as we struggled to give more than we received.
From the moment we arrived in Quito Airport, until we departed, nine days later, we were surrounded by flowers…
In Cachimuel, one doesn’t make a blanket greeting to the crowd. Every time we arrived in the village, we were greeted by a reception line of adults and just as many children, each of whom gave each of us a brilliant smile, a handshake and a “buenas dias!”
Israel claimed to be 5 years old…we found it hard to believe, judging by his size, but his poise and social grace proved us wrong as he stepped up to shake hands with all the strange visitors.
If you go to Ecuador, prepare to have your assumptions challenged. Prepare to be surprised and delighted by the people, the flowers, and especially by the children.
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