Today was another eventful day. Half of the group (Sondra, Michael, James, Charity, Amanda, Rebekah, Sarah, Chelsea, Melina, and Brittney) left at 6:40 in the morning to go to Hogar de Cristo to build a house. Our hired driver picks us up at 6:40 and carries us to the bus stop to meet the bus before it leaves at 7:00 sharp. We were a little late in leaving and were worried we might miss the bus but fortunately we got there just before the bus arrived. The day started out overcast and it appeared to be a beautiful day to build a house. However, within only a few hours the sun came out in full force. With the heat and humidity it soon became a very hot day which made the house building more difficult. The workers came back tired and a little burned but satisfied with their work. The family helped with the building and was very happy to have a beautiful new bamboo home. 

This is where the family had been living

digging a hole for the supports to the house

The elevated floor helps prevent damaging effects from flooding

putting in the floor

Mike and James are watching while the ladies are working :)

Passing up the walls

The finished product - all in a day's work

Casey, Shelly, Matt, Anna, Emilee, and Mykenna also left at 6:40 in the morning to go to Hogar to Cristo and from there to one of the community health clinics to do some health teaching. The teaching went well and the little kids were adorable. The three girls all had a good time taking turns acting like they were pregnant to perform a simulation of a woman having a baby to test the ability of the staff to respond to that type of an emergency. Overall, the doctors did very well but with Shelley’s expertise we were able to give them some useful information. We also gave them two newborns kits and bulb syringes that will be helpful for neonatal resuscitation. 

Just keep brushing

Culturally hispanics often don't smile in pictures, the doctor is the one on the left and they often go to other countries to study so maybe she had more experience with other customs. In the community clinic they don't have nurses just aids or what they call auxillaries. They have a 6 month training course they go through to be certified. They said they make $320 a month. 

Teaching about nutrition

Just a bunch of cute kids

The rest of the group (Susie, Liz, Paige, Jakarelly, and Greg) went to Luiz Vernasa (the main hospital). They had a great experience and Rally was even asked out to dinner by the anesthesiologist but she politely declined.

Part of the group was able to go to a huge souvenir shop near the hospital today. It takes up a whole city block and was backed with goods (the worst nightmare for those that are indecisive). Almost everyone purchased something and had fun bargaining for the lowest price.

We always enjoy eating the Ecuadorian food and half of the group enjoyed going to Café Rio (this is the real deal) and getting a ton of food for a little bit of money. We also frequented our favorite ice cream store Frigolas. At least someone in our group has gone to Frigolas each night and some of us have gone every night. We are glad to contribute to a business that makes such wonderful ice cream. We are trying to make the most of our time here and enjoy the food.