Feet and PB &J

Lately, that is what our life has been about- washing tons of feet and making PB&J sandwiches. We are in our 3rd week of Happy Feet with a team of 26 from NC. Half of the team is working on finishing the construction on the new soup kitchen, while half have been washing feet and giving away shoes. One of the days this week we worked in a remote village called Andowalopacha (say that 10 times fast!). Last year, members of the catholic church in that community drove the group out before they began, throwing rocks at them out of fear that their beliefs would be threatened. Thankfully, this year we were received warmly and we were able to form relationships with leaders of the community. Kids waited hours in the pouring rain to receive new hiking boot that would replace their flimsy rubber ones.

Things we miss.....

So we've been here 9 months now and our cravings for the things we once knew are getting stronger. Not to mention its been a rough couple of weeks: I watched my friend, Kathryn who was visiting, get assaulted and mugged as we were walking to the bus stop, Greg was attacked in several places by a dog a couple of days ago requiring a visit to the hospital and stitches, and we are physically tired from long days with teams. So, we thought we'd make a light hearted posting about some of the things we miss the most since we've been in Ecuador. Most of these things are food, because after 9 months chicken and rice is not as great as it used to be. Now, we know that in eternal perspective, these things don't matter, but they sure do make life enjoyable! So here they are (not in any particular order)

1. Camping at Lake Powell (photo)

2. Delux burgers (those in Phoenix know what we are talking about)

3. Our bed! (We've been sleeping on twin mattresses pushed together.)

4. Barnes and Nobles

5. Our church, City of Grace!!!

6. Playing tennis

7. Silk chocolate soy milk (amy)

8. Having dinner with our friends, Steph and Alan (they cook for us a lot!)

9. Rollerblading

10. Watching a sport other than futbol

11. Tabouli, Hummus, Bruchetta

12 AZ blue skies

13. Driving (greg)

14. Jamba Juice smoothies

15. The gym (we have lost lots of muscle)

16. Coldstone ice cream

17. Starbucks coffee (greg)

Happy Feet

This week, our first summer team from CA arrived for our Happy Feet ministry. This team was especially impressive because the majority of its members were 60-85 years old. We hope to follow their example and never stop living a life of adventure as we get older! They brought over 600 pairs of new shoes and socks with them to give away to Quechua children, the indigenous people of Ecuador. The Quechua live in remote villages 2-3 hours from the city, work as hard laborers, and live in harsh conditions. Quechua women are very distinctly dressed in colorful skirts and ponchos, ornate necklaces, and stiff hats. Their hair is always long and pony tail wrapped behind them in a colorful cloth. Most women only see their husbands 1-2 times a month when they return from working in Quito or the coast of Ecuador. The women work at home raising their large families and/or work in local markets selling produce and hand made tapestries and linens. The majority of the children we saw wore rubber boots and therefore had macerated feet from constant moisture on their skin, calluses and blisters from wearing boots that were too small for their feet, and toenails in bad need of cutting. Steve and Micki partner with local pastors who invite children of their community to partake in Happy Feet. Each day, we journey to a different location and 100-150 children have their feet washed in warm water, followed by lotion, powder, and antibiotic ointment if needed. Toe nails are clipped and new socks and shoes are donned. While the children are having their feet washed, one of the pastors or team members give a message of hope to the adults. Here is a short clip to give you an idea of the areas we worked in this week.

Our first Quincinera

Last night we attended our first Quincinera- a traditional party for 15 year girls here. In our last posting, I mentioned birthdays aren't celebrated that much here. This is the one exception. Think wedding- fancy dresses, big cake, church ceremony and reception afterwards. My friend, Kathryn, (we've known each other since we were 10) is visiting from CT and came with me. We danced the Ecuadorian 2-step all night right along with the chickens and the dogs that were roaming about. We enjoyed a feast of country chicken soup (think rubber chicken) followed by pig skin and potatoes. Since we were gringos, we were the guests of honor and were served first and amply. Enjoy the video of everyone dancing!