"Ama la Vida"

Today we left Cuenca. It was a sad morning saying goodbye to mi madre Nancy, my Universidad de Cuenca friend Gabbi, and our Ecuadorian coordinator and life saver Ana. We are taking a bus to Quito which is a ten hour drive, but we are splitting it up over two days and stopping at historical sites along the way.

(Ana and I)

(Gabbi and I)

Our new tour guide, Ami, took us through the Ecuadorian highlands. Along with the other guides we have had, he spoke about the currency change Ecuador implemented in 1999. The Ecuadorian currency was 25,000 to $1 and the banks froze the peoples accounts so they could not remove all of their money for an entire year. She said as a result, people invested their money elsewhere or into other things such as cows. Many of these people left Ecuador to seek a better life. Migration is destroying and reshaping smaller communities around the country.

This was very evident in the highlands because Ami told us that these areas were desolate 10 years ago but are now extremely populated. You can see large, modern houses in the hillsides and most of them have colorful roofs and windows that are multiple colors or reflective like mirrors. These are symbols of migration. Ami told us a new generation is emerging, one which is parent-less - meaning that often both parents will migrate to another country and children are left with their grandparents and neighbors, or have to raise themselves and siblings. Families will send money back to Ecuador and as a result you see the modern influences on the small, rural communities. After going through the highlands we reached Ingapirca.

Ingapirca is a ancient Inca site. I love archaeological sites and historical zones such as this. Ingapirca was a stop along the Inca trail and it was also the intersection of a secondary Inca road that ran/runs east to west.

(Overview of the site)

(Bro - O-H-I-O)

(Top of the castle at the site)

(In the whispering room)

(East - West Secondary Inca road)

The site had various irrigation channels that brought water directly through the center of the city. It also had a castle that adorned the highest part of the site.  We had a beautiful sunny day and were the only individuals at the site. We left Ingapirca and headed toward to another small community. The community was a small train town of about 40,000 people. It had colorful houses and friendly people.

(Center of town)

(Awesome "Smokey" cat)

(Bridge connecting two parts of the town)

(Middle of the train bridge)

(Chillin with Andrew)

We were headed to Nariz del Diablo or the "Nose of the Devil". We took a train through the mountains to see the landscape and to travel to another town. This was amazing! I have always loved trains since I was little, and this was rustic train, riding along the cliffs and mountain ridges.

(Hanging off car 1566)

(Halfway through the ride)

Construction started in 1875 with the purpose to connect the coast to Quito and other larger cities. The area is called the Devils Nose because over 2,500 workers perished while building this railroad. The people in the community once believed that there was evil in the mountains, which was why so many people were dying.

                                     

(Riding along the cliffs)

This part of the line is only used for touristic purposes now. When we got off the train we were greeted by people from the local community. They were performing traditional dances and music. So sweet. Also being the animal lover that I am, I made friends with Principo the horse, and this little guy cat who was the bomb. I know you're thinking, eww Justin why the hell did you pick that cat up? He was awesome and I miss my cat, end of story.

(Principio)

(Rach and I)

Rachel and I headed up to the top of the hill to a museum, that was once a church, to learn more about the railroad and community. I relaxed at the top of the hill and had a cold beer just admiring the scenery. We boarded the train and headed back to the city. We are now on our way to another city, Salinas, to spend the night. It was very significant in the 16 century and exported mainly to France.

(Taking in all of the scenery)

Today has been a nice and relaxing day. The communities that we have visited have less people than Ohio State. It's so amazing to see these communities thriving and maintaining their traditional heritage. In 1875, the train was called El Tren de sueños, and to this day it is connecting distant areas of the country, continuing to help people meet their dreams. The Ecuadorian government has a national saying posted in most areas that is "Ama la vida" or "Love Life" I can confidently say that today, I can embrace "Ama la vida" - I don't want this adventure to end.

"There aren't answers to all the questions"

Today was our last day in the community. In the classroom my students were learning vowels, and number sequences. Segundo always has them do some type of art with the lesson, which I think is very valuable. It encourages creativity, is a different style of learning, and allows Segundo some freedom to work with his other class while the students work with the craft.

Diana, no surprise, was a superstar again and finished her two projects first, so she helped me work with the other students. I asked Luis if he knew we were leaving and he said that Segundo had talked to the class at the beginning of the week. Luis said that he was sad but understood we had to go back. He said that it was nice to have "Two dads" in the classroom (referring to Andrew and I). Some people on the trip don't think the work we are doing is service, but this is a primary example of service. Although only for a short while, Andrew and I were able to make an impact on Luis's life.

(Luis on our last day)

(Just a "little guy")

(My second graders)

After class we distributed Ohio State swag to the students. They loved their new folders, pens and dry erase boards. When the mothers in the community found out we gave the students gifts, they immediately came to the school and started preparing a send off lunch for us. They made us delicious corn tortillas, with drinks and other snacks. The PTA president gave a farewell speech and thanked us for spending time with their children.

(Mothers of the community)

(After class fun)

Before lunch the students had soccer games and we had a faculty vs. OSU student soccer game. Although we lost pretty hardcore 12-2, it was fun to be united one last time.

(OSU huddle)

As I reflect on my experience in the community, I am not sure I have any answers to the questions that I first asked about the partnership, the community, the culture, and my role in all of this. It has been a fulfilling and rewarding experience. I was challenged in new ways, grew personally, and developed further as student affairs professional. I've learned that there aren't answers to all the questions --- you just need to ask deeper questions. I am so grateful for these relationships and shared experiences.

"Education is the future"

The last two days have been interesting, challenging, and fun at the school. On Monday when we arrived at the school, my students presented me with a puppy. Now I love puppies just as much as anyone else, but this was a really tiny baby puppy. My students know that I love animals because my cell phone background is my dog Brandi, but this puppy had to go. I finally figured out that they stole this pup from its mom, who lives at the house next to the school. Try and convince first and second graders to tell you where they got a puppy from - they definitely didn't want to give it back.

I soon realized that we would not have a teacher. The faculty had a day long meeting and it is totally normal for students to work by themselves here, completely opposite from the States. We made Ecuadorian flags with the second graders and explained the significance of the designs and colors of the United States flag. As this was going on, I was trying to figure out what to teach the first graders. They had workbooks, so I had the students practice drawing pictures that corresponded to a letter of the alphabet. After we worked on the alphabet, the students and I worked on English phrases. The students headed to recess and we headed home after lunch.

(Diana and Jenessia with their flags)

(Andrew describing the flag)

(My first graders)

The following day the students did not have class because the faculty and older students took us up to their sacred hill. I use hill loosely, lets be serious, it was a freaking mountain! After hiking through Las Cajas, I figured I wouldn't have a hard time, but this was at a incline the entire time and the paths were very muddy.

Once we were at the top, the views were phenomenal. The community people travel up to this hill to have religious ceremonies and perform various rituals. We descended from the hill and played games in a pasture with the older students who traveled with us. We were at the top of the mountain so we could see all of the other small villages.

(The pasture right before the peak)

(Sam, Gabbi, and I taking a break)

(View along the way)

(Sitting on the monument at the peak)

(The view from my lunch spot at the top)

The climb took about 2 to 2.5 hours, but the way back only took about an hour. To liven things up, I pulled out my ihome and we had a dance party all the way down the mountain. Note to self - dance parties give you infinite energy, even if it's raining. I was so tired, and napped much of the bus ride home.

When we got back I headed into the city. I am pretty confident in my directional skills in Cuenca. I can find my bearings in most of the neighborhoods. I was in search of a store called Galapagos because they are the only other store besides the post office that has the Ecuadorian seal that certifies international mail. People in Ecuador do not use the post regularly. I got lost trying to find this store but it was a nice adventure because I was able to see more of the colonial neighborhoods.

(Views on my way home)

(Home base since we have been here)

After today we only have one day left with our partners in Cahuazhun Grande. I think that I am really reflecting on what it means to host a cultural exchange. At what point does one party give more than the other, and to what extent does one give up the power in the relationship? I feel that the community has given us a lot in terms of cultural gestures and performances, but I'm not sure how much we have given them. I think that us physically being at the school is giving the students a lot. Many of these students have the choice to stop their education after they finish at our school. It is my hope that we have inspired these students to continue their education. One of my students said that he wanted to be able to come back and help his school one day. He said that he wants to attend college and become a teacher. His mother told him that education is the way to his future. Even though we are from different cultures, countries, and speak different languages, the one similarity is that we both believe: La educación es el futuro.

(Cheers to good ole O-H-I-O!)

"Reflection time"

This weekend we had more free time relax and explore. I definitely explored more than relaxed because I want to make the most of my time here. On Saturday we went to the Social Circus which is a program created by the government to provide children and teens confidence. The directors of Cirque du Soleil believe that empowerment programs such as this give the children a chance to laugh and gain selfworth. There were over 120 children affilated with this program.

(Large performance space)

The children and young adult volunteers did an icebreaker with us and we went around and introduced ourselves so everyone felt comfortable. After this we broke into two groups and they taught us some basic circus techniques like juggling, diablo sticks, plate spinning and some other activities. After learning some of these low risk activities, they brought out the fabric, that was hung from the ceiling. If you saw the Grammy's this year, it is what Pink does when she performs. They taught us the proper methods of climbing and desending. MAN THIS WAS HARD!

(Positions we could have done - JOKES)

(Sam made it to the top!)

One of my goals of this trip is to try and experience anything that is presented - within reason. So I attempted to climb the fabric. Mistake - it was super hard but also kind of fun. Next they taught us special formations or moves that can be done on the fabric. It took all the energy and strength I had in my core to do one of the moves. My body hurt in so many random places but it was so worth it!

After practice, we watched a rehersal of their show that will begin May 30th. It was so great seeing young children exhude confidence and skill in these activities. You could tell they were having so much fun with each other, while learning teamwork and confidence.

(Practice)

When we finished at the Social Circus, a few of us went out to lunch and chose to walk around the city. We had a fantastic lunch at Raymipampa. I had a traditional plate of pork, rice, vegitables, sausage, and some other things. I am so over rice because it comes with every dish.

We went into Casa de Mujer, which is an artisan market. I bought myself a piece of art that I have had my eye on since the first day. It is a painting of the New Church of the main square. It is the largest church in the city and is beautiful inside and out. It had massive turquoise doors on all sides, a two story gold alter inside and the collums are made of rose marble. I wish we had history like this in the States. While it is the youngest of the Cathedrals it is one of the most decorated in the city.

That night we went to a place called Indigo bar with a lot of the group and some friends from the university. It was perfect mix of everything. The drinks we cheap, the people were wonderful and we had so much fun.

On Sunday we went to Cajas National park. It was a beautiful park that has plenty of wildlife, breath taking views, mud and clouds. We were in a cloud the majority of the time because El Cajas reaches up 14,000 feet. This was the first time that I truly felt the altitude.

(The group who went on the hike)

(Sam and I at the entrance of the trail)

(I hung in the back of the group to take photos)

Everywhere you looked, you would see a stunning view. We joked and said that we felt like we were in Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter or Lion King at certain times. We started the hike off easy, went throught the "forbidden forest" then hiked around all the glacier lagoons. I was out of breathe but loved every second of it. Hiking is my kind of activity.

(Forbidden forest)

(Almost to the top)

Moses, was our tour guide and he was so welcoming and funny. He told us jokes in english and spanish, while educatining us on the wildlife around us. It was awesome to see eagles flying abouve us at multiple times. He took us to a traditional Ecuadorian place to eat lunch. I had trout for the first time and I actually liked it - I'm definitely not a big fish fan. After the day long hike, I relaxed and got ice cream with Marissa.

This weekend definitely helped me appreciate the things and opprtunity I have in the States. Going to Cajas made me appreciate nature even more than I already do. It was so inspiring to be in such an untouched environment. Although I am on a service-learning trip, it is definitely ok to take some needed personal reflection time.

(Sam made this - BEST PICTURE EVER)