Day 13

6/20/13

Yesterday, Andrea dropped me off at the mall for breakfast with a friend (Shout-out to Josue Berru!) on the way to class. He's prepping to go to the US for the first time, so I've been trying to analyze and explain my culture for him, which is such a unique and interesting opportunity. I'm still not sure what I'd warn someone about when they came to the US. Umm, don't get fat? Don't call anyone fat? Your Ecuadorian coins won't be accepted (though they might make awesome gifts?) I've been trying to think up something a little more comprehensive, we'll see what happens. Anyway, breakfast was great (don't let it go to your head, Josue. :P), and afterwards, I got a chip for the Ecuadorian phone that Fany (Mateo's grandmother) had given me, and bought a pair of hippie shades for Andrea's birthday that day. Then, it was back to the church, where I found a young woman waiting outside. She asked for the pastor (Santi's dad) when I arrived, so I figured she was not a creeper and I let her in. She actually helped me with the mural as we waited for Santi. When Santi arrived, he talked to her for a bit before the three of us went back to his house for lunch with his family. Kid's club started around 3, so we headed back to church, where I continued working as kids occasionally floated in to check on my progress. I got all but 4 of the people done-- three of which I can't even do until we get some kind of rafters up. The general concensus is good, though after taking and looking through some photos, I can see new things that I need to work on. It's funny how a change of medium will do that. Anyway, when kid's club ended, Santi dropped me off at Magaly's, where Nathalie was now settled in upstairs and helping Mateo learn his times tables. I made some flash cards for him to fill in and then study with, and we'll continue with that when I come over today. Nathalie's abdominal healing means she can't do stairs, so we brought her up some dinner before eating around the table. Around that time, Angelica arrived, dropped off by a friend-- Andrea was still out with friends for her birthday, and would evidently be spending the night at her grandmother's, closer to where she was. The hippie shades will have to wait til she comes home today. Magaly's husband (names, AHH!) drove us home, where we went promptly to sleep.

Today, I plan to pick up a few things from the store (including masking tape) before going to the church to keep working. I also feel as though something else important is supposed to happen today, but I can't remember what. Good thing I like surprises. :)