An Ecuadorian Mission Experience

Atacames Schools

What a crazy day?!? We started out with breakfast at Pastor Josue's house. It looked like a hotpocket with cheese in it. Delicious!! Our work today included going to two schools and a community soccer court. 

The first school was near shrimp farms. It had at least 150 kids, 8th grade and under. They school was concrete block with metal roofs. The windows were open with metal frames and bars. They even had a computer lab!  We sang songs, did a skit about the Feeding of the 5,000, and played games. The kids and teachers were exited to have us there, and they had so much energy! Our team did such a great job with the kids, but the number of kids was pretty overwhelming. We split the ages up for games and they seemed to have a blast. It seemed like we just got there and it was time to go. 

The second school was more rural in the midst of banana and plantain farms. The homes were so very rustic and basic. The school had about 80 kids, probably 6th grade and younger. Same basic program format, but we had more time for games. We split into two groups. The older kids did different types of relays with soccer balls. The younger children played red light green light, squirrels and trees, and a game similar to duck, duck, goose... But instead of touching on the head, they popped people on the butt! While teaching the game, one of the teachers gave Anne a good pop on the fanny! It was hilarious!

This school was full of laughter. We had a lot of fun with these kids. And they were kind enough to treat us to some soda before we left. One of the unique things we noticed at both schools was that the kids didn't run out of the rain. We were fortunate enough to get rained on at both schools. We eventually moved out of the rain at the first school, but it was very casual and not urgent. The older kids at the second school were content to continue to play in the rain. 

The kids loved bubbles and playing. They were so thankful to have us there, and it was difficult to leave each place. We had to make goodbyes brief and quick. And they were almost sudden. 

We ate lunch back at Pastor Josue's: coconut fish, rice and plantains with watermelon juice. I could have eaten two plate dulls easily. It was amazingly delicious. After lunch we went back to the hotel. Some went on the beach and in the ocean, and some of us (me) took a nap. 

The afternoon took us to a soccer court near Pastor Josue's house. It is on the way to his church. This area had an edge to it. It was definitely rough (not just poor). It was slow going at first. We had about 10-12 kids for about 30-40 minutes, but once we started the program, it went to 25...then to 50, then 60... Until at the end we probably had about 75 kids. These kids were wilder and less well behaved but they were so happy to hang out with us. The swarmed around us during games. They climbed all over Austin. They chased bubbles like crazy. They kicked soccer balls at Winston with incredible force and deadly aim. It was crazy. But we survived. 

Evening took us down to the market and tourist area of Atacames. It was pretty slow when we first arrived, but it picked up quickly. The clubs and bars turned up the music, and young people filled the streets. We checked out some booths, a couple people bought some trinkets, and then we headed to dinner. 2/3 of the group ate pizza, and the rest of is had sea food. Both were incredible! Dessert took us to a place where we had ice cream scooped onto the top of a half of pineapple. 

Well, it's past my bedtime, folks. I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow is construction, and Saturday we head back to Quito. Good night and talk to you soon!

Blessings, 
Dorian