THE THINGS I SEE

People: I guess you can say I have seen a lot of things that are very different from the states. Each morning we drive through this place called Old Town, a place where there are tons of shops with tons of variety. You have the normal venders that have actual building where they have their goods for sale and then there are others that put up and take down their shops each morning and night. On this particular morning I just happened to see some things that will be with me forever. While we were at a stop light an old man crossed in front of our car. At first all you could see is the massive box that was strapped to his back. As he passed the front of the car and came into view and old crippled man was the individual carrying this box. He was hunched over and had rope wrapped around him and around this large wooden crate, keeping the box from falling off. I couldn't help but think that a man his age in the states would be happily enjoying retirement, instead he strives everyday to put food on the table and trying to earn a living.

I CAN NOT BELIEVE HOW HAPPY THESE PEOPLE ARE!

I met this woman while we were visiting Wood Town. As soon as we got off the bus she gave all of us hugs. We taught her how to do the 'peace' sign and the entire time she would not stop hugging us and laughing with us. She made me so happy!

On our way home from shift we where stopped at a stop light. I was just sitting in our van looking out the window when I notice a guy pick up a paper coke cup, the ones you get at like McDonald's and such. Well he picked it up, shook it, opened the top, and then took a ship. I couldn't believe my eyes. Initially I was so grossed out, I could not believe what I was seeing. Why would anyone in their right mind ever drink from a cup off the ground? And then it hit me, I was witnessing life, this was this mans way of LIFE. My eyes were open that day. It made me really count my blessings and see that I have so much and I should give to others.

When going out on the town I have been approached plenty of times by children asking for money. We have been advised by the OSSO organization to not give them money because it teaches them to beg, but I feel so bad. As I walked by I noticed their mother digging through the trash. There are city folk that live in Quito and then there are those that live in the mountain area. During the evening they come and sell candies on the street and then as night time falls I noticed some digging through trash to see if the local businesses had thrown away anything valuable and capable of eating. Our own Maid was seen digging through our trash. Some of the girls decided to clean out the fridge and threw away stuff that "wouldn't" be eaten. Later that day the same girl saw our maid taking that "food that no one would eat" out of the trash. She looked up aware someone was looking at her and all she could manage to say was, "its for my family." We take for granted so many little things. Food, considered trash to us, helped feed a family that night. Being in Ecuador has defiantly made me see things in a different light. I am so grateful for the things that I have been given. I have never wanted for food. I have never had to worry about where my next meal is coming from and here its a daily worry and struggle for many. My heart goes out to them. I want to make a difference in life. I want to share their stories. Seeing how someone lives can help you understand who they are. I have appreciated the insight that being here in Ecuador has given me.

Wages: The average wage here is $130-$170 a month. A MONTH people. I feel so stupid to complain about my job and my pay checks when I spend about $100 or more on just clothes each month, not to mention going to movies and going out to eat with my friends, which are plan frivolities. I honestly have nothing to complain about. Its so hard for people to save their money here. Our maid earns $170 a month. She spends $100 on rent and then $40 on other expenses like water and gas (the water has to be delivered here, due to the fact that it is impure). This only leaves her with $30 for the rest of the month to spend on food and her children. What could $30 buy you? think about that..... count your blessing

Housing: The house that I am living in is in a really nice area. It is nice don't get me wrong, our house is big, but it is no 5 star hotel. Most people are shoved into apartment buildings that vary in size and color. The apartments are staked on the side of hills and the Andes mountains, tossed between the forest. People here do not own dryers, so daily, colored clothing spot the roof tops waiting for the sun to dry them. If it rains, then the clothes get a natural second washing and then have to wait till it stops to dry. This place is extremely beautiful. The colorful crowded walls of apartments adds to the atmosphere that makes up Quito. It is unlike anything I have ever seen