Bridging Cultures Missionary Group - June 11th-21st

Danny And His Group Entering Pusir

FEDICE has had several meetings with the Executive Director of Bridging Cultures, Pastor Danny Couch of Weatherford, Texas.  The goals of Bridging Cultures (BC) are very similar to FEDICE’s goals, so it makes sense to join forces.  BC is a non-profit organization registered in United States dedicated to helping poor people in Ecuador better their lives.  We finally planned how FEDICE could support BC.  Under the auspices of Bridging Cultures, a mission group journeyed to Ecuador from June 11th to June 21st, 2013 led by Pastor Couch.

Previously, the FEDICE team had made several trips to the community of Pusir Grande to assist in planning activities and organizing logistics for the group's visit.  Four activities were planned for the group: 1) Home Visits, 2) Activities with The Children, 3) Construction, and 4) Meetings with a Women's Group Concerning an Income-Producing Project.

1. Home Visits

Visit To One Of The Homes Of Pusir

The home visits were a very good activity for our missionary brothers and sisters as they gained insight into the reality of living one’s life in Pusir.  Through courteous and pleasant dialogs, the visitors from the U.S. and the residents of Pusir questioned one another about Ecuador, about Pusir, and about life in the United States.  The women of the community and various people of the visitor's group had the opportunity to interchange social and personal life, thus fortifying the atmosphere of cordiality and fellowship. It was a great way to get to know one another and to recognize that though we are persons with different realities, we are all the children of God. God covers us all with the same love.

Although we had a lot of success with this activity, the staff of FEDICE believe it could be planned better.  In some instances, the residents of Pusir took advantage of our missionary brothers and sisters while sharing activities and work.  It is possible to internalize customs, problems, and to get to know each other better without having the visitors do the work for the residents.

Inside A Home

The visiting group was able to integrate into the daily activities of the women that they visited, sharing their form of work and survival.

Bean Fields

Common Transportation

2. Activities with The Children

Drawing In The Courtyard

The visitors from the U.S. worked with the children through playing games, painting the patio, and taking photographs.  The photos were an especially fun activity for the children.

Making Jewelry

Another successful project was making jewelry using materials brought from the United States.  This activity was attractive not only to the children, but also to the youth and adult women of Pusir. Bracelets and necklaces full of different colors and beautiful designs were created. In the future, with more materials, the people of Pusir hope to learn to create more things.

Musical Entertainment

Before leaving, the local school organized a socio-cultural program, having a dance group and some musical groups perform for the visitors from the U.S.  Some of FEDICE's staff, as well as some members of Bridging Cultures, also spoke during the program.

3. Construction

The Convent Before The Renovation

Although the community has a number of problems (lack of good drinking water, lack of coordination in construction activities, deterioration of the Health Center, convent and local church), only one of these projects could be tackled during this visit.  It was decided that the convent would be the best project.

Some Of The Missionaries
Who Worked On Construction

Due to the advanced deterioration of the walls of the convent, a builder was contracted who was put in charge of determining the quantities of materials needed and to finish off the floor and walls.

With the participation of the volunteers from the U.S., women of the community, FEDICE, and the builder, the following jobs were completed:

• Sanding the walls
• Stuccoing the walls
• Painting the walls
• Cleaning the building

Working Together

In general, the construction activity was very productive and benefitted the community.  It was an activity of collaboration between the community and the missionaries.  It also showed the solidarity that exists among the people.  The old convent will be used for future meetings of the community.

4.  Meetings with a Women's Group Concerning an Income-Producing Project

Besides the aforementioned activities, FEDICE has been conversing with some of the women of the community with the goal of initiating an agricultural or animal husbandry project that will generate funds to be used for the creation of a savings cooperative in the community.  The name of the group is: "Peace, Development, and Equality".  The number of beneficiaries (or members) is 50.

The hope is to create a sustainable financial structure that can help meet the financial emergencies of the beneficiaries.  Through teaching the active participants a "culture of savings", as well as helping them to generate more funds, not only will the community be more energized, but some of the local problems can be minimized.  This project will contribute to better health, diet, housing, education and organization of the families of the community of Pusir.

Last Day: Missionary Group, FEDICE Team, And The People Of Pusir

Alee Sable - June 18th

The good news continues.

As you know, I am now back in Ecuador, continuing with the FEDICE team in our work with the communities, visiting them, telling them about my time in the USA, and sharing with them how blessed I feel to have been the voice of the people.  I was able to talk with those whom we work with in churches, with groups of young people, and among all our brothers and sisters in the United States.

As I started out saying, the good news continues.  THANKS TO GOD for this.  One of the major accomplishments of the trip was obtaining $8,000.00 dollars to finish the Children´s Center "My Little Angels of Victor Hugo Vaca" from the churches of the Southern Conference of Illinois.

Last week we had our monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of FEDICE where I give and receive the reports and we plan the activities for the next month.  With enormous happiness, we received news of the receipt of $13,000.00 dollars for Maca Atapulo, a community located in the province of Cotopaxi.  They can continue their project with sheep.  These funds came from the Office of Latin America and the Caribbean of Global Ministries.

Another of the activities in the United States was to visit Fort Worth and especially the Fort Worth Country Day School.  This is an educational institution where Bill Arnold and Alison Robinson work, two of our great friends and ambassadors for FEDICE.  How gratifying it was when one of the people there said she was ready to come to Ecuador.  Alee Sable, with whom we had been communicating by mail and talking about the possibility of coming to Ecuador as a volunteer and working with FEDICE, said to me, "Blanca, I want to go and work with FEDICE, and I now have the tickets for June of 2013.”  Once again, I said, “Thank you, God.”

Time passes quickly, and now Alee is here with us, working and sharing time with the people of the community of San Francisco, learning a little more about the work with the communities.  Yesterday we visited with her, and we could see her work with the children and with the mothers.  We visited some of our companions in San Francisco to see the different projects. With an enormous smile she said, "I am good, very happy.  THANKS, Blanca, for the opportunity to know these fabulous people and to be able to continue with the work with the children from the Children's Center."

The one who needs to say THANKS is me!  Once again, thanks for all these people who believe in our work, who are interested in us in FEDICE, and above all who believe in the children of our communities.

Alee continues with the English classes for the children and the mothers in the Children's Center.  She is also participating in the work of construction of the center and, of course, getting to know a little more about our people.

After her time in San Francisco, she will visit other places:  Baños, Cuenca, Macas, and Guayaquil.  Then she will come back to Quito.

We hope that God will be with he, accompanying her in all her activities, and that she can enjoy and get to know a little more about our country so when Alee returns to the United States she will share many good stories about our people and our country.  THANK YOU, ALEE.



Cordially,

Blanca Puma
Executive Director of FEDICE
Quito – Ecuador

Alee Sable - 18 de junio

Las buenas noticias continúan.

Como ustedes saben ahora estoy aquí en el Ecuador, continuando con el quipo de Fedice en nuestra labor por las comunidades,  visitándolas, contándoles de mi tiempo en Estados Unidos y hablando de cuan bendecida me sentía de poder haber sido la voz de las personas con las que trabajamos entre las iglesias, los grupos de jóvenes, entre nuestros hermanos y hermanas de Estados Unidos.

Como empecé diciendo las buenas noticias continúan, GRACIAS A DIOS por ello, uno de los mayores logros del viaje fue la obtención de $8,000.00 para terminar el centro infantil “Mis Pequeños Angelitos de Víctor Hugo Vaca”, por parte de una de las iglesias de la conferencia del Sur de Illinois.

La semana anterior tuvimos nuestra reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de Fedice, igualmente para recibir mi informe y ante todo para planear las actividades, entonces con enorme alegría recibimos la noticia del envío de $13,000.00 para  MACA ATAPULO,  comunidad localizada en la provincia de Cotopaxi, ellas podrán continuar con sus proyectos de borregos, estos fondos vinieron desde la oficina de Oficina de Latino América y el Caribe de Ministerios Globales.

Otra de las actividades en Estados Unidos fue visitar Fort Worth y especialmente el Fort Worth Country Day School, institución educativa donde trabajan Bill Arnold y Alison Robinson, dos  de nuestros grandes amigos y embajadores de Fedice,  que grato fue cuando una de las personas (Alee Sable ) en este lugar, con quien habíamos estado comunicándonos por correo  y hablando de la posibilidad de venir al Ecuador como voluntaria y trabajar con Fedice,  me dijo Blanca quiero ir y trabajar con Fedice y tengo ya los pasajes para Junio/2013, una vez más dije Gracias Dios.

Pues el tiempo pasó y ahora Alee esta aquí entre nosotros, trabajando y compartiendo tiempo con las personas en la comunidad San Francisco, aprendiendo un poco más del trabajo con las comunidades, ayer la visitamos, pudimos ver su trabajo con los niños, con las madres, visitamos algunas de las compañeras en San Francisco, para ver las diferentes producciones  y con una enorme sonrisa me dijo estoy muy bien, muy feliz, GRACIAS Blanca, por la oportunidad de conocer a estas fabulosas personas y de poder continuar con el trabajo con los niños del centro infantil   “Mis Pequeños Angelitos de Víctor Hugo Vaca”.

Quien tiene que decir GRACIAS soy yo una vez más, gracias por todas estas personas que creen en nuestro trabajo, que se interesan en nosotros, en la Fedice, pero sobre todo en los niños y niñas de nuestras comunidades.

Alee, continua con las clases de Inglés para los niños y madres del centro infantil, esta además participando en las tareas de construcción en el centro y por supuesto conociendo un poco más de nuestra gente.

Luego de este tiempo aquí en san Francisco su viaje continuará para otros lugares, Baños, Cuenca, Macas, Guayaquil, posteriormente regresará a Quito, le deseamos que Dios sea con ella acompañándola en todas su actividades, que pueda disfrutar y conocer algo más en nuestro país y que al retornar a los Estados Unidos, pueda hacerlo llena de muchas buenas historias acerca de nuestra gente y de nuestro país. GRACIAS ALEE.



Cordialmente

Blanca Puma
Directora Ejecutiva de Fedice
Quito – Ecuador

English Classes In San Francisco - April 22nd to 26th

Last September, Marilyn Cooper, a FEDICE volunteer, taught English for a week in a suburb of Latacunga called San Francisco.  This community has had a history with FEDICE for a number of years.  FEDICE has assisted with different animal projects and with a pre-school.  For twelve years, the pre-school has been in a community leader's home.  They serve 40 children in cramped spaces, but the mothers are very grateful to have someplace to leave their children during the day while they work.

Digna Chacha, whose house is where the pre-school is located, serves on FEDICE’s board of directors and asked that Marilyn return for another week of English for the pre-schoolers and their teachers.  And so Glenn Hebert (Marilyn's husband) and Marilyn returned to share more English in April, 2013.

Our Room

Carmen's House

This time, they stayed in one of the teachers' homes.  Carmen set aside half of the space in her one very large room, cinder block house for them.  This space is usually her six (almost seven) year old son's bedroom.  They thanked him for sharing.  Cristian is a very nice child, well mannered, quiet but sociable, loving.  Marilyn would not be surprised if Carmen felt he was a very special gift that she has received in life.

View Of The Stream
From The Back Edge
Of Carmen's Property

Rabbits

Glenn said that the conditions they were staying in were not what they were accustomed to, but they worked and it was definitely gracious of Carmen to open her house to them.  Marilyn said their camping experiences helped make them flexible.  The bathroom was across the driveway, as was the kitchen.  Carmen rents out another space across the driveway occupied by a small family with a seven year old, Anita, who played in the afternoons with Cristian.  Carmen and her brother, who lives across the river that passes just below Carmen's back garden, raise rabbits and a pig behind the house.  The garden provides greens for the rabbits and corn for the pig (Marilyn thinks).  Nothing is wasted.  All scrap food is fed to the pig.

Blackie The Dog

Carmen also had a dog named Blackie.  Marilyn was not sure where they got the name, maybe from a television show, but she thought they did not quite get the significance of the name.  Blackie the dog was actually the color of coffee with lots of milk in it.  Several laughs were shared with both Carmen and Cristian about Blackie's name.

Marilyn and Glenn felt very fortunate that Carmen did not see them as a burden for the week, but some fun visitors instead.  Some of Carmen's relatives came by to visit as well.  Guadalupe, an older sister, had a grandson with a somewhat similar handicap as Glenn.  She came by one afternoon and enjoyed meeting Glenn and hearing that he had worked during his life.  She plans to bring her grandson so he can meet Glenn the next time Marilyn and Glenn are in town.

Marilyn believes her classes went well.  After three years of teaching preschoolers, she thinks she has a decent system and, for sure, her students were learning some things.  Glenn said they would not have invited her back if Marilyn had done a bad job last time.  Marilyn loves Glenn's support!

Recognizing A Picture

Gathered Around Marilyn

In the mornings, Marilyn taught three levels of the children.  Her first class was the almost verbal one and a half to two year olds.  They sang very simple songs.  Marilyn showed pictures of animals and they talked about what the animals ate and where they lived.  On her third day of teaching, none of the children cried.  One spent almost all the class as far from Marilyn as he could get, but when it was time to say goodbye and to shake hands, he went over to shake Marilyn's hand.  One girl spent most of the time hiding her face in a bookshelf, but Marilyn suspected she was listening the whole time.  The other seven children sat on the floor with her.  Cristian (another, younger Cristian) liked to try to grab Marilyn's glasses.  Israel said some of the words with her.  Mateo repeated the Good Morning song.  It was a fun class.  Myra, their teacher, and Marilyn enjoyed an occasional laugh at their antics.

Some Of The Older Children

Marilyn's second class was the three and four year olds.  When their teacher needed to leave, they paid less attention (as did all the classes), but these children spoke and they knew what un chancho, un perro, un gato, y un pollo was and sometimes it was hard to convince them that these animals could be called a pig, a dog, a cat, and a chicken.  But Carmen, their teacher, helped convince them.  They liked to take excursiones around the room on imaginary journeys.  They also liked songs.  This group, as was Marilyn's third group, was learning greetings and responses to "How are you?".  They were also working on "I have __ __________."  What was so great, was that when Marilyn left, Carmen continued helping them with these sentences.  The children could already count to 10 in English because Marilyn worked on that in September and it had been reinforced by the teachers.

The last morning class was the four and five year olds.  They might have been more mature, but they could also pay less attention if Marilyn did not keep the class interesting.  On Wednesday, they did a great job with "I have a dog" and "I have a cat".  On Thursday, they would be learning some responses to "How are you?" other than "I'm fine".  Marilyn figured they'd be up to the task.  Anabel, their teacher, practiced English with the children in the afternoons.  By midweek, the children came understanding that "How are you?" is a question that requires an answer and "I'm fine" is a good one.  It takes a village to raise a child.

Marilyn walked the long block back to the house after her morning classes each day and thought through her afternoon class with the teachers.  Then, a little after noon, she returned to the pre-school to bring back lunch for Glenn and her.  In September, Marilyn and Glenn got sick from something they ate the last day, so Marilyn and Glenn and the school were being extra careful with their food.  Marilyn reheated the lunches in the kitchen when she get back to Carmen's.  The precautions taken by everyone worked.  Marilyn and/or Glenn didn't have any problems this time.

There is not much in the way of fast food in Ecuador.  The children's food was prepared fresh by two cooks each day.  They got breakfast before Marilyn arrived and what she saw left of it was often bread and a drink.  Lunch usually included a fresh fruit drink, a soup which could have potatoes, pasta, or rice, with some meat and vegetables in it, followed by a main dish of rice or corn with beans or another meat or egg.  There was no dessert but the children usually got a fruit for a snack in the morning (banana or watermelon, etc.).

The Teachers' Class
(Carmen Is Second From Right)

After lunch, Marilyn returned the dishes and taught the teachers while most of the children took naps.  Marilyn says "most" because there were always a few criers who either had not fallen asleep or had awakened and a few other children that did not nap.  So in this crowded room Marilyn tried to hold class among a certain amount of chaos.  Her adult students (the teachers) made very valiant efforts at listening, hearing, participating, and learning the new English words while holding children in their laps or reminding children to be quiet.  But they did learn.  They were very motivated as they thought of these children's futures.  To speak English is to often have a better paying job in Ecuador, and their children were among the students that attended the school.

Cristian was brought by bus to the preschool after his classes were over in Latacunga (a 15 minute drive away).  After the adult class, Marilyn and he walked back to his house where he played with Anita until Carmen came home around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.  The two children played very well together.  After a while, they usually came inside and wanted to practice some English.  They asked Marilyn how to say different things in English and she gave them little verbal tests on what they were learning.  It was a fun game for them, which was kind of how Marilyn thinks of Spanish.  She likes to see how much she can communicate or how many new words she can remember.  She says it is almost like putting together a puzzle, trying to get all the pieces in the right places.

Around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., Marilyn and Glenn had a little to eat.  It was very cold and rainy the first two days and nights, so Glenn and Marilyn were quite happy to go to bed after they ate.  Wednesday was amazingly clear and warm.  It occurred to her that it was a perfect day to drive the Avenida de Vulcanés, the part of the Pan Americana Highway south of Quito where one drives by many volcanos.  From the neighborhood, Marilyn and Glenn could see three snowcapped volcanos.  In their experience, it was not often that one could see the tops of the volcanos because they were usually covered by clouds, so this was a treat for them.  One night they had a nearly full moon to boot and there were stars out.  Marilyn could see Orion, one of the few constellations she can identify.

Marilyn knew before they left that they would not regret the time they had spent in San Francisco, making more friends, sharing their lives with others.  She says FEDICE surely gives them a number of opportunities that they benefit from.  Their lives are quite full thanks to God.

It was an emotional time leaving Friday.  After Marilyn taught her three children's classes and before she could slip out the door, all the teachers gave her big hugs and said "Thank you's" for the gift of English they received for the week.  There was a small presentation of Thanks for the time Marilyn spent and questions as to when Marilyn was returning.  She and Glenn hope to do that in September, a few weeks after the older children move on to la escuela and new children take their places in the preschool.  Carmen walked back to her house with Marilyn so she could help load up the luggage, help get Glenn in the car, and direct Marilyn out of the narrow driveway.  There were tears in her eyes when Marilyn and Glenn shared the last hug with her.

Los Illinizas Volcano

Cotopaxi Volcano

Whenever Marilyn leaves somewhere after she has had a very good time, she tends to drive slower for a while until she can transition into the present and the future.  On this clear day, Marilyn and Glenn could see the volcanoes, Cotapaxi and Los Illinizas, and several other tall mountains while they enjoyed the leisurely drive to Quito on the new six lane highway.  From there, one has to be in the present or risk getting run over!  They stopped for a sandwich just before Quito and to call Isabel to tell her not to wait lunch for them.  They arrived back home in the mid-afternoon to hugs from Isabel, Brayan, and Victoria who missed them the week Marilyn and Glenn were gone.  Stories were shared of the week all of them were not together.  And God was thanked for a safe and successful journey.

Clases De Inglés En San Francisco - 22-26 de abril

En septiembre del año pasado,  Marilyn Cooper, una voluntaria de FEDICE, dio clases de inglés por una semana en una comunidad cerca de Latacunga llamada San Francisco. Esta comunidad traba con FEDICE desde hace varios años. FEDICE les ha ayudado con varios proyectos de animales y con un centro infantil.  Por los últimos 4 años, el centro infantil ha estado en la casa de uno de los líderes de la comunidad.  Tienen 40 niños en un área muy pequeña, pero las madres están muy agradecidas de tener un lugar para dejar sus niños mientras trabajan.

El Centro Infantil está en la casa de Digna Chacha, quien es parte de la Directiva de FEDICE, y ella pidió que  Marilyn regresará para dar otra semana de inglés a los niños del centro, y a sus maestras.  Así que Glenn Hebert (el esposo de Marilyn) y Marilyn regresaron a compartir más inglés en abril de 2013.

Nuestras Habitación

Casa De Carmen

Esta vez, quedaron en la casa de una de las maestras.  Carmen les dio el espacio de la mitad de su cuarto muy grande en su casa de bloque. Este espacio normalmente es la recamara de su hijo de 6 (casi 7) años. Ellos le dieron las gracias por compartir.  Cristian es un niño muy educado, muy quieto, pero sociable y amoroso.  A Marilyn no le sorprendería descubrir que Carmen lo viera como un regalo especial que había recibido en la vida.

Vista De La Corriente De La
Parte Posterior Borde De
La Propiedad Del Carmen

Conejos

Glenn dijo que las condiciones donde quedaron no eran los que estaban acostumbrados, pero servían, y era muy amable de Carmen de abrir su casa a ellos.  Marilyn dijo que sus experiencias en acampar les ayudaron a ser flexibles.  El baño estaba  al otro lado de la cochera, igual que la cocina.  Carmen renta otro espacio a una familia chica con Anita, de 7 años, que jugaba con Cristian en las tardes.  Carmen y su hermano, que vive al otro lado del rio que pasa al lado de su jardín de atrás, tienen conejos y un puerco atrás de la casa.  El jardín provee yerbas para los Conejos y maíz para el puerco (piensa Marilyn). Nada se desperdicia.  Todo el sobrante de la comida es para el chancho.

El Perro Blackie

Carmen también tiene un perro de nombre Blackie.  Marilyn no estaba seguro de dónde sacaron el nombre, tal vez de la televisión, pero pensaba que no captaron el significado del nombre.  Blackie, el perro, actualmente tiene el color de café con bastante leche.  Compartieron bastantes risas con Carmen y Cristian sobre el nombre de Blackie (que en ingles quiere decir negro).

Marilyn and Glenn sintieron muy afortunados que Carmen no los vio como una carga para la semana, sino como unos visitantes muy divertidos.  Algunos de los parientes de Carmen también vinieron para visitar.  Guadalupe, una hermana mayor, tenía un nieto con una discapacidad similar al de Glenn.  Ella vino una tarde, y disfrutó conocer a Glenn y escuchar que había trabajado toda su vida.  Planea llevar su nieto para que los conozca la próxima vez que están en San Francisco Marilyn y Glenn.

Marilyn cree que sus clases, estuvieron bien. Después de tres años de enseñar a niños preescolares cree que tiene un buen sistema y seguro que sus estudiantes están aprendiendo algunas cosas.  Glenn dijo que no la hubieran invitado de vuelta si Marilyn había hecho mal su trabajo antes.  ¡A Marilyn le encanta el apoyo de Glenn!

Reconociendo Un Foto

En Torno A Marilyn

En las mañanas, Marilyn enseñaba tres niveles de clases.  Su primera clase era de para niños de año y medio a dos años.  Cantaron unos cantos muy fáciles.  Marilyn les enseñó dibujos de animales y hablaron de lo que comían los animales y donde vivían.  El tercer día de clases, ningún niño lloraba.  Uno se alejaba lo más que pudo de Marilyn, pero cuando llegó el tiempo de decir adiós y dar la mano, el sí dio la mano.  Una niña se escondía casi todo el tiempo su cara en el librero, pero sospechaba Marilyn que estaba escuchando todo el tiempo.  Los otros siete niños sentaron en el piso con ella.  Cristian (otro, más joven Cristian) le gustaba tratar de agarrar los lentes de Marilyn.  Israel dijo algunas de las palabras con ella.  Mateo repitió el canto de “Good Morning”.  Era una clase divertida.  Mayra, la maestra y Marilyn disfrutaron una risa ocasional por sus travesuras de los niños.

Algunos De Los Niños Mayores

La segunda clase de Marilyn era de niños de tres a cuatro años.  Cuando la maestra tenía que salir, pusieron menos atención (como todas las clases), pero estos niños hablaban y sabían lo que era un chancho, un perro, un gato, y un pollo, y a veces era difícil convencerlos que  a estos animales  les podían decir a pig, a dog, a cat, y  a chicken.  Pero Carmen, su maestro, ayudó a convencerlos.  Les gustaba hacer excursiones  alrededor del cuarto en paseos imaginarios.  También les gustaban los cantos.  Este grupo, igual que el tercer grupo, aprendía saludos y contestaciones como "How are you?".(¿Cómo estás?)  Trabajaban con "I have __ __________." (Yo tengo __________).  Lo que era grandioso fue que cuando salió Marilyn, Carmen continuaba ayudándoles con estas frases.  Los niños ya podían contar a 10 en inglés, porque Marilyn había enseñado esto en septiembre, y ya lo habían practicado con las maestras.

La última clase de la mañana era de los de cuatro y cinco años.  Tal vez eran más maduros, pero también prestaron menos atención si Marilyn no mantenía bastante interesante la clase.  Por el miércoles, ya hicieron un gran trabajo con  "I have a dog" (tengo un perrito”) y "I have a cat" (tengo un gato).  Por el jueves, iban aprendiendo otras contestaciones a "How are you?" (¿Cómo estás?) a parte de "I'm fine" (Estoy bien).  Marilyn supuso que podían hacerlo.  Anabel, su maestro, practicaba ingles con los niños en las tardes.  A media semana, los niños ya entendían que “How are you?"  Es una pregunta que requiere una contestación y que  "I'm fine" es buena.  Toma un tiempo para educar un niño.

Marilyn caminaba la larga cuadra hasta la casa después de sus clases de la mañana todos los días y meditaba en sus clases de la tarde con los maestros.  Luego, un poco después de mediodía, regresaba a la escuela  para traer el almuerzo para Glenn y ella.  En septiembre, Marilyn y Glenn se enfermaron con algo que comieron el ultimo día, así que ellos y la escuela tuvieron mucho cuidado con su comida.  Marilyn calentaba otra vez los almuerzos al llegar a la casa de Carmen.  Las precauciones sirvieron.  Ni Marilyn ni Glenn tuvieron problemas esta vez.

No hay comidas instantáneas en Ecuador.  La comida de los niños se preparaba frescas cada día  por dos cocineras.  El desayuno lo tenían diario antes de la llegada de Marilyn, y lo que ella vio que dejaron era pan y algo para tomar.  El almuerzo incluía un jugo de alguna fruta fresco, una sopa que podía ser de papas, fideos o arroz, con algo de carne y verduras, seguido por un guisado de arroz o maíz con fréjoles o alguna carne o huevo.  No había postre, pero los niños normalmente reciben una fruta a medio mañana (plátano o sandía, etc.).

Clase De Profesores
(Carmen Es El Segundo Por La Derecha)

Después del almuerzo, Marilyn regresaba los platos y enseñaba a las maestras mientras la mayoría de los niños dormían.  Marilyn dice la mayoría, porque siempre hay unos llorones que o no habían dormido aun, o que habían despertado, y algunos niños que no tomaban siestas.  Así que en este cuarto sobre poblado, Marilyn trataba de tener una clase entre cierta cantidad de caos.  Sus estudiantes adultos (las maestras) hicieron esfuerzos valientes de escuchar, oír, participar, y aprender nuevas palabras en inglés mientras cargaban niños en el regazo o urgían a los niños a estar quietos.  Pero si aprendían.  Estaban muy motivados al contemplar el futuro de estos niños.  Hablar Inglés par ayuda tener un trabajo que paga mejor en Ecuador, y sus niños eran entre los que asistían a la escuela.

A Cristian lo dejó el bus en el centro infantil después de sus clases en Latacunga (a 15 minutos).  Después de la clase para adultos, Marilyn y Cristian caminaban a su casa donde jugaba con Anita hasta la llegada de Carmen a las 5 o 6 de la tarde. Los dos niños jugaban muy bien juntos.  Después de un rato, usualmente se metían a la casa y querían practicar algo de inglés. Preguntaban a Marilyn como decir varias cosas en inglés,  y ella les daba algunas preguntas verbales para saber qué es lo en lo que estaban aprendiendo.  Era juego para ellos, que es algo similar a como Marilyn vea el español.  A ella le gusta ver que tanto puede comunicar, o cuantas palabras nuevas se puede acordar.  Ella dice que es casi como armar un rompecabezas, tratando de poner todas las piezas en el lugar adecuado.

Como a las 6:30 o 7:00 p.m., Marilyn y Glenn comían un poco.  Era muy frio y lluvioso los primeros dos días y noches, así que Glenn and Marilyn estaban encantados de acostarse después de comer.  El miércoles fue muy claro e hizo calor.  Se le ocurrió que era un día perfecto de hacer un paseo por El Avenida de Volcanes, una parte del camino de la Panamericana al sur de Quito donde uno pasa por muchos volcanes.  Desde San Francisco, Marilyn and Glenn podían ver tres volcanes cubiertos de nieve.  En su experiencia, no era muy a menudo que uno podía ver las cimas de los volcanes, por estar cubiertos normalmente de nubes, así que era una delicia para ellos.  Una noche además tenían una luna llena y había estrellas.  Marilyn podía ver Orion, uno de las pocas constelaciones que podía identificar.

Marilyn sabía antes de salir que no iban a arrepentir del tiempo que habían estado en San Francisco, haciendo más amigos, compartiendo sus vidas con otros.  Ella dice que FEDICE seguramente les da muchas oportunidades que les beneficie.  Sus vidas son bien llenas, gracias a Dios.

Fue emocional la despedida del viernes.  Después de enseñar sus tres clases para los niños, y antes que podía salir de la puerta, todas las maestras le dieron abrazos a Marilyn y dieron sus “Gracias” por el regalo del inglés que habían recibido esta semana.  Había una presentación de gracias por el tiempo que Marilyn había pasado y preguntas de cuando iba a regresar.  Ella y Glenn esperan hacerlo en septiembre, unas pocas semanas después de que los niños más grandes gradúan a   la escuela  y los niños nuevos toman sus lugares en el centro infantil.  Carmen caminaba a la casa con Marilyn para poder ayudarla con las maletas, ayudar a poner Glenn en el carro, y dirigir a Marilyn para salir de la cochera tan estrecha.  Había lágrimas en sus ojos al compartir los últimos abrazos.

Volcán Los Illinizas

Volcán Cotopaxi

Cuando Marilyn deja un lugar donde ha tenido un muy buen tiempo, tiende a manejar más despacio por un rato hasta que pueda traspasar desde el presente y el futuro.  En este día tan claro, Marilyn and Glenn podían ver los volcanes, Cotopaxi y Los Illinizas, y varias otras montañas altas, y disfrutaron el caminar despacio a Quito en el Nuevo camino de seis carriles.  Desde allí, uno tiene que prestar atención o te embisten.  Pararon a comer un sándwich antes de Quito y llamar a Isabel para decirle que no esperara el almuerzo.  Arribaron a la casa a media tarde a abrazos de Isabel, Brayan, y Victoria quien los había echado de menos esta semana.  Se compartieron historias de todos de esta semana que no estaban juntos.  Y dieron gracias a Dios por el viaje seguro y lleno de éxito.

An Evangelical Pastor And A Catholic Priest

I met Dr. Victor Vaca many years ago, before I was a member of the Group of Women of FEDICE "Santa Rosa" - Cotopaxi.

The Doctor visited with Father Carlos Jiménez (a catholic priest). And they conversed a lot about theology, politics, and the Bible.  Father Carlos helped with the Bible courses in the groups from Planchaloma, Cotopaxi, where the doctor was working.

These two men gave us a great lesson, because when they sat down for a conversation it was not for the purpose of fighting over who was right, or the things that separate us in the churches, but rather they were searching for God's will, what God wanted to accomplish through them.

Today I am aware that ecumenism is really possible, that showing love and service to those in need is more important than social condition, creed or ideology.

They gave us a great example of tolerance, respect and helpfulness.  I would like to add that Father Carlos Jiménez also left us 5 years ago due to pulmonary cancer.  And Dr. Victor now has also gone on before us.

I am sure that in the place where God has destined them, they are cheering each other on to continue with their work.  Dr. Victor fought for the most needy and poor of this country, and he will continue to live in each group that he founded as our friend, father, and brother.

Thank you for your support.



With Love,

Narcisa Acuña
FEDICE Group from Santa Rosa - Cotopaxi

Un Pastor Evangélico Y Un Sacerdote Católico - 26 de mayo

Conocí al Doctor Victor Vaca muchos años atrás, antes de yo pertenecer al Grupo de mujeres FEDICE "Santa Rosa" - Cotopaxi.

El Doctor visitaba al Padre Carlos Jiménez (Sacerdote Católico); ellos conversaban mucho de Teología, Política, Biblia. El Padre Carlos le ayudaba con los cursos bíblicos en los Grupos de Planchaloma - Cotopaxi, donde el doctor prestaba sus servicios.

Estos dos hombres nos dieron una gran lección, porque cuando se sentaban a conversar no era para discutir sobre quien tenía la razón o las cosas que nos separan entre iglesias; sino que buscaban la voluntad de Dios, lo que Dios quería a través de ellos.

Hoy me doy cuenta que el ecumenismo es posible, que el amor y el servicio a los necesitados está por encima de condición social, credo, ideología.

Nos dejaron un gran ejemplo de tolerancia, respeto y apoyo. Quiero comentar también que el Padre Carlo Jiménez ya se nos fue hace 5 años a causa de un cáncer pulmonar. El Doctor Víctor también se nos adelantó.

Seguro que en el sitio donde Dios los destinó estarán dando ánimo a continuar con sus obras.

El Doctor Víctor luchó por los más necesitados y empobrecidos de este país, seguirá vivo en cada grupo que fundó como nuestro amigo, padre y hermano.

Gracias por su apoyo.



Con cariño,

Narcisa Acuña
Grupo Fedice Santa Rosa - Cotopaxi

Seventh Letter From Blanca Puma - May 6th

Dear friends,

Now I am in Ecuador.  I returned to my people, my family, and my friends.  I am very happy obviously with the satisfaction of the activities that were accomplished.

Like I have said, thanks to God, everything was fine.  In each place I received friendship, support, smiles.  It was a time to remember good stories, bad stories, and funny stories.  Again and again thanks to God for these people.



Indianapolis - All Activities Are Important

Home Of Global Ministries

Indianapolis was a time to arrive at the central offices of the Disciples of Christ, to get to know this place, like other places.  It was a time to get to know the people that we only knew by telephone or email, people who in spite of not knowing me personally, helped to make possible my trip.  They are also helping in the work of FEDICE.  Many times I have said that there are many ways to help, and this is one of them.

Felix Ortiz On Right

First of all, we received a warm welcome from Felix Ortiz (Area Executive for Latin America and the Caribbean of Global Ministries) and his wife, Maria Cruzado.   The next day there were meetings in the offices with various people involved in the work of the activities of FEDICE, with our turning in reports.  Of course, we kept sharing the activities of FEDICE, the goals that we have set, and obviously our need to keep on looking for funding which will help to continue our work in the communities.

Speaking At Global Ministries

Little by little, we talked about different themes, coinciding in some ideas, and differing in others, but always leaving clear the principle point that FEDICE will continue as the legacy of Violeta Groth and Victor Vaca.

A very special moment for me was when I talked to a group of people who work in these offices.  Upon finishing my talk, I was given a present from the hands of Julia Brown Karimu, President of the Division of Overseas Ministries of Global Ministries.  I felt very proud to be in the presence of this woman, and very proud of being a woman too, she from the United States, and me from Ecuador.  In the end, we are both women seeking better conditions of life for our brothers and sisters.

After this wonderful time of emotions and various sentiments, we took to the road again and went back to Illinois.

Kent Lytle, President Of Ecuador Committee

Illinois - "Sowing Seeds"

My time in Illinois was occupied with various activities - visits with churches, meetings with young people, meetings with the members of the UCC Conference of South Illinois, and meetings with people who, thanks to God, are interested in our work, in our people.  Thank you, and a thousand thanks to everyone for your time, for your patience, for your counsel, for your suggestions, always keeping in mind how to improve the work of FEDICE and thereby helping the people in the communities.

Continuing To
Talk About FEDICE

In this place, as well as others that I visited before, I had very emotional moments, very happy moments, in each meeting seeing the interest of the people for us.  A good friend of the many that, thanks to God, I now have in the United States said, "You are sowing seeds!"

June Sielbeck -
She Is Spreading The Message In The US

Thank God for the people who, as real missionaries, are visiting churches, groups, speaking about Ecuador, about our people, about our projects.  Thanks for the people who with passion, with love, and with solidarity have decided to support our work.  They are also sowing seeds.

An Illinois Welcome

Something really interesting also, was the meeting we had with an organization that, like us, helps people who don't have the resources necessary for their basic needs, people who feel hunger, thirst for justice, and don't speak the same language.  In the end, poverty is not exclusive to one place, but thanks to God for these people who have decided to help them.  May God bless you richly and permit you to keep on helping these people.

Displaying FEDICE Poster

Many times we think of the United States as a place where the people have everything - where there is sufficient money to cover their necessities, and where nobody lacks anything.  But it's not like that.  Here, there is also poverty and basic human needs.  There are also people who don't have a place to sleep, to eat, or somewhere to live a dignified life with their families.  As I mentioned before, poverty is not exclusive to one place only.

Therefore, I have even more reason to give thanks for these people that step beyond their borders to manifest their faith by their words and deeds, who have decided to help their neighbors here in Ecuador.

It was also a time to visit beautiful places among the many that this great country has.  As I have mentioned before, God is so great that he permits us to see his Wonders and to enjoy the beauty of his creation in this and that place.

Speaking At A Church

Little by little, I visited so many different places, accomplishing the prearranged activities, talking about FEDICE, about my people, about my work, and about my passion:  helping the people in the communities.  Once again, sowing seeds.  Yes, sowing seeds, as the parable says, perhaps in sandy ground, perhaps on rocky ground, but the majority on fertile ground.

Perhaps we won't see the fruits of this planting very soon, perhaps we will.  We don't know.  As always and in everything, after the long work, after the long journeys, I put everything in God's hands and trust that He is sowing in the hearts of people the desire to help us keep on going.

Presenting The Last Gift Of The Trip

Now I am in Ecuador, back to work, with jobs to do taking care of the seeds that have been sown and with the firm conviction that, thanks to God, FEDICE IS NOT ALONE.

May God bless you greatly my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and may God grant us the opportunity to be together soon.  We'll wait for you here in Ecuador, or you can wait for me to return to the United States.  Either way, we will see each other soon.



With Love,

Blanca