Updates from Guasmo and Flor

We've been busy here at Starfish over the past few months, including celebrations for Navidad, vacacionales, community service projects (Melanie P's project was featured on our blog a few weeks ago!), and now our high school seniors are preparing for their graduation, which is only a month away!

Vacacionales - Due to schools altering their schedules because of the weather brought by El Niño, we have altered our format and structure of vacacionales. On Monday and Wednesday of our vacacionales, we implemented academic reinforcement (tutoring, study sessions) and on Tuesdays and Thursdays we introduced clubs! Our choices for clubs include: Manualiadades (Crafts), Dance, Community Service, Sports & Theater.


Our scholars enjoy their new Sports club on Tuesday's and Thursday's (we all know how much they love to play with la pelota, so our Sports club has gained quite the popularity).

As part of our Community Service club, our scholars brainstormed and together, created this definition for community service:

• helping others 
• uniting as one so we can achieve something greater 
• collaborating with one another 
• working as a team 
• everyone striving for one common goal, or objective 

After creating our definition of community service, our scholars chose projects based on the needs in the community.  Throughout the month, they are completing their projects, with results to be presented at our open house during the last week of February!


Our scholars discuss with each other their plans for their community service project. 

Community Service club participant Juliana delivers her "Random Act of Kindness" to Starfish volunteer Cristhian.

Our students prepare for their debate, working on skills such as logic, problem solving, and communication, as part of their after school activities!


In addition to our new extracurricular options, long-term Starfish volunteer and Program Advisor Sanchia along with a co-worker are offering high-quality English classes at Starfish- one class to our Educadores and one class to our top 10 scholarship students - equivalent to what they would get at the prestigious school where Sanchia teaches. Classes are being offered at Starfish for free!

And for some exciting news: Felicidades - Congratulations - to Starfish Scholar Angie! As part of the city's "Jóvenes Ejemplares" program, the top students at each high school are rewarded. The third level of prizes is a bus pass, while Angie reached the second level - a brand new laptop! Congratulations on your success and we are extremely proud of all your hard work, Angie.


Angie with her new laptop!

Integration Day

This past weekend we had our first "Integration Day" of 2014, where our Scholars from both Guasmo and Flor de Bastión had the chance to recreate and converse during a day of fun-filled sun and sports!

2014-2015 Starfish Scholars

Switching it up from past Integration Days, we decided not to have either neighborhood host, but instead we took the kids to a local park, Parque Samanes.  Over a year ago, the government opened the first phase of what will be one of the 3 biggest parks in all of Latin America. We played soccer and basketball, and enjoyed using the exercise equipment.  

New Starfish Scholars had a blast getting to know each other, while our returning Scholars had a chance to catch up with old friends.  The best part - this park is free and we hope our students are able to go back soon with their families.  

Scholars Maria and Solange with Employees Lissette, Cynthia and Yuliana

Relaxing after a hot day in the sun!

Meet Cristhian!

Cristhian has been a Starfish scholar in the Flor de Bastión neighborhood since the first class of scholars began last February 2012.  He is a motivated student and comes from a very responsible family.  His family has been so supportive that his two older siblings who are now both in college have joined the Starfish team as two of our newest part-time employees.  Cristhian turned 16 on March 6th and is in 2do bachillerato or the equivalent of 11th grade in the U.S.  When asked to describe what Starfish is, he said "Starfish is important and collaborative because it helps people in need, We shouldn't see it just as help, but rather a responsibility."  Cristhian is also a great leader in his school, his community and at Starfish.  He says, "Leadership doesn't always mean being at the front of the group.  Leadership is making everyone else feel like leaders.  The leader isn't always the one that guides, but rather the one that acts with intelligence and wisdom."

Cristhian's sisters Jasmin and Noelia (newborn), his mom Maribel, Cristhian & Beth at an Integration Day with Guasmo last June 2012.

Read below about Christian's school vacation in his own words.

"What did I do during my vacation?"

During vacation I took advantage of my free days.  My vacation was a little funny, first I signed up for a soccer school but I only went for a few weeks.  Then I went to work (the days that I wanted to).

Then I just hung out until a group of friends and I signed up for a Summer Camp as Counselors.  There I taught a group of students in 6th grade.  We taught them Language Arts and Math, but unfortunately it was only for one month.  The last day was sad because it was the last day I was going to see my students and my friends.  After Camp, all the counselors got to go to the beach for a day.  There we ate, played and swam in the ocean.  That was a great day.  Then, I went to Manabí to visit my grandparents and I had a great time with my cousins.

Cristhian and Arelisa during an icebreaker at the April 2013 meeting!

"Que hice en mis vacaciones?"

Bueno, yo en vacaciones empecé a disfrutar de mis días libres.  Mis vacaciones fueron un poco chistosas primero me inscribí en una escuela de fútbol en la que fui sol un par de semanas. Después me fui a trabajar los días que daba ganitas.  

Me la pasaba molestando hasta que un grupo de amigos/as nos inscribimos a una Colonia Vacacional pero como animadores.  Ahí conocí a niños de 6to año y les enseñamos lenguaje y matemáticas pero lastimosamente solo fue un mes.  El último día fue triste porque fue el día en que no iba a ver más a mis alumno ni amigos.  Pero bueno al terminar la Colonia nos llevaron a la playa a todos los animadores.  Allá comimos, jugamos y nos metimos a la playa.  Ese día fue chevere.  Después fui a Manabí a visitar a mis abuelitos y la pasé bien con mis primos.

Meet Maria - a new Starfish Scholar!

Meet Maria Belén - one of our newest additions to The Starfish Foundation in our Flor de Bastión neighborhood.

Though she is new to Starfish, Maria is already in her last year of high school.  She impressed us with her punctuality and also her excellent grades even through the most difficult years of high school.  Maria is 16 years old - today, May 9!  When she graduates high school this year, she wants to continue studying in the University so that she can become a doctor.  When asked to share her personal hero, she said she has two - her mom and her dad  - because from them she has learned and will continue to learn how to be a beautiful and strong woman.  The best advice they gave her - even if she falls down many times, she has to get back up again even more times.  Last year her father passed away unexpectedly just as school was starting, but she continues to be strong in the face of hard times, being true to the lessons of resiliency and responsibility that he taught her.  In her free time, Maria likes to work on various projects with her mom, prepare food, read, and play with her friends.

Maria, helping organize some of our new school supplies for this school year!

Maria did some exciting things over her school break and shares them with us here in her own words.

"During my Vacation"

I was in a swimming class where I had a great time with my friends - one that I already knew and other new friends that I made.  I learned a lot, I lost my fear of diving.  Not being scared anymore is great especially since I worked so hard.  I even surprised myself because I was able to do things that I never thought I'd be able to do.  It fills me with happiness and enthusiasm because now when someone asks me if I know how to swim, I respond yes.  It's a great and entertaining sport.

I was also finally baptized, and that has changed me.  Now I feel at peace with myself and with God.  I feel happy with a new and renewed life.  I like this.

I've also done a lot of other things like visit my uncles and aunts, and spend time with friends and family.

Maria introducing to another Starfish Scholar, Argenis, during an icebreaker at our April meeting!

"En mis vacaciones"

Estuve en un curso de natación en el cuál la pasé muy bien junto con amigas, una que ya conocía y otras que hice.  Aprendí mucho, perdí el miedo de un clavado desde el borde de la piscina.  Perder el miedo fue genial ya que aprendí y di todo de mí hasta me sorprendí porque logré cosas que jamás creí hacer.  Eso me llena de alegría y entusiasmo porque ahora que me pregunten que si sé nadar, respondo que sí.  Es un deporte genial y entretenido.  

También fue mi bautizo, que lo pude realizar al fin y eso me ha cambiado.  Ahora estoy en paz conmigo y sobre todo con Papá Dios.  Me siento feliz con una vida nueva, renovada.  Eso me gusta.  

También he hecho muchas cosas más como ir de visita a la casa de mis tios, visitar a mi tía, y compartir con amigos y familia.

Meet Danny - a new Starfish Scholar!

Meet Danny & learn about what he did over his break from school!

Danny is a new Starfish Scholar for the 2013-2014 school year.  He is in 10mo año (equivalent to 9th grade in the U.S.) and is 14 years old.  In his free time he likes to play competitive sports, especially canoeing, swimming and track.  He also plays guitar.  When asked who his personal hero is he said, "My dad because he is always with me when I need him".  Today Danny shares with us in his own words what he did one weekend over school break.

Danny with some new friends at the first Starfish meeting of the year.

"How did you spend your vacation?"

I went on a trip to Salinas with my friends to compete in the Kayatholon of Salinas.  First we arrived in Salinas.  We stayed at the Naval Base  We left our clothes in our room. Then we went out for a walk for a bit.  When it was nighttime we went to eat dinner with my coach.  After that we returned to the Naval Base.  I stayed up talking until the early morning with my friends.  The next day we went to the beach to compete with my friends in all the competitions.  We had a great time.  After the competition we took pictures, we went swimming and from there we returned to the Naval Base.  We packed up all our clothes and we went back to our houses. We had a great time!

"Como pasaste tus vacaciones?"

Me fui de viaje a Salinas con unos amigos a competir en el Kayathlon de Salinas.  Primero llegamos a Salinas.  Nos hospedamos en la Base Naval.  De ahí dejamos nuestra ropa.  Salimos a caminar un rato. Cuando era de noche nos fuimos a comer con mi entrenador.  Después regresamos a la Base.  Después nos quedamos hasta la madrugada conversando con mis amigos.  Al siguiente día nos fuimos a la playa a competir con mis amigos en toda la competencia.  La pasamos super bien.  Después de la competencia nos tomamos fotos, nos bañamos y de ahí nos fuimos a la Base Naval.  De ahí todos guardamos nuestra ropa y nos regresamos a nuestras casas y la pasamos super bien.

Inspiring Messages from our Scholars!

Today 3 Starfish scholars have some important messages to share with us through their drawings!

Steve says "yes" to sports and "no" to drugs with his drawing of WWE fighters getting ready for a fight.  He also shares with us his love for learning English!

"Sí al deporte, no a las drogas"

Andrés reminds us the importance of always having good communication.

"Siempre comunicativo"

Anthony shows us his love for sports, especially soccer!

"Viva el deporte"

Words from a Starfish Scholar!

Today one of our scholarship students from Guasmo shares with us a little bit about the new homework help program and her experience at her high school!

Miercoles, 29 agosto 2012

Hola, mi nombre es Maria y tengo 13 años .  Les quiero decir que gracias por que nos han ayudado mucho con las tareas de recuperación.  Gracias por la ayuda de Taylor, Ashley y Jenny que han decidido ayudarnos con la tarea después de habernos ayudado Martin y Michael con la tarea de fotografía.  Yo en mi colegio la paso bien por que estoy con unas de mis mejores amigas como Kenia.  Mis olimpiadas son muy buenas especialmente hoy día miércoles me toca jugar y espero ganar.  Gracias por ayudarnos!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Hi my name is Maria and I am 13 years old.  I want to thank you all because you have helped us a lot with our homework and reinforcement in all our classes. Thanks to the help of Taylor, Ashley and Jenny who have decided to help us with our homework after Martin and Michael also helped us with the photography project.  I like my high school because I am with some of my best friends like Kenia.  The Olympics at my school are great too especially today, Wednesday because it’s my turn to play and I hope to win.  Thanks for helping us!

Maria (black-and-white top) and her friends at the June Starfish Scholars meeting.

The most fun yet...

I was wrong last time because today was the most fun I have had in Guasmo. When we arrived at Mi Cometa, we went upstairs and most of the kids were there already. We saw that Solange had brought a basketball so we immediately started dribbling. We went all the way on the roof and were dribbling up there. Anthony and Andres wanted it to be them two against me just trying to steal the ball from me. It was really fun keeping it away from them, but also challenging too. The girls started taking pictures of us playing and finally they all said they wanted to go to a park where they have basketball courts. Martin and I agreed without hesitation because basketball is our favorite sport. 

The park took a while to get there but it was an amazing park. They had giant slides, high monkey bars, rings, a chain to climb, soccer field, jet, train, basketball court, stage and see-saws. We had so much fun at the park with the kids. We took pictures of all the activities we were doing played some games that the kids made up. We played a 5 on 5 basketball game that the kids seemed to love. The kids did really well they all had their own talents that were good for playing. Joel is an all around athlete and excels in every sport he plays. He is really quick and learns things fast. Andres and Anthony were doing really good at shooting the ball. Solange was able to dribble and pass the ball well and Maria was very aggressive it surprised us. Esteve was all over the place so when we played it was a good match up. We took more photos of the kids on the jet plane and on the train. 

In the afternoon, William, Marlon, Bebzebeth, Dianna, Eric and Carlos came. We all were upstairs and we asked them what they wanted to do. They said they wanted to go to the park we went to earlier to check it out. We didn’t do as much stuff but still had a blast playing basketball. It was Martin and William versus Marlon, Eric and I. The girls were just going around taking pictures of each other posing for them. They got very into taking pictures so fast and the quality of their photos keeps increasing. The thing that I think is most important is to have a variety of pictures, but not just in numbers; by making sure they take pictures different ways from different angles. We just want them to be creative and express themselves. 

--July 23, 2012

We left early to Mi Cometa today. It was a great success this morning because we were able to get there only taking two buses. When we got there Betzabeth called Martin and so we went to walk her from her house. We played some of the games upstairs until Maria and Esteve had to leave at 11. The kids have gotten pretty good at Uno and know the tricks to the game. I don’t think I will ever be able to play Uno again without thinking of all the amazing kids here. They have truly impacted my life for the better. 

It was only Genesis and Betzabeth left at Mi Cometa with us so we went to grab some food. We went to this sit down little restaurant that Martin and I had been to before. Martin and I shared a plate and the girls shared a plate. The food was really good! Betzabeth kept telling me I was very bad for not eating the soup, but I didn’t care for it much. 

When we got back to Mi Cometa we were showing the girls some magic tricks. Martin started off with the cards and doing a few card tricks and then I started doing a trick with paper. I hold the paper to my thumb for a while so it stays then eventually I pretend to suck it into my mouth, but what really happens is that I put my thumb back so it isn’t visible. I finish the trick by coughing and pretending to catch the paper in my hand. The girls were so amazed by my trick it was so cool to see the looks on their faces.

--July 30, 2012

Michael, Ryan and Martin with Guasmo Starfish Scholars!

Continuing the Photo Projects

Today was a very interesting day. Walking outside the gate from our friends house I realized with Martin how I used to waste dimes like they weren’t any value at all. Don’t get me wrong- I used to collect coins, but I would also see one on the floor and just kick it or throw it. I never could have imagined someone else desperately needing that money to get to work or to school. It is just way different. 

We took the 2 bus all the way to Flor de Bastion and then took a motor taxi up to the houses. We got there a little early so we just hung out discussing what we should do today. Lily and Christian were the first to arrive and they were so excited to see us. We showed them the new Uno spin game so they could read the instructions and explain to all the other kids for us. I asked Lily how she had done on our test and she said she got 18/20. We started to play the new Uno game while everyone else was getting there. 

We asked if anyone wanted to take photos and Arelisa was the first to start. She had gone back inside for a while and me and Christian were playing when I realized that Martin and Argenisis were taking pictures. I grabbed Christian and took him with me to go find them. It was a good thing I did because that is when they both fed off each other’s energies and were really excited. While I watched them take photos I asked Martin if we should be taking pictures of them using cameras for the first time. We agreed that it would be a good idea and people would like to see the excitement in their faces. 

--July  17, 2012

It was probably the most fun I have had at Mi Cometa today. When we got there no kids were waiting for us so I was thinking that the kids weren’t coming again today. Martin started calling the families and Esteve was the first to show up. I was glad he showed up because he started helping Martin with calling all the other kids. They worked together and got through pretty much everyone. 

We let Joel, Marlon and Melany roam free to take pictures. The kids seemed to like the project and were very energetic. We even had them doing some poses in a circle and I took the photo of them to show them examples of being out of the ordinary with pictures. They definitely got the idea so I hope they will be able to excel in the program. Martin took a picture of Dianna with her friends because she lives so far it is hard for her to get to Mi Cometa. The girls and Geovanny showed up after so we were playing with all the kids. We gave Dianna one of the disposable cameras and told her to take around 15 pictures. We played soccer with the kids, taught the girls games and were all hanging out having an awesome time. This was the best time at Mi Cometa so far- it was great. 

--July  18, 2012

Today when we got to Flor de Bastion, Martin gave Samantha a camera so she could take some pictures of the kids and family. She took a lot of photos of the new born baby and the younger girls. While she did that we met Christian’s mom for the first time. She was very nice, inviting us into her home like if we were family. 

Martin, Lily, and Christian were all thinking of ideas to put on small pieces of paper so we could all play charades. We filled up a whole bowl of papers front and back. Martin explained to the kids and parents how to play and he went first. Everyone understood the game after Martin went with the occasional reminder that you can’t talk. Samantha has picked “Godzilla” but she wasn’t sure what it was so acted something else out. She asked me what it was after so I did my best to explain to her. I asked if she knew what a lizard was but she didn’t understand me so I started acting it out a little. Finally I said a dragon and she understood that so I kept going with it. I just said to her in Spanish a green dragon but with no wings. The whole family participated in playing and mostly everyone acted. The family had a lot of fun playing charades with us I was glad. 

Afterwards we went outside and we were playing volleyball with Christian’s soccer ball. Eventually a bunch of the local kids just walked up so we asked all of them if they wanted to play. We had a whole game going with about six players just keeping the ball up. All the kids had a lot of fun and the girls got some pretty good pictures of us. After a while of playing volleyball, Christian called us to his aunt’s house where his mother and aunt had made us some food. They gave us a mountain of rice that filled me up so much. The food was really good and we appreciated them cooking for us. They had just got a new motorcycle so we took pictures of the kids on the motorcycle. We had to leave after taking a few more photos and bid everyone a farewell.

 --July  19, 2012

Martin with some Starfish Scholars in Guasmo.

Photo Project in Guasmo: Day 1

Today we had to wake up really early because we had to get to Mi Cometa by 9 a.m. When we got there 4 kids were upstairs working on their homework. We asked if they needed any help with the homework, but they all said they knew how to do it. Maria was done with her homework already so Martin gave her the camera and let her roam free while he created a guideline list of what they could take pictures of. We had a list of 15 things and were able to get the kids really interested in the camera. 

When all the kids finished we went to the roof and took pictures of stuff there.  We told the kids to use their imagination and take whatever type of photos they wanted. We took some silly photos, too. The kids got really creative! Then we went down the street. Esteve took a really good photo of a tree that might have been my favorite photo of the day. They also took photos of caterpillars, hearts, shoes, the street, and of the organization. 

After we were done in the streets we went up to the roof and the kids wanted to play the ninja game again. Then they taught us some of the games that the kids play. It was interesting to learn the games that the children play. One we had to slap hands then the person it ended on called out a person and they would have to try to step on someones foot and if they missed the person they went after calls out another name. The other game was like hot potato playing with a scrunchie and someone else behind calling out something. The only difference was that if you do get caught with the scrunchie then you have to do a dare. I had lost so they took a picture of me acting like a monkey. 

After we took a lot of photos and played games we went back downstairs and worked on a puzzle with the kids. We had started the puzzle when the kids had to go back to get ready for school. We sent them off then went to go eat because we had time to kill before the other kids were going to get there. We waited and waited and waited but no other kids showed up. Finally toward the end of the time we had Martin called Genesis to come to the building. We explained to her the functions of our disposable camera and sent her on a mission to take at least 10 photos using her imagination. With that we asked if she had any work, but she said she didn’t so we dismissed her. We learned from the experience because in Flor de Bastion usually the kids show up without having to tell them, but here in Guasmo we would have to send out reminders to the families. 

Michael with some Starfish Scholars from Guasmo.

Introducing the Photo Project in Flor

Today we were working in Flor de Bastion. When we arrived at the house we took down all the chairs and tables. All the children came down and we set up the chairs in a circle so no one would feel left out. Martin then had them write their names down and asked if they had any questions for me. He then explained the photo project to the kids as best he could and I think they understand. 

We then broke the kids up into groups to brainstorm ideas for what to do and not to do with the cameras. The kids had a harder time coming up with ideas then the kids at Mi Cometa. I think it may have been the way Martin explained it or because the kids at Mi Cometa have a much larger group. We added stuff to the group we were helping, giving them ideas so they could get moving with other ideas. The group was definitely not as rowdy as the Mi Cometa group. We came together to share our notes and all the kids spoke, behaved well, and listened. 

The whole time we were split into groups Lily was using the camera to take pictures of everything that was happening. We finished explaining the photo project and had the kids make a pledge to take care of the cameras. I then got out the crackers and peanut butter and right away some of the girls knew what it was. Only Evelyn and Argenis preferred the crackers without the peanut butter, the rest of the kids seemed to love it. We then played the ninja game with the kids, I think they understood the game well because Martin was one of the first out. We then played a game where we had our hands on the table and one slap meant keep going the same direction, while two slaps reverses the flow. It took a while, but the kids understood. After that we played some Uno with all the kids and Melina won way before everyone else, she keeps winning it is ridiculous. The kids were packing up to leave already so we put the tables and chairs away. 

Lily’s mom then invited us in to eat some rice with lentils and tomatoes. She had already served us so I couldn’t say no to her, especially since they don’t have much. It was heartwarming to see someone with so little offer you things out of the kindness of your heart. I was very humbled by the mother. I normally can’t stand the taste of tomatoes, but for the first time I ate a full cut up tomato. Lily had a test the next day so we asked her if she needed help studying. We helped her a little with her math and English. These students are so engaged in learning that they are willing to learn a new language instead of just relaxing at home. I don’t know many kids these days that even do their homework, let alone go off by themselves to work on other things.

Martin and Michael in Flor de Bastion.

Meetings galore! from Michael & Martin

7/13/12

It was our first day back in Guayaquil after a trip to Quito and I needed a haircut. The unique thing about the haircut was the lady that cut my hair came to the house we are staying at. It was a different experience getting my haircut where I am staying; it shows me how different our cultures can be. After we were ready we went to Mi Cometa for a meeting with the kids. The meeting was to introduce the photography project to the kids. My mother came with us so that she could explain the project to the kids. Arriving at Mi Cometa we had to get the keys from Andres to open the upstairs room. The kids arrived around 1:30 and started to come in one by one. Martin went with a few of the girls to get drinks and snacks while my mom and I waited for the rest of the kids to get there. Finally, pretty much everyone showed up and we were able to begin. We started the meeting with a name game where we had to say our name then followed by our favorite fruit. I couldn’t think of anything so I just said “Melon”.  Then Martin asked the kids if they had any questions for my mother or I. They had asked our favorite color, what I study, and where I go to school. We started the meeting by telling them about the cameras. We explained the two types of cameras and how they work. We then explained the type of work we were going to be doing with the camera and followed up with the main goal of the project. We then broke off into groups to make a list of rules for the camera. We sort of made it into a contest making it girls versus boys. We sat at the boys circle and they were saying some pretty crazy stuff that would make all of us laugh. One of the boys said, “Don’t take the camera into the bathroom”, which was pretty much implied but I told them they could write it just in case. We finished with that little game and then shared our rules with the whole group. Most of the girls answers were nice and a few basic rules. They said things like, “take pictures of flowers, people, and other beautiful things”. The boys were more focused on the actual rules of the cameras; it was interesting to see the comparison in the thinking of the kids. We then passed out snacks for the kids and while I did that Martin had the kids take a picture, with the digital camera, of the person to the right of them. My mom demonstrated first and the kids learned quickly.  Our meeting was pretty much done after that so we did a few icebreakers. We played the “Cow” and “Ninja” game. The Cow game went by pretty fast because it is a trick that is played on one of the kids. During the game I had to take one of the kids outside so my mom could explain they were playing a trick on him. I took Geovanny to the roof and was able to have a conversation with him. I found out that he plays volleyball and soccer. I told him one of the days I come I will play with him. I also asked if he has a girlfriend, but he said no. Then I said, “Tienes dos novias?” he laughed at me and agreed. I was glad I was able to connect with one of the kids because during the meeting I felt so distant because I wasn’t speaking much.  The Ninja game took a little longer, but the kids really enjoyed it. I was one of the winners along with Andres. We then told the kids the schedule for us being able to work with them and had them all write it down. We closed the meeting and the kids roamed free for a while. Some of the girls asked me what my favorite type of music was and I told them I didn’t really have a favorite type. Then a little later two of the girls wanted to take a picture with me so I gladly agreed to. Then, Geovanny came running in so we took a group photo it was pretty cool. I had to bend down a lot though because I tower over all the kids. All in all it was a great day and the kids were super excited to meet us. I look forward to working with all these kids for the next few weeks.

Michael & Martin - day four

7/8/12

Today we were working again in Flor de Bastion. We went straight to the piece of land where we set up and are allowed to play with the kids. Today Martin brought some English books so the kids could get a look at them. Christian, Samantha, and a few more kids were already there while we set up some tables. We played a couple of games of Uno that took forever for us to finish. More kids started to show up as we played and they just jumped in to join the game. After a while Christian, Martin and I started to play soccer with Christian's little cousin. Everyone pretty much started doing their own thing at that point. Samantha joined us so we started playing volleyball with everyone, even one of the other girls, Ana, jumped in to play with us. We were having a blast then we all sat down and the kids were talking to me. They asked me questions about how to say things in English, and then they asked if I could sing for them. I wasn’t prepared to sing anything so I got kind of embarrassed. The kids started chanting, but usually when I am asked to sing I forget all the songs that I know. I told Christian that if he went first I would follow. Christian didn’t end up singing, but one of the older guys named Jordan sang and he sings really well. The girls sang next and at that point we were all just hanging out. Then they asked if we could dance and what type of music we liked to dance to. Samantha offered to dance with me, but it was getting late and we had to pack up so we promised them to do it next week. These are all such great kids that were put into difficult situations but if they keep on the path they are on they should have no problem becoming what they aspire to be. 

Michael & Martin visit Flor de Bastion!

7/7/12

Today was our first day in Flor de la Bastion. First, the whole family went to the apartment that Martin and I are staying in. We got a ride to Flor de Bastion.  He dropped us off where the motor taxis are and we were able to take that most of the way to where the scholars are. The cost of the motor taxi was only a quarter each, which I thought was awesome. When we arrived to the houses the kids were overjoyed to see Martin and meet our family. We were invited inside by Samantha’s aunt; she offered us watermelon and something to drink. The house was not built to the same standards I am used to. It didn’t have a roof or shower, but did have a little fridge and stove in the living room, cardboard for cover, and one bed. This reminded me of all that I should be thankful for. Although these people live in small homes and don't have much money, but they find a way to be happy, thrive, and prosper. We rounded up all the kids then went to the place where we are able to play with them since it is a weekend and they didn’t have school. I may not know the language, but there is a universal language that worked to my advantage: playing. My brothers and I were kicking the ball around with Christian while my mom showed the rest of the kids how to play the games we brought. We took Connect 4 and Uno with us to give to the kids.  They loved the games and by the end of the day they were already proficient in playing both games. They were all shouting with my mom “Comé! Comé! Comé!” when they had to pick up cards from the deck. It reminded me of what we used to do as kids which was heartwarming. I can’t wait to see the kids again! The mother of Lily lives across from the lot we were using so she invited us inside to eat, but I didn’t want to impose. We had already had a close relationship with Lily, her mother and Christian because they were there when we landed to see Martin. They made us feel at home and gave what they had to feed us. Only my mother, father and brother ate because I truly wasn’t that hungry at the time. My family wasn’t going to eat there but the mother insisted and had already prepared the food. She did pour me and my other brother a glass of homemade orange juice which is probably the best I have ever tasted. We said our goodbyes, but they surprised us further by walking us all the way back to the main street to catch the motor taxi. The smallest boy, lily’s little brother, was running to try to beat us but tired himself out so I picked him up and put him on my shoulder. The little rascal then started calling me “Caballo”, which is a horse, and whipped my shoulder to make me go faster so I pretended to trot then he was saying crazy horse. All in all a great day with the kids and I can’t believe how awesome some of these families are. 

Summer Interns Michael & Martin continue...

7/6/12

Today we went to Mi Cometa and it took around an hour. On the way Martin showed me the buses we would be taking and we passed by Flor De Bastion. When we arrived to Mi Cometa I wasn’t sure what to expect, but our hosts were always looking out for us. I was a little surprised to see it looked very similar to some of the places I have visited in Mexico. We went inside the establishment and found Janet. Our mom went with us and they made small talk while we got a tour of the building. My mom was quick to make friends with the workers there and they seemed to like my mom. We finally got into the meeting with the parents and a couple of students. The room was bare with no chairs and no air conditioning but I don’t mind the change much because I can adapt to my surroundings very well. Starting the meeting Janet introduced who we are and what we were going to be doing with the organization. I believe they had already met Martin, but I wasn’t sure. Janet introduced me as Martin’s little brother, then my name.  It was really funny to see all the reactions of the parents because they immediately lifted their hands motioning how much taller I am then him. Janet had us grab some chairs to sit down while she began presenting the agenda for the meeting. We started off with an ice breaker which was introducing our names, naming our favorite animals, and having to move like the animals we said. I chose a tiger so got down on all fours and growled, embarrassing myself in front of the parents. I remember Maria was a turtle, my mom was a tortoise, Martin was a lion, Fernando was a horse, but was reluctant to get on all fours so he pretended to ride the horse. We then broke off into couples where we had to describe each of our parents and tell how that has affected the person we are today. I was paired with a woman named Maria. She only spoke Spanish so I had to explain to her I didn’t speak much, but was able to understand most of it, so I thought. I found out later that the woman I was speaking to husband died around 2 years ago; she had two children in the program now and 5 children in all. The oldest is 20 years old, but she described him as not being her son anymore. Another man, Fernando, just lost his job and is taking care of one boy in the program that isn’t his biological son, but he considers the young man to be his son. One of the most heartfelt stories came from a grandmother of the child; I couldn’t understand her but my mom translated it after the meeting. She is an older woman taking care of her grandchild because the parents forgot about the child. She has to go out and find work every day just to provide food on the table; she described the situation as just trying to survive day by day putting bread on the table. These stories touched my heart because I was able to see all the excess I live in. I don’t really ask for much from my parents anymore, but still go out with friends and use more money then I should. I wish I could take back all that I have asked for in my life and put the money to help people in these situations.

Update #1 from Summer Intern Michael

7/6/12

It is my first day in Ecuador. The flight was very long because we had three layovers. We went from LAX to San Salvador then proceeded to Costa Rica. From there we went to Quito, then to Ecuador, and finally one more short flight to Guayaquil. I am so excited to be able to have this opportunity. A year ago I never would have imagined being on a different continent. I am still unsure of what I want to do in the future. Currently, I am a business student at St John’s University. My father told me it was the most practical major because there is business in every aspect of life; this is why I choose Business. I am learning new things while studying in college, but the one thing I never want to let go of is helping others. If I can do one thing in my life it is to make a difference in other people’s lives for the better. Most of the times I prefer to work with kids because they are not at fault for the situations they have been put in, so if they are willing to work hard and strive they should be eligible for the same opportunities other children have. This internship is the perfect opportunity for me to reach out past my boundaries and discover myself while helping people in the process. I am also very nervous for the internship because unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish. I have been around Spanish all my life, most of my family and my parents speak the language fluently but I didn’t learn it. Right now I have a basic understanding of Spanish, I am confident I can understand most of it but I am not that good at speaking it. I feel this will be the greatest challenge for me because without knowing the language I won’t really be able to connect to the kids as much as I want to. Fortunately my brother is fluent in Spanish and he will be able to translate. I am sure at first it will be a challenge but along with these amazing kids my brother has told me so much about we will bypass this obstacle. Since I don’t know Spanish I have been questioning the way I am going to help the program. I am really good at interacting with children so that should work to my advantage. We are also going to implement a Photography program that I am excited for. I believe this is where I can contribute the most because I have been reading up on photography and although I am a beginner I am sure we can get this program off the ground with these kids.