We're baaack

This past weekend, we hosted a "Celebration for 2010". We wanted to host an event for several reasons. One of these reasons was that we wanted our community members to know we were back from break, and it certainly got our point across. Monday we had an influx of people at the library, and it's been packed everyday since. We also wanted to hold an event where members of different communities could come and meet each other. Your "barrio", or neighborhood, is a big deal in Ecuador. Many community members don't intermingle. It was very exciting to see so many people, but it was even more encouraging to recognize people from different barrios in the same setting and making connections.

Our celebration activities consisted of the following:
Face paint
Balloon animals
Tug-of-war
Water balloon toss
Egg races
Soccer games
Raffle
Bingo for adults
Mini-exercise class
Booths for local organizations
Local food vendors
DJ
Graffiti artist
Live music

Yep, it was quite the event.

One of my favorite parts was the mini exercise class. We held a class on the soccer field to introduce people to our women's exercise program. Although it was nerve-wracking to teach a class in front of so many people, I think it was a good way to show people what a typical class was like.... and it was a lot of fun!

Overall it was a successful event, and I'm ready to get full swing into programs this week.

Kerly is one of my favorites

Facepainting was popular... Look at that line!


Setting up our tents on the field

Home Sweet Ecuador

Back, rejuvenated from break, and ready for 2010! I got back into the country last night, and I'm already starting to feel like I'm back at home. Was it because I was greeted by barking dogs and an upset stomach this morning? I think it's the smiling faces, spanglish, and laughter shared around our full dinner table.

I got to spend some quality time with family and friends over Christmas and New Years. Now I'm ready to start programs and dive head-first into time with the community members.

My new program schedule for this year:
Monday-- Women's Exercise (measurements and Yoga)
Tuesday-- Geography for Kids and Women's Exercise (Tae-Bo)
Wednesday-- Women's Exercise (morning "Mezclada") and Adult Beginner's English
Thursday-- Women's Exercise (Aerobics)
Friday-- Front desk of Library

Lesson planning, shaddowing, and organizational duties will also be taking up my time. Not to mention I'll also be busy with planning and organizing our Spring Break groups. I'm so excited about what's to come. Stay tuned!