Living Soundtrack

In just about any movie set in a third world country there is always some local music playing that sets the mood of ¨ah yes, foreign country¨ Well, in Ecuador, no matter where you are, there is music playing. As I walk up the road to breakfast - music from a misionera´s room. Walking into town - music from one of the houses. Commuting on the bus everyday - really loud music. Hence, I have a living soundtrack and I love it, especially the ¨mi corazooon, mio mio mio, mi corazoooon¨ song that is ALWAYS on in the bus. Still, no one knows who it is. Jaja.

This blog I will, for the sake of time and sanity, present the highlights of my week:

-Had parasites in my intestines and successfully killed them - thanks doctora.

-I offically have my own set of keys to the social work office on base - I feel cool.

-I organized - thought I´d do something new...just kidding...

-The group of young people finished their presentation on alcohol and drugs and I sent them off to Quito - I again give applause to all high school teachers, I don´t know how you do it.

-I lost my faith in Clorox to make anything clean and white again - apparently bleach is no match for how dirty I get.

-We got a new sibling group of five beautiful children and I love them.

-I have been asked to be the madrina, godmother, of baby Naomi - I am so excited!

-Mariya and I celebrated the completion of two months in Ecuador with banana pancakes and Chilean wine in our newly discovered and cleaned kitchen.

-In honor of mango season, I have now eaten a bushel of mangos...and they are still giving them to us!

-In honor of the feast of Christ the King, we had a procession in Manglaralto and Pdr. Patricio blessed the town.

-The sun has arrived and the whole world is going to the beach - surfs up!

-Our friend and new compañero, Jim, arrives today to join us in working on the base.

In light of that last one, we are off to welcome Jim (or Jeem as he is called here) to our humble house on the hill. I close as always with hopes that all is well with those whom I love back home, love, prayers and a promise to return next week. ¡Jesùs te cuide!

**Mail works! Packages take two weeks, letters 6 weeks. Can´t receive anything over four pounds, I rec. manila envelopes in lieu of boxes. Mail comes from a man on a motorcycle...it´s cool**

**New pics are up, in the process of adding more. Improved access: www.lavidaloca.shutterfly.com. Also, Mariya has more photos than I, check out her blog for the full story!**