Day 5: Caminando en los Zapatos de Otros

Summer School with Marco Polo. 

by Elliot Sanchez '15 & Brandon Baldovin '15

Today we found ourselves in some new shoes -- those of the working boys to be exact. After kicking things off with a morning psalm and reflection, we met with Marco Polo, “dean” of the Center’s technical schools, who explained to us the program of education the children pursue. He ended his lecture by asking which of the courses -- carpentry, auto-mechanics, metalworking, or baking -- we ourselves would like to take. Unlike the boys who must make this decision and stick with it for years, we Regians needed to commit until just noon.

Elliot makes sparks fly in the metal shop.

Though we each experienced something unique, the general consensus was that the instructing children were incredibly patient and were kids just like us. Yes, a language barrier still existed despite our improved Spanish skills, but nevertheless we communicated effectively with enthusiasm, humor, and lots of pointing. 

Joe, Mike, and Frank look under the hood.

Each of us had something to show for our toils: the carpenters made step-stools, the mechanics a finished engine, and the lone metal worker (Elliot Sanchez) had little burns running along his arms.

Carpentry... wasn't JC into that? Ask Brandon, Will, or David.

With our labors behind us, we attended yet another 'clap-happy' mass with los niños, which included a special intention for Ecuador's victory over Honduras, which would pay off. At roughly 2:30, CMT's Doña Teresa led our party through a local produce market bursting at the seams with its fair share of pigs' heads and cuy (guinea pig).

A walk through Cotocollao's beautiful open-air market...

... and a visit with its beautiful people.

Teresa suggested to us what our delicate gringo stomachs could and could not handle. After peering through every tent of produce and haggling for some Ecuador futbol jerseys, we decided to take matters into our own hands and make guacamole. This led to a scavenger hunt to find all the right ingredients. Once we gathered the limes, tomatoes, onions, and avocados, we set to work at the casa. Using everyone's dicing, chopping, and mashing skills, the masterpeice was made and we enjoyed the fruits of our labor with some banana chips. Hard work never tasted better.

Day's end, and a new friend.