Que Tenga Un Buen Día

I have two phrases to share with you this week!

The first is: ¡Que chévere!

which means "how cool or exciting". 

It has been a common phrase used this week. 

It is also fun to say.

The second is: ¡Que tenga un buen día!

which means "Have a good day!"

I try to say this as often as I can because it always seems to make someone smile.

Make someone smile today by telling them to have a lovely day in whatever language you want!

-Beth

  

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The Middle of the World

Last Wednesday, we took a field trip to the middle of the world, or "El Mitad del Mundo". The museum was full of neat indigenous huts and information about the people who originally inhabited (and some tribes still do) Ecuador like the Inca and the Jivaro. 

If you are eating something right now, don't read the next sentence. 

Some like the Jivaro used to cut off the heads of their capturers and shrink their heads. It was pretty gruesome. 

We all took turns straddling the equator and taking pictures just like tourists would. :)

There were also a lot of crazy experiments to try. For example, water turns counter-clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere, but on the equator there is no whirlpool. You have to see it to believe it!

This is the original monument created by the early settlers, but they were a little off come to find out when GPS was invented. It was neat to see such an antique museum even if it wasn't exactly on the equator.

It was a cool trip. Something "you have to do in Ecuador". I must admit though touristy things such as this are not my favorite, but I still wanted to shared the cool photos.

Have a lovely day!

-Beth

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Hannah- Wonderment in Neverland

I left my heart in Uganda, Africa.

When Beth asked me to guest blog, she mentioned Africa, and it seemed appropriate considering I’m heading back over in three weeks. Revisiting some of my journal entries and thoughts brought back a huge flood of memories and nostalgia. 

Three weeks can’t pass fast enough.

When I went to Africa last summer, I won't lie, there weren't any gigantic shocks about the living conditions. This sounds heartless, but I had seen so many pictures and documentaries, it was hard to be shocked.

There was one thing that did shock me though. 

Joyfulness.

 The unhappiest time for me there was leaving. 

You can't help but be joyful in this place. 

People wave at you on the street and smile. 

Any child will laugh when you tickle them, and a piece of candy is the greatest gift they've ever received. 

Even though there are 9 kids shoved into one hospital room, if you paint their nails...

.

When people hug you there they mean it. 

They look at you right in the eyes and then embrace you into themselves.

 Some of the kids I hugged had never been hugged before, so when I hugged them, they didn't let go.

 

People have always told me that these are the most joyful people you will ever meet. 

But I know some pretty joyful people here at home. 

I thought maybe people just weren't looking for joy in the right places here in the states.

These are the most joyful people you will ever meet.

Again I say, three weeks can’t come soon enough.

-Hannah Elizabeth 

Check out Hannah's awesome blog Wonderment in Neverland!

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Be Jealous

Okay, so I might never come home.

I am on the beach right now.

Be jealous.

;)

Here is my awesome room:

Our view is incredible,

but the walk up the mountain to our house is killer.

My group is having a good time,

and enjoying the great food.

My host family is incredible.

They are so sweet and instructive.

I think I learn about 10 new words a meal!

¡No broma! 

(no joke)

Just to let you know, next week, there will be two more guest bloggers: Hannah and Amber. Both are dear friends of mine. Hannah is my roommate and writes a blog called "Wonderment in Neverland". She is going to share with you about her upcoming adventure to Africa. Amber is Jay's wife from this week's post. She writes a blog with Jay called "Adventures in Togetherness". She is always writing about her experience in community from a different perspective.

I am trying to blog as much as possible,

because I have so many fun stories to tell,

but finding time for a computer is harder than expected.

¡Hasta Pronto!

-Beth

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La Plaza Grande

Hello from Ecuador!

I am having a blast.

I have already fallen in love with the city of Quito.

There are not words to describe it, so I have a bunch of pictures to share. :)

On Monday, we went to "La Plaza Grande".

It is essentially their equivalent to a historic downtown.

It is where the Spanish organized the city of Quito.

Oh my goodness, it was so beautiful!

I can't wait to go back.

I know it was only our first excursion,

but I have a feeling this may be my favorite spot in Quito.

This is me and Brandi, my awesome roommate!

While we were there, there was a demonstration in the square called "La Cambia Guardia", or the changing of the guards.

It was so neat to see all of them come together with their president to sing the national anthem.

This was my absolute favorite photo!

I loved the statue of Virgin Mary in the hills contrasting with the busy street.

We also went into La Iglesia La Academia.

The inside was covered with 23 carat gold and took over 150 years to build.

It was magnificent!

This was my happy place.

I can't wait to share more later!

This weekend we are going to the beach!

-Beth

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