Ecuador Day 4: El Reypin, Games, and the Equator

Today's adventures in Ecuador are brought to you by Gracie and Jacob G!

For Day 4, we went to El Reypin, which is a private school for children intellectual and physical disabilities. Marta, the director, took us on a tour of the school and told us about what the staff does there. We also got to meet the students!

Afterward, we went to a nearby park and played games with the students (but only after warming up with an awesome dance song led by Marta).

We were paired up with the students for these games. Gracie was paired with Alejo (who was extremely sweet and LOVED to run), and Jacob G was paired was Alejandro (who loved stealing his hat). Will had a special assignment; he helped train one of the school's therapy dogs!

We returned to the school and learned about how the school plans to use therapy dogs to help the children. The dogs were incredible!

We got to share our impressions of the school: all of us were so impressed by the level of care the staff there provides. And we loved learning why Marta does this type of work: because it's her calling.

Lunch that day was at John's favorite Greek restaurant. The food was great and the riddle games were intense.

Next we stopped at the Equator Museum, where we learned more about Ecuadorian culture, the equator (obviously), and chocolate production. Half the Fellows became certified Egg Mastery Champions, too; they have official documentation to prove it.

After getting back from the museum, there was some free time before dinner and a group of fellows explored more of El Refugio! 

Our day finished up with dinner at El Refugio and debrief, along with worship led by Ned's trusty guitar.

Stay tuned for Day 5!