Goodbye to Miraflores

Today’s ceremonies were really quite touching. We continued working for a couple of hours and then congregated in the school yard.  There were speeches and an exchange of gifts.  The children performed a sketch for us and we sang our Bupa song.  There was also a local band who played us some great music, we danced around with the children until we were completely exhausted.  I tried to get some of the construction workers to join in too but they’re all so shy! Even Juan Carlos, who fancies himself as something of a ladies man refused me a dance - I was most disappointed!  Unfortunately many of them continued working and missed out on the ceremony which was centred around the school children and staff, and us volunteers.  However I was pleased to be able to chat to a couple of them afterwards.  I spoke to some of the young local workers – one boy, Jairo is only 14.  It is a shame to see such young people working so hard everyday, only children really.  However, Jairo assured me that he goes to school.  I don’t know when as he is on the site everyday, but I hope he resumes his studies once the project is finished.  After all, I suppose it is  an opportunity for them to earn money that I’m sure they are very glad of.

I was sad to leave the site, I would have liked to have got to know some of those lovely people a little better.  But we couldn’t stay too long as we had been invited to lunch by Gaston, president of the charity with whom we are working on this project.  We were fed a wonderful home cooked lunch of typical Ecuadorian food.

It’s strange to think that we won’t be going back.  I would like to stay a little longer to see the building work progress.  I am very sorry not to be able to see the finished end product but I suppose that photos will have to suffice.  Gaston has made it clear however, that we will all be welcome back at any time and can stay in the volunteer’s house belonging to the charity.  He also said he hoped I might return one day to teach for a short time in the school.. so who knows?  Maybe one day?

Tommorrow is our day off and I am signed up to climb the world’s highest active volcano.  Awesome!

Lucy  Day 5