A New Expedition to Ecuador

Next summer, we will work on a project in Ecuador for the very first time. Not only will it be our maiden voyage into the country, but it will be our first ever expedition for young women only. This idea came about because of the large number of young women applicants we receive each year (way to go girls!). Since we really hate turning people down, we decided to create this new program.

Ecuador proved to be the perfect place for a young women expedition since it is home to large number of orphanages that are constantly in need of help. This past week I went to our worksite in Cuenca, Ecuador where we will build facilities for an orphanage that is part of Orphanage Support Services Organization (OSSO)- coincidentally also a program run by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Not only did I get to meet many wonderful and kind-hearted volunteers that serve in the OSSO orphanage, but I also got to meet the children who live there. All of the older teens (and even some adults) in the orphanage are so severely disabled that they cannot speak or walk independently, and most are confined to specialized wheelchairs and equipment. I was very strongly impacted by the difficult lives that these people live, and the equally difficult work that volunteers and workers put into taking care of them. The men and women volunteering in this orphanage have very courageous spirits and hearts, and I'm in awe of the work they do. 

I learned that OSSO has difficulty staffing its orphanage with volunteers, in part due to a lack of housing for those who would like to help. We plan to start construction on the housing that will allow for greatly improved care of the handicapped residents in this facility. As part of the program, our young women will be in the rotation of volunteers that serve in a number of the local orphanages, and they will have many opportunities to work directly with disabled teens and adults, as well as infants and children of all ages. I can assure everyone that the experience will truly change their lives. 

In addition to getting the project started, we chose a local coordinator, David Galán, who is a counselor in the Stake Young Men Presidency. He will be great at coordinating events with the young men and women in the area, and he's excited to be helping with the program. 

As far as our weekend activities in the area go, we have many options and are still determining the most exciting excursions possible. Over the past week I've gone swimming under waterfalls in both Cuenca and Quito, tried two different zip-line retreats over beautiful forests, seen one of the world's largest orchid farms, learned ancient weaving techniques, shopped in colorful local markets, and visited La Mitad Del Mundo (the center of the earth, or in other words the equator). I think I have the best job ever, even if my muscles are pretty sore from hiking. Whatever our activities turn out to be, they will be great fun, and the scenery is beautiful here. 

I hope to see some of you soon in Ecuador.

-Sally