For Better or For Worse

Do you ever feel like your life is mundane and boring?  When people ask you what you have been up to you are at a loss for words? This is how I feel as I begin to write this blog. Sure, we seem to be getting busier and busier as our life changes and develops in Ecuador. But, does anyone really want to know about it? Well for better or worse, this is a snap shot into our lives. 

We finally went on a "city tour" this past week even though we have been in Cuenca 5 weeks. You would think we would know everything by now. Come to find out, Panama hats are from Ecuador and are made in Ecuador...they just became popular during the construction of the Panama Canal. Andy and I got to see a Panama Hat factory. 

But you can also buy hats at the factory. What do you think? Should Andy buy this hat? 

We also finally went to the up a tower of the Neuva Catedral (New Cathedral) after 4 days of clouds we celebrated seeing a beautiful view. 

We started volunteering with an after school program this last week. We help "primary students" k-1st here with their "deber"  which translated means must but we understand it as homework. But, there is K-6th grade at the program. Our limited Spanish limits us from helping the older kids. The kids are from families who work in the local market. This work is very demanding, so the after school program helps kids do their homework and play. Monica, one the workers, told us that some kids live with 5 people in one room !!!! They are pretty cute and it is fun to help draw circles, do patterns, and count.  But they are also rowdy and can be a tad violent as they play during free time. We are getting to know them better and are working on building some rapport since we really do not know how react when kids are pulling hair and say it is just a game.  A side note, Darwin, a 5 year old, totally killed me at marbles. 

Andy and I went to Cajas National Park again this weekend. It was super fun and beautiful. 

We went with a club from Cuenca and visited a different part of the national park. 

There seems to be lakes everywhere in Cajas. 

More Lakes!

We made some British friends the last two weeks or so, Steven in the middle and Anthony on the right. I love our random faces in this photo. 

We enjoyed the sunset on Saturday night with a view of the New Cathedral. I love the architecture here in Cuenca. 

I guess my week was not that boring!