#1: Quito: Hot Springs and Mitad del Mundo

6/18/14

We took a long bus ride today to these gorgeous hot springs.
Bussed to Quitumbe terminal and saw a very different side of Quito. Each stop was labeled with pictures of what each location was known for (a school, immigration documents, industry, etc), which I thought was a genius idea. When we arrived to the terminal, there was a guy yelling, "Baños," but it wasn't about the bathrooms this time. He had pegged us right. We were heading the hot baths of Termas Papallacta.

A 3.5 hour trip, the bus ride passed quickly as we admired the scenery flying by: beautiful mountains with tiny waterfalls at their base. Not to mention, we had a thought-provoking movie to watch along the way.

From the bus stop, we took a "taxi" up the hill about a kilometer to Termas Papallacta, a resort known for its amazing volcanic hot springs. They have several pools to choose from of varying temperatures, but you're in the middle of the Andes mountains so the air temperature is quite chilly. And we made


The pictures speak for themselves.

There were a series of experiments you could only do standing on the equator. One was balancing a raw egg on a nail.

We were surprised to learn we could get our passports stamped at "Mitad del Mundo: Middle of the World!"

#1: Quito: Iglesias y El Panecillo

Indigenous dancers doing a dance of the Andes

Day 1:  
The Nun in the Night

As we touched down into Quito, we were greeted by green, mountainous landscape, dotted with homes and windy roads. Coming out of customs, we learned that the green bus would take us closest to El Centro and we could take a taxi or walk from there to our Hotel (Inca Imperial). So we boarded the bus for only $2/ticket, just as the sun was setting over the hills, and took a 1.5 hour ride to the Casa de Cultura Museum where we got off. But we would never have found our way without the help of a friendly nun.

On the first green bus from the airport, Mami struck up a conversation with the people sitting behind her. This nun was incredibly kind and explained that she was going the same direction as us and would help guide us as to what buses to take. Not only did she get off with us at the bus terminal, but she also directed us to the red bus we needed to take and told us where to get dropped off. She was a God send for sure!



We walked around the streets of Quito a bit, getting our bearings, and admiring the architecture which looked like a fusion between European, Japanese, and American styles. Then, we took a taxi to our hotel (fair and cheap prices!), enjoyed a delicious Ecuadorian meal, and crawled into our warm beds, exhausted from the day's travel.

La Compañía Church

Day 2:
People Watching in Plaza Grande

Waking up this morning, we all had headaches. I guess going from sea level (Panama) to 2800 meters above sea level in one day can do that to you. All that to say, we chose to sleep in and linger over our complimentary continental breakfast, so we headed out of the hotel around 10a.

There was a bus stop located around the corner from our hotel, so for only 25 cents we boarded a bus heading toward El Centro Historico (Plaza Grande). The bus doors apparently close very quickly, because I got off just as the doors were closing on Mami and Danae. It was fine though, because I just waited at the bus stop while they got off at the next stop and walked back to meet me. Plenty of time for people watching :)

I bought a scarf from this sweet lady, Maria.  I had to practically sit on the ground to be at her level.

Elderly couples enjoyed helado on the steps of Plaza Grande, while families strolled past and street vendors hawked their wares. Vendors sold everything from huge bags of pork rinds to Disney themed pillows, and you can't go one block without seeing an ice cream cart.

While vendors proclaimed their merchandise, beggars, in contrast, sat silently, with palms out, right outside the doors of the extravagant cathedrals. Many Ecuadorians did pause to share their food or drop a coin into their outstretched palms.

"Can you help me with my English homework?"

Once inside these churches, the detail was astounding: the stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ, gold overlaid altars and entry doors, and gothic arched hallways that made you feel small and remind you of the grandeur of God.


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El Panecillo

We passed an archway and noticed an enormous set of steep stairs set into a nearby mountain. At the top, there was a giant statue of a winged woman standing on top of a globe. Immediately our curiosity was aroused, and we mentally prepared ourselves to climb all those stairs. Thankfully, we received a tip that the safest option for summitting the hill was to take a taxi.

While waiting for the taxi, we spent time laughing and taking pictures in an artistically decorated plaza with giant letters spelling out: QUITO. It was hilarious!

Our taxi driver was patient with these newbie tourists, and not only drove us to the top of the hill, but also waited around for us for 30 minutes.

I was thrilled by the panoramic views of Quito and the surrounding mountains, but even more elated when I learned we could enter ($1) the statue and climb the spiral stairs inside to a look-out point. Wow!

 


The wind whipped our hair in our faces as we tried to attempt group shots with the picturesque city in the background. A city of 2.2 million people, Quito is spread out far and wide, and there are so many areas to explore.

Artesanal stands lined the main road next to the statue, and we saw the strangest sight. A whole roasted pig! Sure enough, the vendors were selling pork and other unusual street food on top of this mountain high above the city.

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Iglesia San Francisco and La Basilica

Winding our way down the hill, we pointed at the two exceedingly tall towers of a church. "The Basilica," we were told. Our curiosity was fueled once again.











But first we had to visit another well-known Quito church, Iglesia San Francisco. Here, we sat in the pews to take in the beauty of the gilded sanctuary and ended up staying for the last half of the Sunday mass. The priest spoke compellingly about having joy in Christ (encouraging the congregation after Ecuador's loss in the World Cup match against Switzerland) and reminded them Christ is alive. We rose and sang with them songs accompanied by guitar, and I really treasured this time to simply sit and give thanks.

Leaving Iglesia San Francisco, we all felt a new sense of peace, and we strolled up the street, taking in the various Andes music ensembles and admiring the hand-woven hats and scarves. Our next misson: Find the Basilica.


The Basilica didn't look too far away, but with the altitude and the cold, the uphill hike was slow and laborious. But, as we crested the hill, we got our first view of the Basilica up close. We felt overwhelming triumph in our hearts. We had finally arrived, and it had been well worth the trek!












For another $1 entrance fee, we roamed the cavernous narthex and sanctuary of the Basilica. One room in particular captured my attention--it was patterned and candy-striped in a brilliant array of colors, simply edible in its design and pillared framework. It was a lovely room to honor a dear saint.




Stepping into the brisk Quito air again, we walked around the perimeter of the Basilica, and it reminded me of Notre Dame, with its gothic styling and gargoyles peeking out from its roof. Although what made the Basilica distinct was that these weren't gargoyles, but animals, representative of their counterparts in the Galapagos islands.

We paused in a nearby coffee shop to take shelter from the cold and contemplate this grand architectural achievement. We sipped hot chocolate and were at absolute ease. Summer vacation had truly begun!

I'm Staying

Why: 56 reasons (see earlier posts)

 

This is the long-awaited response to the question: “Will you be in Panama next year?” Granted, people in this community tend to ask this question regularly and repeatedly since a month into school starting. Mentally, they’re calculating: How much will this teacher invest in this community? And unconsciously asking: How much should I invest in him/her? 

With this weekly barrage of questions, I began to contemplate my response long before our letters of intent were actually due. I began my planning early, saying I wanted to fulfill my 2 year contract for sure. And it would be a gift and privilege if I could stay at least 3 years to see my original class of 6^th graders through their 8^th grade graduation.

To be honest, my first year here was tough, wrought with transitions and learning experiences. I transitioned to living in a new country, working in a new school and living/teaching community and learned to juggle 4 classes with the role of being middle school coordinator with only 1 year of classroom teaching under my belt. It was one of those—world shaking, run it out, and pray each morning—sort of years. The kind of year you just want to step away from, just to breathe and get perspective.

Still, I had learned a valuable experience from my Honduras days and knew that these “breathers,” friend time, exercise and flute playing (a.k.a. stress relief), and not staying at school past 5pm everyday were essential to my well-being as a person and a teacher. So I readily went on the Pilliod family adventures in Lil Mule (their truck), joined others in cherished day trips to the beach, and went out for dinner with other teachers on weekend nights. I joined Jimmy’s intense workout class after school (at least when I didn’t have parent-coordinator meetings), and I regularly scheduled coffee dates with good friends to contemplate, discuss and help me sort out life decisions.

A huge shift happened my first year during second semester as God miraculously provided a car and reminded me that He is truly in charge of all of the details! Additionally, one of the other teachers graciously agreed to take over my 7^th grade Earth Science class, which lightened my workload considerably and gave me the chance to focus on teaching social studies, which has become my passion.

Around January 2013, I committed to being more intentional with my time, and God laid it on my heart to make the theme of “digging deeper” a reality in the CCA middle school. I started “Roots,” a Monday lunchtime bible study only open to middle schoolers. I provided free dessert as an incentive and left the results up to God.

Five students showed up that first Monday, and we started reading through the gospels together, examining how Jesus lived. God knew I needed that encouragement, and this Roots study group, along with joining Danae in teaching the K5 Sunday school class at church became highlights of the week for me.

Near the end of the 4^th quarter, I started attending the church youth group, called Crossfire. All Esther could do was rave about the students, and she was dead on. I was even more encouraged by seeing those faithful MS and HSers “giving up” their Wednesday nights to worship God. That spiritual devotion is what I prayed for multiple times while walking the middle school hallways during planning periods, and, here at Crossfire, I was seeing just a glimpse of this transformation in students lives. So cool! Not only that, but the worship and sermon were like that refreshing drink in the desert that I had been longing for my first year—a chance to be poured into as well as pour out.

During the farewell night planned to thank their youth pastor, TJ, for his work in Crossfire (but really to glorify God for His work in Panama), I heard student after student share about how God had used Crossfire and the leaders to mold their hearts and teach them more about Christ and living for Him. As we took a tearful group shot, I resolved that I wanted to “be there” for these students. I wanted to be a part of this amazing discipleship process and watch them become mature Christians. Becoming a small group leader in Crossfire was the next step.

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  Year two has been a year of blessing:

1) I stepped down from the coordinator role, and now just teach which I absolutely love. I may have my Masters and the look of authority (or maybe just a big mouth), but I’ve had my taste of administration and I’ll say give me a classroom any day!

Providentially, the P.E. teacher/coach took on this role, which has been an incredible blessing to both of us. He, not only has many years of teaching, has developed a solid repertoire with the students and parents, and has been at the school 5+ years, but also he is in the last year of his administrative credential program. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect!

2) The car, fondly nicknamed “U-ey”

I’ve had the chance to explore the city and several provinces of Panama, as well as bless many people who’ve needed rides. I’m thankful for other teachers who help me navigate the unexpected one-way streets and help us somehow arrive at our destination. Every time I put the key in the ignition of the car, I remember how God provides exactly what we need when we need it. He knows what’s ahead and what I can handle, so I can trust Him.

3) I teach 5 classes this year, but it’s still less work than last year. So I find I have MORE time to spare. This had led to several chances to invest in the community here as well as “be there” for the students/families of the school:

-church orchestra

-teaching K5 Sunday school

-taking each of my small group girls to coffee

-Jimmy’s workout session every T and Th and running with friends

-hosting friends and visitors and playing “tour guide”

-my family getting to visit over Christmas!

-leading small groups for Crossfire youth group, Roots--the lunchtime bible study continues (there are 15+ students now!), and a chapel small group (based on the book: The Me I Want to Be, by John Ortberg)

-babysitting for neighbors

-going on more day trip and weekend adventures

-more time to relax, share laughable moments, and be present with people

Currently, I’m mentoring a student teacher in my 6^th-7^th English classes, so that’s been a refreshing change as well as an interesting shift in perspective. (Almost like free professional development. J)

Beyond my 3^rd year, I do not know how long I will “be here” in Panama, at CCA, but I do know that I want my time to count. I want my relationships to be meaningful, and the students to know deep down that I care. I want to continue to discover adventure and learn some more Spanish along the way. I want to learn more about God, His hand in History and in our lives, and I hope that, in seeing this bigger picture, both my students and I will leave changed.

In the words of one of my heroines, Henrietta Mears, “I know not the way He leads me, but well do I know my Guide.”

I would love your prayers!!

Prayer requests for the end of the year/next year. We only have 9 weeks of school left in the quarter!:

·      Two teachers here and close friends of mine, Mami and Danae, are going to serve in Guinea, West Africa, teaching missionary kids so the parents can translate the Bible and share the gospel with an unreached people group. There have been many obstacles in their way. One being the crazy Ebola virus that is spreading throughout Guinea and two being support raising. If you are at all compelled to give support to God’s work in reaching the Johango people of Guinea, click the link here. Select designated fund and in the notes write: "Mami Hashizaki and Danae Gillespie."

• The new teachers who are coming (all the preparations that come with making the transition) and the ones who are leaving
• The 5^th graders who are moving up to middle school in the fall
• Discernment in how to be intentional and “there” for people in this community next year
• Safety in driving/navigating the city and that U-ey holds out for the rest of the time I’m supposed to be in Panama
• Mas oportunidades para practicar y aprender el espanol

How can I be praying for you? Send me a message via facebook or email: ldiaz@ccapanama.org

God bless,

Laura

My 6th Graders

13 girls, 5 boys

This class sure is a unique bunch!

Often on the “quieter” side (at least in terms of Middle Schoolers), this group is industrious and focused, yet comes alive when given the opportunity to incorporate drama, dance or music into the lessons. J

I have these 18 students for Homeroom, English and Geography classes, and each class they bring an enthusiasm and joy to learning which makes it so exciting to teach them. I even get to come into their Music class on Thursdays and help them with singing/choreography parts for the Middle School Musical! This is one of my favorite parts of the week!

 

We share jokes and funny geography puns, as well as scripture and worship songs and stories about how God has worked in our lives.

When I look at these precious ones, I think back to about four weeks into school, when I was planning a chapel that involved sharing student testimonies. To survey who would be willing to share, I used the question: ”Describe one time in your life when you saw God work,” as a journal prompt. I wasn’t sure what response I would get, but, after, I gave the prompt, I noticed most students did not have to sit there for long, before furiously writing their thoughts and stories down in their notebooks.

What followed was a time of sharing openly and honestly about the powerful ways that God had worked in each of these student’s lives. One girl shared about the power of prayer; how a few years ago, her parents had been fighting and she was worried. She locked herself in her bedroom and prayed for 2 hours straight. Her prayers were answered! Her parents started seeing a Christian counselor and are still together to this day.

One boy shared about God’s protection of his dad as he was in the army; what he described was nothing short of a miracle. As I listened, I just stood there open–mouthed, in awe of the amazing ways God is intimately involved in our lives and how He loves and cares for each of us. Multiple students shared about how God saved their lives from injury or sickness or even death. Some shared how God had taught them to love other people and how He had restored friendships or brought them friends when they had moved to another country.

Mixed up Monday: Spirit Week

As it turns out, we didn’t have our typical “English class” that Wednesday (it was a shortened period anyway), and we were all giddy with “God bumps” (ie: what I call it when you physically feel the Holy Spirit’s presence) as we left for chapel. One boy shared a very personal story about his mom’s death after battling with cancer, which brought us all to tears. Let’s just say I gave out a lot of hugs after that class. I was so grateful and privileged to see a glimpse of their hearts.

This 6^th grade class is also extremely resourceful. For instance, when we had a Family Fun Fair during November, the 6^th graders are the ones who were in charge of the booth project from beginning to end. They picked the booth idea (“winter wonderland”—ie: throwing fake snow), organized who would cover the stations, delegated the responsibilities involved, found a way to ship fake snow powder to Panama for a cheap price, and stayed after school to make the “snow.” It was amazing to watch these 10-11 year olds work together to make something grand happen. The elementary kids LOVED our booth, and it brought joy to everybody at the fair: Snow in Panama!

The 6th graders' Holes Object Study Projects

This semester, I have challenged the 6^th graders to come up with a way that WE as a class can practically help with a problem that is happening in Africa today. As a geography class, they have been studying different regions around the world, and, with each unit, they pick a country and complete a country project. The project usually incorporates some examination of a current issue in that country and practical ways that the country could solve it. Now, I’ve pushed them a step further in our study of Africa and asked THEM to come up with ways that WE can help. We have to wait until after the walk-a-thon fundraising to start planning our action plan, so right now we are brainstorming and praying about how God wants us to get involved.

I am looking forward to hearing their ideas!

I know that God will use their united gifts and talents in incredible ways this year and in the future!