TESTIMONIES / WORK REPORTS

• July 2010 / Rhinebeck, NY
  Hilary Perks (hilary.perks@gmail.com)
  
  
  After my first day in Lumbisi meeting everyone and visiting the places I would be spending most of my time, I immediately realized all the worrying I had done was pointless. I felt as safe as ever and my host family made me feel as comfortable as if I were in my own home. The first week I was there was the kids last week of the school year. Therefore this week, my boyfriend and I spent most of our time helping out in the garden, stopping by the school to help with lunch, and then continuing on to the comedor to serve the Ancianos (elderly of the community).
  
  I was extremely lucky to have this experience and witness how grateful they were that we were there to help them. One day they even danced for us and then pulled us by the hands to join them!
  
  Their culture is just absolutely amazing. Once the school year was over and the summer program with FEVI began, I taught an English class in the morning to the youngest kids in the camp. At the same time, my boyfriend continued to work in the garden.
  
  The program is wonderful and allows you to choose where you want to spend most of your time helping out. I am studying to be an Elementary school teacher and therefore I loved my English class with the youngsters.
  
  The best part is that the kids give just as much love to you, as you were hoping to give to them. We sang songs, played card games to practice our numbers, and played charades to learn the animals. After English class and eating a snack with the kids, my boyfriend would join us and we would take a different group everyday to play sports up at the stadium or just play fun games outside.
  
  One Friday, the organization even arranged a trip to the zoo for all of my students, myself, and a few other volunteers! We had the late afternoons and nights free for anything we wanted to do. I loved to
  help cook meals and chitchat with our host mother. We spent a lot of time hanging out with our "siblings" and once in a while just took the time to rest. A few times a week we took Salsa lessons in Quito which we fell in love with!
  
  On the weekends the organization also arranges transportation for the volunteers to go to places outside of Quito and Lumbisi which gave us the opportunity to see other wonders of Ecuador. Lumbisi is filled with the friendliest people of all ages, where you are continuously greeted with happy smiles and hellos. I hope to return to visit my family and all of the kids with who I shared some wonderful memories and who gave me the best experience I could ask for.
  Hillary Perks, Lumbisi, summer 2010
  



• 2010/01/10
  Martin Nielsen Denmark (niller83@gmail.com)
  
  
  My name is Martin Nielsen and I'm from Denmark. I spent a little more than two months in Lumbisi, though with one month's break in the middle. I found the whole community to be a very unique place, with a family-like warmth you won't experience in the most Western countries. If you like rural places surrounded by beautiful mountains, Lumbisi is definitely a place for you. You have bigger cities close by, but I mostly just stayed in Lumbisi as I'm in love with the nature, and you hardly notice Quito is but a 40 min drive away. The work was hard but rewarding. I spent lots of time in the vegetable garden and I went from practically knowing nothing about plants or how to take care of them, to feeling like I must have been a gardener in a former life. Other than that I taught English and music in the afternoon to many kids, and they always welcomed me with lots of "holas" and hugs. If you like kids you will not be disappointed in Lumbisi as there are many of them, and though quite misbehaved at times, their playful minds and interest in you will make you think of stealing them with you.
  Then I rolled mama Clara, an elder, to and from the dining hall. She appreciated my help very much and I felt very well helping out with this, even though it was such a small thing for me. In the mornings the kindergarten is open, and that is indeed very hard work. I have no clue how the señoras can find the energy to work there every day, but if you want to give them a hand, I think you are more than welcome. So many kids, so much energy than needs to be canalized somehow. I miss very much my time in Lumbisi. Especially my host family which treated me so well. We had so many good laughs together. I already knew Spanish when I came, but I definitely improved a lot. I recommend to you, if you are thinking of coming to Lumbisi, to take as many Spanish classes as possible before coming, it will enrich your experience a lot, as hardly anyone in Lumbisi speaks English. So thanks a lot to Fundacion FEVI for making all this possible. I wish FEVI and everyone in Lumbisi the very best and I very much hope to return one day. I'm actually quite certain I will. Martin.



• 2009/09/03
  CHRIS URSINI UNITED STATES (christopher.ursini@gmail.com)
  
  
  Its Christopher Ursini. I would be lying if i told you that there are days that go by when i dont miss every minute of Ecuador and Lumbisi! I love the whole community and the people of Ecuador. Your program has truly changed me and I wish I could live there for many years!
  
  My story of volunteering this summer has touched the hearts of many people in my town and people have been asking for information about the program!
  
  I miss everyone so much. Please, Niche and Diego know i miss them so much. and let Lupita and Rodrigo and the ninos how much i miss them, and appreciate the love they gave me while i was there!
  
  I will also be sending some pictures over for you to print out and keep and maybe send to my Ecuadorian family.
  
  Finally i would like to let you know that my school visits ecuador in Febuary so i am trying to work out, extending a personal trip for me and coming to visit lumbisi and see all the children who i miss so dearly.
  
  I love you and the program.
  Thank you so much.
  
  



• 2009/10/06
  Patrick McClanahan (pdm5014@psu.edu)
  
  
  Patrick McClanahan
  Penn State University, U.S.A. (pdm5014@psu.edu)
  
  I spent the Fall 2008 semester studying abroad the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. While I enjoyed most of my classes, my most memorable and rewarding experiences come from the time I spent volunteering with FEVI and living with my host family in Lumbisí.
  Let’s begin with FEVI. I was lucky enough to schedule my classes so that I had Fridays off, so instead of taking classes, I taught English to a classroom full of high-energy working class 2nd graders in nearby Tumbaco. Teaching English is not my specialty (I am a Physics major), but it was still worthwhile; a good education can create a lot of opportunities for Ecuadorians who would otherwise not have a chance in a country whose public education system is usually ineffective and whose private education is unaffordable to the masses. After teaching, I often had time to play fútbol with and talk to the kids. Talking to kids is a great way to work on your Spanish. If you say something that sounds funny to them, they are very frank about letting you know.
  Aside from teaching, I spent many of my free mornings helping with a variety of other FEVI projects. Whether it was planting vegetables for the children and elderly in the organic garden, felling eucalyptus trees (which are non-native) for a new greenhouse, working on a community recycling project, or interpreting for non-Spanish-speaking volunteers, there was always something fun and interesting to do. In the process, I learned a lot more about the community I lived in and spoke a lot more Spanish than I would have had I spent all day in the University.
  The great thing about FEVI is the way it has become an essential part of the community of Lumbisí, and the way the people of Lumbisí have become part of it. Of course FEVI has projects in other towns as well, but in Lumbisí it is involved in such a diverse array of projects, including a day care center, an organic garden, a dining room for the elderly, and an ecological park. It is a fixture of life in Lumbisí, and many hardworking residents, including local politicians and leaders, form a vital part of FEVI’s workforce, support, and leadership. During my short stay, I had many opportunities to work side-by-side with and get to know both the incoming and outgoing elected community presidents. Because of this community involvement, FEVI’s projects are not just transient fixes that would disappear without the help of outsiders, they are permanent and ever-growing parts of town life, and it shows.
  You can tell FEVI is making a real difference in the community by the way people treat you. Though you are an outsider, people smile and greet you as one of their own. This was especially true at my home stay. I was immediately welcomed as part of the family, and that welcome only grew with time. They were as curious about me and my culture as I was about theirs, and we spent a lot of time talking. They were generous, kind, and funny; making sure I was stuffed after every meal, welcoming me to family get-togethers and street volleyball, and laughing with (or at?) me during some of my less-successful Spanish-speaking moments (everybody learning a new language has these, and it’s best just to laugh them off). I am very grateful to them and to all the dedicated people I worked with in FEVI for making my stay in Ecuador infinitely more than just a few general education courses taught within a walled university. If you want to make a lasting difference in a community and actually become part of that community, even if it’s just for a few weeks, FEVI is for you.
  
  



• 2009/05/25
  Nadine Kot Canada (nadinekot@gmail.com)
  
  
  I spent four weeks in Lumbisí at the end of a 4 month trip to South America. It really enriched my overall experience to be able to live life as a part of a community rather than merely as a tourist. I lived with a wonderful family and quickly felt at home with them. I worked with many different projects- the comedor de ancianitos where I helped prepare and serve lunches for the elderly people in the community, the guarderia where I worked with 3-6 year olds, the escuela de la tarde where I helped older kids with their homework in the afternoons, and helping to maintain the huerto orgánico where we grew vegetables to send to the guarderia and the comedor. I also taught English classes twice a week to kids in nearby Tumbaco. I felt welcomed by the people of Lumbisí and I loved it when little kids would see me and come running, begging to be picked up and swung around, or when I would pass by the house of a 93 year old lady from the comedor who would always throw her arms out for a hug and yell "hola, mamita!" to me! Besides giving me the chance to experience a sense of community that I have not found in Canada, I learned new skills, and was completely immersed in Spanish which did wonders for my spoken language. Thank you Maria and FEVI for this wonderful experience!
  
  Nadine
  
  



• 2009/1/09
  Belinda Normandale, St Andrews University, Scotland.
  
  
  I can safely say last summer was the most inspirational, fulfilling and fun summer of my life. I worked in Lumbisí “The moon valley” for 6 weeks, teaching in the Muñequitos summer camp, working in the Huerto Orgánico and working for los ancianos in the community dining hall. In the Muñequitos school my activities ranged from teaching to helping paint the mural on the side of the school, even to teaching the kids how to brush their teeth. In the huerto orgánico we planted seeds in the greenhouse, harvested and painted benches and bins to add even more colour. One of my best memories is taking the kids on a trip to the huerto orgánico, seeing them marvel at the size of the tomatoes and then seeing them run through the sprinklers in the hot sun having the time of their lives.
  The community of Lumbisí welcomes you with open arms and after only a couple of weeks I was constantly greeted with “Hola mi hija” while walking through the streets, or kids running up to me covering me with hugs “hola profe”.
  Fevi is much more than a volunteering agency, it is a family with Cristina as la madre cariñosa, even though she is only in her late 20’s! She organised educational trips to Quito for the volunteers and took us to dance salsa in the evenings. She even made the group of volunteers I was with dance a traditional Ecuadorian dance in a competition in front of the whole community during the annual Lumbisí fiestas, which we won! I not only gained the confidence I needed for my university Spanish, but have also enriched my life. I want to take this opportunity to thank Cristina for everything, Fevi is deserving of all the aid it gets.
  
  
  
  



• 2008/07/06
  Angelica Alonso (angelicaalonso_87@yahoo.com)
  
  
  Angelica Alonso
  University of Illinois at Chicago
  FEVI volunteer
  Summer 08
  
  As an incoming junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an aspiring doctor, I wanted to be immersed in a medical environment while volunteering. Therefore, I started to look at volunteer programs and stumbled upon FEVI’s Webpage. Browsing through the site, I realized that this organization is dedicated to enrich some of the most underprivileged areas in Ecuador through education and empowerment.
  When I arrived, I was immediately placed with my host family and given a tour of Quito and Cumbaya for the first couple of days. I was able to participate in other programs FEVI provides such as volunteering at the Santa Ines child care center. At the center, I was able to play with the children and teach colors, animals, shapes and how to read. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to volunteer in Baca Ortiz Children’s Hospital in Quito, where I worked with children post surgery and was able to joke around with them while taking their temperature, changing their bed sheets, and sorting through their files to make sure they were eating properly under the supervision of the nurses.
  However, I spent most of my time in the Public Hospital of Yaruqui volunteering in the emergency room. There, I met some of the most amazing doctors – passionate in their desire to provide their patients with the best care and health information possible. I was able to shadow doctora Yovana. She explained to me how to fill out a patient’s medical chart, and that the best form of treating a patient is to listen to the patient as they describe what their symptoms are composed of and to treat them with respect. She also told me that the best way to learn is to try. Therefore, I was able to perform curaciones, clean burnt victim’s wounds, take out stitches, suture small wounds, take the patient’s vital signs, and observe and even participate in a couple of surgeries.
  I remember the first day I walked into the emergency room and a little boy about seven years of age was lying stomach side to the bed with a white sheet on his posterior, and then feeling sort of queasy after the doctors took off the sheet to suture a huge, deep gash on his right buttocks. I still vividly recall the bloody butt and the thick layer of fat they had to stitch before the boy could be discharged. Although I had to step out of the room, I was able to gain back my composure and comfort the boy. After the first day of volunteering, I knew that the medical profession is the field I want to dedicate my life to and I would have never felt so passionately about this decision at this stage of my academic career if it wasn’t for my participation in FEVI’s volunteer organization. Through this program I learned what kind of doctor I want to become and that I want to continue working with underserved communities.
  
  



• July, 2007
  Lauren and Jake (USA)
  
  
  July, 2007
  Jake Pearson
  jacob.pearson@fufk.edu
  Lauren Mangioni
  lmangione@mait.colgate.edu
  USA
  
  Lauren and I spent six weeks in Tonsupa, working in the Gonzalo Pizarro school. We have fallen in love with the school, the kids, the community, and everything else.
  We lived with Francisco and Nancy, and their four wonderful children.
  We have shared many great memories with the family and the experience with them only enriched our time in Tonsupa.
  The people in the coast are friendly and caring. We never felt unsafe or unwelcome. We only wish we had more time.
  We taught English in the school and made books with the students of everything they have learned. We bounded them with covers so that they can have them forever. New volunteers should ask to see the books so as to have an idea of what the kids have already learned and what is still to be done.
  This last week we have spent in Cumbaya living with Tato and Cristina Carrillo. They are a wonderful couple who speak both English and Spanish and have taken great care of us. We will miss them dearly.
  We hope to return soon. We are very glad to have come across FEVI and will highly recommend it to our friends.
  Best, Lauren and Jake
  
  July, 2007
  Lauren Hill Utah, USA
  larzan_1@hotmail.com
  
  I absolutely loved the time I spent with FEVI in Tonsupa. I am so impressed with the service this foundation is giving to the community. By coming to Ecuador and being a part of this work, I have been inspired to do more. I have seen the need of so many people and I want to help.
  Staying with Francisco and Nancy was wonderful. They were so accomodating and so helpful.
  We do wish there was more for us to do while we were there. Mybe we could have been part of a project, like constructing homes, or schools or doing some kind of community service. Sometimes we felt like we wanted to do more than just spend a few hours with the school kids. But all in all it was a great opportunity and a chance to learn and grow.
  Thank you for your great desire to serve and allowing me this opportunity as well. I hope to be able to do more in the future.
  Thanks, Lauren.
  
  Quinn Sears – Alexandria, Va – May, 2007
  lquinnsears@yahoo,com
  
  The past three months have been extremely challenging, and eye opening for me. I find nothing more inspiring than determination to make the world a better place, and FEVI truely has a sense of determination. The commitment of the volunteers to their projects and to Ecuador is something I feel very lucky to have been a part of it. Though I feel not ready to leave, like I have just gotten started, I am comforted by knowing there are people here who are continuing to do great work, and that I’ll always have a place here. A special thanks to the FEVI volunteers. You guys have made my time here so fun! And an extra special thanks to Marcela, my Spanish teacher!
  Quinn Sears
  Three months in Ecuador
  Leap Now
  
  
  Desiree Pelletier – Maine, USA – May, 2007
  deso_Ecuador@yahoo.com
  
  My time in Ecuador, although it was short, has been amazing. No matter where I went I felt welcomed by the FEVI people and the other FEVI volunteers. Even though I came to Ecuador with only four years of classroom Spanish, everyone I talked to was patient and understanding. My Spanish has improved so much! Even in one month! Also volunteering has been a great experience for me. The kids I worked with at the FEVI Child Care Center were very lovable as were all the children I met. At the coast, in the school in Tonsupa, I was amazed at how much the FEVI volunteers are doing for the people there! This experience has changed me in so many ways! It truly has been a great month!
  Desiree Pelletier
  One month in Ecuador
  Independent volunteer
  
  



• March 27
  Thomas Van Medical doctor from California, U.S. (snglasn@YAHOO.COM)
  
  
  "FEVI is an amazing organization with admirable focused goals to help the underprivileged population of Ecuador. My short time spent in the Lumbisi community with my host Ecuadorian family was very enjoyable especially since it allowed me to practice my spanish, eat home cooked Ecuadorian meals, and be part of a true native family. I highly recommend this experience for anyone interested in exploring a different world and making a contribution that will show we are all part of a global village". Thomas.



• 
  Lori Sloan (half2full@aol.com)
  
  
  This has been an amazing experience for us as a family. Sharing our lives with the kids, we were able to bring such smiles to them.
  I remember my son asking me how we would communicate with the children. I told him that we would discover the "international language". And indeed we did!. We laughed, smiled, pointed, stretched, painted and took pictures of each other. An energizing experience. Maria Teresa has developed a wonderful program!
  The warmth of these children made our Ecuadorian experience complete. To see all the good work FEVI does in the community makes you want it to flourish for years to come. It has earned the support that it has gotten so far, and hopefully the word is spread so that more can learn about their good deeds.
  The future is always our children and FEVI knows this all too well. Her staff and team of volunteers exmplify the dedication and love that these children so richly deserve. They are truly an extension of Maria Teresa's dreams for these kids. Ted Sloan



• Febrero 2007
  Valeria Antih - Argentina (valeria.antih@gmail.com)
  
  
  Estoy para ser útil a cualquier persona que quiera contactarse conmigo.
  
  Fui realmente feliz y plena durante el tiempo que tuve el honor de vivir en Ecuador. De aqui me llevo amigos entre los voluntarios, entre la gente de aquí y entre tantas otras personas que se cruzaron en mi camino. Me llevo experiencia, sabiduría, anécdotas, fé y millones de recuerdos. Me he convertido en una nueva persona.
  La organización FEVI es muy especial ya que funciona de una forma distinta al resto de las organizaciones que simplemente organizan “work camps”. El trabajo que hacen es constante y maravilloso, en el dia a día y cada vez intentan llegar mas lejos y a mas personas con sus proyectos. No se toman vacaciones, FEVI y sus voluntarios trabajan 365 dias al año.
  He aprendido muchas cosas nuevas, demasiadas para ser enumeradas y demasiado profundas como para ponerlas en palabras. El aprendizaje de este mes me acompañará el resto de mi vida y me sera de ayuda en cada dia de la misma.
  Gracias a todos los integrantes de FEVI, (staff y voluntarios) a Miriam, Patricio, Veronica, Lucia, Maria Teresa. Gracias a la comunidad de Lumbisi y de Cumbaya, a Lupita. Fernanda, Sylvia, Jenny y de todo el Ecuador por cambiar mi vida para siempre. Y gracias a Subir al Sur de la Argentina por la guia recibida para lograr encontrar mi propio camino. Valeria Carla Antih.
  
  Lorena Katic – Argentina – January, 2007
  lice.ldk@gmail.com
  
  Realmente mi ambiente de trabajo en el Centro Infantil Amiguitos de Lumbisi ha sido inigualable y ello lo debo a Paty, Amparo, Jenny, Adriana, Nancy y Germania por su hospitalidad.
  
  Gracias por los almuerzos en casa de Lupita. Volviamos del trabajo muertas de hambre y Lupita estaba alli siempre con su sonrisa esperandonos con un plato de comida casera y bien nutritivo y sorprendiendonos con un jugo de fruta diferente cada día. De esta manera conocimos el babaco, el tomate de arbol, la naranjilla, la guanabana, todas frutas que no existen en la Argentina. Estaran siempre en mi memoria esos almuerzos compartidos con Lupita y sus niños Cristina y Felipe.
  
  Gracias a Lucia nuestra guia en Huasalata y en la Mitad del Mundo. Gracias Lucia por contagiarnos tu pasion y un poquito de tu sabiduria y respecto a las distintas etnias indigenas del Ecuador.
  
  Mención especial merece nuestra visita al centro histórico y quien merece “premio, medalla y beso” es José, el profesor de quechua, quien sabe muy bien como combinar lugares, diversion y “lo autoctono”. No puedo dejar de recordar mis gestos de sorpresa al conocer la iglesia de La Compania, no me alcanzaban los ojos para recorrer cada detalle, tanto trabajo y tanta suntuosidad. Y tampoco puedo dejar de recordar nuestro almuerzo bien quiteño con José.
  
  Gracias a Patricio por habernos esperado en el aereopuerto aun cuando nuestro vuelo estuvo retrasado, a Myriam por sus consejos, a Veronica, porque aunque callada siempre esta ahi para tender una mano, y a Maria Teresa como motor principal de la organización FEVI.
  Gracias a SUBIR AL SUR de la Argentina y gracias a FEVI del Ecuador por haberme dado la posibilidad de ser y de brindarme con todo lo que soy. Lorena Katic
  



• July, 2006
  Bob Schnack – United States (bob.schnack@bullivant.com)
  
  
  My 19 year old daughter Kelsey and I did two weeks of volunteer work last summer through FEVI at FEVI's learning center in Cumbaya and at the Hogar Maite de Crespo in Sangolqui. It was a great opportunity to expose my daughter to international volunteer work, and FEVI people were phenomenal to get to know and in coordinating our experiences. Despite the obstacles faced by the kids, they were uniformly warm and happy and generally just a joy to work with and be around.
  
  The experience was very rewarding and has inspired my daughter to pursue similar volunteer work in South America next summer. We also both fell in love with Ecuador's land, people, and culture, as well as met some other incredible volunteers from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. We would both do this again without hesitation, and for me it was a great opportunity to share the experience of doing volunteer work and international travel with my daughter.



• SEP/06
  ALVIN IRBY, GRINNEL COLLEGE 10 WEEKS, EDUCATION INTERNSHIP (irbyalvi@grinnell.edu)
  
  
  One of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done in my life. My internship with FEVI challenged me in more ways than one. Working at the Gustavo Vallejo Public School and a large public school in Atacames, I had numerous opportunities for vocational discernment. As a result of my experiences teaching English and sports, developing language quizzes, assisting teachers, and playing soccer with the students, I feel more confident about my decision to pursue a career in education. Throughout my internship my Spanish improved by leaps and bounds but during the initial weeks I began to understand how important and effective non-verbal language (e.g., smiles and dancing) can be in communicating feelings, thoughts, and commands. Furthermore, this internship helped me see from an international perspective the great need for dedicated and caring educators. Alvin Irby



• July/06
  Monique Clouhein, Montreal, Canada
  
  
  When I left Canada, I did not know what to expect, but I landed in a blessed place, with very unique people. Ecuador has opened its heart for me and I will always feel a special connection to it, and a desire to help in any way I can. Never have I seen such caring people as Maria, Andres, Andrea, Jose. People for whom giving is the only way to live. You are incredible human beings serving as example to others. I’ll bring back intense memories of your kindness and dedication. Because you were so generous with your time, I was able to see parts of your beautiful country, enough to be able to share an interest among my friends in Canada. This trip has been unique, the very best of my life. Thank you for giving me so much.



• June - July /06
  Tristan Reynolds, Penn State University (tsr132@psu.edu)
  
  
  What an experience! As I prepare to go, I feel as I am leaving home. I am sad to go but happy to leave part of my heart here. Everyone I have met here is responsible for that feeling. Thank you people in FEVI for sharing your creation and passion with the world. Anyone and everyone can make a difference. As they once said, “if we change one kid’s life we have done our job”. This is a philosophy that will stick with me forever. FEVI has opened a door that shows me that I can make a difference. I do feel however, that I am taking with me much more than I gave. In my experience here I have learned much more than I can articulate. Do not, however, underestimate the power of a gift. A gift of time, a book, or a hug, is appreciated here by the kids in Ecuador, 10 times what you would imagine. Thank you to all the other volunteers for sharing your time with me and the kids here. You were a truly great group to be with! In shortly it’s the best two months in my life. Every one should see the beauty of Ecuador, and the amazing things that extraordinary people are doing to ensure a great future for Ecuador. I’ll be back soon! Thank you FEVI.



• MAY/06
  Emily Schwan, Montreal Canada, McGill University (emily.schwan@mail.mcgill.ca)
  
  
  Its difficult for me to express in words how I feel and how I have changed in the 6 weeks I´ve spent in Ecuador. All of the FEVI programs are focused on children and ensuring that life can be just a bit easier for kids who are often forced to grow up early. We also traveled around Ecuador for 3 weeks after our 3 weeks of volunteering and I strongly recommend that volunteers visit the rest of this beautiful country. I'm leaving Ecuador having met the most wonderful people at the schools, daycare center, and all over Ecuador , seen the jungle, volcanos and the Pacific Ocean . I could not have asked for a better experience and working with the school children and daycare children made this trip so much more meaningful. Anyone who is interested in joinning a FEVI program or wants to talk about the experience , please email me : emily.schwan@mail.mcgill.ca Thank you, Emily Schwan ( Montreal, Canada ) McGill University



• May/06
  Dana Levit, Toronto Canada, York University (dlevit@yorku.ca)
  
  
  When I boarded the plane from Canada I was very nervous. I did not speak any Spanish nor did I have anybody accompany me. I had no idea what I was getting into. When I landed in Quito, I couldn´t be more thrilled to be greeted by FEVI staff. They were so nice to me and made me feel welcome from the moment I met them until the momet I left. I volunteered at the Baca Ortiz and Yaruqui hospitals and found that I learned more in these past two weeks than I have in my three years of undergrad. On my first day, I could not believe the conditions of the hospitals and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to help. The doctors and nurses were incredible and very dedicated to helping others. They made sure I felt welcome and before I knew it, I was assisting a doctor during births, surgeries, and sutures. It was always so exciting to spend the afternoons at the daycare with the children and staff. The kids are all so sweet and the volunteers and teachers at FEVI are incredible. This daycare allows children to forget their problems at home and enjoy the childhood they deserve. I also spent time in the alter school program teaching English. I noticed that these kids have tought me just as much over the past two weeks as I have tought them. Everyone here is fulll of love and they all have so much to offer. FEVI staff were always there for me when I needed them. They provided support, meals , and amazing trips on the weekends. I want to thank everyone at the daycare. What you guys do for thes kids is unbelievable and the way you accepted me into your lives. Jorge and Andres were wonderful tour guides on my first day here, and the weekend with Jose in Otavalo was unforgettable. Tanya was the best Spanish teacher who tought me not only about the language but about Ecuadorian culture as well. I just can´t say enough about how wonderful everyone at FEVI was. This trip has changed my life in so many ways and has really opened my eyes to so many issues that is afflicting developing nations such as Ecuador . Thank you FEVI for providing me with this wonderful experience and for helping all those in need in Ecuador . Through your kindness and generosity you have changed the lives of many people worldwide and I´m honoured to be one of them. Best wishes, Dana Levit. ( Toronto , Canada ) York University



• FEBRUARY/06
  Ganesh Narayan, India, U.S.A. resident (gnarayan_2001@hotmail.com)
  
  
  “The past two weeks have been some of the most rewarding of my life. What FEVI does here in Cumbaya is something magical – a place where kids of all ages can come to just be kids – regardless of what else is going on in their lives.
  During the mornings at the Gustavo Vallejo Public School, in San Francisco de Pinsha, Paul and I got a chance to help the kids with their English lessons, play Math games with them, play soccer and Frisbee with them, and just bring them some smiles and laughs. We also got a chance to clean their very old swing set and re-paint it to look like new. They were so happy to see us every morning and never complained or were sad, grateful for whatever little they had.
  During the afternoons I spent time at the after school center run by FEVI. There were about 15 – 20 kids of all ages (three from the Gustavo Vallejo school). We mostly played games with them and a few times, I had a chance to teach them some yoga (which they found pretty funny). We also went to the Magic Pencil art exhibit one day, and played some soccer (with ice cream afterwards) another day.
  I will never forget the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and juice that we always would have just before the kids would leave.
  Anyways, I could go on and on, but it really was a wonderful time here – all due to the kindness and generosity of the FEVI people around here. Best wishes, Ganesh.”



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