Is louse plural for lice?

Delousing yesterday. Yes you read me correctly. So the first time I noticed lice on a kid was yesterday, it was really bad. I was hugging her close for a bit because she was. As soon as I saw it my head started itching. I don't know if it's all IN my head or just all ON my head. (Funny because I'm pretty sure it's the same either way in Spanish).



A guy short changed my $0.05 (no 'cents' button?) on the bus. He kept arguing with me that it was the right amount, but I've ridden (?) this bus like a million times, he's soooo wrong. Okay, I know doesn't sound like a lot but that's one fifth of my next bus. Jerk.





So I'm starting to not be able to remember English words. They say that's a good stage in learning another language. Only problem is I usually don't know the Spanish counterpart. Uh...



I'm in a weird place right now. No, not Ecuador. I mean in an odd transition and I feel like maybe (or for sure) I bit off more than I can chew. Ministry stuff isn't working out the way I thought a few weeks ago and everything is up in the air. I want to explain but I honestly don't really know yet myself. More on that when I find out.



Got a unexpected trip to Columbia. Sorry mom they didn't have any coffee for sale or I would have bought you some. It was pretty cool. Probably one of the few times blonde Californian girls were smuggled over the border. Oddly enough we were searched a few times coming back into Ecuador, but never asked for papers.

I feel like a rollercoaster

One minute I'm up and the next I'm in a complete loop (or am just loopy). I'm probably like this back at home but I can hide it better.

This last week has been awesome, God's really answered prayers! So where to start? So I met this couple, with I'm pretty sure are the cutest kids in the world, who's been living in the downstairs apartment in the ER building and was chatting with them about their plans for Ecuador. They are helping their aunt and uncle at Casa Gabriel, a ministry here in Quito for street boys. They also want to start a girl’s home for girls rescued out of sex trafficking and similar situations. Right now the only one that exists is secular and it's only for a 3 month period. They have a vision to start one for these girls that is Christian based and that would educate and help them learn a legitimate trade. The girls currently there range in age from 12 to 18. I asked if I could join them in going on Sundays (the only day they are allowed to talk about God). It was perfect because that's the day I have free in the afternoons. Only now I have a hang up, I am no longer able to stay in the ER building which is closer to where this place is and by the time we'd be done I wouldn't be able to bus back to the house I live at. I know it's going to work out, I've been praying about helping in a ministry like this for about a year now. I’m just not sure how it’ll work out yet. I'm so excited to see what's going to become of this! Once I go visit I’ll be able to really tell you all about it.

I wanted to join this 20's Bible study on Tuesdays in the north but again have no way to get back to the house. So on Saturday I was at a party for Day of the Child (I swear they have days for EVERYTHING here) for children with disabilities with one of my friends. I happend to meet someone who goes to the same church and he offered to give me rides! Praise God! So when the group starts back up after summer break, I'll be able to go and get home safely.

Oh and the party for the kids was great. I was asked to be with the hardest kid there (of course, I always have to do things the hard way) but he was super cute. He was a BIG little guy and wasn't really aware of everything around him, social cues and what-not, couldn't really talk, but man could he dance!!! I had a blast with him! We almost won musical chairs but I didn't want to be to completive and squish the other kid, so we let them win.

It wouldn't be blog of mine with out a good bus story. Sorry but the only thing I can think of is that a guy was picking his nose right before taking the money yesterday. Sorry I know that story kinda blows. But please don't be snotty about it, ok? Next time I promise I'll pick a better one.

Still teaching. Still doing house visits. Still have to scream my head off, and yes I did take all the advice given to me, but I have the feeling that people in charge don't really give a crap. Not sure if that's about my class or just in general. Whatever. It's just something I'll have to endure through. House visits, as it turns out, aren't always with single mothers, but some of their husbands are out of the city or country. They are hard to do, it's really hard to sit and do almost nothing for 3 to 4 hours... believe it or not. I don't know how much longer I can do it... or not do it? LOL. Any ways, I was feeling really bad for myself today, and after calming the ocean pouring from my face I went into to teachers lounge to sit and wait for my companion for visits. This week is spiritual emphasis week and the teachers were in there talking and crying. Not sure what was said before I entered but listening to the prayers that followed, I figured I'm not the only one having a hard time. I mean how does one deal with kids whose parents aren't there or who's teeth are visibly rotting out of their heads?! How are those kids supposed to pay attention? I feel like some of the problems are so easily fixed, but where does it stop? There are so many problems that could be helped a lot with just so little. And some only God Himself could help. How much am I supposed to do? After all I can't help everyone... right?

Poverty sounds awful, but it looks even worse.