My Schools

Life in Cuenca continues to treat us well, with opportunities to learn, experience new cultures and become involved with the community around every corner. This is especially true for me this week, as my daily routine has become whole. I have gotten myself involved with three different schools (I know big surprise). In the mornings, I am volunteering at an amazing school for children and adults with developmental disabilities. It reminds me of L’Arche communities, but within a school type format. The students take a variety of classes, many of which focus in the arts, but also math, reading, writing and an amazing baking class. They then sell their art and baked goods. I still have a lot to learn and figure out about how it all works, but for now I am busy trying to communicate and figure out where I am supposed to be and how I can be of some use.

I then head to Amauta, to continue my Spanish lessons with Julia, who is great and amazingly patient with me. I have a couple hours off to have lunch, do my homework and prepare for my third school, which is a paying job at CEDEI, a large English and Spanish school here in Cuenca. Right now, I am just teaching one English class for 75 minutes each day, to a group of five teenagers who are at an intermediate English level. I am enjoying the opportunity to use some of my teacher training and actually find it the easiest of the three (so far).

Phil continues to work on his guitar. The guitar is looking absolutely amazing - I guess I should have known we couldn’t be without a beautiful instrument for too long!