Week 3: Part 2

Thanks to all for their prayers and words of encouragement and support the past few days. They have definitely helped a lot, and I am feeling a lot better and optimistic that something wonderful is bound to work out!

Thursday, July 26^th

Today at Sinamune I did “music therapy.” I was supposed to have sessions with six students, but only three came. I was actually able to work on some stuff with them though, because they had pretty extreme language deficits, so I used my few translated Spanish songs to work on language. The problem is though that I am not the person who should be modeling the Spanish language, because I speak with quite an accent. However, I didn’t know what else to do.

After Spanish classes, I went home with Cosette, Meghan, and Paige to Diana’s house for a farewell pizza party. Zach leaves tonight, Katie leaves tomorrow, and Meghan leaves Monday. It was nice to see everyone and spend time with them before they left. Also, Diana gave us a little bit of an update on the August situation. Because Sinamune started advertising the community music classes at the last minute, they don’t know what the turnout will be like. But Diana has a meeting Monday with some people at La Casa de La Cultura, which is a cultural organization in Quito run by the government. She said we might teach at their camps. So at least something is in the works, but I still have no idea what we are going to do exactly.

Friday, July 27^th

Yesterday, Sinamune told us not to come today because there would be no rehearsal, no students, and nothing to do. I still had to go to Spanish lessons though.

In the evening, Cosette, Meghan, and I went to La Casa de La Música to hear La Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Ecuador. It was magnificent! It was over two hours of music, and it only cost $10. It was a great way to end a frustrating week.

Saturday, July 28^th

Today I slept in until very late and then met Paige for coffee. Quito is very quiet on the weekends! Afterwards I came home, read for a while, and went to bed.

Sunday, July 29^th

Today was a nice relaxing day. I slept in until 9:00 am and then went to mass with Pilar at La Iglesia de La Dolorosa. It was a beautiful church. She cooked a delicious lunch at home and her daughter and son-in-law came over to eat with us. I spent the rest of the day writing emails and catching up on things.

I can’t wait to find out what the plan for August is, either tomorrow or the next day hopefully!