We started out by visiting the Ecuador’s national Onchocerciasis eradication team in the community development building. They used to do the lab work there as well, but no more; we do it now! However, they still have plenty to do such as coordinating the massive Ivermectin dispersal all throughout the Orient and the coastal regions, collecting thousands of flies (for us to test☺), conducting education programs, and more. Ecuador is getting close to eradicating Onchocerciasis and if this were achieved it would the first time a vector born (carried by insect/animal) disease would have been completely eliminated from a country.
Next we headed onto the main compound (the place is huge, reminded me of a college campus really) and toured around, checking out the broadcast studios before heading to visit the German language broadcast/translation section. Theo is Swiss but his native language is German and thus he is has many amigos in this area. We ended up walking in on a birthday party and were invited to join; who can say no to meeting some great people and having a second lunch?
With our bellies stuffed we staggered back to the community development building to look for the Com. Dev. Director, Brad Quist. Luck was with us as he was in and invited us to take a seat. Brad is a US born and educated MD who has been in Ecuador for 15 years now because he truly believes in HCJB’s mission of service. It was enlightening to hear of all the projects HCJB either runs or has a hand in here in Ecuador; I am starting to think they are the premier non-profit helping in Ecuador. Brad also provided me with the contact information for a doctor in their hospital located in the Shell, in the Orient, where I have been dreaming of spending a week or so volunteering come spring time. Theo had been getting me more and more excited about visiting there and all of sudden the connection to make it happen fell into my hands!
After talking with Brad we took a tour of the Hospital and lab, meeting more of Theo’s friends (Theo is one of those guys that you can’t help but be friends with, he is just so genuine and easy going, it seemed like every other person we walked by knew him!).
From HCJB we took a bus to Theo’s house where I joined the Murer family for dinner. I really feel bad as I’ve forgotten most of their names but I blame my natural inability to remember names with the fact that they were all German, and thus very unfamiliar to me. Theo’s wife had such a warm smile and twinkle in her eye that I couldn't help but feel welcome. They have a 7-year-old son, 5-year-old daughter, and 3-month-old baby boy, all blond as can be and quite charming. The fact that they had a child in Ecuador means he has dual citizenship and thus Theo and his wife can stay as long as they want to raise him! A new trick for obtaining permanent residence! For dinner we had Raclet, which was new to me. You have a mini grill/oven at the table and put little trays loaded with cheese, meats, and veggies in to cook/melt before pouring your concoction over boiled potatoes. It tasted great and boy does it make eating fun! After dinner I worked with the two older kids on their English pronunciation before it was time to catch the bus home. Speaking of which, the driver didn’t really stop, rather merely slowed and I had to jump on at a run! Only in Latin America☺ Arguably my most amazing Friday here to date!
Today started out with run in the Parque La Carolina with my fellow FBer/friend Martin. He reminded me of the first time I ran with Dimas, just not enough oxygen! It gets better though, and I was sure to let him know this. Today was the big lunch cook-off day and I made one of my favorite recipes to share with my family. It was a fun and tasteful experience; each day I am more and more grateful to live with the wonderful people that I do. You can find the recipe below:
PEANUT CHICKEN (serves 4-5)
4 chicken breasts
1 can coconut milk
1 bottle peanut sauce (find in Asian food section, or make your own with peanut butter/milk if in EC☺)
1 cup peanuts
half-bag spinach (use more than you think, it cooks down a lot)
rice – however much you want
-Start by cutting the chicken into bite size pieces
-cook the chicken in a sauce pan with some oil until cooked through
-Reduce heat and add coconut milk + peanut sauce + peanuts
-When bubbling again add spinach, cook until spinach is dark and very limp
Serve over rice, can garnish with more peanuts if desired.
Quick, easy, and great tasting, the hallmark of college students!
(thanks to my mom for the original recipe)
I’ve posted a few pictures of all the fun:
(Karla and I, cooking up a storm and yes, I shaved my head. The shorter you go the longer you can wait till next cut!)
(The finished product.)
(All together and ready to eat!)
1 comment:
That organization sounds amazing! Do they have a website?
p.s. I've been behind in reading your posts, but it sounds as though you're having the experience of a lifetime. Happy early Halloween!
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