Joy to the World

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope this holiday season is full of joy, peace and love for you!

This time of the year is hard to be away from home.

I kind of miss all the overdone Christmas decorations and overplayed Christmas songs.

I am so use to the American holiday season where you are practically bombarded by the Christmas feeling……but here, Christmas passes like any other day.

So this year, I wanted to bring some of that holiday spirit here to Ecuador.

I baked cookies and cakes with my host family, made Christmas cards with my English class, decorated a tree with my host brother and strung garland and lights around my apartment…it helps.

I have to admit, however, that without over-consumerism taking over the holiday season, it makes it a little easier to focus on the true blessings of Christmas. Thanks to everyone who has sent lovely cards, emails and packages. Sending my love <3

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

PS. Can't wait for my family to visit....16 days!!! Best birthday present I could ask for, unless they could squeeze all my friends into their luggage too :)

Happy Heart Finales

Corazon Feliz a.k.a. the Happy Heart program is coming to an end.

The project started way back in July when we arrived in the far away communities at 6a.m. to give blood tests (to check people's cholesterol and glucose levels), to check blood pressure and to calculate B.M.I. Many people were unaware of their health situation and didn't know they suffered from Hypertension or were in high risk zone for having a possible heart attack or stroke. Some people who were stick thin and who you wouldn't suspect of having heart problems, had blood pressures of 190/80....a lot of fried food, a lot of manteca and pure carbohydrates in their diet.

From there, we started the 6 month program teaching 2-3 promoters from each of the 6 communities about heart disease, how to prevent such sicknesses, how to take blood pressure and to calculate BMI. Those same promoters went back to their communities and replicated the info. Through the interactive talleres about nutrition, exercise, eliminating stress and by conducting blood pressure and weight controls every 15 days, I am happy to say that over 80% of the participants have lowered their blood pressure or lost weight. (ultimately lowering their risk for heart disease and reducing malnourishment).
People now say no to manteca! (very common to cook everything in fatty Crisco like substance)
People now practice ZUMBA....Latin aerobics!
People now are more aware of their blood pressure and health conditions.
People now know to fill their plates with colors/vitamins instead of just rice.
People now have their own vegetable gardens.
People now have happier hearts!

Las Mercedes 1, one of mi querida comunidades that participated in the Happy <3>

happy happy birthday!

to Ali!

Celebrating Ali's bday with glow sticks made the evening complete!

red and green spiritour new friend Luis who invited us for a free icecream at KFC He ended up surprising us with a mini-cake and all. Ali in disbelief...who knew KFC had cakes???
We all had our suspicions about this cake...I thought it looked like garlic bread...and Jen thought we might find some surprise chicken hidden inside.

Fun times with the Manabi girls!
Best wishes to you mi amiga linda!

2nd Annual World Aids Day March

Protege tu vida!

December 1st, my community gathered to march to the center of town to raise awareness and participate in World Aids Day

My friends dressed up as clowns to animate the kids in the parade All the kiddos marched down the streets with whistles, red ribbons and big posters with messages about AIDS prevention

The police were head of the march with their red and white balloons and sirens sounding

Dra. Marisol sharing statistics about AIDS in Ecuador and teaching the importance of using protection, especially considering the high rates of teen pregnancy.

Todos lo hacen, pero todos no lo protegenTeam of health volunteers who helped put on the march. Muchas gracias!
Darci, my dear friend, came to make a video of the whole event for future PC volunteers. Ill keep you posted of its release! :)