Rio Pita (Pita River)

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go hiking at Rio Pita with a group of people from the church. It was a beautiful area, and I really enjoyed myself! Here are some pictures...

 

The group of us

Rocky mountain trails

We took a gondola across part of the valley

Rio pita

And swinging bridges

La gran cascada (the big waterfall)

You can cross the river and walk behind the falls. They told me it was cold, but I had no idea that it would be SO cold! I had to try it though, I had to take full advantage of the experiences I have in Ecuador :)

It was so hard to breathe in that water! This is the proof of my Ecuadorian polar dip :) 

That's all for now folks! There are New Years celebrations to experience! Hopefully they will be up on the blog before the week is out. 

Wishing you all a very blessed and happy 2014! May God be with you all!

Melissa

Quininde

December 16th

Today I traveled to Quininde with Dr. Jeny and Paty who came along to clean the computers, and add more protection for the children's sake. There was a lot of fog as we travelled through the mountains, but we made it to Quinine in about 4 hrs. It was nice to be in warm weather. Summer is my favourite time of year, and while Quito has a wonderful climate, Quininde is just like July in Canada :)

Dr. Jeny and her husband have a palm plantation, and I'm enjoying staying in the countryside here. It's so different but beautiful. I am used to streets lined with maple trees and pines, here I'm surrounded by palms and cocoa trees. 

December 17th

As I sit in the kitchen writing, there are donkeys braying outside the window :) the donkeys are used to pull the carts that pick up the palm nuts once they are felled from the trees.

Today was exciting. In the morning I worked with the ladies from the project, and we put together 227 bags of candy for the sponsor children for Christmas. The language barrier is still difficult for me, but I'm getting better at knowing when to laugh or nod my head, etc. (not sure that's a good thing lol) in the afternoon I helped serve meals for the kids, and then just observed while the teachers led them in bible study, and singing and played games. Boy, I have a lot of respect for these ladies now! Keeping 100 kids under control is not an easy task, and most of these children do not come from homes where there is regular if any proper discipline. What a task. 

I thought my Spanish was coming along ok, but when there is 100 kids shouting at once, it's impossible for me to understand anything! I definitely have some work to do yet.

On a side note, I used to wish for blonder hair, now I'm wishing it was black :)

December 18th

 You know they don't have bathrooms and are not used to using them, when a child walks into the room and just proceeds to pee while standing there. No one even seems to notice lol.

Today we celebrated Christmas with the kids at the malecon project. Dr. Jeny had a box wrapped in Christmas paper, and was explaining to the children, that this gift was from God for them. She the opened the box and inside there was a piece of paper on which she had written, 'Jesus'. She then went on to explain that Christmas is when we celebrate that God sent Jesus to earth as a baby for us. A good lesson I think. The people here are very visual and learn best by seeing and memorizing. It should be interesting to plan lessons to help them learn this way. 

December 19th

Paty and I took the bus back to Quito this morning. I believe the plan is for me to be here in Quito till January 12, at which point I return to Quininde and begin teaching. They have asked me to teach ESL to all the kids in the projects, and then for the teenage girls, I will hopefully be teaching them basic baking skills and how to make tropical flower arrangement. So until I return, I've got a lot of work ahead of me! I've never even looked at a lesson plan, let alone made one, so this should be interesting! 

Christmas is just around the corner, although in this warmer climate it's still a little hard for me to believe!

I want to wish you and your family a very wonderful, blessed and peaceful Christmas season! 

God bless!

Melissa

Viva Quito! (Photo blog post)

Hi again!

Last week Friday, December 6th we celebrated Quito's birthday. It's something like Canada day, but they are a lot more patriotic :)

At the church they organize a day of celebration. The following pictures tell the story.

They prepare a lot of food!

Washing potatoes before cooking

Pan full of bananas ready to be fried

And the special - fried onions and hamburgers of Tio Fred.

Also lots to drink! Fresh squeezed lemonade and....

A lot of pop :)

Then the games begin....

My team performing our cheer

Sack races

(Yes I'm competitive!)

3 legged races

Practicing

Bike relay

Pass the washer relay

Eat the apple

Jump the watch. Basically that rope keeps coming around and once you fail to jump it you are out. The altitude really makes this game a challenge haha.

Franklin got a little dizzy :)

Digging a hole...

Sanding and oiling a log.....

The point here is to try and climb the greased log and reach the piece of cardboard. If you can do it, you win a prize. It's not easy!

And finally, they end the day with a card game called cuarenta (means 40 in Spanish)

Just enjoying the sunshine with a new friend!

Thanks for checking in! I must admit I'm finding it a little hard to know what to blog about at times. If you have any questions about life here or things you are curious about, please email them or comment here and I'll try to answer them in another blog post :)

My plans for the near future are to go to Quininde on Monday the 16th for a week. I'll be trying out my Spanish, and it will give us a better idea of how well I can get by, or if I need more classes.

I'll post more once I return.

With love

Melissa

School Life

Ok, the truth is out. I am not a student! I dislike having to sit in a chair all day and listen to other people talk and I strongly dislike homework. Give me a job to do and I'll be happy, but the student life is not for me! However I am learning, and this is where I need to be right now.

Life's been pretty much the same. Still, in order to stay in touch I thought I'd share a few of my stories from school. You definitely need a sense of humour when learning a second language in a school that doesn't understand the culture you come from!

Last week (my first week of school) I had been struggling a little because the teacher I had for my first four hours of classes taught the lessons in a way that was completely opposite to how I learn. She would speak no English to me, and not ever understanding what she was saying was becoming frustrating! I could pick up words here and there, but when she used Spanish to try and explain Spanish, it just wasn't working for me! Anyways, one day she was asking me what various objects were in the classroom...

Teacher (in Spanish as always): the table is made of......

Me (in Spanish): I don't know. (Because honestly I hadn't yet learned the word for wood)

Teacher: madera

Me: ok

Teacher: the chair is made of......

Me: I don't know (because again, I honestly don't know the word for steel yet)

Teacher: acerco

Me: ok

This happens with a few more objects before she asks,

Teacher: hair is made of......

Me: I don't know (looking confused, because even in English I'm not sure what I would say!)

Teacher: proteina!

Well now, if only I had done better in science...... :)

During this second week we've been doing more conversational learning. The teacher will ask me a question and we will talk about it. They have been asking a lot of questions about Canada, and it's been tough to describe some of these things with my limited Spanish.

For example: 

We talk a lot about what is special about Canada, so I was telling her that the CN tower is pretty awesome. I explained that it was the tallest building in the world (which may not actually be true anymore, but I couldn't research that at the time lol) and so she wanted to know how many floors there were. Ummmmmm...... 2? I had to draw that one out for her :)

Another question was, 

Teacher: Which countries border Canada?

Me: (looking a little confused)

Teacher: well, the United States is to the south, which country is North of Canada? 

Me: ummmm, the Arctic?

Teacher: oh there is no country north of Canada?

Me : not really (I guess Greenland could kind of count), and on the east is the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west is the Pacific Ocean.

Teacher: really? So the only country that borders Canada is the United States. 

Me: yup :)

And just one more story because it's good :)

Today we were talking about weather and I was explaining that in Canada you can get a lot of snow. I was telling her how the children like to make snowmen, and she asked how one makes a snowman. So I explained the concept of 3 large snowballs, and how we use stones and carrots and sticks to make it look like a person kind of. And she says, "do you make a snowman outside or inside?"

I had to laugh, but then explained to her that it's so cold in Canada that you have to have heat in your house, and that would melt a snowman! I'm not sure she quite understood the concept of a heated house. She also wondered how the children go to school if it's so cold, so I explained how every building in Canada has heat. It's funny how these things are so common to us, but In other parts of the world heat in houses, and kids going out to play in -10 degrees is a foreign thing. (By the way the temperature here is about 8 degrees in the morning, and you will see some people with scarves and mitts on) 

 As well, I've had the hardest time describing a typical Canadian meal to her (maybe it's because I'm Dutch). Most of the typical meals I think of are Dutch or American! She was quite confused by my explanation of Dutch meatball soup! Meatballs in soup?? Haha

What would you describe a typical Canadian meal as? Is there such a thing?

Thanks for reading! 

Melissa

Two weeks

Hello!

Sorry, I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but to be honest not too much has happened yet.

I spent the first half of last week in bed with the flu, but am feeling 100% better now thankfully.

As well I've been settling in a little and getting used to life here. I started language school this week, and my head is swimming with Spanish nouns and verbs. I have no idea how I'm going to manage to learn enough to converse easily. Maybe it's a good thing there's a little stubbornness in my nature :)

As long as I direct it properly, it won't allow me to give up too easily haha

So I'm going to apologize in advance if suddenly it takes me awhile to respond to emails or Facebook. 

My routine right now is to catch the city bus at 7am so I can make it to school by 8:30. Classes go till 3 and then another hour to hour and a half bus ride home. Buses here take forever, simply because they don't just stop at the specified stops. They each have a specific route, but they stop whenever someone flags them down to catch a ride or whenever someone stands up to get off. As you can imagine this often means stopping more than once per city block! 

As well each night I have about 2-4 hrs of homework (depending on my diligence to memorizing these tongue twisting Spanish words and phrases) and also hope to continue attending weekly Bible studies and University youth group. 

So yes, I've become busy, but it's making time pass more quickly, and I'm so thankful for these opportunities! It is something very inspiring to see new Christians study God's Word. I feel sometime we who have grown up in the church take our Christian upbringing and lives for granted, and we don't really think we need to fight for it. I know I'm guilty of that. It's exciting to see these new Christians planning on their own to meet and search the Word, and to pray for their community! Currently in one Bible study we are alternating between two books (Lies Young Women Believe, and another on how to study the Bible). The later is particularly interesting to me, and I'm excited to learn more. I think for myself it's a book I've always known, and so I read it often, but have never learned how to read it properly to get the full use it, and I've been enjoying learning more :)

Prayer points:

Thanksgiving - so far I'm adjusting well, and Ecuador is feeling more like 'home'

Petition - safety as I travel by bus through the city, as there are some risks involved with travelling alone. Thankfully I've been forewarned, and know what to look for. But most of all I know have a Lord who is watching over me!

God bless!

Melissa

I've arrived!

So, Monday was a hectic day of last minute errands and packing. I'm so thankful for good friends who helped, I'm really not sure I could have done it without your support the whole way through! 

Tuesday morning started early, we left the house at 6:30am, and my flight left Toronto at 10:15. It was a very easy day of travelling, actually a bit relaxing after the stress of the previous day! I met up with my Aunt Arlene and Dr. Jenny in Miami and we landed in Quito at about 7:30. Customs was a breeze, once the officer saw my visa, she waved me on through. What a blessing!

A little background information on Quito. It is the capital city of Ecuador (Ecuador means equator in Spanish) and has a population of approx 2 239 191 people (2010 census, so I'm sure it's more now!)

Quito is located 9 350 ft above sea level, so it takes a bit to get used to the altitude here. They enjoy fairly Constant spring-like weather year-round, highs of about 18 and lows around 9 degrees. Right now we are just approaching their wet season. For them this does not mean rain all the time, but usually they have sunny mornings, and then rain in the afternoon or evening and overnight. 

I'm slowly adjusting to life here. The weather here is beautiful, but at times being surrounded in Spanish is overwhelming! I am picking up words and phrases already though. The plan right now is for me to have a tutor help me with learning the language for about 6 hrs every Saturday. She will come right to the house which is a blessing. Also, there is a wonderful Ecuadorian lady living with us, and she's helping me as well, speaking as little English to me as possible, so it forces me to learn :)

Last night I went to a ladies Bible study for university age girls. What a blessing. I couldn't understand much at all, but to see the excitement to learn more and the love for God in these new Christians is such a blessing. I came away so encouraged, I only wish I could share it with you all!

Next week Tuesday I hope to go with Dr. Jeny to Quininde (a very poor town near the coast, where the Word and Deed projects are) for a short visit. I'm quite excited to become reacquainted with the people I met last time I was here!

Some new experiences:

1) there are a lot of dogs here! Honestly, there is a lot of barking and if seems to get worse at night haha. But, I'm sure one eventually gets used to it (kind of like living near railroad tracks)

2) Fruits and vegetables are so cheap here! It's amazing! You can buy 4 pineapples for a dollar, I love it :)

3) they don't refridgerate their milk or eggs in the stores here, you buy them off the shelf just like canned goods. Apparently there is no extra preservatives in it, so we are not sure how that works, but most of the poor people here don't have fridges, so they can't keep it cool anyways.

4) clothes are expensive! A pair of jogging pants at Aeropostale was about $50 (on sale!) and a t-shirt cost $35.

Prayer points:

PRAISE God for bring me safely here and that it is so evident that He is working here in Ecuador!

PRAY that He would help me learn the language and not get frustrated. Also that He would help me to follow His will, and see His purpose even on the tough days 

Thanks for reading!

I'd really love to keep in touch with you as well, please send snail mail or email :)

Melissa Jonkman

Casilla 17-17-1444

Quito, Ecuador 

(Please send letters or cards only)

melissajonkman1@hotmail.com

Consulates and Airlines

Praise Him!

It's been a rather long, but exciting day! 

My mom and I headed out this morning to the Ecuadorian consulate in Toronto. After a few minor setbacks, they accepted the paperwork, and we settled in for the wait. I do believe we were the only people in the office that were Canadian citizens. Surrounded by Spanish conversations, I thought I'd try to see how much I could pick up. Let's just say, Spanish language training is definitely going to be needed! 

We had applied for a two year visa, just to see what they would be willing to give. After a 2 hour wait the paperwork was handed back, as well as a visa valid for 720 days! That's only 10 days shy of 2 years. 

Now that the visa is processed plane tickets have been booked :) My flight leaves Toronto Pearson Airport  the morning of November 5th, and Lord willing, I return the evening of June 11, 2014

Prayer points:

~ praise for His peace and the assurance that this is what He has called me to do

~ thankfulness that the visa request has been granted

~ strength as I finalize things here

Welcome!

Hola (Hello)

Here goes..... I'm not going to promise I'll be any good at this, but I'll try my best to keep everyone in the loop :)

As far as things look now, we are still working toward a leaving date of November 4, 2013. 
All the paperwork looks to be in order, now I just need to head to the Ecuadorian consulate in Toronto this Thursday. From what I'm told, you just hand them the paperwork and then you need to sit and wait while they process it. Approximately a 2-4hr process, but at least I can walk out with a visa in hand. 
Emotionally, I feel far less ready. The final packing and getting paperwork in order is overwhelming. The fact that I won't be seeing friends and (church)family for 7 months is something I still can't seem to wrap my head around, its such a foreign concept to me. Which I suppose I should be extremely thankful for! However, I am looking forward to experiencing a more laid-back style of living. (I may never want to come back to our North American fast-food style of life) I'm excited to spend a winter in the warmth and sunshine. But most of all, I can't wait to see what God has in store for me, and where His plan will lead! 
And I look forward to sharing it all with you :)