January 22 - The Jersey girls arrive

Some of the children are curious about my absence the day before and when I explain that I wasn't feeling well, their faces show true concern. A bit of a role reversal. In addition to our teaching duties, we also soothe scraped elbows, repair falling ponytails, and referee playground disputes. I guess that's what life is all about - caring for one another, age notwithstanding.

On the ride back to town, an old woman, front teeth missing, climbs into the combi with two small children. I assume that she is the children's grandmother until I look more closely. Her sad, young eyes give her away. I make the connection to another young woman thousands of miles north of Milagro with very different dreams for her child.

Off to the airport to meet the Jersey girls - Theresa, Carol and Donna - three friends who are coming to meet me in Trujillo. They're relatively easy to find in the airport - three blonds in a sea of dark hair and dark skin. 

This evening, I say goodbye to my English students. They are truly a joy and give me reason to believe that I might want to continue teaching ESL back home. Their enthusiasm is infectious and we agree to correspond by email - in English, of course!

I meet up with the Jersey girls for dinner.  Although guinea pig and other local delicacies would make for a more authentic experience, we play it safe and go to a local Italian restaurant for pizza and wine. Another guinea pig's life saved !