The first session of the workshop in prison is designed for introductions. We make up a name for ourselves that contains our first name preceded by an adjective that is spelled with the first letter the same as our first name.  I am Gentle George. We go around and take turns repeating all the names … More Unfamiliar

Originally posted on Winter in Quito:
Que le vaya bien is a common farewell phrase that loosely translated means, “Hope everything goes well.” On March 14th, my last day working at Fundación Minadores de Sueños, these words were frequently spoken as I exchanged goodbyes with the children and staff members. Traditionally, when a volunteer finishes…

Originally posted on Winter in Quito:
March 4th and 5th was a national holiday in Ecuador—Carnaval. This holiday is apparently celebrated worldwide although only regionally in the United States, primarily in New Orleans, where it is called Mardi Gras. In Ecuador, it marks the beginning of Lent and also honors the indigenous Kichwa holiday of…