Today we started the day like every other one. I am growing tired of this eggs and ham combo, but when I get back home I might start taking my instant coffee with warmed milk, muy bueno!!! Today's work place was a co-ed orphanage with around 20-30 children. Zack, John, and I worked on organizing the children's books into an alphabetized card system. I was a little disappointed in the lack of Spanish children's books that we brought with us, but I might find someone around one who has some extra cash and wants to help these kids out. The child that sticks in my memory the most was little Katie, she had to be around 4 to 5 years old but she was no bigger than my two year old sister. Seeing the way she simply demanded and ate up any attention she was given, broke my heart, my mother told me to bring her a little orphan girl back with me, and I seriously considered taking this child to her, where she would receive all the love and opportunities that myself or any of my siblings were afforded. I guess that I have always had a soft spot for children, most likely due to the fact that I am the oldest of 6. After lunch and watching the other guys get whipped in soccer (football around here), I joined the kids for a game of dodge ball. One thing that is universal for children is an unlimited supply of competitive spirit, they hate too lose and will try so hard to impress each other. After all of that was said and done we returned to the hotel for a lesson in the political organization of Ecuador. This was the most interesting lecture so far, since it is going to be my topic of my research paper. It is amazing how so many corrupt leaders could take office and the people simply allow it. Things seem to be looking up for the people of Ecuador, as long as the April update of the constitution is favorable to the people and keeps the politicians held accountable for their actions. The other interesting bit was how Ecuador was manifest destined by Peru and lost so much land to them I never really heard about this bit of history and I am surprised that Peru was allowed to get away with this with the world community.
The final event of the night was a party boat cruise on the river. We had a fun time on the boat with dancing and music. The waterfront was nice, but the river was kind of dark and cloudy, but I enjoyed being on the water, I love to boat, even if it is just a giant floating bar (or do I mean especially??). Today was fun, I enjoyed today's work and interacting with the kids, I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!!