Once again we woke up early. Of course we weren't the type of girls to stay out all night in a strange city, so making it to breakfast on time was possible. This breakfast was simpler than the last morning. We were limited to toast and eggs. I still had my coffee, so everything was great. The staff was still very kind and I don't think anyone really missed the fruit and bacon. Our first work site was an all girls orphanage called Dominga Boca. We'd be leaving at 9:30, so that gave me 45 minutes to make it to mass at the church around the corner. I'm not catholic, but Coptic is close enough. The church was divine. Figures of Jesus were coming out of every wall and each one reminded you of his crucifixion. As I made my way to the pews to pray I noticed a tiny old lady in drab clothing with her hand out- not praising God but begging for money. She was definitely asking the wrong people as most of the congregation turned her away. Rather than having a choir like most churches, there was a guitar player present near the alter and his music echoed through the lofty walls of the building. I couldn'tstay to take communion. I walked back to the hotel and prepared for the day ahead.
The all girls school was not in the best or worst of neighboorhoods. The metal gate garding the entrance kept the girls safe from the outside. Like a prison guard, the head lady kept the keys to the gate. The girls all rushed out to meet us on the patio. We went inside and introduced ourselves. The building lacked airconditioning and basic furniture. Despite this, the girls seemed to be well taken care of and happy. Their hobbies included everything other typical young girls endulged in...boys, music, dance, and journals. They all wanted to know if we had boyfriends and how old we were. At first I didn't see how this was community service, but I realized when we were leaving that hanging out with these girls was special for them. Their school is upstairs and their classmates are their housemates, so you can imagine that meeting new people is exciting for them.
For dinner that night my roommates and I decided to go to McDonnalds at the Malacon. The Malacon is a boardwalk that contains parks for the kids, shops, an imax theatre, and great scenery. McDonnalds made me feel like I was back at home. I ordered a double cheeseburger with fries and a coke. Everything was fine with the exeption of the cheeseburger. For some reason it tasted realy salty and about half way through I couldn't finish it. I didn't get sick, I just think maybe Ecuadorian people like realy salty meats.?