Thursday

The planes certainly did not wake up the guys today and it a little more difficult to get them out of bed. This morning, we had a tour of central Quito, but first we went to a third part of the Center called Gota de Leche (or drop of milk). This center is where mothers can bring their infant children for medical exams and to obtain milk. It is also where the basic classes for Center 1 are held, so we had the chance to visit several classes.

After our short visit, we headed to the basilica which is an amazing church. The most amazing part was that we were able to climb up into the towers (not all of us were enthralled with the height). Let´s just say it was not an experience that could be repeated in the United States. The photos will tell the story when we return to the U.S. as no words can really do it justice!

From the basilica, we walked through the historic center of Quito, considered one of the best examples of colonial architecture remaining in Latin America. We visited the Jesuit´s church downtown. The walls and ceiling are covered with gold leaf (120 pounds worth). Unfortuately, we could not take pictures inside the church. The attic is where Padre John founded the Working Boys Center in 1964. After the tour, we then walked to Center 1 where we had lunch and then began our work for the day. Several of the guys "volunteered" to continue painting in the bathroom, while the rest spent the afternoon shadowing the volunteers im their classes. This afternoon, the boys were out in the streets working, whether shining shoes or selling their wares. It was the girl´s turn to make crafts such as cord bracelets and rosaries, sewing, crocheting, picture frames and cookies (we seemingly bought almost of the cookies which brought many smiles to the faces of the girls). The guys also tried their hands at making the rope bracelets, some with more success than others. The girls, for their own safety, are not permitted to go into the streets to sell their crafts, so they count on the volunteers, workers at the Center and visitors such as us to buys from them. The money they make goes into the accounts that each of the families keeps at the Center.

Everything at the Center is free for the 2000 families who participate in its programs - and the whole family must be involved. It costs $2.50 (yes that´s two dollars and fifty cents) per person for three meals, classes, medical services, etc... that is provided for them. We have quickly learned that the Center is not about charity - it is about economic and educational development for these families to help them help themselves out of poverty.