Visit with Vanessa

After our language class yesterday, we were picked up at our school by Children's International, a non-profit organization that my Bubbie sponsors a child through. Her name is Vanessa Aleman Cartuche, 16 years old now. Bubbie has been sponsoring her for 8 years now, a good deed she began when my grandfather died in 2001.

We had the meeting all arranged from the States and were in contact with Children's Int'l Kansas City office. Bubbie got a letter in the mail explaining how we were to contact Children's Int'l in Quito, and cell phone numbers for staff here.

Pedro Diaz was the staff person that organized our Sponsor to Child visit. He's in his late 20's and has family in Texas, but grew up in a small town in Ecuador.

Pedro called Vanessa's town as La Luna de Pobres -- The Moon of The Poor. It's a suburb located in South Quito, in the hills above the city.

When we got there, the road of stylized cinder blocks continued only 50 yards from the main highway. We were pleased to see amongst the shanty-esque houses that are typical in Ecuador, a small single story building with a Children's International sign on it. Lots of children were waiting outside, and we were escorted in to take a tour.

Vanessa was waiting patiently for us inside. We met her and vaguely recognized her from a picture my Bubbie gave me that we kept with us. The first thing she did was hug us. I pulled out from my backpack a picture of Bubbie that I printed to give her, and the care package of jewelery, a hankercheif, and some Snickers (Bubbie has a big sweet tooth if you didn't know).

Pedro Diaz took us around the building with Vanessa, showing us the library, computer room (4 computers - mainly for the sponsored children in the town), and a doctor/dentist office - one doctor, who was giving a kid an annual teeth cleaning.

We followed Vanessa to the classroom/library, and there we met her teacher, mom, and sister. We got to sit down with Vanessa and her mom, and Pedro Diaz was able to translate what Lauren and I couldn't understand, or couldn't figure out how to say in Spanish. Vanessa seemed to know a bit of English, but was a bit embarrased to try, as we were a bit embarrased to try Spanish. Amongst the barriers, we were able to have a meaningful conversation and learn a bit about eachother.

Vanessa is obsessed with John Travolta and Marilyn Monroe (she sported a 50's sweater) and is has been a good student all the way through schooling, as her parents are very supporting and pushing to achieve more than what they were raised with (something not very common with parents as Pedro explained). Vanessa is now in the secondary part of her highschool education, which is optional, and is studying mathematics and physics. Her mom is a full time mother, with one of her sisters being deaf, and her dad is a locksmith. She wants to go to LA and meet the stars (as we all do I suppose).

In summary, our visit was very special, for all of us. We hugged and they couldn't be greatful enough for supporting their family, something Lauren and I couldn't take responsibilty for, but which we will convey to Bubbie. Lauren and I were just stoked to meet some locals and catch a peak into Ecuadorian life. It was a great coincidence that our first destination was where Vanessa lived, and we are greatful to Bubbie for having us deliver the gift to her. If anybody appreciates pictures, it's Bubbie, and I can't to show her pictures of our visit. It will mean a lot to her.

Love,
Andy