😊
Return of the Gringos
Ecuador Guayaquil South Mission Humanitarian Trips.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
ADOPT-A-MISSIONARY
Help needed! We have 21 missionaries we are hoping to provide mission clothes for. 3 have been "adopted"-- (meaning a family or ward or group has committed to collect just the specific needs of that missionary.) There are donations trickling in... but there's a lot of clothing we still need if we are going to pull this off. Last time Mr Mac would sell clothing for this at their missionary discount. New and gently used clothing, shoes and belts -- all in small/medium sizes will be a blessing for these young Ecuadorians. There are many ways to donate to this. Heather (801)726-5698, feel free to call/text with any questions. 😊
😊
ADD-ON SERVICE PROJECT OPPORTUNITY
We have an add-on service project that needs volunteers at the OSSO orphanage in Cuenca (3.5 hrs away from Guayaquil). We are unable to facilitate it during the service days (Mon, June 26-Th, June 29), but if there's enough interest we can help organize a bus ($8 pp each way) either before the Saturday temple day on June 22nd or 23rd or after on Fri, June 30th.
PROJECT:
•Building a small wood gazebo canopy and installing a playground at the OSSO orphanage.
NEED:
•Level the area, dig holes for the new equipment setting, pour cement, construct the swing and put together the equipment.
•Help transporting playground equipment down to Ecuador. Could be a dozen or so parts.
•Building a small wood gazebo canopy and installing a playground at the OSSO orphanage.
NEED:
•Level the area, dig holes for the new equipment setting, pour cement, construct the swing and put together the equipment.
•Help transporting playground equipment down to Ecuador. Could be a dozen or so parts.
Please email Daphne daphnenblanchard@gmail.com if you have an interest in helping with this project. In your reply, indicate whether the days before or after are better for you. We need a reply asap to see if we can commit to help with this project or not.
Kent Jorgensen who lives in Cuenca is overseeing this project. I can put you in touch with him if you have any questions or need clarification.
Saludos,
Daphne
Daphne
EFY: Ecuador for Youth
Half our trip participants are youth! We will be organizing the kids 14-17 into 4 groups that will rotate through four different service projects at 3 different sites. They will have an EFY counselor to make sure they are safe, put to work, and having fun. Hopefully this has been explained to you, but if this is news to you and you would like more info please message Wendy Smith,Candece Hadley Daphne, or Abe. EFY was a huge success last year thanks to our energetic counselors and leaders. We are so lucky to have Wendy and Candece leading the effort again! And we're really excited to welcome our new counselors!
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
FAQs:
TRIP DATE:
June
24 – June 29 (Many people are arriving June 23rd and staying after the 29th to
vacation)
FLIGHTS:
The
service takes place in Guayaquil, Ecuador so the Guayaquil International
Airport (GYE) is the ideal airport to fly into.
If you plan to travel to Quito after the service days, it may be a good
idea to fly home from Quito. It is a
7.5-hour drive or a domestic flight to get back to Guayaquil.
*Note:
In the past an exit tax has been required for each traveller that is paid
separately from your flight ticket. According to EcuadorTravel.info,
that fee is $25.
IMMUNIZATIONS:
The
easiest way to get all the vaccines you need is to go to your health department
and tell them you are traveling to Ecuador.
Unless you plan to go to the jungle, you do not need Yellow Fever or
Malaria vaccines. Hepititis A and Typhoid
are recommended because those diseases are spread through contaminated
food/water. The water in Ecuador is
still not purified countrywide. In
restaurants and hotels, you will most likely be fine…but beware of holes in the
wall, street vendors, and well-meaning home-cooked meals. Click on this link
to the CDC website for more info.
SERVICE PROJECTS:
1. Upgrades/repairs to a local
school (Adding ceiling and
fans to classrooms, painting school, adding cover over courtyard)
2.
Repairs to FAHUM’s Community/Tutoring Center
3.
Dental Treatment for children & future missionaries
4.
Dental Hygiene Education/Waiting Room Craft
5.
Home upgrades for 2 elderly widows
HOTEL DETAILS:
FRI
6/23 Guayaquil Temple (If we serve
there on Saturday, we can stay on the grounds for a few dollars. Men & women separated into dorms)
·
Temple
is 2.3 miles away from the airport, a short taxi ride 10 minutes tops.
• Temple
Address - Calle
6ta y Avenida Rodrigo Chávez González Principado de las Lomas Urdesa Norte,
Guayaquil
•
SAT
6/24 – THUR 6/29 Courtyard Marriott, Guayaquil
·
Avenida Francisco de Orellana 236, Guayquil
Located in Francisco de Orellana Av, a new commercial
area, just five minutes from the airport and within walking distance to fine
restaurants, shopping malls and business buildings.
Ø
Go
to this link to
reserve your rooms at a discounted rate ASAP!
TRIP SCHEDULE: (to be finalized)
FRI 6/23 (PM) or SAT 6/24 (AM) – Arrive at Temple or Marriott Hotel
(You are responsible for
securing transportation from airport to temple/hotel *see above)
SAT 6/24 - Baptisms for the dead (early afternoon)
Fireside (evening)
SUN 6/25 – Attend ward of your choice
Fireside and Adopt-a-Missionary (evening)
Mandatory meeting for all (after fireside)
MON 6/26 - THURS 6/29 – Service Days
FRI 6/30 - Vacation! Everyone goes
their separate ways to tour the country or travel home (most stay the weekend
to tour Cuenca or Quito areas)
MONEY:
Personally,
we bring a credit card, a debit (there are ATMs to get cash), and some cash,
just to be safe. Ecuador currency is the
dollar so no need to exchange. Tip:
split your cards and $ up among husband/wife in case of loss or theft. Keep a
record of card numbers and photo copies of passports tucked away just in case.
STAYING HEALTHY:
Water
is still not purified countrywide so you’ll need to be careful so you don’t get
sick. In the nicer restaurants and
hotels you are fine to just order off the menu.
Be more cautious in holes in the wall and off the streets. Rule of thumb: boil it, peel it, bake it, or
forget it! If it comes in a sealed wrapper, it’s fine. If it’s scooped from a 5
gallon bucket, hmmm….
STAYING IN CONTACT ON THE TRIP:
In Ecuador communicating:
Option
#1: Bring an unlocked phone with a SIM card slot and buy a pre-paid SIM card in
Ecuador.
Option
#2: Buy a cheap phone and DIM card with minutes in Ecuador
Option
#3: Contact your cell phone carrier about a 1-month international plan
Contacting the U.S.
Int'l
plan or turn off data & use your phone in wifi like an iPod
DRIVING DISTANCES:
Guayaquil
to Cuenca 3.5 hrs
Guayaquil
to Quito 7.5 hrs
POTENTIAL TOURING LOCATIONS:
Ø
Cuenca, European city in the Andes. Highly recommend if you’ve never been. The drive from Guayaquil to Cuenca takes you
through Cajas
National Park, a journey through several landscapes.
Ø
Quito, foothills of the Andes and capital of Ecuador. Near Otavalo’s
traditional Saturday market (must see).
Ø
Baños,
waterfall and lush greenery
Ø
Puyo and the Orient, up close and personal with the jungle and
sleeping in a cabana at Flor
de Canela Lodge
VACATION HOTEL SUGGESTIONS:
Please
everyone add to this list
Otavalo
(near Quito) - La Posada del Quinde,
walking distance form Saturday market
Cuenca
- Alejandrina Hotel
Puyo
– Flor de Canela lodge
DON’T FORGET:
•
Passport
(must not expire within 6 months of return flight)
•
Temple
Recommend
•
Youth
Temple Recommend
STAYING IN THE KNOW:
Ø Facebook page –
MBMS Humanitarian Ecuador Trip 2017
Ø Return of the Gringos blog
Ø Reply to informational emails
It’s
going to be great! Please share
questions, comments, concerns!
Saludos!
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Friday, July 22, 2016
ECUADOR TRIP DATE ANNOUNCED!
June 23-30, 2017
If you haven't confirmed with Abe yet, get on the attendee list by emailing him at abecubano@gmail.com
Planning is in full swing. A scouting team will be heading to Ecuador in September to assess where we can do the most good. More info to come. Until then...start saving and MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Monday, June 23, 2014
A little light reading..
If you want to get excited (as if you aren't already), read the article published on lds.org about our previous trip.
https://www.lds.org/church/news/former-missionaries-return-to-ecuador-to-serve-twenty-years-later?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/church/news/former-missionaries-return-to-ecuador-to-serve-twenty-years-later?lang=eng
Baggage Policy on COPA Airlines
 | ||||
**24 kg = 50.7 lbs.
Restricted periods
The following regulations apply to boxes, items that exceed size or weight limitations or are in excess of the baggage allowance during the periods indicated below:
|
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Travel Insurance
For those who are interested in travel insurance, here's a link to one we have used before.
http://www.gringosabroad.com/travelinsurance
Quick story: Janae came to visit us and within minutes of stepping away from the car, everything in the car was stolen--ALL HER LUGGAGE!. Thanks to travel insurance she was able to recoup her losses with only a little out of pocket. Just something to think about...
We are not requiring it, and if you want it it is your responsibility to get it and pay for it. But we wanted to take the research out of it and make it easy for you. :)
http://www.gringosabroad.com/travelinsurance
Quick story: Janae came to visit us and within minutes of stepping away from the car, everything in the car was stolen--ALL HER LUGGAGE!. Thanks to travel insurance she was able to recoup her losses with only a little out of pocket. Just something to think about...
We are not requiring it, and if you want it it is your responsibility to get it and pay for it. But we wanted to take the research out of it and make it easy for you. :)
Vaccinations
Hopefully you already have your passports in hand and you can now focus on vaccinations. The best way to be properly covered for a trip to South America is to visit the CDC website on Ecuador http://www.cdc.gov/ and to ask your local health department what you will need.
Some things I've learned:
Typhoid vaccine - Guards you against Typhoid Fever that can be spread through contaminated food or water. There are 2 options, an injection or a series of pills. Both need to be done 2 weeks BEFORE you leave. More details at http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/typhoid_fever/
Sadly, the water in Ecuador is not yet safe to drink so you need to be careful. Buy bottled water, avoid risky food and drink and remember: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
Yellow Fever Vaccine - Yellow fever is found in tropical areas in South America and many airlines will require you to have the vaccine before boarding the plane if you are traveling to at-risk areas (such as the Orient.) Call your airlines and check out this link http://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/ to be sure. Twice we have been denied getting on a flight for not having it so they are very serious about it. You must bring the yellow fever card as proof (not a copy or picture of it) if it is required.
ASAP Take your family and vaccination cards to the health department and ask them what you are missing. With the nurse you can decide what your family needs depending on your travel itinerary. (Note: I have been able to get some vaccinations from our doctor's office, but always end up at the health department for typhoid and yellow fever.)
Typhoid vaccine - Guards you against Typhoid Fever that can be spread through contaminated food or water. There are 2 options, an injection or a series of pills. Both need to be done 2 weeks BEFORE you leave. More details at http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/typhoid_fever/
Sadly, the water in Ecuador is not yet safe to drink so you need to be careful. Buy bottled water, avoid risky food and drink and remember: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."
Yellow Fever Vaccine - Yellow fever is found in tropical areas in South America and many airlines will require you to have the vaccine before boarding the plane if you are traveling to at-risk areas (such as the Orient.) Call your airlines and check out this link http://www.cdc.gov/yellowfever/ to be sure. Twice we have been denied getting on a flight for not having it so they are very serious about it. You must bring the yellow fever card as proof (not a copy or picture of it) if it is required.
ASAP Take your family and vaccination cards to the health department and ask them what you are missing. With the nurse you can decide what your family needs depending on your travel itinerary. (Note: I have been able to get some vaccinations from our doctor's office, but always end up at the health department for typhoid and yellow fever.)
Ecuador bounders - It's time to get together again...
Where: Frank's Home
When: June 28th @ 4pm
What: Please RSVP to Abe with a head count. He will send out food assignments later- if there is a special dish you would like to bring, send Abe the info along with your head count.
Who: Entire family, especially teenagers attending, and future teenagers attending EFY 2017 (Ecuador For Youth)
Why: Get a status update on service projects, an excuse to get together, Plan PACKING PARTY IN JULY!!!!
Looking for reports from:
Heather and Sharla - Missionary adoption Update
McKinley Mullins - Tutoring Center Supplies
Brayden Mayo - Chicken Coops
Troy - Dental Update
Todd Hadley - Medical Update
Wendy Smith- EFY 2014!!
Abe - Tutoring Center , Education, and Logistics
Look forward to seeing all of you!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Ecuador Trip Meeting-May 10th
When: Saturday, May 10 @ 4pm
Where: Abrahm's residence (Abe will be sending an email with more info)
Who: Everyone who is going on the trip
What will be discussed:
Where: Abrahm's residence (Abe will be sending an email with more info)
Who: Everyone who is going on the trip
What will be discussed:
- Team assignments (where you'll be and what you'll be doing in Ecuador)
- Special Projects
- Needs and fund raising
- Ideas for Eagle Scout Projects or Personal Progress Projects
- Update about the progress of the trip
- Question and Answer about the trip
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
ECUADOR UPDATE!
Hey gang! Exciting news!
We have 44 adults and 33 youth confirmed for the trip. We are officially closed. If you missed this trip, don't worry, we're doing it again in 2017!
Troy and Abe are reserving HOTEL accommodations for everyone at a discounted rate. Do NOT make any hotel reservations July 18-July 25*. The cost of accommodations will be coming shortly as soon as it is confirmed. Email Abe any changes if necessary.
Fri, July 18 - Guayaquil Temple Guest House http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/guayaquil/
Sat, July 19 - Fri, July 25 - Oro Verde Hotel http://www.oroverdehotels.com/
*Any travel accommodations after the 25th will be up to you to reserve.
Coming up:
Meeting beginning of May to organized team assignments and project leaders.
We have 44 adults and 33 youth confirmed for the trip. We are officially closed. If you missed this trip, don't worry, we're doing it again in 2017!
Troy and Abe are reserving HOTEL accommodations for everyone at a discounted rate. Do NOT make any hotel reservations July 18-July 25*. The cost of accommodations will be coming shortly as soon as it is confirmed. Email Abe any changes if necessary.
Fri, July 18 - Guayaquil Temple Guest House http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/guayaquil/
Sat, July 19 - Fri, July 25 - Oro Verde Hotel http://www.oroverdehotels.com/
*Any travel accommodations after the 25th will be up to you to reserve.
Coming up:
Meeting beginning of May to organized team assignments and project leaders.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Things are moving along...
*We had a very successful and fun BBQ/planning meeting last month! Thanks again to Ammon and Kristin for opening your home, and for everyone making the trip to be there.
*The hotel for July 19-24 is being arranged as we speak. We will be staying as a group on these dates at a discounted rate and the rest of the days you will be in charge of arranging your own accommodations. We will let you know when we have more detail on cost. (Note: Many are planning on staying at the Guayaquil Temple on Saturday the 18th to do some temple work the next day. Don't forget to put recommends-adults and kids- on the list of what what to bring.)
*Thank you to those who are sending Abe your flight itineraries-keep them coming as you book! If you haven't already, shoot him a quick email at abecubano@gmail.com with the following info:
1. Who is attending the trip to Ecuador
2. Names and ages of youth who are accompanying you
3. Best way to contact you
4. Email
5. Cell number
*We are so excited, we have almost 30 youth (14-18) going this year! More info to come about how we will be organizing everyone into teams.
*Don't forget: it takes longer to get a passport the closer you get to summer. I know- we paid the expediting fee once for 6 passports-ugh!
*If you would like to post something and don't have the login info, just send a quick email to Daphne at daph@prolook.com telling me what you want to say.
*The hotel for July 19-24 is being arranged as we speak. We will be staying as a group on these dates at a discounted rate and the rest of the days you will be in charge of arranging your own accommodations. We will let you know when we have more detail on cost. (Note: Many are planning on staying at the Guayaquil Temple on Saturday the 18th to do some temple work the next day. Don't forget to put recommends-adults and kids- on the list of what what to bring.)
*Thank you to those who are sending Abe your flight itineraries-keep them coming as you book! If you haven't already, shoot him a quick email at abecubano@gmail.com with the following info:
1. Who is attending the trip to Ecuador
2. Names and ages of youth who are accompanying you
3. Best way to contact you
4. Email
5. Cell number
*We are so excited, we have almost 30 youth (14-18) going this year! More info to come about how we will be organizing everyone into teams.
*Don't forget: it takes longer to get a passport the closer you get to summer. I know- we paid the expediting fee once for 6 passports-ugh!
*If you would like to post something and don't have the login info, just send a quick email to Daphne at daph@prolook.com telling me what you want to say.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Hey gang,
It’s time to get cranking! Ammon and Kristin Jones have graciously offered their home for our Ecuador planning meeting dinner.
Date: February 21st
Time: 6pm
Location: Ammon’s home (see your email for address)
Food to Bring: Please bring a main dish or side dish. RSVP to Abe and let us know what you will be bringing.
Between now and then we need some information sent to abecubano@gmail.com:
- Who is attending the trip to Ecuador
- If your kids are going – their names and ages
- Best way to contact you
- Cell Number
*As you make flight arrangements, please send them to Abe.
See you there!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Most Recent Itinerary for Ecuador 2014!
We know with baseball, family trips, swimming lessons and that pesky work...you probably aren't too worried about this yet. But those who like to plan ahead may want to start looking at flights-- so here's what we've got planned so far.
Friday- July 18th
Travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador
Saturday- July 19th
10am-12 pm Temple session as a group
12:00 pm Lunch w/ Temple President
2:00 pm- Parque de Iguanas, Bahía, Downtown
6:00 pm Fireside
9:00 pm Dinner @ La Parrilla del Ñato
Sunday-July 20th
TBA Church-Any ward you want.
7:00pm Mission Reunion with local comps/Mission President of Guayaquil South to speak to us
8:00pm Organizational Meeting (All need to attend that are serving)
Monday –Thursday July 21st–24th
Service Days
Teams:
- Dental
- Medical
- Construction
- Education
Friday-July 25th and on…
VACATION TIME!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
***DATE CHANGE***
The Ecuador service trip date has changed to JULY 19-24, 2014
NEW (basic) ITINERARY:
Sat, JULY 19 Meet and serve at Guayaquil Temple
Mon-Thurs, JULY 21-24 Service Days
We hope the change doesn't cause too much inconvenience. Plans are moving forward for DENTAL services and education, MEDICAL services and training, and the construction of a recreational area for the TUTORING CENTER! We're getting excited!
Monday, April 29, 2013
BBQ/SWIM PARTY!
Crazy - we are almost 1 year out to our next service trip to Ecuador! The Abrams have kindly offered their home to host our BBQ/Swim party!
Where: Abrams' Residence
When: June 8th, 2013 @ 6pm
What: Please RSVP with a head count. I will send out food assignments later- if there is a special dish you would like to bring let me know.
Who: Entire family
Why: Another excuse for a party (And we will discuss the 2014 Ecuador projects)
(email daph@prolook.com for address, directions, and food assignment)
For those of you who need to calendar a year in advance, here are the basic trip dates.
Humanitarian Trip 2014 Itinerary: (Tentative)
Friday- June 6th, 2014
TRAVEL to GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
Saturday- June 7th
10am-12 pm Temple session as a group
12:00 pm Lunch w/ Temple President
2:00 pm- Parque de Iguanas, Bahía, Downtown
6:00 pm Fireside
9:00 pm Dinner @ La Parrilla del Ñato
Sunday-June 8th
Church- Any ward you want.
7:00pm Mission Reunion with local comps/Mission President of Guayaquil South to speak to us
8:00pm Organizational meeting (All need to attend that are serving.)
Monday -Thursday
Service Days
Friday-June 13th and on…
VACATION TIME!
See you guys on June 8th!
Monday, April 15, 2013
50 KIDS SPONSORED!
Thanks to our group's donations and efforts we are able to send 50 kids to school in April. There are more fundraisers in progress as we speak through Humanity Corps and we project that 80 children will be able to attend school this year. That's 30 more than last year! We are filling the tutoring center that we worked so hard to complete. Now that's what I call sustainable aid. Thanks everyone!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
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