Greetings Parents, Friends, and other loved ones of Cotopaxi, Ecuador,

We are closing out the summer with amazing memories and a general feeling of success. The Volunteers this year have been incredible and it showed through during our final youth encuentros (workshops). Volunteers and community youth shared presentations based on what they have learned this summer. There was a fabulous mix of plays, puppet-shows, dances, songs, and storytelling. All of the great presentations were followed up with delicious food, and some traditional large group dancing. One of the highlights was a puppet-show about the history of a community. The Volunteers were able to completely engage the young people who put on the show, as well as the audience. We also had a tremendous amount of fundraising in various communities through movie nights and bake sales.

With the summer coming to a close it is a great time to reflect on the time we have all spent here, the challenges everyone has faced, and the many ways we have all grown. It has been a fantastic summer, with a great “movin-shakin” group of Volunteers on the ground. They have done a great job setting an example for future Volunteers.

In the next few days, Volunteers will be busy finishing their CBIs with community members, wrapping up their summer camps, and saying goodbye to their new friends and families. Soon we will be spending three fun-filled days in Quito, visiting the equator, markets, and historical parks. Then everyone will be traveling home to share incredible stories in person.

Congratulations!

Chao