Day 5: Service, Adventure and Dancing

January 8, 2011

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired."  - Mother Theresa

By: Jaime Lee

What another great day! The group woke up tired, but the breakfast at 7 A.M., a more traditional dish of fried egg, peanut sauce, and plantains, provided some greatly needed energy. Although work this morning was delayed by some rain, the skies quickly cleared and we once again headed towards the Yachana Technical High School. Our task was to reconstruct the stairs that led to the school by removing the old wooden slabs, leveling each step, and then placing new slabs of wood with various shovels and hammers. The group separated in to three sections, each of which focused on a portion of the 180 steps. While we were working, students of the high school periodically began to arrive back to Yachana from their two-week winter break. As they walked up the stairs we were working on, we could tell they were excited to be back at school with their friends, just as much as we’re excited to meet and work with them in the next couple of days to come. We finished with a little time to spare for a couple of the members to take a refreshing dip in the river with their work clothes on.

The group heading to the stairs to begin work.

Tearing up the old stairs.

Replacing the wood planks on the new leveled stairs.

Aashish, Jamie, Regina, and Stephanie taking a much needed break to pose for the camera!

Celine and Stacy making sure the steps are just right.

Damaris washing out her muddy gloves in the stream.

As you probably know by now, we all look forward to each of the meals here in Yachana and today’s lunch was no let down, especially the caramelized fried bananas that were for dessert. For our afternoon activities, Robert introduced us to two of the many unique things the Amazon has to offer. The Hoatzin bird, which is only found in the Ecuador area, is a 100% vegetarian bird that has some very interesting characteristics. We were also able to visit a kapok tree that was across the river from Yachana. We couldn’t take our eyes off of its enormous size. The Kapok tree is a special aspect of the culture which the natives believe has a spiritual connection with all people, animals, and plants as its height overlooks the canopy and its roots spread nearly 100 meters in distance underneath the ground. At the tree, we shared a special moment with a few of the native children when they suggested that we each hold hands and circle around the circumference of the great kapok tree.

Robert leading the way on the Napo.

Robert giving a lesson on the Hoatzin Bird and pointing them out in the trees.

Hoatzin Birds up in the Rainforest trees.

The group with local children in front of the HUGE Kapok tree.

The Kapok Tree.

It took 16 adults and 4 children to circle the entire Kapok Tree!

Marcos swinging from a vine.

Robert hooked Adam up with a new look to get a laugh out of the group!

Robert taking us back to the lodge after our jungle adventure.

The children caught a ride back to their community with us on the canoe.

After another delicious dinner, we were treated to a dance performed by several of the students from the high school. A few of our own (Demaris, Nick, Adam, Michael and Lillian) also joined the festivities and each partnered up with one of the students to take the stage with some dancing.

Traditional dance by students at the high school.

Lillian showing off her dance moves.

Before calling it a night, during our nightly reflection, we each shared a time where we were personally challenged during the trip so far and what then motivated us to continue moving forward in addition to the highlight of our day. It was an encouraging time of sharing and we all look forward to what tomorrow has to offer!

Aashish and Nick thinking about the daily quote during reflection (quote at top of blog).