March 2018 Place of Hope Update
Donations are needed for Place of Hope.
Donations received in February and March were not the usual income to meet a food budget of $1,100 per month. We are feeding breakfast to a minimum of 45, and up to 65 people, Monday thru Friday. Of course, Easter week was an increase of meals. We appreciate your donations and that your generosity will continue.
Our people enjoying the Fanesca soup, an Easter tradition in Ecuador.
Easter Tradition
An Easter tradition, Fanesca soup is only served during Holy Week and on Easter. It is time consuming to prepare, made with squash, pumpkin, several types of beans, peas, corn, onions, potatoes, herbs and milk. Each serving bowl is garnished with slices of hard-boiled eggs, avocado, fried plantains, grated cheese and home made fritters.
Our volunteers, two breakfast cooks and women who eat at the kitchen all pitched in to help for two mornings to prepare this Easter tradition soup. Sixty-three people were waiting outside for a couple of hours to eat Fanesca. It was a good time to communicate with each other, shuck beans, crochet and participate in other hobbies.
(The man with the machete was working in our vegetable garden before our late breakfast.)
Health Update
On March 15, our wonderful Doctor and Nurses examined quite a few people. They received several types of treatments including acupuncture. Of course, their medical needs were met. Two people received donated glasses.
Ongoing Fundraiser
Our small store, at the Solid Rock Plaza is open on Thursdays, from 9:30 to 12:30. We accept items of clothing, shoes, and kitchen ware and anything we can sell to generate funds for Place of Hope. Last week we had two large speakers donated – sold within one hour.
If you live in Cotacachi, we would appreciate your donations. We plan this to be an ongoing fund raiser. We take clothing to Place of Hope if it is suitable for our people. Thursdays are shower days and we try to provide a set of clothing if available. We are always in need of Indigenous clothing.
Get Ready for Fun
La Banda TIME performed at LaTola, our local restaurant on March 24th. Weather was not cooperative. We had an electrical storm, rain and the power was out for two hours. However, power came back just in time to perform. Many people did not show because of the weather – but we still had a great time dancing and listening to the wonderful music. They perform again on April 28, for all you people living in Cotacachi.
On April 28th, bring your dancin’ shoes and enjoy La Banda performing at La Tola!
Our famous Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for June 2nd. Come and enjoy great food, music by TIME and prizes to raffle. More information will be posted in May. Mark your calendar.
Thank you for your continued support. This is much appreciated. If you care to make a visit, just send me an email or contact one of our volunteers.
Micky Enright
Founder of Ecuador Project Hope