Reflections on the Expedition

The July 2009 Ascend Expedition was a success and an amazing experience for all who attended. I may be venturing into the territory of artistic license in making that claim for everyone, but I'm certain that no one would disagree.

We worked together on a variety of projects:

• English Classes
• Reproductive Health/Prevention Classes
• Workshops on Better Utilization of Local Crops
• Cooking Classes
• Medical Campaign
• Construction of an Oven
• Construction of a New School Building
• Construction of a Playground
• Restoration of a Classroom
• Arts and Crafts Workshops (Including a Puppet Show)
• Wall Mural

We also experienced a fascinating cultural exchange with the people of Galte San Juan and Miraloma, the two communities where the expedition took place. I personally spent a lot of time facilitating communication during the projects. Kichwa (a dialect of Quechua) is the first language for most rural residents of the Chimborazo province, meaning that Spanish comes in second. Despite the fact that we all had to meet halfway and communicate in our second languages, the level of understanding remained high as we all worked together towards a common goal: improving the quality of live for the people of Galte San Juan and Miraloma.

I'd also like to take this chance to thank all of the expedition participants. It was very heartwarming to see a group of fellow Americans who are conscious of the reality and needs of others, and furthermore, willing to donate their time, hearts and minds to assist folks in need. I speak of behalf of all of us here at Ascend Alliance when I say that we are very thankful that this wonderful group of friends chose to dedicate themselves to serve with Ascend. We hope to work with you all again in the near future.




The Park City Five

Being part of this expedition was especially inspiring because it was carried out in memory of 5 very special people. I was very moved by the way the families and friends of these children who tragically passed away were able to come together and make something so incredibly positive out of such a difficult loss.

In 2008, five young graduates of Park City High School (ages 17-20) tragically died between the months of February and September. These five students had the opportunity to attend a great high school and it was their parents’ wish that a school be built in their memory in another area of the world where it is desperately needed. The Park City 5 Memorial Fund was established to raise money to build a sister-school in Riobamba, Ecuador. The fund also offers 5 annual scholarships to distribute to PCHS students who may wish to travel to Ecuador to help build the school and work with the local population. The building of this school will not only benefit the children of Ecuador but the students of PCHS who will maintain an on-going relationship with the school and a general cultural and language exchange.

Please visit the Park City Five website to learn more: http://parkcity5.blogspot.com/

Galte San Juan/Miraloma, Chimborazo, Ecuador. July 2009. (Photos: Caleb Braley)