When I walked through the doors of the orphanage, it was like stepping into a Dickens novel. If we visualize our poor in the cities and then visualize a situation twice as bad, you will have a picture of the conditions at the orphanage.
At San Vincente de Paul orphanage they have more than 70 children ranging from ages 2-16 and over 35 infants. They have three large rooms with row upon row of babies. There are only a few helpers for all these babies, and each baby’s day consists of lying in a bed with a bottle propped against the crib.
When Cara Howell, a University of Montana-Missoula student, and I walked into House 5 where we were assigned the little ones ran to us. They wanted to be held and not put down. The other children, regardless of age, wanted to be as close to us as they could get. They are starved for human contact and love. The few Sisters who care for these children are too busy doing the essential chores that need to be done.
What struck me hard was the lack of books, paper, and toys for these children. A typical day here consists of chores, such as washing their clothes in a concrete tub with a bar of soap in cold water. Then hanging them on the rooftop, later they just wander around their house. They have nothing to help stimulate their minds or to play with to keep them active.
In House 5 the refrigerator is broken, and they continually have spoiled food, which makes the children sick. I asked Sister Rosa, the nun who takes care of the house, what she felt they needed most. She pleaded for a refrigerator and a few Christmas lights. The Christmas lights would be the sum of their Christmas.
I will only be here a few more weeks. I would like to appeal to you for your help. Any money raised will be sent over to me before I leave so that I may personally purchase and deliver them to these children, rather than have the funds get lost in administrative bureaucracy.
Donations can be made out to Betty Ann Morgan – Orphanage Charity, and dropped off at The Petal Pusher or McKay Real Estate.
After “love,” the word “help” is the most beautiful verb in the world.
Morgan Returns From Ecuador
A HOLIDAY MIRACLE…… “Gracias, Gracias,” came the shouts and smiles from the children at the San Vincent de Paul Orphanage in Quito, Ecuador, Betty Ann Morgan said.
The response to my article in The Havre Daily News asking for help for the children at the orphanage was overwhelming. I have never felt more humble and proud to live in the Havre area. We had donations come from Havre, Big Sandy, Lloyd and Cut Bank, totaling approximately $2,700.
I was able to purchase and deliver the following items to House No. 5 at the orphanage. A new refrigerator, new TV, VCR, movies, a large blanket for them to sit on (they have no furniture), clothes and toys wrapped for Christmas, a Christmas tree with lights, and many extra essentials they were lacking such as, soap, shampoo, tooth paste, and other things.
Sister Rosa cried as she said "I always dreamed of a Miracle like this happening. There are not enough words to thank you." You gave Christmas to many children that would not have had one.
The need is great for these abandoned children in Ecuador. I am organizing a non-profit foundation dedicated to funding the needs of these orphans. This foundation will also have a program that will enable those that are interested in volunteering for two or three weeks at the orphanage in Quito with me next year. We hope to accumulate information on the adoption laws and procedures from this country.
With sincere thanks, and a Blessed Holiday, Betty Ann Morgan
Adventure Life will have more information on the San Vincente Orphanage in the coming months. You may also call us for additional information on the orphanage, as well as Ecuador tours that will allow for travel to the orphange.
Cruse ship was great. Fantastic food and service. Cruise itinary got changed so not what we expected, but not an major issue. Japan portion was great. Drivers/guides arranged by 80 Days were great. Hotels were mostly ok. Did not know that most hotels outside of major cities do not allow shoes to be worn in the hotel. again a minor inconvenience. Overall a great trip. Adventure Life communications were timely and much appreciated as far as changes/requests.
Peter Goff
1 day ago
We were a group of three that initiated our research by independently searching for the best agency to help us in the somewhat complex experience of traveling to the Galapagos. We chose adventure life because they were the most responsive in the website provided the most comprehensive overview of the trip. Their reviews were also very good.
Adventure, life splits up its booking process in two parts. First Jeff, the booking agent helped us decide which experience best suited are interests. We chose a small 14 to 16 group sized yacht. Once the booking was made with Jeff, we were handed off to Coleene, who oversaw the complex process of assembling all of the necessary documents and making sure we had everything we needed to make the trip go smoothly. The adventure, life website, then becomes your personal place of reference for all things related to your trip from door to door. It’s a lot of information to assemble, especially for three travelers, but the website makes it easy and Colleen‘s gentle reminders kept us on track. In all, from the beginning, we had four months from the time we started our research till the time we departed. We felt that was, a good amount of preparation time and don’t think it would be wise to do it in less than four months. Mostly because I think you have more options with that amount of time. There were others on our trip that took six months and more from the time they started planning.
The trip itself was outstanding. We ended up on an excellent yacht (Galapagos Angel II) with a great group of guests that we were able to connect with and put together a really nice google photos album to share.
Jed
1 week ago
Mary was very helpful. Quick to reply with helpful information and closure on arrangements.
Nicola Maxwell
1 week ago
Mary Curry and Elma are always so responsive and nice to deal with.
Michael
1 week ago
I enjoyed working with Jess to put together a private N.Z. trip. Jess has been my go-to person at Adventure Life over the past several years. She listens to what my husband and I want in a trip, and is always responsive to questions. Nothing seems to be too much of a bother for Jess.