Erica Trudy Knell, age 17, passed away Friday, September 5th from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Erica was born November 26, 1990 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Hong Kong, China and Park City, Utah. She was an international girl, spending most of her young years traveling the world with her family. She trekked in Nepal, searched for antiques in China, went on safari in Africa, climbed the pyramids in Egypt, pondered in the Garden of Gethsemane, wondered at the Sistine Chapel, and hiked the fjords of Norway. Most recently, her favorite spot (besides Park City) was Lake Powell, which she visited annually with her family and Hong Kong friends.
Erica was a beautiful, active girl. She was full of energy and spirit. She loved to dance and was a member of the Park City High School dance team. She was a gifted gymnast and was twice the Hong Kong all-around champion. She trained with the Chinese national gymnastics team and regularly attended training in Guangzhou and Beijing, China. Later, she took up free-style aerials. She loved to fly and flip and spin through the air, and was a U.S. Ski Team hopeful this year.
Erica was a bright student and graduated with honors from high school following her junior year. She had just begun her studies at the University of Utah. She was cheerful and loving, and always the first to greet you with a hug and tell you that she loved you. Erica loved all types of people she never judged, and had recently overcome some big challenges herself and grown into a mature, sensitive young woman. She was small in stature, but big in heart.
Ericas parents want to remind all PCHS students to wear their seat belts. Each one of your lives is as precious as Ericas was.
Micheal Pennels was born on June 20,1988 in Severna Park, MD. Throughout his childhood and teenage years he lived with his family in the ski towns of Durango, CO and Park City, UT. Michael’s passion for skiing and snowboarding brought the family to Park City nine years ago.
A member of the Bran Moles’ Big Mountain ski team for three years, a saxophonist for Mr. Chris Taylor’s jazz band and varsity jazz band for six years, and bassoonist in Taylor’s wind ensemble for three years, and a certified SCUBA diver for seven years, Mike’s interests were many and diverse. He enjoyed world travel to ski and SCUBA locations. His fearless, adventure-seeking personality lead him to revel in such sports as bungee jumping and sky diving as well as race car driving. He had nearly attained his private pilot’s license at OK3 Air in Heber by the age of 16.
With honors, Mike graduated in June 2006. He played for the PCHS water polo team and life guarded at the Ecker Hill swimming pool. After graduation he completed a year at the University of Utah and worked at the Redstone Cinema.
Connie Michelle Blount was born in Austin, TX, and being the youngest in the family she developed a natural competitive style. She was confident she could do anything her athletic older brother could do and became an excellent skier at the age of three in Park City. Connie could be seen following her older sister Kelley gracefully down a blue, or racing along behind her brother Thor down a black diamond.
Connie was an energetic, loving, and caring young lady, who always had a smile on her face and time to help others. Connie began riding when she was seven years old in Florida and competed in dressage, hunter and jumper events across the country, including Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Colorado and Utah, winning well over 150 trophies, ribbons and awards. Connie owned two beautiful horses
that she researched and selected herself: Luke, a Thoroughbred who won several races as a former racing horse, and Sampson (“Sam”), an American Warmblood. Connie purchased Sam when he was still young and unbroken. Connie was the first person to ride Sam and trained him as he grew and matured. Today both Luke and Sam are competing as part of the equestrian team at Findlay University in Ohio. Connie had a dream of a future business rescuing and retraining Thoroughbred race horses when she finished her degree in equestrian science from the University of Kentucky.
Connie also loved boating and could be found most summer days out on the Jordanelle Reservoir with a dozen friends in the boat. Connie was viewed by others as a leader in her school, in the community, and in her church. Connie’s smile was as big as her heart and truly reflected the compassion she had for others. Connie always said, “Smile! It is the simplest way to share joy.” This attitude allowed Connie to develop an amazing set of diverse friends from all walks of life, and from not only all across America, but literally from around the world.
Elder Matthew Lawrence Knoop returned with honor to his Heavenly Father on Monday, April 21, 2008, while serving in the Brazil Salvador Mission.
He is a beautiful boy who grew into a beautiful young man and brought much love and laughter to his friends and family. He is a happy boy and was interested in learning about everything. He spent many happy times with his family enjoying God's beautiful gifts. From the time he was a small child he spoke often of his Heavenly Father as if he already knew Him; and seemed, even then, to have a special relationship with his Father and a sure knowledge of his purpose here on earth. He was called to serve in the Brazil Salvador mission and left in June 2007.
Matthew was a talented athlete who had a passion for playing soccer. He was a fierce competitor and loved the thrill of competition. He played on the Park City High School 2004 and 2006 State Championship Soccer Teams and was named to the All-State Soccer Team in 2006. He was a proud member of Inter FC 88 Club Soccer, which won five State Championships in a row. He was also a member of the U.S. Development team. Once in a while on his mission, while walking the streets, Matt would engage some kids playing a small game of soccer showing them some moves as they stared back in surprise at the tall, blond American who knew their game, their passion very well.
Matthew loved to ski at Park City, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole with his family and wide circle of friends. He was a popular, friendly and outgoing young person who graduated from Seminary and from Park City High School in June 2006. To know Matt was to love him. Matt had an engaging smile that lit up a room when he entered. He was a leader and wise beyond his years. He also had a mischievous streak and loved to play jokes on his friends and his sister. We will miss his sense of humor and the sound of his laughter.
He was one of those special people who blessed the lives of those who knew him and only come around every once in a lifetime. We shall miss him all the days of our lives
Chris Yeates left us Monday, June 30th due to a tragic fall while hiking in Austria with his friends and classmates. Chris graduated from Park City High School on June 6th, 2008 and planned to attend the University of Utah fall 2008.
Chris loved life; he lived fully. He loved skiing, playing volleyball and throwing Frisbees at the park, and bragging that his speakers cost more than his car. Chris lived by the motto, “I’m a lover, not a fighter”. He sensed when friends and family were in need and he was there for all of us. He never cared about the drama of high school. He was devoted to those he considered his friends and loyally supported them with hugs, laughs, and smiles. One of his friends said, “In all the time I’ve known ‘Yeates’, I’ve never had a bad time with him”.
Some of Chris’s best times were on road trips with friends to Arizona and San Diego, canyoneering with family in Moab, river rafting with his ‘Pop’, or just hanging out with friends. His biggest desire was to explore the continents and his trip to Europe was the first of many he was planning. He was so excited to travel abroad and thoroughly enjoyed the first part of his trip to Belgium, Germany, Poland and Austria. He died on a magnificent mountain surrounded by some of his closest friends. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t miss him.
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 wonderful high school in Park City, where they were given every opportunity to prepare for their futures. In memory of their children who died, the parents of the Park City 5 want to provide educational opportunities for other children in need. With that goal in mind, they have planned to build five schools in five areas of the world where they are desperately needed. The Park City 5 Memorial Fund has been established to raise money to build these schools. The fund has also been designated to establish 5 annual scholarships to distribute to PCHS students who may wish to accompany the expedition. This will not only benefit the people living in the communities where the schools are built, but also the individuals who travel to work on the schools. They will have an unforgettable language and cultural exchange and life changing experiences while they are working to serve others and remember The Park City 5.
The Park City 5 Memorial Group was able to accomplish more than we initially imagined possible during our first trip to Ecuador. Thanks to the 47 volunteers who joined the expedition and all of you, who have supported our goals, the people of the small villages of Galte San Juan and Galte Miraloma received desperately needed resources, which will benefit the children and the community as a whole, for many years to come.
San Juan - Upper School
The PC5 funded the construction of an upper primary school building in the village of Galte San Juan. The local people built this school with money donated from our group for materials and tools. As a result of this new building, schooling opportunities will be expanded to more children in the village.
San Juan - Lower School
We renovated the lower primary school and stocked it with teaching aids, books, and supplies. The money for supplies was donated by the Jeremy Ranch Elementary School following a used book sale. The president of the Parent’s Association was thrilled with this gift. The teachers at each of the two villages we worked in will have some additional money to order books for next year.
Miraloma - Cafeteria
In Galte Miraloma, students worked with the local maestro (master craftsman) to finish a cafeteria to be used by the school children. They stuccoed a two room building and gained the respect of the locals. This is the building where the painting of the PC5 will hang.
Ovens
We built two community ovens which the villagers can use to bake bread, pizza, etc., and can use these products to start micro-businesses that will sustain families within the community for years to come. Our students were interested to see how molasses and manure contributed to the insulation of the huge adobe stove.
Playgrounds
In both communities, we built and painted playgrounds, which included swing sets, slides and monkey-bars. Early mornings to late evenings, kids were swinging, laughing and playing on their new equipment.
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English Classes
For many of us, our favorite part of being in the villages was interacting with the children. We taught English classes, did arts and crafts projects and played a lot of games: Duck-Duck-Goose and Red Light, Green Light, and Soccer with the kids. Thirty Soccer balls were donated by Highland High Soccer team to the Schools in Ecuador (In Memory of Matt Knoop), and the children were thrilled to have real balls to play with. The Ecuadorian People made an indelible impression on us all, and they were not the only ones who benefited from this exchange. We all came back touched by the simple joy and welcoming nature of the people in both villages.
Medical Classes
Another aspect of classes were in medical outreach. We held classes in areas of personal hygiene, nutrition, first aid and family planning. In each village, we trained a few specific people on how to use the first aid supplies and left them with several first aid kits.
Cooking CLass
To help locals utilize the ovens, we taught cooking classes and nutrition classes (with the help of local experts). The locals made bread, pizzas, empanadas, all of which contain ingredients available locally.
Computer Classes
One of the many seeming contradictions was that even in a small, remote village, there are still markers of our modern times. In both communities, they had a few computers. We taught some basic computer classes and supplied each school with programs they can use for classroom instruction.
Medical Clinic
In both communities, we ran a medical clinic where Dr. Eric Shipley and nurses Annie Brazelle and Lisa Brown, and nutritionist Kathline Nielson saw patients. Most suffered from skin diseases or from symptoms due to parasites.
The PCHS students were able to visit a vocational school in Riobamba, which was impressive to all of the participants who went. The high school students provided invaluable communication aid and energy to the expedition. We could not have done this without them!
Five Park City High School students received scholarships for $1,000.00 each allowing them to participate in the activities. Click Link Below to View who received the scholarships.
Click Picture to Zoom In
PC5 Scholarships
Overall, we had 47 people join our expedition, over 20 were students from the Park City area. Their participation, coordinated by George Murphy, National Honor Society Advisor at the high school and AP Spanish teacher, is a vital part of the high school’s mission, to provide experiences to enhance community relations.
All of us on the expedition came back with new friendships, new memories and new appreciation for what really matters in life. For the parents of the PC5, we are forever changed by and forever grateful to all those who have supported our dreams. We felt, in so many personal ways, the presence of our children throughout this process. Our kids can see all that we have accomplished in their names.
We are so honored.
Thank you.
"Those who left this earth so young were present in all that we did in Ecuador. We were their hands and they were our hearts, and their memory continues on through us all."
Memories
Kaye
Knoop
At first I was in disbelief that someone would ask this of me whose life and being was shattered a short 17 months ago when the person I highly cherished and loved in my life was tragically killed. I was angry…..very angry. MIRACLES…I don’t think so!
As I resumed my normal breathing the PC5 crept into my thoughts and heart. There it was; right in front of me….a miracle.
The PC5 has emerged in my life as a portal to a new existence….a guide to lead me from my abject despair into a life of awareness and miracles. ThePC5 parents support each other unconditionally and in a manner only one who has walked in these same footsteps truly can.. After months of preparation the PC5 and others traveled to Ecuador to assist the native people with improving the conditions of their life. We educated teachers, we initiated the process of building a school, provide health clinics, stock classrooms, teach computer classes, provide first aid kits to families, and teach parenting classes. It was truly a privilege for me to work side by side with family, friends, community and PCHS students to help achieve our goal.
The Ecuadorian people educated us regarding what it means to live in the moment and welcome total appreciation of one’s circumstances whatever they may be. I grew to know, serve and respect the Ecuadorian people and way of life. To experience firsthand the humility and sincerity of the Ecuadorian people….yet again amazing and a blessing.
Matt had become innately connected with the Brazilian people. His emails to me make more sense now. I understand now that connection with the indigenous people which in turn gives me yet another connection with my son. My daily regard for my faith and my circumstances is reinforced via the experiences of this summer
Matt was an avid and talented soccer player. In his honor, I had been collecting soccer balls from various magnanimous and foresighted people within our community to distribute to the kids in Ecuador. The look on the faces of those kids when they were handed soccer balls in memory of Matt is an image I will never forget. The fact that personally I was honoring Matt’s memory and love will be warmth in my soul that will never leave.
We made a difference and honored our kids as well. Without the love and support we received from all this miracle could not have happened. This sense of goodwill and compassion form my community…..yet another miracle.
Miracles are in our every day if we allow ourselves a chance to see them. From living arise miracles.
Kelly
Yeates
Before most of the group arrived in Quito, nine of us toured Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. I had been hiking several times since Chris’s death and for the most part, I enjoyed being in nature where I felt closer to him. So when the members of my group wanted to hike Wanyu Picchu, I went along with them and wasn’t worried. I felt like it was a place thousands of tourists, like myself, have walked. It was safe. I knew I would be in the slower group going up (bad knees and some mild asthma), but I was the slowest of the slow. It was due more the emotional challenge though than the physical one. It was damp, steep, some loose gravel in a few places and there were hand ropes to hold onto if a hiker needed to. Everything I heard about the Austria hike started to match up with my hike. It was almost one year to date from Chris’s fall and the similarities started to panic me. I was completely overwhelmed with fear. I honestly don’t know why I kept going. Maybe it was because I felt like Chris was watching and I didn’t want to let him down. Whatever the reason, this hike forced me to open a lot of the emotions that I had kept at bay due to “the busy-ness of life” (that’s a good thing). FYI. When I got home my cell phone died and I had to use Chris’s phone for a while with my SIM card in it. Every time I turn it on there is a quote he put on the phone that greets me which says, “To fear death is to limit life.” Incisive, huh?
While in the village, there were many moments. I loved the village kids, our kids and seeing how generous in spirit and actions everyone who joined this expedition was. I loved the insight I gained about what truly matters in life, and it had nothing to do with possessions. One simple moment from the trip that sticks out in my mind was the first dinner at Galte San Juan when everyone introduced themselves and said why they were there. Ryan was one of the first to speak. I don’t how seeing Chris fall has affected him, but I was touched that he chose to come to Ecuador because of it and I hope he has reached some kind of peace within about that day. He worked so hard. I was touched by Thersea, who lost her son five years ago. Her gentle nature calmed me when I started to get anxious and reminded me of the support this group offers us all. I was touched by Hannah, who wore her emotions so openly and honestly. I was touched by Alex, who was working so hard, not only for us moms, but for his brother, too. Each person, each connection opened my eyes to the fact that we all have lost people we love in our lives. I think sharing around the table that night made our bonds tighter during the rest of the trip. Thank you all for opening your hearts and giving of yourselves. I know Chris can see all that was accomplished and is beaming with happiness.
Megan
Wow my biggest memory…it’s hard to narrow it down to one. I’ll have to say that I really enjoyed the dancing we did there. I remember the first day we got there they showed us our dance. We soon figured out that their moves were a step-clap-step-clap, then they add the craziness of turn-clap-turn-clap. I also liked our dance circle at the Farewell Program; it was definitely fun after not having a strand of American music after 5 days. I’ll always remember dancing to “Thriller” and scaring the villagers, some were video taping us on there phones! I loved how we would go crazy in the dance circle as the chorus to “ I got a feeling” started. Or how Michel Jackson would come on and we realized we had two Michel Jackson’s on this trip (Daniel and Noah). But I will never forget the dance I taught the girls for the program. My mom just laughed at the thought that I was teaching a dance to seniors and graduates. It was definitely a different dance style than MiraLoma was used to.
Of course, the kids were very cute! I was really worried about what the kids would think of us! Oddly enough the kids attached like glue! It amazed me how they were so happy when they had nothing. I saw kids playing with a plastic bag having the time of their life. They would even help us with painting or striping bark (which my thumbs were purple and about to fall of by the end of that night), One girl was crazy and was stripping the bark with her teeth!
All in all, this trip was amazing. I realized how spoiled our dogs are, how dirty I can stand to be, and how the people of the villages LOVE color! Words can’t describe what I learned on this trip! Thanks!
Ellen
Knell
It’s not possible for me to think about just one memory of our trip to write about, so I hope that it’s alright if I write about several. These memories are more like flashes to me, insights and feelings.
One of the reflections that stands out most to me, is the sense of satisfaction I felt as I looked around the inside of the newly done school for the younger children at Galte San Juan. The one room building had been cleaned, and the walls were freshly painted. Several of the high school students on the trip had also creatively painted the numbers of Quichan and Spanish on the walls, as well as the Spanish alphabet. The colors in the room were bright and inviting, and we had added many charts about the days of the week, months of the year, basic vocabulary and weather to the walls, along with a place to hang the children’s work. Most importantly, we had moved an old metal cabinet into the room and filled it with supplies. We had brought many of these supplies with us included books, pencils, paper, markers, games, clay, playground toys, and chalk. There was a group of us who had purchased the supplies and then organized them in the cabinet. As I looked around the room, I felt that the children of the village would have a much improved opportunity to learn this year. I also knew that when the teacher returned and the school was in session that they would have a $500 budget donated by our group with which to buy books for the school. I envisioned more rows of books in the classroom – perhaps the beginnings of a small library - where the students could read and share what they had learned. I think I stood and gazed at that room for a long time before we had to close and lock the door. I had a full heart as I looked over the empty room and wondered what it would be like when the teacher and children filled it in September.
Another flash or memory that stands out to me, strangely enough, was cooking spaghetti sauce in the kitchen. As I took my turn to work in the small kitchen with the local cooks and other volunteers – I stirred the spaghetti sauce. The high school students had requested spaghetti that night and the wonderful woman who was our cook was trying to accommodate them, even though she had never made spaghetti before. It was quite an experience trying to put that sauce together, and as I stirred the huge pot on the small cook top, the tears began to stream down my face as I remembered that Erica’s favorite meal was spaghetti. A dear friend, who was in the kitchen, put her arm around me as I continued to stir, letting me know that I was supported and cared about. I guess that moment summed up this whole trip for me. As I think about the room where we eventually ate the spaghetti dinner and where we met each night to discuss the day’s work, I remember feeling so loved and supported. All of the people on the expedition, who came to work in the highlands of Ecuador on behalf of the children we had lost, helped me to heal. There is nothing that I can do to bring back my daughter, but it helps to know that so many came to work in memory of her and the others who had died. I will remember everyone and their enthusiasm for what we were doing. I will remember that they worked hard and that they didn’t complain about the cold, and the dirt, and the problems. They dug in and made a difference. That is a legacy that I will always carry with me.
Finally, I remember the mural that we painted on the outside of the school in Galte San Juan. It represented everything that our trip stood for. It was another moment – a time where I stood back and observed. The painting joined the snow capped mountains of Park City with the rolling mountains of the Andes. A rainbow connected the two places, and the border of the picture was created by the expeditioners and the locals, putting our hands in paint and then pressing them around the picture. It was a mural done together, and it represents the similarities and connections between our two ‘villages.’ I wondered as I looked at the mural, how many children the people of the village had lost – it’s not unlikely to assume that the majority of them have lost children. I know that their lives are extremely hard, but I also observed their smiles and hospitality, and it reaffirmed to me that we are not alone in our losses. I think that there truly was a connection of the cultures – a sharing of each other – and we have all benefited from the experience.
On a final note, if one looks very closely at the mural, they will see a very small white butterfly. That was for Erica – a universal symbol of transformation and new life. I think that she and the others who left this earth so young were present in all that we did in Ecuador. We were their hands and their hearts, and their memory continues on through all of us.
Trudy
Shipley
Erica Trudy Knell was my granddaughter. She was named after me. I had great reservations about going on this trip, because of the primitive
conditions. But I felt I needed to go to honor Erica. I am very happy I went. It was quite an experience, I was everybody's grandma. I loved the village children. I feel it was a great way to remember Erica and the Park City 5.
-Grandma Trudy
Eric
1) Cusco: young kids selling to us: anything including cigarettes. Loved James Lebron, Barack Obama.
2) Manchu Picchu: waking up at 4:30 and climbing the mtn. Pain of a 45 lb pack. incredible place and view
3) Quito: beautiful hotel and Harry Potter: Jeffrey and Kaye falling over small poles in the street and taxi rides with way too many people in them.
4) Riobamba: too many to list: highlights: kids and their smiles. free falling and actually surviving when I knew no one should be on that roof! Losing 10 lbs.
medical clinics and parasites and undernourished kids. Sex ed and the locals...what was I thinking. Did I really use a banana for education? (what happens in Ecuador, stays in Ecuador) Vision of Michael carrying cow poop on his back. Annie: with a pick ax working on the dirt. Ellen playing duck duck goose with children. Jeffrey and my mom being the "directors" and painting a fence. Big Booty: and nightmares every night as I went to bed of a big butt. Soccer and hacky sack. A cow mooing in the morning to wake us. Sneeking away to Church on Sunday and using the internet and getting a soda without the group knowing. That was a treat. Mud huts and dirt everywhere. Villagers dancing with all of the woman in their hats. last program...what were they thinking with the harvest re-inactment. $1.50 Harry Potter 6 DVD. bus rides...and more bus rides....and more bus rides. And more plane rides...more plane rides (9 in total)
5) Cuenca: beautiful city / shopping / church.....car crash after the "gala" (I mean entrapment)
Kathy
Cahoon
I think my favorite memory of our Ecuador trip is all lumped into one thing...working along side some amazing people with BIG, BIG hearts. No matter how tired or dirty we all were, there was still room for laughs, singing, hacky sack, soccer, poker and bonfires. The compassion and concern for others that I witnessed is beyond words and is something that will stay with me forever and change me for the better. Everyone has a story. Everyone has their own challenges and bumpy, rocky roads, but everyone put those things aside and focused on others. I pay tribute to five incredible families that took their own tragedy and made something positive out of it. The lives that have been touched by this incredible adventure are far beyond measure. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey, and thank you for making this happen so that so many people could have their hearts touched. I will REMEMBER!!!!
Brianna
Brazell
A few highlights: The first morning that we woke up in Galte-San-Juan, the younger two generations of women were desperately wondering how they were going to survive 5 WHOLE DAYS, while Grandma Trudy sat up in her sleeping bag and just said matter-of-factly, "Well, this isn't for sissies. Neither is life." The second time in as many days that we were shown up by a grandmother... Maybe there is something to that whole "respect thine elders" thing. I also particularly enjoyed the sex-ed class, administered by the reputable Dr. Eric Shipley. It's hard to say which was the best part, Eric's mortification, the visual aids, Jose's less-than-enthused translation, or the obvious success of the class, made apparent by the villagers' decisions to use the condoms as balloons later that day. Job well done. Did I mention that Grandma picked up the tab for the condoms? Happily, I might add, assuring us that, "If I can stop one child from being born, I have done my duty." The trip would not have been the same without her.
Micheal
One of the most memorable moments, for me, came at the end of our last day in Mira Loma. I was sprawled out in the bus, exhausted from eight hours spent building a slide from scratch. As I lay there, I thought to myself, “I don’t think I’ve ever been this beat in my entire life”. This moment, of complete fatigue, seemed to clear my head of everything, and I could feel why I had come to Ecuador: To sweat, to get smothered in dirt, and to be completely run down so that the kids in this village could be just a little bit closer to a better future. Being home now, I already miss this feeling and the satisfaction that came with it. I can’t wait to go back to Ecuador in the upcoming years.
P.S. Chunkies forever.
Lisa
Brown
The words and music from the song on the park city 5 website, “There are places I remember” keeps running through my mind… I think it will be that way with Ecuador. Sights sounds people and places keep running through my mind and my heart-so many memories; happy and sad. .The best parts are the people, especially the children and the connections we made with each other as a group. We have this shared experience that has brought us together in a profound way. I will treasure that feeling. It is hard to be close to people in our fast paced world, but we needed each other in Ecuador. I will always remember a few experiences like helping stitch up an injured child. You remember Washington, dark hair, big smile, looks about 8 but is probably 12. I noticed him crying a couple of hours before we saw his injury, during our meeting that we had in the center of town, the night before we left. I almost went over to him to see what was wrong, but I figured since I couldn’t speak Spanish that I wouldn’t be able to help him. He had his hands over his face and seemed really upset. After the meeting was over and we had all gone back to our rooms, his father brought him up to see the “Doctoro.” What I will remember is that Washington had to wait, until our meeting was done, and it was convenient for him to be seen. I will remember a scared child, but a very brave child. I have helped stitch up hundreds of kids. This usually means holding them still until the numbing agent goes into effect. But sometimes the kids fight till we are done. Washington, covered with blood and dirt, was afraid, but so brave. He held still, with no numbing agent, while Dr. Eric, stitched him up. I will always remember his face and that moment in time. I also will remember the last day before we left. Galte, San Juan. I wanted to give something to the children. I know we aren’t suppost to give them money. Or candy but I thought it would be okay to drop change like pennies around so they could find them after we had left. That is not charity right? In my book if you find a penny it is just good luck…As I did this I passed out the balloons that we didn’t use for Annie’s on going Birthday celebration. Yes, Happy Birthday Annie!!!! I watched the first little boy I gave a balloon to. He hid it under his shirt and carefully untied it, and let the air out of the blue balloon. Then he quietly put it in his pocket. He smiled at me like I had given him the world. I am not sure why it was better to not have the balloon blown up, maybe it kept the other children from taking it from him, or maybe they lasted longer, I am not sure; but from then on I just gave out the balloons without blowing them up. It was done quietly, no fuss. But it felt good to leave them with something-even something as meaningless as a balloon. Hopefully it brought a little joy into their lives for a short time. I think the PC5 were with us on this trip. I caught glimpses of them in their mothers’ and siblings’ faces, in soccer games, and in a strange photo Paul took. And even in the act of rescuing a puppy.
Thanks for all the memories guys! I will always remember the PC5 and each of you! I will never look at a flushing toilet a warm shower or a puppy dog in quite the same way, laughing and crying with you was good medicine.
Alaina
I have so many things about this trip that I will never forget. The look on all of our faces as we were set to a task such as sanding paint off a wall and realizing that we were no longer in the land of plentiful power tools was priceless. We all worked so hard to help as much as we could in the short time we entered each other’s lives. I believe they aided us as much as we aided them, maybe more. All of you that I met on this trip were truly amazing people. You would not have been there had you not been. My very favorite part was watching those who needed to heal receive the comfort that we all needed. We were all exactly where we needed to be in order to be closest to the loved ones we had lost. Every one of the presences was there with us supporting all of our efforts. It was impossible for me to make it through any part of the day without feeling that. I’m so glad to have had that chance to be there with all of you, to heal and to help. Viva Ecuador!
Hannah
Kinnebrew
My favorite memory from the trip was the night when three of the local women stopped by one of the girl’s sleeping quarters. They were just standing outside of our door watching us get ready for bed. Sallee had noticed them and began talking to them, well while they were conversing, Sallee told me that they wanted me to stand up in my sleeping bag. I did what they said and found that they had gotten a great laugh out of it. After the women left to go to bed, Sallee told us what they were asking. One question stuck out and that was, when we needed money if we just made it. The question caught us all off guard, but it showed us how different our culture is from theirs.
Daniel
Silva
In unique opportunities we come across special people. Not just any special person. These people specifically influence others for good, change lives for better, they live lives full of hope and strength, and their memory resides forever even past death. Some of us may never have the opportunity to meet such a person, and further the privilege of becoming a good friend to one.
Matt Knoop is one of these people. He lives a happy and joyful life. He treats all with kindness; he loves all that are around him. He isn’t a perfect person, he doesn’t always make the right choices, and he hasn’t always fixed every crack he has made. However, Matt is constantly thoughtful of others and is always reaching his hands of help to any in need. Those that are influenced by people like Matt, and the example that they portray, might decide to follow that example and serve others in need as well.
I am one who has decided to help and serve others because of Matt. Matt and I grew up together in Park City, Utah during our young adult years. Because of how he constantly had been an example to me I resolved to help others who were in need. I choose to travel to Ecuador and help educate children as well as assist the city in constructing a local school building. The experience was incredible. More then 50 of us traveled to a remote city and all in attendance devoted time for similar reasons to mine. To the children we taught active English classes, important hygiene skills, enjoyable computer classes, creative art, and many fun group games. The adults were educated in business advancement, proper childcare, important safe sex practices, residential cooking and further instruction.
The residents lived in extremely humble, yet happy, circumstances. It was beautiful to experience all the joy that had been found among their extreme poverty. Smiles covered not only the children’s faces but also each teen and adult. Their ability of finding joy even in the most difficult of circumstances had become an example to us, compared to our normal lives of which we had become costumed to and have always expected more. The impact of these humble people had also planted a special mark in our hearts, which now linked with the dedication to represent the special person who had influenced our travel.
These special people we had chosen to represent were of our age, we grew up together, and we lived together. Park City is where we grew, Park City is my home and Matt is my dear friend from this city. He along with four other respected and remembered friends passed away this last year from different causes. They lived full and incredible lives. They are special people who influenced all around them. And since their passing they have been changing many more lives each day, including my very own.
Tori
Benson
This trip to Ecuador was so needed, so helpful and so fun. I loved every minute of it. One of my favorite memories is of the second to last day we were there. I had just gotten off the bus from Miraloma and was feeling tired and frustrated at the huge amount of work we still had left. Just as I was heading back to the room, a little boy named Wilmer ran up and hugged my leg, held my hand and asked me how I was doing. His smile was so huge and his face was so sincere that all my exhaustion was replaced with love. The more I talked to this nine year old, the more perspective I gained. If everyone could be as happy and grateful and accepting as this little boy was, the world would be such a happier place .I will remember Wilmer and his genuine interest for the rest of my life, and I hope one day I can raise someone else's spirits with the same attitude.
Jessie
Turner
Now when I think of Ecuador, a series of moments from the trip flashes through my head. Bumpy bus rides under towering mountains, the smiles on the village children's faces when we played red rover and duck-duck-goose, everyone dancing together in the dust to some sort of polka music, jumping up and down screaming for the Cuenca soccer team, sunset over the cathedral in Cuenca... I didn't want it to end. Getting to know the villagers was probably the most important part of the trip. Even though they dressed, looked, and lived differently from us, we all had a common goal: to do something, anything, for the people we love. The villagers were most excited about the things we did to help their kids, and we were there to honor the beloved kids we'd lost.
George
Murphy
It was truly an unforgettable trip to honor Chris, Erica, Matt, Connie and Mike. One of the greatest impacts for me was seeing all the emotions invested into this great cause.
- Alex for pouring his heart and soul into plastering the cafeteria wall 4 days straight to remember his brother.
- Jessie serving non-stop to give back for the opportunity she was given.
- Tyler for his amazing ability to connect with the children of San Juan.
- All the mothers for bringing everyone together in memory of their loved ones.
- Working along side our 'crew' and the people from Miraloma that helped us every day.
- Everyone gave all they had for the greater good and we all came back with more friends than when we left.
Thank you to everyone that went with us. I will always remember the soccer game in Cuenca, five days without a shower, that amazing Gala, short bus rides, soup, Ecuadorian time, and Texas hold'em until late hours of the night with new friends. It was a blast!
Mary
Allen
Ecuador was the most amazing trip I have ever taken! I can't pick just one thing that was my favorite because I loved it all. From the huge patchwork mountains to the tiny natives (and even to Eric falling on my head from a roof), it was all amazing. I miss my little buddies, Felipe and Monica especially, and wish I could have taken them home with me. I will always remember this trip and the wonderful work we did.
Sarah
Thinking back to my experience on the Ecuador trip, I realize that I loved every minute of it. The location was so beautiful, but the people of the villages were we absolute favorite because we were all so curious about getting to know each other. The kids were so cute and I loved how their faces lit up when we played hours of games or even just held their little hands.
Alex
Quitiquit
Before I even stepped into the damp room, the cement dust had already overwhelmed me. Not only had the culture shock knocked me off my feet, but also I was now volunteering myself for an apparently long week. As I took the first throw of cement at the brick wall, I heard cackles. The villagers thought very little of me at that moment. The first day was the longest... the laughter never did cease. The second day I went into that dark cafeteria, with a crew of new faces (only one had returned from the previous day, a testimony to the work), and a new motivation. I began throwing and smoothing cement as fast as I could. The laughter from the day before began to turn into helping hands as my proficiency as a newly titled "Spackler" was growing. I ended the day with nods of improvement from the villagers. Not bad. The next day I gained even more respect as I honed my cement smoothing skills and proved my leadership of the Spackler crew. The last day I entered the almost finished cafeteria with a purpose, I was going to finish this, even if it were to be the death of me (which I later joked would be the appropriate place for my burial if the
cement dust had gotten the best of me). The "Maestro" joined me in my final crusade. At first he saw my work as mediocre... but in the afternoon he approved tremendously and nodded and even mumbled "Muy bien". As Tyler, Ryan, Jessie, and I smoothed out the last few square feet of cement, I looked on with emotion filled eyes. I realized I was blessed to be here, in retrospect to my life, the mother's I was there to support, and the faces of those whom I held my hands out to. I stepped off the ladder, met Maestro's eyes as he plainly said, "Muy bien, Maestro. Muy bien." Thank you all so much.
Kailey
Slusher
This trip is one that i will never forget. Between all the dance parties to 80's music, running around playing duck duck goose with the children, cheering for Cuenca at the soccer game and salsa dancing. Were just a few of the any memories a have that did not involve working on the school. Through all the sweat on hard work i can now say i know hot to paint a fence different colors and spackle a cafeteria. This is one trip i will never forget.
Ali
Shearman
This expedition was an incredible, life-changing experience. All of the hard work was definitely worth its plentiful rewards- great friends, lasting memories, a newfound, deeper feeling of self-worth, beautiful experiences, and the knowledge that we have made a difference in the lives of those who are truly in need. Thank you to the 5 mothers who made this experience possible. It’s one I’ll never forget. I am proud to know the strong women who have mended broken hearts by touching new ones.
Noah
Cohen
One of my copious Ecuador memories is all of us singing our hearts out on the bus to songs like "Holding out for a Hero", "Footloose", and our own smash hit, "The Iguana Rap." I also enjoyed finding that huge spider in the pile of poop and seeing everyone's expressions. And finally, getting black chalk sprayed in our faces at the soccer game!
Lily
Nelson
I'd say my favorite memory from Ecuador had to be the last day at Miraloma when everyone was working as hard as possible to get all the projects finished. It really showed how truly dedicated we were to finishing what we started and what we came to do, and when the villagers all picked up a paintbrush to help finish that never-ending fence, it was beyond rewarding to know that they truly appreciated what we were accomplishing. As we laid the last brick on our oven with "Maestroso" and everyone finally let out a sigh of relief, you could tell without words that we were all feeling the same thing.
Ty
Gorzitze
I had so many great memories from the expedition. Like when Chris Procter adopted a dog from the village. Or when we would stand around the fire and play games. But the best memory I have of this expedition is the people. Everyone on this trip got along. The only time we fought was over who got the first shower when we returned from the village. The group of people on this trip got along so well because we were all in the same situation, and we were all there for the same reason, and that was to make difference in the village people’s lives.
Heather
Reynolds
I'll never forget one night Lily, Cheyenne, Emily, and I almost crying because every single toilet was clogged! We were all tired, cold, delirious, and all we wanted was a bathroom and the fact that we couldn't get into one without gagging and retching was just hilarious and we couldn't stop laughing. So we pulled a nature-toilet and one of the village women walked by with a phone that had a light on it.... enough said.
Carli
Lisonbee
Ecuador was probably one trip out of many that I will remember almost clearly. It was a trip to remember and pass on the lives of those amazing 5 kids through acts of service. Painting that fence like it would never end, jumping on cow manure with no energy left, and freezing our butts off. Although those things seem tiring and cold, I really heard no complaining at all and most of all; it was very rewarding to see the smiles on the Ecuador children's faces. It made me happy and grateful as I could ever be. I will never forget that experience.
Carissa
Dahl
No matter where you are in the world laughter brings people together. It's the language that everyone speaks and makes strangers the best of friends. In Ecuador I saw laughter break through all the language barriers and unite two very different cultures. I loved watching the natives laugh together as they worked and our group laugh over meals as we grew to know each other. The best view overall was watching everyone laugh together. Children, adults, elderly, Americans, Ecuadorian, all of us becoming a family through laughter.
Erin
Cummings
I was working on the oven in Mira Loma, and my job was to compress cow manure (it was dry, but still kind of gross). We were all up on the pile, I was with Carli and Murphy and some others. All of the sudden, the really loud Ecuadorian polka music turned on and I went crazy jumping on the poo to the beat of the music. And I was laughing really really hard. There were many great moments in Ecuador, but that stands out to me because I was having such a great time.
Thank you for reading!
Cheyenne
Lynsky
