Fundraising with Jen

From Iceland, Jen and I flew on to Copenhagen, Denmark.  Jen had reached out to Europeans connected to For His Children orphanage in Ecuador.  An adoptive family and former volunteer at the orphanage picked us up from the airport and took us to their home.  I am continually amazed at the hospitality of people around the world.  This family fed us, gave us places to sleep, entertained us with their stories and even took a day off of work to show us around Copenhagen. Thanks Sorenson's!

Also in Denmark we took a train to Odense, the "small" Danish island.  My very organized friend (said with great sarcasm) figured we'd find our way.  As two travelers who have lived in slower-paced worlds this mentality has saved our mental health but also brought complications at times.  This time, we got to Odense and didn't know how to get to our next destination.  Jen asked a few random people in the train station if she could use their cell phones to call our contact.  She was denied.  Eventually, we met a woman with a broken cell phone who told us she would trick her cell phone into working for us and let Jen call.  Jen talked to Myra, an adopted Ecuadorian, who told us to take the bus to Kertimende.  Myra picked us up from the bus station and Jen and I found new friends.  

Kertimende is a beautiful fishing village along a harbor.  

Myra and her husband Allen were very kind hosts showing us their life as chef's.  They organized a fundraising event at the cafe they run.  Jen and Myra spoke about their experiences in Ecuador and all had a good time.

Myra introducing

Jen speaking

Jen with a family who adopted from Ecuador in the early 90's

I have been to fundraising events with Jen before but this was my favorite.  People were excited to learn about Ecuador and some were interested in volunteering there.  The location was also entirely picturesque which may have made it that much more perfect.

And, they took us to Hans Christian Andersen's home!