“We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.” — ~Malcom Gladwell
We had the wonderful opportunity to volunteer with children in Baños, Ecuador for a two month period. The biggest gift we received from our volunteering experience was forming wonderful relationships with amazing children. Below is a photo essay featuring the beautiful smiles faces of the children that have touched our lives.
Two girls participating in sports day.
The children on the red team lining up for the next event at sports day.
Brothers making arts and crafts.
A costumed Miro sharing a moment with the other children.
Leandro.
Posing next to the agreement wall.
Puppet and smiles
Yep, it’s a costume.
Many costumes, many smiles.
Costumed children.. Think Miro is enjoying this?
Brothers enjoying their favorite book, Green Eggs & Ham or ‘Hueveos Verde con Jamon’.
Before signing the wall, it’s important to read it first.
Miro hopping along during the sack race at sports day.
The 3 – Legged race during sports day.
Go red team!!
Red team spirit!
Miro leading the blue team!
Go team blue!
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
