S2-E01 New Years in Ecuador (Kicking and Kissing and Burning a Strawfilled Scare Crow)

Send us Fan MailWe begin Season 2 with an episode about New Years' Eve in  Ecuador.  In 2002 Grandpa Edward Jeffrey Hill, Grandma Juanita Ray Hill, and five children (Abby, Hannah, Emily, Amanda, and Seth) were working in orphanages in Cuenca.  In keeping with Ecuadorian customs we made an effigy out of straw and old clothes. We had a lot of excitement at New Years as we kicked and kissed and burned our effigy. We learned that whether the old year was happy or sad was unimportant.  The new year was full of possibilities.