My name is Krystal Kobasic, I live in San Francisco, CA. I am opening a fund to directly assist my friends in Ecuador who are faced with extensive repairs to their home, which is also their livelihood.  Ten years ago the Rodriguez family (Xavier, Dana, Josue, Cristy and Katherine) took me into their home as a Spanish language student during my Masters internship, as they did many students over the years.  During this time we developed a beautiful friendship and to me, they are family.  Over these years I have watched them work tirelessly through many jobs to acheive their dream of building-up their home to a tourist hostel.  The earthquake has now devasted their town of Manta and thus their primary source of income, certainly for the duration while the community rebuilds.  I was so fortunate to visit with them again a couple of weeks ago, just before the eathquake.  I was thrilled to see the progress and results of their hard work, the kids growing- studying in the University and working.  To say it breaks my heart to now rebuild is an understatement.  The University is closed and everything is on hold. They are simply grateful to survive the earthquake, as many they know lost their lives.  Their general optimism, resilience and dedication to move forward is so characteristic of Ecuador, and part of why they are so special.   Ecuador and the Rodriguez family have given so much to me, if I can provide some extra help to them over the next months from my extended friends and family - they will eternally grateful.  I will be eternally grateful.  I will send any money raised to the Rodriguez family to cover rebuilding costs.  Thank you for considering a direct gift to a family in need.