A once in a Lifetime Adventure

Well, I have three days left here and I must say this was a incredible, uncomfortable, and life-altering adventure. I left behind my family, job & studies to embark on an experience of farming, teaching, learning spanish and ultimately stepping out of my comfort zone to do incredible activities.

Its unreal that 3 weeks ago I was adjusting to Ecuador. I was at different schools each day, attempting to communicate with children with no spanish language experience. Even though I could not speak with them, we communicated through smiles, frown, and a little bit of hand signs. Actually I learned more from them, then they learned from me. They taught me patience... along with colors and classroom supply names lol.

Farming was fun & rewarding. Its so important to the people of Ecuador. Most people live off of what they grow, by selling & eating the food. It is hard work. I have never willingly participated in manuel labor like that. But when I saw the fruits of my labor I felt a since of pride. And it wasn´t because I was feeding others, but I too ate the food that I helped to create. I felt apart of the culture.

Learning spanish was probably the hardest part about this trip. At first I just was not getting it. I was always mixing German (which I studies for 6 years) and Spanish. I would get easily annoyed in my classes.... I even walked out one time because of my lack of understanding and lack of interest in learning the language. It was so discouraging but I could not give up because of my need of social skills to communicate with the Ecuadorians. I moved past my discouragement and realized that learning a language is difficult, especially when your have class 5 hours a day, 4 times a week. Now that I am done with the class I can understand so much of the language. Speaking is difficult but at least I can somewhat communicate with my host family and the other people I encounter.

My favorite parts of coming to Ecuador was experience all this place has to offer. I saw the beautiful sights of Quito and had dinner at the most famous area in Quito. I travelled to the coast and viewed the sun set on the Pacific. I shopped in the largest tourist market and bought great items for my family and cool instruments for me :). I climbed Cotopaxi.. thee hardest thing I´ve ever done... IN MY LIFE. Cotopaxi is the second tallest volcano in Ecuador. I went to Mindo Cloud forest and went to Mindo Cloud forest and went tubing town down a freezing river, zip lined very very high in the air (I have video to prove it) and attened a large fiesta and danced the night away. I also went to a very important soccer game for the semi-finals. It was Amazing! All of these things were AMAZING! I would never willingly do any of these things. I don´t regret doing any of these activities. I laughed, cried (Cotopaxi), was terrified and annoyed (with misqitos) at times but I do not regret not one second of this experience.

So now I have one day left in my village, then I more back to (Quito.) It´s bittersweet. I loved my time here... learning from my host family, spend time group

Hey all! Can you  believe that I have been in Ecuador for 2 weeks now! So far I have seen the coast, looked into the sky and saw all the stars of the galaxy, climbed Cotopaxi (the second tallest volcano in Ecuador) and shopped in the largest market in Ecuador. I have also ate a variety of Ecuadorian dishes. I have had a week and a half of Spanish and can now understand a lot more than before! I have built a stair, weeded a garden, feed and ate  "cuy" and ate Ecuadorian Chinese food lol! It has been so wonderful.

I have learned a lot about myself as well as the culture. I became very frustrated when I was having time learning Spanish. It is so painful to be around living being and have no idea what they are talking about. It hurt even more when your peers are understanding and you are being left behind. I honestly wanted to give up and just be a mute in this society, but I realized that giving up is a sign of weakness. I have come to far to give up, so I´ve been talking with my peers for help, along with my teacher and host family.

People in Ecuador really appreciate life. I learned that from working on the farm and living with my host family. They use every part of the chicken for food, they talk to each other instead of text or call. Every minute of time is valuable and they do not waste a minute. They make the best of what they have. I appreciate it all.

I have been through some hard times during this trip. Mainly I have missed Harmony. But I have also felt a disconnection because of who I am. Not because I´m black or don´t speak Spanish that well, but because of my standards, ideals and understanding of life. Its hard to explain but I am learning to fit in all over again.

Sorry for rambling. This is therapeutic. MISS ALL OF YOU!

First Week in Ecuador... Priceless

Amazing.... Amazing.....AMAZING! Ecuador has been wonderful, rewarding and life changing in only 1 week!! I have to be honest, I am soooo out of my comfort zone, but it is the best feeling ever. When I first got here I lived with one other person in my group who also did not speak spanish, but its was amazing how we could still communicate reguardless of the language barrier. My host mom and dad drilled spanish during breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was so cool and I am picking it up pretty fast.

So far I have been to Quito, the Pacific Ocean and a small villiage. Quito is very beautiful. I could see volcanoes from my room. The buildings are very close, sort of stacked on top of eachother. The coast was very very very hot! But I swam in the ocean and walked the coast, and watched the sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen. The small village is awesome. This is actually the place that has internet and cable... and its not as hot.

I am so excited for what is to come!
Farming and spanish lesson tomorrow!

2 more days...

Hey all! So its 2 more days until I depart to Ecuador! I'm so HYPE, I can't wait. I am going with a great group of people. And I am ready to learn from wonderful people in Ecuador. I know that I will be changed after this experience!

On another note, I have not practiced ANY spanish so yall are going to have to pray for me! Ha!

Still need to finish packing. Then I'm all set!

By the way, I'm climbing this volcano and exploring this forest, call me Dora the Explore! Lol

Love. Peace. <3

Intro.... Less than two weeks...

Hola! (That's about all the Spanish I know lol)

My name is Jalena and I am a senior at the University of Michigan studying Music Education. I am from Detroit, Michigan and have never been out of the country.

I am going to Ecuador from May 1st until the 29th. I will be traveling with Ginsberg Pangea World Service Team to help local communities with sustainable farming. I will also teach english and learn Spanish (Yay!!)

I chose this service project because it involves a culture I am very curious about and it was cheaper than other volunteer programs. I found out about this program through a posting wall and applied like the night before it was due. It was just meant and I love the idea of the trip and the people I will be traveling with.

My goal for the summer is to really get to know the Ecuadorian culture along with getting to know who I really am. I am excited about this life changing journey I will embark on in less than 2 weeks!!

Also I must note that I am living with a host family that only speaks Spanish.. I only speak English and German... hopefully by the time I leave, I will be so knowledgable of Spanish I will truly say, "Me Speaka No English" :)