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!