Today marks two weeks living in Ecuador.
I like to believe that my only two readers are my mom and dad. It helps me stay honest. I know that you are going to come visit me this year, so I am going to continue with my theme of throwing in some Spanish words and phrases. Not only because this is part of my strategy to get you to learn a few more words before you visit, but to show the intertwining of these two cultures within myself on this journey.
Every day is a complete roller coaster of emotions, and to be honest I’m still trying to convince myself that this is my new reality. I learned in my last post, that people really relate to vulnerability, so I am going to try again to be as honest as possible with you about what I am experiencing. I’m completely aware that it is impossible to remember how things actually happen because you don’t remember what happened, you remember how it made you feel. With that being said, I think it is very clear in this post that I’m not one of those bloggers that thinks I’m the coolest person, doing the most amazing thing. I’m a really scared and lonely person, doing something that absolutely terrifies me.
Entonces, here is the real me;
Estoy aquí, en Quito, Ecuador. With 22 other WorldTeach volunteers looking to change their lives and the world with the gift of education. Twenty-two other volunteers all in the same boat as me, but I still feel alone.
Estoy aquí, in a new home, new city, new country. The reason that I have always loved travelling is because viajar is everyday experiences for the first time. To be honest, this is starting to get a bit overwhelming.
I’m sitting here on my bed in Ecuador, starting to question “en que me he metido?”
I have spent my entire scholastic career preparing myself for an experience like this one. I have dreamt of the opportunity to make a difference in the world, like this. I have spent my vacations travelling to become more “cultured” and ready for a milestone like this. Yet, I cannot help that I walk around these city streets and stick out like a fish out of water(shoutout Mike, and Anders for buying their first fishing boat together! I’m so proud of you <3).
Underlying all these scary emotions I am content. Content that I am doing something for humanity rather than myself. I feel relieved every time my director reminds me that these emotions are all normal, that “if this were easy, everyone would do it”. Lastly, I am thankful that there are people supporting my dreams and ambition, people that believe in my success.
So, mom and dad. No need to fret. I don’t want this post to scare you. I am okay. I’m actually really excited because I know being scared, is the only way someone can really grow. I’m also excited because I know within all this craziness, is a million fantastic new opportunities. I want to thank you because you two are my real inspiration. Gracias por enseñarme la importancia de la humanidad, lo que significa ser una buena persona y por darme el mundo.
Estoy contenta in the fact that this is going to be an incredible experience. An experience that will be hard work every single day, but also rewarding. And I feel peace knowing that the Panecillo is looking over the entire city, and me. I’d like to believe that she has a special eye on me, to protect and guide me through the rest of this year.
With that being said, here's my version of what my first two weeks in Ecuador looked like(that has most definitely been stained with all these emotions). I moved in with a host family, they are a younger couple Pablo and Paola, with two really adorable daughters Luciana and Antonia, and most importantly, a super cute and goofy dog, Nala. Nala lives on the terrace and she has the best view of Quito. Pablo’s mom lives downstairs with her husband Ricardo and daughter Paola, and she is hosting two more girls in my cohort; Rachel and Kendra.
On top of trying to get acclimated to this new city, new language, new family, and altitude, WorldTeach is keeping us really busy. We have training every day of the week from 9 to 5. At training we have classes about teaching a second language, some history classes, and my personal favorite is the Spanish class with Luis.
WorldTeach also took us on a trip to the Teleferico, and the Mitad del Mundo. Which was a dream come true. The view of Quito was absolutely breathtaking, and seeing the city from 16,000 feet is when it really hit me that my life is about to completely change. That I actually did move to Ecuador.
This post is starting to get a bit longer than what I like to post, so I will soon publish a piece on some of our guest speakers.
Sending besos from Quito,
Kelly
While writing: Clocks by Coldplay and The Buena Vista Social Club
https://youtu.be/RH2h5iHO6ZU
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