I have been in Ecuador now for a week, and still cannot stop sweating. I mean I knew it would be hot, but DAMN. I´m getting used to it though along with many other things Ecuadorian such as the large amount of tuna that you eat, and the roof dogs...also known as dogs that somehow find themselves ontop of a roof and never come down.
Our day of travel was rough. We were exhausted by the time we finally landed in Ecuador and then waited 45 minutes for our luggage, then another 30 minutes in the customs line. But we were greated with applause and enthusiasm from this past years volunteers. It felt like we were making a scene but it´s not like 11 gringos can NOT cause a scene down here.
We drove 20 minutes to one of the Rostro houses in the Arbolito neighborhood. We stayed in the retreat house for our week of orientation in which we learned how to take the buses, which stores and panerias to shop at and where we go when we eventually contract a parasite...can´t wait for that!
We haven´t been given our work sites yet, but we were divded into the two houses...I am now a Antonio Jose de Sucre resident. There are 5 of us total in our small and cozy home. John, Steve and I are currently at our local Cyber cafe trying to navigate the internet and keyboard in Spanish...it´s difficult.
The first day was the hardest because I just wasn´t ready for the heat. The entire day as the former volunteers took us around Duran all I kept thinking was that I wanted to go home, I missed my bed, my family and friends, AC. I couldn´t stop thinking "what am I doing here?" But it passed just as I thought it would.
It´s going to be a very difficult year I can tell already. But I think it´s going to be a wonderful challenge for me, because down here I cannot hide any of my flaws, issues or problems due to the fact that I´m surrounded by 10 other people who are going to call me out when I act up. It´s part of living in community.
Our neighborhood is very active with tons of families and kids running around the street. There is always a soccer game going on, or neighbors cooking outside their homes. There is much joy and love around us, but imbeded in sadness. Its been difficult seeing the povert in which the Ecudorian people live in, but what did I expect?
I have so much more to write but I have to go a start cooking dinner, we´re having espagetti!
Mom, I haven´t been able to get a phone card yet, but when I do I´ll be calling you very soon! The payphones here are way expensive.
Until I write again. Keep me in your prayers as we enter our job discernment period.
Monday, August 10, 2009
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