Emotional Rollercoaster

Life is full of ups and downs, and I guess living in a developing country isn't an exception. This past week I experienced some of my favorite moments here in Ecuador so far, and by far my worst as well. The important thing, though, it to just keep on going and to enjoy the ride as much as possible, right? So another week has come and gone and I hope I have grown a bit from it all.

Tuesday was our last day of classes with our students and they showed us the true heart and spirit of Ecuador. Their generosity was incredible! Though we knew our students were planning something, we had no idea all that it would entail. We played a few games in the beginning of class and taught them some English slang before we had a little graduation ceremony for them all. We had made certificates and then called each student up to the front of the class to receive it. Then, they quickly set up a huge table full of food- cake, candy, mini hot dogs, cheese, cookies, you name it! Then they presented all three of us with Ecuadorian t-shirts, each one a color from the Ecuadorian flag. Edith, the matronly student of the group, gave us the sweetest toast and then they all joined in song to thank us! I got all choked up and everything. My favorite gift, though, was a handmade bracelet from Jocelyn, the 11 year old. Then we must have spent a good 20 minutes at least taking pictures with all the different students- high school prom all over again! A sheet was passed out with everyone's emails and phone numbers, so hopefully I will be able to stay in touch with at least a few of them! But it definitely could not have been a happier or more rewarding last class.

Wednesday was our last day of Orientation...man, how that month flew! We spent most of the day filling out paperwork and going over logistics, but it really was sad walking out of that room for the last time. I spent the afternoon hunting down a present for our director on behalf of the group. You ladies reading this, guess how much a manicure, pedicure, and hair washing and styling costs? Only $11!! So we were able to get Therese all of that together with a massage, a necklace, and some chocolates. For Kane, a few vols went to the grocery store and bought him a ton of groceries since he never has time to go himself, and they snuck into his apartment (with Therese's help) and set it all up for him as a surprise. So the whole group then met at 7:30 that night at a Cuban restaurant for our farewell dinner. Shelby and I got all dolled up! The dinner was a ton of fun, together with some dancing of course, and Therese and Kane seemed to really enjoy their gifts as well. Though it was really sad to say goodbye to the other volunteers that night, I really did just feel so excited for getting to Ambato and getting the year rolling. And hopefully we will all stay in touch and travel each other as much as possible.

Then came Thursday, a day I won't soon forget. I went up to Ruca Pichincha, the mountain overlooking Quito, with 4 friends of mine. We had the most glorious morning! The views were absolutely breathtaking and we had such a good time hiking together. Unfortunately, though, and without getting into details, we were confronted by a man who gave us quite a scare. Luckily God was watching out for us and nothing was taken from us and we are all ok. I debated whether or not to even mention the incident here, but I figured it is better to stay honest while trying to stay positive as well. And from the whole incident I realize what an incredibly supportive program I am involved in- I have the utmost respect for and confidence in my directors because they certainly went above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. My fellow volunteers are unbelievable as well- people that I know I can really rely on for love and support. My host families in both Quito and Ambato could not have been more concerned either, so it is very comforting to know that I have so many wonderful people looking out for me here. I know that crazy things out of our control can happen anywhere at anytime, so I am going to try my best to move on from this and to get excited about all the good that I have to look forward here in Ecuador this year. And there is just so much!

One exciting thing is the election. Yesterday all Ecuadorians voted for the members of the newly formed constitutional assembly (voting is mandatory here). No Ecuadorian citizens are allowed to drink alcohol from Friday through Sunday, nor are they able to discuss politics in public, in order to minimize political persuasion before the vote. The ballot for this election is borderline comical! There are about 3,500 people on the total ballot, for somewhere around 120 spots in the assembly. Can you imagine making those decisions?! It seems, though, from the exit polls, that President Correa's list of people have gained the majority, which many are hoping will help provide a smoother creation of the new constitution. Vamos a ver! It certainly will be interesting to keep tabs on all the progress of the assembly over the course of the next year.

So I am again in Ambato, this time for good. I had a meeting with one of my directors this morning and I found out that I will have about 60 students! There are so many students this term that Dan and I have to split the auditorium and make it into two classrooms. Should be interesting. I am glad I have another full week to make lessons plans and get ready, though. Eden and Aubrey both had their first classes today, so I can't wait to hear how they went! So until next time, I will continue trying to be safe and happy here, and I hope the same for all of you! Mucho amor y besos siempre.

More pics to come in the next few days!