Over a Month

I honestly can not believe I have been over a month. It doesn't seem real to me. Time seems to just be flying by. Which in some ways is good, but I don't want this year to pass by to fast. For now I am just taking everything one day at a time.

I have done a lot in the past two weeks. I forgot to write about it all though. Whoops, it happens. School is getting better and better every day. My teachers are The so helpful, and really do their best to communicate with me now. Going to school now really helps me broaden my vocabulary and understand much more. I am taking English class, but the English teacher is not a huge fan of me. I wrote a friends paper and my own, she gave my friend a 28 and me a 22. Ha that made my day let me tell you. After school everyone in my class goes to a friends house to do our homework together. It gets done so much faster that way, plus it's like free tutoring! One boy thought my name was Rachel, so now they all call me Rachel or Gringa Loca (Crazy white girl) as a joke. I don't mind, it's rather funny. I really enjoy everything about my school, and classmates.

Other than schoolwise, I have been doing really well. Two fridays ago, I went to a birthday party. It was at a club, and it was so much fun. Everyone was just dancing and having a good time. I love the music here, I came home and downloaded about 1 million songs. During the weekend I went back to Vilcabamba and just slept/hung out. Always a good time. This past week was so much fun. On Thursday, I went to a concert for Franco de Vita. He's really famous here, and I sat 5 row with my counselor. It was one of the best experiences i have ever had. The next day we didn't start school till 9 because it was a ceramony day. I got to watch the top students from my school have a marching ceramoney. Very different, but it was nice to see my friends get honored for their hard work. This past weekend I hung around the house and with my friends, always a nice change of pace. This week I have been hanging out with my friends after school and relaxing. I love how relaxed this place is and how comfortable I am with everyone. People are so warm and open, however one big difference here is that many people get nose-jobs. People as in my classmates. I found that odd, but whatever makes someone happy.

I almost forgot! I also went to my first Rotary Club meeting! It was held at a hotel in our city. I am the only exchange student in my town. It's differnet, but I enjoy it. I had to talk for about 5 minutes about my home and my life in Ecuador. Luckily they were all pleased with my progress! Yay. We had some incredible food too. Blue- Rasberry shots to start. Followed by rolls and garlic butter. For the main course we had foods such as steak, shrimp, and chicken, with yapping gatcho ( potatoes fried with cheese) and vegetables. Desert was chocolate cake, or tiramasu. So yummy I must say. I can't wait for next months meeting.

One of my friends here almost had to return home because her mother's cancer has spread and her family can't afford chemo and her trip. However, her host family is generously giving her home family and her money. I can't explain how generous, and selfless that is. With that being said, I am just relaxing and living life. Taking everything at face value and not letting oppurtunities pass me by. I miss my friends and family, but still not homesick. My family, especially my grandmother, is in my prayers. I love them all so much. My trip to Manabi (the beach) is October 17-21. I can't wait. Counting down the days till I'm just relaxing with my other exchange students. That's all for now.