Good-bye Ecuador

Well the time went by faster than I had thought. I now only have 5 days left till I am back at home. I cannot believe my Exchange has just about ended.

I have been really up and down lately with my emotions. Sometimes I am so excited to go home. I find myself wishing time would go faster, so that I can be home and be with all my family and friends. However, I also find myself getting really sad because I don't want to leave the new life I have made for myself. Yet, I know that this part of my life has ended and I am ready to move on.

It has really started to set in that I ham going home. Last Friday I had my going away party. It was a lot of fun. I invited everyone I have become friends with here, and a friend from the exchange program as well. We all partied and I got to say good-bye to all my friends here. I had them all sign a big Ecuadorian flag so that I can hang it up in my room when I get home.

Saturday I spent my day at home with Matthew. It was nice and really just relaxing. We hung out and didn't do anything. At night we watched the Celtics kick butt, then we went out to the Pipas with Ana Maria, Valeria, and Ma Vane. It was a lot of fun. Plus I enjoyed that I got the chance to see my friends more.

Sunday we went to Vilcabamba. We swam in the pool all day and Just enjoyed our time. At the end of the day I was bummed out. I had to say good-bye to my farm house and also to all my family there. I found myself close to tears as I gave them each a big hug. Sarita gave me the biggest hug and almost wouldn't let go. It was really touching. Later we went home and hung out with Ana Maria again. I love her so much. She is such a beautiful person, inside and out.

Monday Matthew went home. It was good, I was getting really agitated with him. However, that always happens with people who aren't family. During the day I went walking and just had a nice day. The rest of the week so far I have just had school. Boring.

Friday is my last day of school here in Ecuador. "Sigh". We are going to have a picnic in class. Friday night I will go out with the girls for one last hoorah. Saturday is family day and I will be spending the day with the family and watching movies. Sunday is Lily and Diego's 23rd wedding Aniversary. So for my last day here they will be deciding what we do here. Sunday night I will go in bus to Guayaquil. Then stay over night in Guayaquil for my last night in Ecuador before I am back to good old Plymouth, MA.

I am sad to leave because I have done so much here, and learned so much, but it is time to go home.

Oh and I almost forgot. My friend Jose Roberto is going with me to Boston. I am really excited that he will go with me so I will have something to do at home while my friends are all in school. Plus it will give me more Spanish practice. Yay! I won't go home alone <3

Well the story doesn't end here. Just a new chapter begins. I have learned so much and become a much better person. Thank you Ecuador. Thank you Loja.

To All my friends here in Ecuador. You are the most amazing people. You will always have a place in my heart. No matter what.

Until Next time Ecuador.. Hasta la Vista. Los quiero demasiado.

May Flowers?

Well like I have been saying, time just keeps flying by. Last time I wrote I had 30 something days left. Well now I'm down to 19. Can you believe that. Less than 3 weeks. Now that time is getting closer I am really getting upset. I thought I was so excited to go home. To just get out of this place. But in reality this place has become home. I have made so many friends and done so much here that it is really starting to hit me that in less than 3 weeks it will all be over.
I am filled with mixed emotions. I am happy to go home, play sports, eat friendlys, and see the family. However, I am going to miss the parties, my host parents, my new friends, my life. I know that each day I get more upset that I have to go home. Here I have built a life, it's a lot easier to build a new one, than it is to go back to an old one and see everything has changed. I have seen so much just change on facebook and it scares me. I feel like I will crawl into my shell and never come out. Yet, I look forward to the challenge, and look forward to the next chapter in my life. You must take it all in stride.
I have a friend here whios name is Jose Roberto. He lives in Maryland, but is from Loja. He came back yesterday to visit. He is planning on leaving with me June 1st and staying in Boston with me for a while. Hopefully, his cousin Juan will come with us too. It would be so much fun and I would love for them to meet my family and everything too.
So even though the time is flying I haven't really been doing all that much. I have done a lot of last minute shopping. Picking up gifts and what not. Trying to see how I will pack everything. It will be tough, but it will get done. I also have been just hanging around in class and what not. Same old story. Yet, I only have 10 days left of classes!!! wooohoo.
I met this guy back in February, but am just now starting to hang out with him. He is such a sweetheart and I am really enjoying spending time with him. It is nice to still at this point in my trip, be meeting some incredible people. Luckily hes awesome and I get to spend my last few weeks with him.
Finally, last week we had our English play. It was awesome. It was Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, but a very dirty Version. Everyone really had a great time. I was so proud of how well everyone did. Plus, I got plenty of pictures!!! Always important. Take lots of pictures in life.

Plans for the next 3 weeks: Friday Russian Ballet, Despedida, Vilca.

I should be writing soon.

May here we come...

It's been a while since I have written. Though I haven't had very much time to write. I have been so so so busy with everything here. Time continues to fly by. It's almost scary. As of now I have just 35 days left. Can you believe it? A month and 4 days.

Right now I am sitting here in my room. Tired from the long month of April. The last time I wrote I was headed off to the Galapagos. Well I knew it would be wonderful, however, I never knew it would be so breathtaking. I literally don't have words to explain it. I saw things I never knew existed and did things I never thought possible. I swam with seals, sharks, and fishes. They go so close to you it's amazing. We walked 3 miles in pure heat to Tortuga Bay, which is deffenitaly one fo the most beautiful beaches ever. The 3 mile walk was well worth the sweat and pain. We ate delicous sea food, walked up volcanoes, and and into the tunnels of love. I spent the most amazing 5 days with a wonderful group of people. I took so many pictures and just really enjoyed myself. For anyone who has the time and money, deffenitally go there. It's well worth it.

When I got home from Galapagos I went back to school for a day and then went back to Guayaquil to pick up my parents! I was so excited to see them. Friday night I stayed at my friend Matthew's house. He is homosexual so we decided to go to a Gay Club. It was absolutely incredible. Like the best night of my life. It was nice to see a group of people so comfortable with each other and having a great time. My friend Matthew got to hang out with boys and really enjoy himself since none of the Ecuadorians he lives with or goes to school with know he's gay. Plus I had fun because all the guys that work there are straight so they wanted to dance with me. What could be better? It was awesome.

Saturday I hung out with Matthew and a few other Exchange friends until it was time for my parents to arrive. Their flight arrived on time and it was so awesome to get to hang out with them. We waited at the bus station for a few hours until it was time to leave to Loja. We arrived in Loja at around 8AM on Sunday. My parents were shocked by the beauty of the mountains. It was so incredible. My host parents picked us up at the terminal and gave them a quick tour. We arrived at the house, showered, and headed off to Vilcabamba. Diego was a great tour guide stopping at points so My dad could take plenty of pictures. We spent the entire day swimming, eating wonderful food, horseback-riding, and getting aquainted. When the day finally came to an end we went back to Loja. At night Noshy and Rigo invited us to their house to eat. They had a huge salad and pasta with a whole bunch of salads. Boy was I full after that. We chatted for a while and then headed off to bed.

Monday we went to visit my school. I got dressed in my uniform and we went off to Liceo de Loja. My parents met my class, my math teacher, my physics teacher, and my social studies teacher. Luckily for us, they had a civics play going on and they got to see our school sing the national anthem and also the school anthem. After school, my counselor Steve invited us to breakfast at his place. We had some sweet Ecuadorian bread and eggs. Steve and Patricia (his wife) told us all about Ecuador and a few other things. It went so well and it was such a wonderful time. After breakfast we went to the house so I could get ready to take some senior pictures. We drove up to Vilcabamba again and took some shots around our farm. It started to rain so we headed back to Loja. Later at night we went to Diego's brother's house and had a wonderful taco dinner there. My parent's said the food was the best ever. For desert it was Pineapple Cream. Oh so scrumptious. I was in heaven.

Tuesday we went to Cisol, the school I helped at a few weeks ago. As soon as I got there the kids ran up to us and swarmed my dad and mom giving them big hugs. My therapist and Dr. Riskalla donated toothbrushes to the school. It was so generous of them. Plus it helps the kids a lot. After spending time at the school we went to Borris' house. He is my art teacher at school. He used to be a street kid at Cisol, but used his art to better himself. His house is incredible and so beautiful. He will definitaly be famous someday. For lunch we went back to the house. Lily and Diego had Gunieapig prepared for my parents. They both ate it and surprisingly enjoyed it. I must say I am proud of them. Afterwards we went around the city of Loja to see some churches. At 5:30 we went to the theater to see Daniel play the piano in a concert. It was nice. After his concert my mom and I went and got our nails done. That was fun to do together. After my family, my host family, the host president (diego's brother nelson), diego's brother Viche (and his wife), and Noshy (and Rigo). It was so good. I love pizza night.

Wednesday we traveled again in bus to Cuenca. However, not only did we leave Loja, but so didn't Lily and Diego (along with Viche and Cesy). They left to Switzerland. They were so excited. So now they are gone for 3 weeks. The bus ride to Cuenca was short and very pretty. My dad had a great time taking pictures. We stayed at the Hotel Oro Verde. We ate Ceviche and then went out to the city. We saw some incredible churches made of marble. Later we had a nice snack at a French bakery. I love banana and carmel crapes. My vanilla Cappacino wasn't bad either. Afterwards we went back to the hotel and just decided to hang out.

Thursday morning we were on a bus once again. This time headed to Quito. The trip was a bit longer but my parents really loved the mountain scenary. We arrived around 6 but it wasn't to bad. We took a taxi to the Marriott. It was so beautiful. Everything was just perfect. We took our luggage up to the room and then luckily our TV had CVS so we could watch Survivor. Then after my boyfriend JT got voted off we went to dinner (thanks to my lovely grandmother and aunts). We had such wonderful steak. It was so good. I don't think I've ever had better. From there we went up to the Executive Lounge and had some nice deserts. Then off to bed again.

Friday was another eventful day. We woke up and over looked the volcano from breakfast. It was beautiful. After breakfast we went to the Artisan Market where we bought gifts and did some shopping. My parents got me a great hat and leather wallet. With the money my Aunt gave me I got a beautiful Ecuadorian purse. I was so happy. After that we brought our gifts back to the hotel and went out again. This time we went to the town center. We took a horse ride around the place and then decided to grab some pizza for lunch. After lunch we went to the Gondalla. It takes you to the highest point of the city. At exactly 15,000 feet. It was so beautiful. Yet, a bit cold, but still just so shocking. When we finished we went back to the hotel and had a nice dinner.

Saturday was our last day. We got up early to take more senior pictures over looking the city. It was a little cloudy which made perfect pictures. After breakfast we went to buy bus tickets to Guayaquil and then we took a taxi to the Middle of the World. We saw a huge Volcano crator which is still active but hasn't eruppted in many years. People acutally live in the Volcano. Crazy. Later we went to the real middle of the world. We stood across the line of the two hemispheres and had a really awesome time. We also learned that it is true about the whole water spinning in opposite directions thing. For lunch we went to TGIFridays. I missed Fridays. I had an awesome sandwhich and enjoyed eating with Mom and Dad. We were so stuffed from lunch so we went back to the hotel and swam for awile. Boy was that relaxing. At 930 we left to Guayaquil. We arrived at 530 am and from there went to the airport. I waited with them and finally it was time to say goodbye. I was so bummed out. I waited at the terminal for 3 hours and finally got on a bus to Loja. I got home at 10pm. Then I recieved an email from my mom saying the flight got cancelled. I was so bummed. HAd she called me I could have stayed there with them. I already miss them. But I am so excited they got to come here and spend such a nice week with me. I am so lucky to have such wonderful parents. I am a bit sad, but I know I will see them again in a month.

Well that's all for now. I am tired and have so much work to do. Atleast now I am looking forward to the beach, my family, and my friends. Ah I can't wait.

April Fools!

Okay, so I have to think this is some April Fools Joke, since as of today I have less than 2 months left. Seems just incredible to me. I am both sad and happy though. I miss my family and my home, but I also know I will miss my friends here and everything this wonderful country has. Either way I know my time is passing quickly.

In just 7 days I will be playing with the turtles in the galapagos. In 16 days I will be at the Airport in Guayaquil picking up my parents. And in 60 days I will be arriving back at Logan Airport. It's crazy. I think I have only like 22 days left of school. I have three weeks left with my host parents since they will be in Switzerland half of May. Just so much to do. The other day I cleaned my room and packed most of my stuff. Not my clothes.. but gifts I've bought and stuff I've recieved here. I don't want to worry about all that stuff at the last minute. I'd rather spend my last few weeks hanging out with friends.

Yesterday was my last day helping out at Cisol (the poor school). It was a really great time spending time with them and getting to know each one. They all have a hard life but are so thankful and really sweet. I will miss not getting to hangout with them everyday. It's amazing how helping kids who dont have much makes you feel really happy. For some reason the past three weeks, I have been nothing but happy. I feel so fortunate and blessed. It also makes me realize how great the USA is. Yes we have our problems, and not every president makes all the right choices, but we need to always remember the positives. We have great education, great doctors, and great oppurtunities. You always have to look at the glass ahlf full.

So I've been dieting/changing my life style. I have lost 13 of the 16 I put on. I feel so much healtier and am learning about new delicous and healthy foods I had never tried before. It amazes me the will power I have once I really apply myself. I am starting to see that it really is mind over matter. If you think something will be awful, well it probably will be, but if you tell yourself it will be okay and it's going to be fun... well it most likely will be. Oh the secrets of life you learn as you grow up.

This coming Sunday is Easter. Here in Ecuador, of course it's not celebrated the same way. I must admit I am a little sad I won't be getting a visit from the Easter bunny, but hey there's always next year. In Ecuador it's less about only Sunday and more the whole week. It's called Semana Santa, which would mean Holy Week. All schools have vacation this week and take the time to spend with family. For examply tonight all my cousins and family here are going to our finca(country house) tonight to spend the evening and celebrate together. Friday we will be back home because my host brothers have a big concert Saturday night. As we speak they are practicing. I don't know what more they do, but we shall find out.

Oh and a note to mom and dad, like my friend here told me... since here they don't celebrate American holidays, in June I am expecting Thanksgiving Dinner, Trick or Treating, Stocking of Goodies, Candy hearts, Pot of gold coins, Easter basket & brunch. Just a heads up.

March Maddness!

Okay so I swear I never thought time could fly by so fast. The last time I wrote I had like 89 days left and now I have 72. It feels like just yesterday I wrote that blog. I have been keeping very busy and just enjoying my time here.

Last weekend I went to Cuenca with Mamma Lily. It was a blast. We had a great time and it was really nice just being the two girls. We ate delicous food and I got to see Cuenca. Cuenca is beautiful, but I still believe Loja is the most beautiful city in Ecuador. While we were there I also went to part of Lily's pediatric presentations. It was really interesting to learn about some major pediatric problems. I also learned about some major differences between the USA and South America. The major problems we have and the major problems SA has are completely different. Another great thing, I actually understood the presentation!!!! Woohoo.

This past week (and next week) I was working at the poor school in Loja. I have been teaching English class there for 3 hours each day. It's a lot of fun and I really really enjoy spending my time there. The kids are so eager to learn, which makes it really nice as well. Monday- Thursday we play games and then on Friday we cook, this week it was chocolate chip cookies with fudge sauce and the kids enjoyed it. However, it is harder to cook here in Ecuador because the ingrediants aren't the same as home. Sugar isn't as smooth. I think that's why they don't have as many deserts here. I am really excited for next week. We are going to sing Kareoke. If I have learned anything from being here, it's that listening to songs in another language and reading the lyrics really helps your pronunciation. So I hope that next week is just as wonderful as this past week was. Oh and my mom is going to bring tooth brushes to the kids when she comes. The kids at that school really don't have anything. Most of their parents have left them to go to Spain, other only live with their mom, but their mom is a prostitute. It's really sad and these kids can't afford anything. However, despite all of the hardships they are facing.. They are really great kids, with great hearts. I feel so lucky to be able to work with them and get to know each one differently.

The Galapagos trip is only a few weeks away. I am so excited to go swim with the turtles and take pictures with blue footed boobies. My trip is all paid for and in just 3 weeks I will be there. I am looking forward to the Galapagos more than anything because of how diverse it is. The animals on that island, are like no other in the world (or well they are, but so different). I have heard such wonderful things about the Galapagos, and I know it is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity to be able to go there. Oh boy, this is just going to be such a great experience. Thank you Mom and Dad for giving me this chance!

Oh and only 28 days till my wonderful parents are here in Ecuador with me!!! I can't even explain to you my excitement. I love them both so much and I know we are going to have a wonderful time together. I seriously have the best parents in the world.

So I know that in one of my blogs I mentioned how another American girl was at our school. She's awesome and I love her. I really am so glad I got the chance to meet her. However, sadly on Tuesday she will be flying back to the USA. Which is a huge bummer for me because she's such a great person. I will miss her being at Liceo with me, but I know she wants to get home since it's her Senior year. I hope this Summer I will get to see her when Vale and ana come to visit me. I wish her the best of luck though. <3>

Our dance presentation at school went awesome. I had an awesome time dancing with our class. We didn't win, but then again we only prepared for four days. My class is so much fun. Our costumes we so crazy, plus we had a few girls dressed up as guys. I love Ecuador. In the USA we never have dance competitions like that. I will be sad that I can't do that again, but maybe we can do that in the USA who knows.

I have also been on a diet here for the past 2 weeks. I gave up soda for lent, and I have been good about not drinking it. Which is crazy for me. I have been a lot less and eating a lot healthier. I feel a lot better already. I had gained a lot of weight when I got here, but I am losing it all. I will be going back to the USA better than ever. Both my mind set and body. I feel wonderful and I can honestly say I am happier than I have ever been.

I'll write more soon hopefully if my life isn't to dull. It shouldnt be though, because my friend Matthew is coming to visit me! yea yea yea >

March is here...?

March is finally here. Can you believe it? Maybe you can, but wow I sure can't. It amazes me how the older you get the faster time flies by. I wish this year never had to end. However, I got "THE" e-mail today. The e-mail from Rona (RYEP Director) asking for a letter to the upcoming exchange students. Ah I can't believe that it's now time for the new exchange students' dinner. I feel like the year just flew past. I remember sitting at that dinner and listening to those letters and just getting so excited to leave the country. Now here I am a year later and getting ready to end my time abroad. When I have to think about it, it's really sad. This place is seriously, just so beautiful. However, I know since the people will be sharing my letter at International Night, I thought I would also share it here:

I'm sure you have all heard the saying, "Disney, the most magical place on earth." Well no offense to Walt Disney, but he lied. The moment I stepped off the plane and into Loja, Ecuador I knew I had found the place where real magic lies. Sure, Cinderella didn't take a picture with me, nor did I ride Space Mountain, but I did enter a whole other world. An unknown world, that to me had nothing, but adventures lying ahead. What could be more magical than that?

This exchange program has been the most wonderful experience of my life. For the last 8 months I have been living in Ecuador. A country not well-known, nor by anymeans rich. However, this country is rich with everything, but money. The word breath-taking can't even begin to desribe the beauty I see here everyday, the culture is like nothing I expected, but exquisite none the less and the people, well, they are irreplaceable. They have taught me so much and given me a better outlook on life. Rotary truly goes above and beyond. In my time being here I have seen Incan Ruins, swam in the Pacific Ocean, traveled to the Galapagos Islands, and so much more. I am honestly so blessed to have been given this oppurtunity

In just a few short months you will all be getting ready to board your planes, say your farewells, and begin the start of what will truly become a new life. If you aren't excited already, get excited. Embrace the new culture, the new land, and new people. The next year of your life will be life changing. You will see things you never knew existed and go to places that you would never imagine. The time flies by, so enjoy every second. Goodluck, and be safe.

Well, other than only having 89 days left, I am really looking forward to my parents coming to visit. In just a few short weeks they will be here. Ha, it's funny that I only have five days of school in April. As of MArch 15 I have vacation until April 8th, but then on the 8th I go to the Galapagos. When I come home i have 3 days of school and then I go to Guayaquil to pick up my parents (WOOHOO). They are here for a week, and then I have 2 days of school left of the month. I can't lie it is so exciting. Oh and next weekend I am going to visit Cuenca, since the last time we had a change of plans. Can't wait to explore beautiful Ecuador some more.

Today, we had our country presentation. It was really cool to see all the different countries. We had Japan, South Africa, Greece, India, Russia, and another country I am blanking on right now. Everyone was dressed up, presented some type of food, and showed their native dance. Everyone got really into it and it was great. Now our English class is preparing the play Moses (but a modern version) and we are working hard on it. I can't wait to see how that turns out either.

Something I find interesting here is that in Ecuador there is no Pledge of Allegiance. I always kind of figured every country had one. However, that is not the case. In the USA we say the Pledge everyday. Here in Ecuador when you reach Senior year, it is a big presentation in which all of the schools participate and march up to the flag and kiss it. It is their way to pledge their allegiance to their country. It's really cool that it's a big event and that they take it very seriously. In the USA we don't take our pledge to seriously in school. I think the doing it one time really makes it a big deal. I enjoyed watching it, although I would not kiss the Ecuadorian flag out of respect for my own country. Furthermore, in all other countries it's okay to place your flag on the floor. That was something I didn't know since in the USA it is disrespectful.

Well, I will write again soon. 89 days though, I seriously can't believe it. Where did the time go?

6 Months... Are You Sure?

Well this past Sunday marked my 6th month here. Shocked is not even the correct word for how I feel. Time just flies by so fast it's incredible. I now only have 98 days left till I wil be back in Plymouth, MA and I have 54 days till my wonderful Mom and Dad will be down here in Ecuador.

So in the past week or so not that much has really happened. I went to the Discoteca (club) on Friday with my friends from the Tecnico. They are so much fun and really great people. I enjoyed getting to know them better as well as just dancing and letting go. I find that I really do love to dance. It's a light do whatever kind of feeling. Spanish music is so beautiful as well. I really love finding all types of new stuff. The night went really well and I realized I have so many wonderful friends. I really am going to miss Loja when I have to leave.

Furthermore, in the past week I realized that I don't like a lot of things about society. I don't like people are so judgemental, they talk about other people's lives, and they just act without thinking. I wanted to just change it all, but then I realized I do a lot of things I do not like. How can you throw stones living in a glass house. It's just dangerous. So I realized that I need to change myself before I can expect the world to change and even if I can't change the world atleast I can hold myself to higher standards. I really want to be a better person. I want to live my life in a healthy way both mentally and physically. The drama is just overwhelming and unnecesary, not to mention drama just hurts people who are truly good people or are people who are having rough times. I'm working on it. One step at a time.

Today, my mom just got back from the Domincan Republic. She had such a wonderful time visiting my sister, even though she was sick at first (my mom). I got the chance to talk to my mom today about all the wonderful stuff she did with my sister Ashley. My mom also got to meet my sister's Domincan boyfriend and their parents. My mom loves her boyfriend Jose and thinks he is such a great guy. He must be because I know my sister is very picky and she is happy so I am happy. My sister Ashley is such a beautiful person she deserves the best. I hope that she will be home when I g home, or well atleast be visiting this summer.

While webcamming with my mom I asked for a camera since my first one someone at school broke, the second one my host parents bought for me, someone stole so I am now cameraless and I would really love to have a camera my last month here with all of my goodbyes and what not. So they agreed and I get a new camera when they come to visit me. My parents are the best. So thoughtful and they always help me out sooo much. I also hope my dad will get the time to paint my room purple before I go home. It would be a lovely surprise, but I also know my dad is very busy. I'll cross my fingers because I hate painting and wouldn't like to do it when I get home.

Lastly, I also talked to my mom about the spreading of my grandmother's ashes. As you know, my grandmother passed away in January. However, my grandmother wished for her ashes to be spread in a meadow near her house overlooking a mountain. In order to do this, we must wait until the summer. I believe that my parents want to take another cross country trip to go out there and see my uncle in California. However, I don't think I can take off so much time from work. I am going to need a job so badly, but I most deffinitaly plan on going for the ashes, just not sure about how well we can work out the whole driving around the other parts of the country as well. I guess time will tell.

Well I am off for now. Time to get ready for school tomorrow. Again feel free to add me on facebook or write me. If you add me on facebook, please send me a message letting me kno who you are. Thanks.

What a Beautiful Place

So another week has passed and yet I am that much closer to heading home. Although it is days like today that are going to make me miss Loja so much.

I know that sometimes I get upset here, and sometimes I just feel like packing up and going home, but I think everyone feels like that no matter what. However, today really showed just how amazing and really caring the people I know here are. It all started about two months ago when the biology teacher Angelica quit. There were some family problems, although we weren't sure of what. We also heard that Gladys, the school's director and Angelicas older sister, would be quitting at the end of the year. It was sad news, yet we couldn't really do much about it. However, yesterday Gladys, and Jose Vinico, the schools other director and chemistry teacher and Angelica's wife, quit. They did not tell any students, but some parents found out about it. This news was emotionally devestating for the students. Especially the seniors who have been with these people for 18 years now. They didn't want some new women taking over Glady's position, nor did they want someone else to hand them their diplomas (the new director will be their other sister Sorayah). So today our class had to go support our classmate Veronica in a poem competition. She did great and won second place. We were all so proud. Although we were happy for a moment, our mind went directly back to Gladys. Our class created chants and songs for them on the way back to the school. As we entered the school we sang the song as loud as we could and entered the center of the it. We Sang:

De dia vivire vistiendo la amarilla de noche a la Gladys le voy a cantar seras tu para mi lo mejor de este mundo..si te vas.. t juro q t seguire! vas a ser por siempre el birector josesito te llevo en el corazon! gritare con orgullo que un dia fui tu alumno..el profe mas torcuato del Ecuador! GLADYS, JOSE, ANGELICA! si...empre en el corazon de los liceinoos! los keremos y los vamos a extrañar!

Classes began to empty as they came to join us. The whole school sat there and protested. Jose and Angelica were both at the school retrieving their things. We went all out and sang to them. However, we were not going to move till Gladys came. We sat in the extremely hot sun for about three hours until Diego, our classmate, and his mother went to get Gladys. When she came everyone went nuts and surrounded the car. Our class president gaver her a speach and then she gave one. It was so touching and so beautiful. Gladys, Jose, Angelica, and their other brother Miguel, who supports the three, all joined us and said something. At the end every single person was crying, heck I was crying. We all waited in line to hug them all and it was truely so touching. The three also promised to attend the graduation. Being there made me realize that these people didn't care about getting punished. They wanted these people who have affected their lives so much to know how much they meant to them. I truely felt extremely honored to have been apart of it all. Now tomorrow we don't have school either because of all the comotion.

Well since all the comotion I am now looking forward to Carnival. The weekend has finally arrived. It feels like just yesterday I was talking about Carnival, but ha that was back in November. Time is truely flying by. I have to get prepared to be soaked and also egged. Ew eggs, but I hear they do wonders for your hair :D. I have heard all about Carnival, but hearing about something and actually experiencing it, is so different. I seriously cannot wait to go to Vilcabamba this weekend and have a great time with my family and friends. I'll have to write all about it when I get back.

On Tuesday, my package finally came. It had been almost 2 months. However, I was so excited. My Aunt Carol & Uncle Bill, being the amazing people they are were so generous. They always go above and beyond for everyone. A box of nerds, and card would have suficed, but they did so much more and I am so appreciative. I am truely a very very lucky person to have them in my life. I don't know what I would do without them. I am so excited to see them when i get back and just give them a big hug. It will be nice to just relax and get to spend time at the beach. My Aunt also had surgery this week, so please keep her in your prayers. Thanks.

My mom is going to the Dom Rep this weekend to visit my sister Ashley. I am so excited for her. I feel like she really needs to do this for herself. I know my sister is looking forward to seeing her as well. It's funny because a flight to Santiago, the city where my sister lives, costs $800 right now. However, since I am not so smart, I thought she lived in Santo Domingo. Well lucky for my mom flights to Santo Domingo right now only cost about $440 and a bus ride to Santiago is about $5. So crazy, which is a good lesson to all. Check all airports around the other city. My dad went to NYC yesterday with Bonna, his mom and my grandmother. Today they are going to a broadway play. I am really excited for him. He is so much fun and I know he and my grandma will have a wonderfull time together.

Oh and at home it has been snowing a lot lately. Ha I find that amusing. Well atleast they're safe, but cold. I like when they're cold. It makes me enjoy being here more.

I will write more soon. Just have so many things to do. I think I might go see Inglorious Bastards tonight with Santiago. Wow it's crazy. Time is just flying by. Again please feel free to write me.

Less than 4 Already.

I really just can't believe that in less than 4 months I will be back at home. Time is really flying by and I honestly don't mind that.

It's amazing, Carnival is in two weeks and we are already preparing. Kids in the streets are throwing waterballoons and eggs. Not to wonderful if you ask me, but hey what you can you do. Actually, I had someone drop a waterbomb on me but luckily it didn't pop. I also learned that after Carnival we don't eat meat on Fridays until Easter. Here they don't celebrate Easter either. They're killing me. Their giving up meat is like our giving up soda, or chocolate, or something we really like. The same type of sacrafice. I have to say though, am excited to see what Carnival is like. I also remember, Carnival is the same day as Mardi Gras. Interesting.

Other than Carnival, I have been having the wierdest dreams lately. It's repeated too. I keep dreaming that I have gone home early and that I am really happy to be home, until I ask my mom to go out and she says I can't leave the house for a month and then I want to come back. I don't know what that means, but oh well it's funny. Lately I have also put on like 5 pounds. I can still fit in my pants, but not comfortably like before. I think I know why though. Here they eat a large breakfast, a large lunch, and almost no dinner. However, at home I barely eat breakfast, have a small lunch, and usually just east a snack later. I really don't have all that much hunger after school here, but I feel rude not eating here. So I need to have a talk with my host parents this week about that.

I still don't feel homesick although I do find myself missing more things. For one I miss my little doggy. Okay so she's not so little, but I miss her. She is so cute. I also miss my brothers and how funny they are, but mostly my parents. I am counting down the days till I see them. I miss Ryan too. The guy I was talking to before I left. It's funny how he was like the one guy I really enjoyed just hanging out with and talking. I could tell him everything. I still skype with him and I can't wait to go home and spend more time with him. I also got great news that my greant aunt sharon and great uncle eloy will be in plymouth when I get home, so I will get to spend time with them. Furthermore, Mom is taking the day off when I get home so we can be together. I will hopefully get my permit that day and go job searching!

Although everything has been going well here, there are so many things that annoy me here as well. One of the biggest problems for me is the schooling here. The teachers teach so plainly and boringly. Never any projects, never group discussions, litterally nothing exciting. All they ever do is take notes; day after day. So boring. How can you learn like that. Another thing is they never get homework and when they do they ALWAYS complain. If they don't do their homework their is always the excuse I had math and history to do. I didn't have time. And when a teacher is talking they continue to talk. They have no respect for teachers because they do not have punishments. If you don't do homework or talk back to a teacher they can't do anything. How is that possible? These kids are all rich, have never worked for anything and literally do not care. It's angering. I wish they could see how other people lived.

Another thing is that here in Loja people don't like different. Many are very closed minded people who don't like people or things unlike what they know. I hear all the time; don't do this, you can't say that, or don't wear that. It feels so contricting. Also okay I understand them warning me, but after one time of telling me if I continue to do that, it's my problem. They want me to do what they do, but that's not who I am. I am different and out there. I just wish they could open their eyes and have more tolerance. However, I think everyone in this world needs more tolerance. You can't judge someone or someplace you don't know or have never been too. You just can't. I wish I could show people. Show them how to open up and accept others and not judge. I personally am working on that. Not judging people and making up with people I have hurt. I recently wrote a girl a message I know I'd hurt and told her I was sorry for hurting her, becuase I wasn't happy with myself. I want to be a better person and I think being here is really helping me do that.

Oh and one thing I also have yet to mention is the indigenous people here. They are everywhere. It's incredible to see them. They are so tiny and wear hats they made along with clothing they hand made. Both men and women have long hair in which they put in braids. It's so interesting. They work for barely no money, so the children do not go to school and have no education. The people need a lot of help, but not many people give it. It's sad because these people want to live their lives old fashionedly but it's not really possible. They need medicine to protect them from diseases and food and clean water to live. However, now adays the indigenous people nearly have nothing. It is so awful and sad.

Well that's all for now. I will write more again soon. Oh and almost forgot. I finally met my "cousin" Anita. She brought me Reeses and Twizzlers yum. She is such a sweet girl and so beautiful. I look forward to spending more time with her.

Wow, Was That 5?!

So this past weekend was a blast. Me and my host family went to Quito. I have never really gotten the chance to see Quito (Ecuador's Capital) so it was really a great experience.

Let's start off with last week. I must say it felt like it went by so slowly. It could not have been more boring. I have no idea why. On Wednesday my parents booked their flights to come visit me. My mom is forgetful and gave my Dad the wrong dates, but luckily they could change them. They will be here during April vacation in the USA. I am so excited to show them my new home and life. It will be an experience they will never forget. I am already planning all the things I want to do with them.

On Thursday was the big 5 month marker. It's amazing how fast time has just seemed to fly by. It also amazes me I have been away from home for so long. It seems like it was yesterday I was with them. Also Gizem's mom arrived in Boston to visit my family and her. It seems like they are having a really wonderful time. Sadly, Gizem's dad didn't get the chance to go as well, but it is still a really special treat to even have one family member visit.

Friday was a long day. Deffinitally the longest of the week. During school I helped Rita (our English teacher) set up everything for our Carlos Arrobo Carrion (creator of Liceo de Loja) play. His wife and children all came to watch. It was truly incredible and I really enjoyed it. Funny too how it was cold and rainy all week, but come time for the play it was hot and beautiful out. Not a cloud in the sky. I even got a little sunburnt. Oops. After school I went home. Surprisingly my older sister now likes my ex boyfriend. It's funny how she didn't know he's my ex boyfriend. And furthermore, once she found out, well she didn't really care. I am no longer talking to my sister or my ex boyfriend. I don't need the drama that Kaylah brings in to my life. I just need to have fun. SO although that upset me that my sister could do that to me, I am over it. After all that drama we took a plane ride to Quito. I must say Quito is a beautiful city, but mighty cold. I am very happy to live in the beautiful climate of Loja. As soon as we got off the plane we went to a Restraunt called Rusty's. It's a cheesburger restraunt made by an American. The food is absolutely incredible. I have to say I deffinitally left full. After dinner we went to Diego's Aunt's house. This cute little home would be our house for the weekend. I got aquianted with his family and then we all sat down for coffee. After coffee my "great aunts" showed me this beautiful old piano they had. It alo played music without pusing any buttons only peddaling. It was a lot of fun to see my host brothers and host dad getting to into it. By then it was around 930pm so my family and I went to downtown Quito. They showed me all of the antique buildings and the president's house. The structure is truely breath taking. I cant wait to take my parents there. After that we took a horse ride around Quito and finally strolled down a street with tons of tourists. I must say after a very long day I passed right out.

Saturday I went to the market to buy a sweater I had been looking for. It's ecuadorian made and absolutely breathtaking. I love all the stuff made in Ecuador. After the market I met up with two of my exchange friends Zoe and Coulter. My host brothers went to a Panda Concert and my host parents went to a graduation dinner. I ate so much food and for the first time since I have been here ate McDonalds. I have to say, I miss it SOOO much. We played games at the arcade and worked so hard we were all sweating afterwards. At night we went to see Muerte en la funeral. We weren't excited to see it, but it ended up being an absolutely hilarious movie. We couldn't stop talking about it after. After the movie ended, it was time for the night to end, but now I am planning to go back to Quito and visit my exchange friends. They are so great.

Sunday was my last day in Quito. We went out to lunch at this big castle looking place with Esteban, Felipe, Manolo (cousins), and some of Diegos friends. The food was good, but I couldn't believe what Ecuadorians eat; squid, and octopus. So gross. Afterwards, we said our goodbyes to Diego's aunts and headed to the airport. I started to feel sick and it was awful. We arrived home around 630. I still felt sick so I passed out.

Today I was still sick so I didn't go to school. I think it had something to do with the food I ate. I don't really know. Now I am feeling much better though so I am happy.

I cannot explain how lucky I am to have such a wonderful family. Everyone of them is so amazing and I love them. I can't imagine my year being any other way. I am so blessed and love how everything in my life is. I am just done with fake people, done with liars, and done with unloyal people. All I need in life are good hearted people. Oh and I almost forgot. Next week my "cousin" Ana comes back from Wisconson. I am exicted to finally have someone my own age that will be in Vilcabamba. 3 weeks till carnival too!!!! I'll write more later.

145 Days and Counting

So everything here has been going very well. I just thought I'd write about some funny things that have happened in the last few days.

So first off the mail here is as slow as a snail. It takes nearly a lifetime to get even a card. My therapist sent me a Christmas card on the 14th of December and I just got it today (13th of December). I think I could have walked it here faster. Okay not really, but close I am sure. I am still waiting for the package my Aunt sent me right around the same time; however, I must have patience. It will get here eventually and I will be so excited when it does.

Secondly, school is just so much fun. Getting up at 6am is never an easy feat, but once I get to school it is well worth it. Today during English class our teacher did not come for the first hour. My class made a giant paper ball the size of my head. We tossed it around and made it a huge game. Only in Ecuador would we be standing on tables and just throwing a huge wad of paper at one another. Sometimes it would hit someone in the face, but they just laugh it off. At home it would be such a big deal. Another reason I love Ecuador.

Thirdly, I cant begin to explain how much I love people here. Sure some of them annoy me, but that's normal everywhere. However, there are people here who I know will always be a part of my life. My two best friends Ana Maria and Valeria are two of the most amazing and beautiful people I have ever met. Not to mention their families are equally as amazing. They continue to care for me like I am one of their own and feel so blessed to know such wonderful and spiritual people.

Fourthly (if I can say that), I am so excited for the next few months. Everything will be happening. This month we have a play about Juan Arrobo (the man who founded Liceo de Loja). It is in spanish, but only the narrators talk. Next month is Carnival and also Valentines day. Two very exciting days. It will be interesting to see how both are celebrated here. March is really only St. Patrick's Day, but I do not believe that is celebrated here. It isn't a huge holiday in the USA either, but I do long Roast beef and cabbage. I also believe that I will be going to the Amazon with my host family since i decided not to go with the Rotary Club. In April it will be chaotic. I will go to the galapagos, my parents will come visit me, we have vacation, and lastly Lily and Diego will be going to Switzerland for 3 weeks. It is going to be difficult to plan it all. In May we have our play in English about Moses. We are currently planning it out because it will be a modern version. May I will also be spending a lot of time with friends going to my last parties and saying goodbye to everyone. Then June 1st I will be back in the United States. So much to do and it seems like theres no time to do it, but I am throughly excited.

Lastly, As of today I have been here 145 days. I cant honestly say I can't believe it. In just 8 days it will be my 5 month mark. Time is flying by so fast. When I first got here I was like this s going to be a long year, but I was so wrong. I remember saying to my host parents, wow in two days it will be one month. That was shocking. Now here I am 4 months later and it feels like time is going faster than ever. With 145 days down, that also means I am past my half way point. I will be home in 139 days. I thought the last 5 months flew by; I think I am in for a surprise. Especially since theses are the months everything happens.

Feel free to write me :) my email is in the about me section!

2010 Here We Come

So the days and hours continue to fly by. I can't believe in less than 2 weeks it will be 5 months. It is just amazing to me how fast the time goes by and how each day I feel myself leaving a little more of my heart here. I cannot explain how much I love being here in this beautiful place I currently call home. I know I will surely miss it when I leave.

So after Christmas everything just became so perfect. I cannot even explain it. On New Years I stayed with my best friends Ana Maria and Valeria. I went to their grandparents house to eat dinner and do the New Year Festivities. The food was so delicous. We ate turkey, salad, potatoe caserole, and other delicous foods I do not know the name of. After dinner we all sang and danced and I put a pillow in my dress and danced around with the Old Year doll. At midnight the festivities began. Here in Ecuador they buy a doll that looks like someone they dislike and burn it. They then jump over the burning doll in order to burn the past and jump to the future. After they jump the doll they then eat 12 grapes for health. At the end everyone wishes each other a Happy New Year. At around 1am the parties in Ecuador begin. Everyone here went to the Cadillac party. It was absolutely huge and so much fun. We all danced and just had a blast. The party ended at around 8am. We then went home and slept for the rest of the day.

After New Years I went to Vilcabamba with my family for the weekend. We sang and danced and watched plenty of movies. It was really nice to be able to hang out swim and tan. I also found the place where I want to take my senior photos when my dad got here. Its absolutely beautiful and represents Ecuador so well. It is very important to me that my senior photos capture the beauty of this place I now call home.

On Monday I went back to school. I love my school just not getting up at 6am. Totally makes it a bummer. However, once I get there it is more enjoyable. On Tuesday I was given the News my grandmother had gone into a coma. I knew she wouldnt wake up and I just hoped that god soon would take her. At 10pm Tuesday night, god answered my prayers. My grandmother passed away and went with the angels. It was a very hard day for me and I couldnt help, but crying. She was such a beautiful person.

My Dad flew out to Colorado yesterday to be with my mother. It is a very difficult time for my family and especially my mom who loved her mother so dearly. Today her ceramony will be held. I wrote a poem for my mom to read at the funeral and I am currently thinking of my mother and whole family. I love being in Loja. It's so close to the stars and I personally believe the stars connect everyone. They connect people who are far from you, people you haven't seen in a long time and people who have passed away. Everytime I feel sad about my grandmother, I look at the sky and know I am close to her and that I will see her again someday. We can only look forward. I know she will always watch over me. This is the poem I wrote for her:

An Angel On Earth

When I was little I used to Imagine Angels

I imagined these beautiful girls,

Dressed in white gowns,

Halos floating above their long silky hair

And breathtaking wings that helped them watch over the world.

However, over the years I have learned

That Angels come in many different forms

Sure some are as I imagined and look over us from heaven

But if you are ever so lucky you will find one on earth

One that looks the same as you and me

But has a heart of pure love

I suppose I must be very lucky

Because I got the chance to know and love

The most beautiful angel that ever lived

She was a woman who lived her life loving other

s And looking out for everyone else

A task most others could not accomplish

She may not have lived next door all my life

But she was always apart of it

She would call, write, send pictures, and visit

Just to ensure I lived a healthy and happy life

She has always been my guardian angel

My Grandmother

A woman who would find joy in the simplest things

A woman who would ask about your life and truly take an interest

A woman who never needed technology

But only nature to keep her busy

A woman who no matter how astray her life went

Always had a strong belief in God

So now it is time for that Angel on Earth to transcend

It is time for her to leave this world

And watch over me from above

Where she can guide me using the stars

That have always kept us close,

And give me the faith in god she has always had

My Grandma was an angel on earth & now it is time for her to be an angel of god. I love you

Grandma.You will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I will write soon. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.