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?