During fall train in August we were told to be learners and to come into Ecuador as Learners not as Knowers. Well, I listened, but I did not understand what the difference was or how that would affect my experience in Ecuador. I recently took a trip with some friends and learned the difference, and its effects.
I was talking about living in the jungle without a shower or a bathroom, and the people I was with kept asking if my program knew that I did not have water in the house. They also asked “Isn’t there a standard they…

When you were eleven what was your day like?  I went to school, played sports, came home and fought with my sibling.
Here my aunt is eleven and her days are a little different.  She goes to school and does her homework, and on weekends plays soccer.  The difference is that she does not fight with her siblings, when she gets home.  She helps do everything around the house.  She watches the children and helps to cook the meals.  My aunt does not have much time to just chill out and be a kid.  She is always doing things.
At…

In early January, the Prefecto (governor) of Napo came up to me and asked when I was leaving Ecuador.  When I told him in April, he announced, “That’s great! So, now you are going to teach English”.  You do not tell the Prefecto no.  So I got a little worried about what I was going to do.  I was in a panic thinking, I’m not a teacher. I have no idea how to teach English or anything.  Help!
Well, yesterday was my second class.  After spending the whole day preparing for this class, writing the plans, and printing worksheets, the…

When you think of Christmas what do you think?  For me Christmas is: snow and sledding, time with my family, and presents for everyone.  One thing I love about Christmas are the decorations:  the green and the red, the Christmas tree and my Grandmother’s Christmas village.  I love to decorate the house and put up the tree; it is a lot of work, but it is so much fun. Christmas day is stockings and presents, then a family meal with everyone. For me this is Christmas.
This year Christmas was a little different.
Picture this: Lush plants everywhere.  No snow or snowmen.  No Christmas tree to put…

I am amazed by how much I feel at home here in Atacapi.   The week I spent in Quito was fun but I missed my family so much.  I was wondering how they were doing and wanted to know how the baby was because my parents said that the other children had spent months in the hospital.  I loved my time in Quito but there is nothing like coming home to your family.
After the long bus ride I walked in the door and my whole family was there to greet me.  It was great to see them.  The kids…

Happy Thanksgiving.
I am so thankful to be here in Ecuador. I am thankful for the life lessons I am learning. One of which is to be
grateful for all that you have.
I spent the weekend in Quito celebrating Thanksgiving with all the Ecuador fellows.  It was great.  In this time I learned that I have many things in the US.  One of the most important things during my time here has been the shower and not just any
shower but a hot shower.   In Atacapi I love to go to the river and take a bath; it is fun. Nothing gets you as clean as…