Chao Chao, Ecuador!

So it's about time to head back to the States, again time for goodbyes. The idea that I'm leaving tomorrow morning is very strange.  Last night Juan Carlos gave a little goodbye speech on behalf of the family. Crying happened from all parties.  Also, my host family gave me a tote bag that reads, "Lumbisi-Ecuador 2011."  And we ate pizza, because my Ecua-Family has gotten it into their heads that pizza is my favorite food.  I also had a few friends over to watch a movie last night...  I believe the last few days have been the definition of bittersweet.  On the one hand, I cannot wait to get home and see everyone.  On the other hand, I have Genesis and Carlos laying on my half packed suitcases, telling me not to leave. 

There have been good times and bad times, rainy days (lots) and sunny days.  Times when I'm entertained by killing (sort of a psychotic thing to say I suppose) the numerous insects that intrude in my room, times when I'm utterly horrified by the giant crawling things.  I have come to appreciate internet in a way that I never thought I would, same with hot showers.  I have taken for granted the number of avocados I have eaten this semester.  I got my wish to have younger siblings, for the better or the worse.  All the good and the bad means I that I have lived in Ecuador. Life isn't a vacation where everything is supposed to be perfect and wonderful.  Life is having ups and downs, and learning from the day-to-day things which is exactly what I have experienced here.  I have really come to love my Ecua-Family and Ecuador itself, and I know one day I'll come back to visit. 


Accomplishments this semester (in no particular order):
1. Scrolling through a seven page essay on social stratification as seen through art history during Colonial Quito, written by yours truly in SPANISH (also getting 100% on it! woot!)

2. Reading the Seven Chinese Brothers to my host family in Spanish, translating it from English on the spot with minimal dictionary usage

3. Planning and traveling for 10 days around Ecuador, with the help of a guidebook, many Ecuadorean strangers, and the company of two awesome friends.

4. Finding creative ways to maintain a long distance relationship without internet at home (although, more than half of this accomplishment belongs to Andrew :)

5. Keeping up with posting on my blog (for the most part!)

6. Successfully completing two interviews over Skype.

7. Truly being part of my Ecuadorean family.

Lumbisi is beautiful, even with wilting corn.

Well next time I post will be from Flossmoor. Hasta luego amigos!

[See my newest photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150596369710413.672673.774675412&l=c1683c7066]