I'll Be Home for Christmas

Every time I’ve tried to write something the past few weeks, I haven’t been able to piece together my incoherent thoughts. Plenty of things happen on a daily basis, but nothing that seems noteworthy. Now, here I am, getting ready to fly home for the holidays, with my mind racing. I haven’t travelled to any exotic locales or accomplished anything significant, but life has been happening. 

Thanksgiving came and went without much ado in Quito. We had a staff potluck during our lunch hour; there was talk of other Thanksgiving dinners going on, but nothing that made the holiday feel real to me. Since the weather is relatively the same all year, the holiday didn’t have the same fresh fall feel. No excitement about pumpkin EVERYthing. Not to mention I sorely missed our annual tradition of traveling to visit my family in New Jersey. 

All that being said, my Thanksgiving (which came a few days later) was equally beautiful. I joined a group of WorldTeach volunteers (so thankful they embraced me as one of their own!) at a BYOD feast. We ate all the typical things like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli casserole, and also pleased our palates with some out of the ordinary dishes like tomato/carrot soup and a veggie stir-fry. We drank wine and a celebratory Ecuadorian drink called Canelazo. We blended cultures and traditions to create something new and, even though it was different, it was good. I think that sometimes a fresh perspective can make you appreciate things more.

In the past month, I’ve also discovered the beauty of a Gonzalo Suarez hotdog (don’t tell my healthier persona about this health disaster) which is covered in sauces, potato chips, and- of course- aji. 

I tried Chocolate Ambateño- a hot chocolate served with cheese (to put inside) and biscochos to snack on. 

I made homemade empanadas de viento with a sweet Ecuadorian instructor. These delicious pastries are filled with cheese, fried, then covered with sugar. Yum! 

I attended a beautiful Ecuadorian wedding and got to act as chief procurer of photos. 

I finished my first cycle teaching English at my university…nothing at all like I imagined my professional life. I cannot express how much better this teaching experience has been for me than others in the past. Maybe I'm not cut out to boss little kids around... they're more fun to play with! :)

There have been small, beautiful moments, awkward encounters, uncomfortable situations, sucky situations, challenges and rewards. Life in Ecuador is definitely different. Now, I am very excited to make it to Raleigh and (eventually) Stoneville to spend time with my family and friends.  I only have a short time back in the States before a road trip in Ecuador and the start of our next academic cycle.

Besos! 

Katey <3

Isaiah 14:27

Predictability

Predictability is the degree to which a correct prediction or forecast of a system's state can be made either qualitatively or quantitatively.

By this definition, would it be fair to say that something is predictably unpredictable? 

One of the best, worst, and most interesting things about life in Ecuador is the unpredictable nature of it. You might arrive home one day and discover that you have no power. You might meet a new friend who has not only heard of the small county you're from, but has actually been there. You may be struggling to figure out how to say something in Spanish, only to have the Ecua you're talking to break out an exceptionally coherent sentence in English. 

Sometimes the surprises are beautiful acts of kindness- like the locals trying to help foreign missionaries figure out where they need to get off the bus. Sometimes they are kind words spoken by a stranger, random offers from students (who aren't your own) to show you around the city or take you out for a piece of chocolate cake. 

Sometimes the surprises aren't so lovely- old men who seem friendly at first, but progressively get more creepy as they speak to you about  all the places they could take you, stolen cell phones (culturally predictable, but personally surprising), rude bus assistants (okay, not so unpredictable, but still... would it kill them to crack a smile?), finally experiencing that old "myth" of Ecua superficiality... you know, when someone appears to be friendly or helpful, but are only concerned about you as long as it's beneficial for them. 

As one of the most positive people I know (**chuckles**), it's hard for me to admit that some of these things get me down sometimes, but they do. After a long week of one problem after another, I began feeling a bit miffed at the universe. Sometimes when one thing goes wrong, it's hard for me to bounce back immediately. Sometimes things just seem to build up (or maybe I let them). At times like those, I like to listen to music that matches my mood and wallow in my sadness. 

Fortunately, at the same time, I'm able to recognize that this is not healthy. I have an undeniable amount of things to be thankful for, to appreciate. I (personally) feel that I am great at picking out life's beautiful moments, not letting them slip past without notice. However, when I let myself focus on all the negatives, I am much less inclined to care. This reduces part of who I am. It makes me less than my best and does no good. 

It's time like these when I really have to trust that I am taken care of, that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it's hard to see the good in a situation, but I know that it's there. Every situation- good or bad- is a learning opportunity and, as a teacher, who am I to deny a chance to further my education? 

Live and Love <3
Katey

Colassians 3:2
Romans 12:12

Breathing In

Do you ever feel that your life has become a little stale? Like your soul is crying out for a breath of fresh air? For me, the confines of city life and public transportation make me feel this way. Until I got out of town this weekend, I didn’t realize how much I missed being surrounded by the beauty of the countryside- God’s love letter to me. 

I had the opportunity to travel to Baños this weekend with a group of volunteers from WorldTeach (funny how the world works, eh?). Nestled in a valley just a few hours south of Quito in the province of Tungurahua, I was instantly captivated by the stellar views and charm of this “small” town. Baños is well known for it’s adventure sports and tourist opportunities. It was also my breath of fresh air.

On Saturday, we biked 12 miles along a scenic route through the beautiful mountains. We made a few stops along the way to ride a cable car over a beautiful waterfall, eat some ice-cream, and jump off of a bridge (okay, so only one person actually jumped off the bridge, but still). At the end of our ride, we hiked down to El Pailo del Diablo- the most powerful waterfall I’ve ever seen. As we crawled through the narrow tunnel to get a closer look at the waterfall, we met some Ecuadorians who informed us the water from the fall is clean enough to drink (they were bottling it). I found this to be a little off-putting (haven’t they heard of acid rain?), but still interesting. We also discovered a place where we could stand behind the water… and also become completely soaked. 

After we hiked back from the fall, we caught a ride back into town and headed to dinner at an Italian restaurant. I have to say, I was skeptical because food here is so different from what we have in the US, but this place was delicious! We were all well satisfied. Once we figured out our sueltitos (maybe the number one rule in Ecuador: Always carry small bills and change!), we changed into our bathing suits and set off for “las piscinas” for a swim. The water comes from a natural spring and is heated by the volcano there.

Sunday we headed out for La Casa del Arbol after breakfast and got to “swing at the end of the world.” This was something I was really looking forward to and was not disappointed. The views were amazing and the experience was well worth it. When we finally felt ready to move on, we hiked (for about an hour) down the mountain to a cafe that overlooks the town of Baños. Talk about breathtaking. We caught a taxi back to town and prepared ourselves to journey back home.

Within these bigger adventures were smaller adventures. We made new friends, we danced, we got “lost,” and given misdirections. We experienced the kindness of strangers and the indifference of strangers as well. I think this is what traveling is about. Experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, taking everything in and discovering part of yourself in the process. I look forward to many more discoveries in the future! 

Live and love,

Katey <3

Nehemiah 9:6

Familiarity

The past few days have been full of adventures, new discoveries, and the familiarity of old routines.

Monday, we had our teacher's meeting and received class schedules and materials. I am teaching Advanced 2, which means that my students have some fluency and are focusing on learning more vocabulary and grammar. These students put my feeble attempts at learning Spanish to shame.

Tuesday was our first day of classes. I start teaching bright and early at 7am, so nothing new there. One difference is actually getting to work. Since I live pretty far away- by Quiteño standards- I have been catching a taxi to the school. These rides are not cheap but, until I figure out the bus schedule, they are necessary. Traffic in Quito is terrible, so meter prices can tick by pretty quickly. A taxi ride to school can cost anywhere from $2.75-$4.00 while a bus ride is just $.25. Each afternoon,  I have been experimenting with different bus routes. So far, I haven't figured out how to get directly to my neighborhood, but I've made friends!

On Tuesday I didn't pick the right bus (I mean, it got me sort of close..ish), but I still felt okay about the experience. I got to see different parts of Quito and was entertained by an adorable 4 year old named Mateo. As soon as he got on the bus, Mateo began vying for my attention. He sat directly behind me and began singing. Every time I glanced in his direction he squealed with delight and paused until I looked away. Eventually, he began questioning me... "Como te llamas?" What's your name? "Cuantos años tienes?" How old am I? What are my parents names? Where do I live? Before long, we were drawing pictures on the foggy windows and giggling together.

Wednesday, I took a bus closer to my apartment and then hopped in a taxi. Unfortunately, it was monsooning that day, so my clothes were pretty wet and every car that passed by through the three inches of water on the road made a big splash. To cut back on the cost of the taxi, I had the driver let me out across the street, rather than trying to fight through traffic and go down and back again to get me to the correct side. While I was waiting to cross, more cars splashed by, but a very nice Ecua started holding his umbrella out in front of us so we wouldn't get soaked. It's the little things like this that happen that make me smile at the kindness of some people.

Thursday and Friday passed without my much incident... I made it through my first week of school and came to Riobamba with Joha to visit my host family from this summer (and hopefully catch up with some friends!). I haven't had any exciting adventures yet, but I'm enjoying being back in Ecuador where I can soak in the language and culture. Life is beautiful.



Live and love ❤️
Katey

Ecua-ficial

As I began my 20 minute walk to the grocery store today, the skies were quickly darkening. From the time I stepped out of my apartment to the time I got out to the main avenue, the sky had gotten at least three shades darker- but only in one direction! It was sunny and beautiful the other direction (can you imagine my excitement? I love looking at the sky, especially when there’s such cool contrast going on up there!). Luckily, I made it all the way to Supermaxi before the bottom fell out. While I was finished up my shopping I heard the thunder start rumbling and the rain start pouring. Needless to say, I caught a taxi back to my apartment. 

While en route, the inevitable question of “De donde eres? De que pais?” Came up. Then, how long will I be in Ecuador? For some reason, the taxi driver’s next question is always “Tiene un novio ecuatoriano?” Followed by some type of love advice. This always amuses me. Today, my taxi driver shared his feelings that love can overcome everything- socioeconomic status, age, and lifestyle, among other things. He also informed me that should I fall in love and get serious with someone in Ecuador, this boy should come to the U.S. with me when I leave. Or we could get married… you never know what could happen. This provided some entertainment for me on the ride home, which I appreciated. What I didn’t appreciate was the $2.50 price tag.. where’s my discuento for being so friendly? Haha.

Friday we had new teacher orientation at the university where I’ll be working. I took a taxi into town, but wanted to try to figure out the bus system on the way back. The advice I received from my Ecua friends was to find a bus that had a familiar place listed and hop on. So, that’s what I did! Turns out, this wasn’t the most sound advice, but it got me in the general vicinity. Luckily, a very helpful Ecuadorian helped me figure out with bus I needed to take (after the one I chose) to get where I needed to go. I might have gone the long way around, but I ended up at the right place! :)

I also received my Ecuadorian ATM card on Friday (whoop!) and got to see my host dad and brother from this summer. 

Yesterday, I met up with some people who are here with a study abroad program. We walked around el Centro Historico and had lunch. It was also my first experience with the ecua via. This bus system is extremely crowded and ecuas don’t necessarily believe in personal space. Luckily I had some very nice new friends with me to act as my guias :)

Classes start next week and I’m sure I’ll have more interesting stories to share then… In the meantime, 

Live and love

Katey <3

John 17:18

Settling In

It’s my second day in the windy city of Quito, Ecuador. I haven't done much in the way of exploring or venturing out of my apartment- I guess you could attribute that to the fact that the city is a little more daunting when you’re alone and don’t speak much of the language. That being said, I am very thankful to be able to live with one of my host sisters from this summer! 

My two flights from the US went well, with no issues to report. I landed at the airport around 11:30 local time (we’re one hour behind the states at the moment). At the suggestion of my local friends, I took an airport shuttle bus from the new airport to the old airport, which they have converted into a sort of bus terminal. It was much cheaper to travel this way (and safer!). Once I arrived at the old airport, I caught a taxi to my new apartment! Places can be hard to find in Ecuador since most don’t have exact addresses, but it was relatively easy to get to and close by. As for my taxi driver… he "might could use" some prayers for patience :p 

I am looking forward to learning how to use the city bus system (now those crowds… I could probably do without), finding the best restaurants, and learning to cook some local cuisine! I am also excited for/nervous about meeting the staff at the university I’m working at and getting started with classes. This will be something totally new and unique for me.. working with adults. Yikes! I never thought I’d be teaching anyone that tall (well, unless you count some of my gigantic middle schoolers).

I already miss my family and friends and still occasionally daydream about my future house and buying decorations, but this is my life for the next year! I expect you all to learn Spanish so I’ll have people to practice with when I come home and I’d love for you all to stay in touch via any form of social media that uses wifi! 

Thanks for reading! 

Live and love <3

Katey

Isaiah 41:10

Love and the Outcome

It's been said that I care too much, too quickly about others.

Let me first say that this is true. If you earn my trust, I will do almost anything for you. The "problem," I think, is that I always expect the best from people. Whether you've done good or evil, I believe people can change. They can surprise you. They can come through for you.

Trusting people so much, having all this hope and these expectations for people does, occasionally, lead to disappointment. Sometimes to heartache. Sometimes to utter devastation. But I will not change. I won't hold back. Is it any better to go through life jaded; closed off?

After all, how can I show others the love of Christ if I'm too busy worrying about if/when/how they will disappoint me or let me down? Love and caring are not conditional. I was fearfully and wonderfully made.  I have been blessed with love beyond measure, why would I not want to share that with others?

After typing all this out last night, I was thrilled to come across this verse today, which just seems to drive (one of) my point (s) home:


"If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
Romans 12:8

That's my randomness for the day!

Live and love ❤️
Katey

Looking for Love

As I was driving home this evening, I was listening to a cover song that I really enjoy: "We Are the People" by Broods. In this song, the lyrics  "I can't do well when I think you're gonna leave me, oh you know I've tried. Are you gonna leave me now? Can you be believing now?" are repeated.

These lyrics invoke feelings of sadness and uncertainty. They speak of a love that is fleeting, insecure, and immature. Unfortunately, many of the relationships- romantic or otherwise- that I've had have also been tainted by fear and trepidation. When guys mistreat you, girls get catty and wage war on each other, and families often cover up weaknesses to present a strong facade, it makes it difficult to develop a true, trusting relationship with someone. People let you down and, sadly, that's a reality that many have faced.

So, these song lyrics got me thinking about all of the ways that people can let you down and hurt you. If I had let that train of thought continue, I would have ended up pretty depressed. You should never dwell on the imperfections of the world.

As I was listening, I started to realize I didn't have to be sad because I know what true love feels like. I have experienced utter certainty and complete security in a relationship. That's what being a Christian and experiencing the fullness of God's love is all about.  You don't have to question whether He'll leave you; the answer is unequivocally no. There is no reason to fear that you will make a mistake too large to be forgiven, that anything you do could make Him love you any less. And how could this knowledge not change my perception of love?

People are people. They let you down, that's true. But people were not created to be perfect. You shouldn't expect them to be. When you try to find satisfaction and fulfillment in people, that is when you begin to experience heartache and trouble. You can only find fulfillment in one person, and He will never let you down.

These lyrics are a better depiction of true love:
"Your love never fails, it never gives up; it never runs out on me.... On and on and on it goes; it overwhelms and satisfies my soul and I never ever had to be afraid. This one thing remains- Your love never fails."


Live and love ❤️
Katey


John 16:33

Belonging (Random rambling)

To belong: to have the proper qualifications, especially social qualifications, to be a member of a group.

When you wander out into that big world, what are you searching for? What do you hope you will find? Are you actively seeking it out, or trusting that you will simply stumble upon it? When you find it, will you be happy? Will you feel fulfilled?

One thing I've learned- no matter what you do or where you go, everything has slightly less shine if you're alone. Humans were not made to be solitary creatures. That is why our very souls crave companionship. Our hearts ache for the feeling that comes with being truly accepted; being in the right place with the right people. And when you miss the mark, it can be heartbreaking.

One of the toughest things in life is finding your "people." You know, the "people" you always hear about, the ones who love you unconditionally and "always have your back." The ones who "really get" you. You can surround yourself with lots of people, but if they're not the right ones, everything feels just a bit off. You make a joke no one laughs at; you believe something that others strongly oppose; you'd never do something that others regularly practice... Sometimes you find yourself in a crowd and realize you're "the only one."

I'm not saying it's not okay to be different. Differences are a beautiful thing. But if you haven't found that place where you belong, the differences only serve to make hope seem farther away. When you belong somewhere, you have an opportunity to build trust and community. Without those things, you are vulnerable to all the woes of the world.

All it takes is one smile, one laugh, one nod of approval to shift the way you see the world and yourself. I would encourage everyone to notice your surroundings. Be more aware of the affect you have on others. Don't blunder through life oblivious to the fact that you are making a difference- although positive or negative is up to you. I'm sure you've felt like the odd man out at some point, but if not, try to imagine. Give smiles. Laugh at an awkward joke. Make an effort.

And please, pardon my randomness.
Live and love,
Katey ❤️

Isaiah 14:27

Summertime Blues

So, I have been "home" for a week now. I cannot deny that it feels amazing to be back in North Carolina, so close to my friends and family. I think that my time away only served to deepen my already profound love for the beautiful things God created. I missed the trees and lush green grass of summertime. I am enjoying wearing shorts again (a little too chilly down there in the Southern hemisphere for them). I can understand background conversations again- which is nice, but I do sort of miss the anonymity I felt... or I guess it would be more appropriate to say a sense of solitude. Everyone knows I love to talk, but sometimes it's kind of nice to be in your own little world.

When my dad picked me up from the airport, it felt like no time had passed.  My sister made a big "welcome home/happy birthday" sign that he brought and, as I approached, people noticed and wished me a happy birthday. I couldn't help but find the whole situation very endearing. I could feel the love. We got my luggage and for the first time in two months, I got to drive my car. Driving has always been one of my favorite things to do, especially when good music and good company are involved. I stopped by my apartment to pick up a few things (really I just mostly wanted to see it again), grabbed some lunch, then headed to Stoneville. I got to hug everyone and then was whisked off on an adventure involving puppies and a secret surprise.

The next morning, I went with my sister to Raleigh to help her move into her new apartment. Luckily, we didn't have to move any furniture in, so the whole process was fairly quick and easy. That night, I proceeded to the home of the family I was going to be nannying for. My week involved nannying two adorable children (from one of my favorite families) and catching up with dear friends. It was refreshing to be in the company of people I know so well. Even when distances and circumstances separate you, coming home to your best friend just sets you at ease. That old, familiar relationship is so comforting.

Saturday, I got to travel to an amazing concert (NEEDTOBREATHE) with fabulous friends- for FREE, I might add (thank you Liberty University) and Sunday I finally got to head back to Daystar Church. It felt amazing to be there, surrounded by the amazing people who attend and the atmosphere of love. By some miracle, I even ran into some of the girls from my LIFE group (which is rare considering everyone's schedules). My church family has meant so much to me, especially this past year. Sunday evening, I also got to attend the last night of revival, which was held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The goal was to break down racial barriers within the church and the message was powerful.

Today, I attended a MEC (Mining and Energy Commission) meeting with my dad to spread awareness and speak out against the practice of fracking in North Carolina. Since the state has already made it legal, this was an opportunity for citizens to raise their concerns and make suggestions for safety regulations and practices.

Needless to say, I've been busy since I've been back. But despite all the changes I've been experiencing, and all the new and exciting things to come, I feel at peace. I've learned (or maybe re-learned) that you can't make everyone happy, but that's okay. God has given me something to work with.


Live and love <3
Katey


Isaiah 14:27

The Wait Game

Do airports get anyone else down? They're not depressing, necessarily, but when you're anxious or excited to get somewhere, you just want to get there. The anticipation makes the waiting hard to bear.

Last night, there was a continuous stream of earthquakes in Quito. Because of this, many roads were closed and options for travel to the airport were limited. Luckily, we found a taxi driver who was either oblivious to the situation or an extremely kind spirit. He agreed to not only take us, but take us for the normal price. We did, however, have to arrive approximately six hours before our flight. Had I been traveling alone, this may have been the perfect opportunity for me to go crazy. Luckily, another volunteer had the same flight to Miami as me. For almost four hours straight, we played  cards and listened to old music from the 90s/2000s. This made the time pass quickly.

Things are a little different when you're traveling alone. People watching is fun, but how many times can the person sitting across from you catch you staring at them before it gets awkward? Browsing Facebook can kill some time, but how many times can you refresh your news feed with no new updates before you realize the rest of the world is still asleep? Catching up on journal writing is a perfect idea! Until you run the ink out of your pen mid sentence. Maybe all that means this is the perfect time to just have some quiet time with God. There's always a way to put a positive spin on things.

For example, my daddy is coming to pick me up once I finally make it to Greensboro. On a weekend. In the summer. This is unheard of! Luckily my sister is pretty boss and is going to take care of the family business for him. Today promises to offer some delicious American food, family time, missed technology, and a chance to drive my car. It's the little things guys. The little things add up. Sometimes to big things. Sometimes just to a happy moment.

Even though it's not fun to wait in an airport, the moments add up. In the end, there's something waiting. An adventure to be a had. An old friend to see. A father to embrace. Let the moments add up to something.

Live and love ❤️
Katey

Isaiah 14:27

I Feel Home

Yesterday we drove to Quilotoa Lake. From Quito, you drive the same route that would take you back to Riobamba. It's hard for me to believe that I no longer call that city home, and never will again. That sense of familiarity and comfort you feel when you've been away from home and you're finally almost there... That's how I feel when I see the pastures, the cows chewing grass less than a foot from the road, and the snow capped volcanoes. It's a great drive if you need/want to be reminded of how good God is to us :)

Really, it's funny how more than one place can feel like home. We began our journey in Ecuador at a hostel called Kingdom Kichwa. This week, we came back to Kingdom Kichwa and I felt that warm familiarity. At the same time, I can't wait to see the flat farmland in North Carolina that I know and love so well; or to run barefoot through the plush green grass.

Most of what makes a place home are the people, the memories, your emotional attachment. Beauty can be found in the smallest things. That makes sense, right? I can only imagine how different my experience here would have been if my sister or best friend had been with me. Not saying it would have been better (or worse), but that sense of comfort and me I feel when I'm with them may have changed my view on things.

We're traveling as a group this week, all us volunteers. Part of that coming home feeling has to do with the community that we've built. After being tossed into different host family situations, coming back together feels like rejoining your family; even though we spent most of the summer apart. We've all changed and grown because of our experiences, you can see it on our faces. We learned the dangers and challenges of living in Ecuador. We faced those challenges. We learned from those challenges. We are not the timid, uncertain people we were when our flights arrived 8 weeks ago.

I can only hope that life will continue to awe and amaze me. That the simple things, like the way tall grass bends in a breeze, will maintain their beauty. I will continue to grow and change, especially as I am faced with new challenges and experiences. The question is, is my journey nearing an end, or only just beginning? Social America makes me feel like I'm getting too old, running out of time for adventures and solo life experience. I think God knows better.

Live and love❤️
Katey

Isaiah 14:27

Sentimental Aventuras

Today is our last day in Riobamba and I am feeling slightly sentimental. If you've never embarked on a journey where you're completely out of your comfort zone and don't know anyone, then you may not know how good it feels to find community, that sense of belonging, out in the wide world. Then again, you probably do. It seems that sense of loneliness has a tendency to set in even when you're right at home.

Every person I've met here has impacted my life in some way, whether minuscule or major. Despite language barriers, age differences, and cultural differences, I have been not only accepted, but embraced as part of the community here. How sweet it is to find family 2,607 miles from home.

Despite the goodbyes that are to come, we have to make the most of the time we do have. I will be so sad to leave all of these amazing people that I've come to love, but there are still many great things to come. God is not finished showing me adventures yet.

Speaking of adventures...
One weekend, I travelled to Macas, which is in El Oriente (the Amazon). The whole bus ride there, I couldn't take my eyes off of the views. We passed through beautiful countryside with mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and endless charm. We started off the trip with a traditional Ecuadorian food called ayampaco. I can honestly say I don't know what was in it. There were some vegetables and chicken parts (with bones and everything guys, it's a big deal...). It doesn't really matter though, it was delicious.  Then we made a visit to a small zoo. The monkeys were very friendly and the parrots were very creepy.

After the zoo, we climbed into the back of a truck (don't worry, the driver was a relative of our "travel guide") and embarked on an adventure. We didn't know where we were going, but the not knowing made it all the more liberating. I've ridden in the back of my dad's truck at home plenty of times. Summers spent on the tailgate when I was little were normal. But this was different. We stood, wind in our hair, and took in the views. We ended up driving on a long, bumpy, dirt road that wound it's way up a mountain. At the top, there was a large Virgin Mary statue and an observatory. When we looked out, we could see the Upano river, stretching on for miles. We began the drive back down as the sun was setting.

Every adventure is made up of more than just the details of some exciting event. My trip to Macas, the ride in the back of the truck... These are just two events in my adventure. But every road leads somewhere.

Live and love ❤️
Katey


Isaiah 14:27

More of Me

Have you ever done something that you never thought you'd do, only to realize that it's changed you in some way?

No? Well, you should.

This summer has probably been the biggest adventure of my life, and there are only bigger adventures to come!

When I arrived in Ecuador, I didn't know what to expect. I didn't expect to change. I didn't anticipate that I'd want to change. Something about putting yourself out there does change you, though. There are many times I can think of where I didn't do something because I "didn't feel like it" or I was waiting for a better plan to come along. What's the point of waiting? Why spend your time trying to control every aspect of life? There are many, many things out of our control. I think that's kind of the point. We weren't created to be gods of our own lives. That may seem a little extreme, but on a grander scale... It kind of makes sense.

So, learning to let go of the reigns... To stop being so concerned with doing the right thing that will get me to the right place at the right time. This verse has helped me so much: Isaiah 14:27. The basic gist? Nothing can stop God's plan for my life. That means nothing I do can stop Gods plan for my life. Basically, it's fool proof. So why should I be so concerned with making the wrong choice. I'm not talking about sin, just decisions. Maybe it's the way culture is so laid back here, but I've just found it much better to experience life in the moment instead of contemplating the infinite future. No, I haven't gone crazy. I haven't gone wild. I'm still me. Just a little less hung up on the idea that life has to be perfect and the means to that end is me white-knuckling it through life.

For example, this weekend I travelled to Mindo, which is this gorgeous little town in the cloud forest of Ecuador. The buildings in Mindo are made of wood rather than concrete. There's no rebar threatening to take you out. There's one Main Street and it has that comfortable small town feeling that I love. As soon as I stepped off the bus, I fell in love. The whole weekend was an adventure, full of things I'd never done and never thought I'd do. I never imagined I'd travel 8 hours across a foreign country by myself, but I did. And guess what? I survived.

I repelled down a waterfall, zip lined over a cloud forest (can I just take a moment to mention I have no had to sign a single waiver while I've been in this country... Why are Americans so bent on making other people pay? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Just a little observation 😊), went white water tubing with a guide who spent the whole time in the water pushing the tubes left and right.... All of these adventures, the "thrilling" ones, the personal ones, the unrealized ones, have given me a new perspective. Provided me with experiences that have the potential to change my life. God has given me these opportunities for a reason.

I feel like I've gotten a little too deep here, not the usual me, so I apologize for that. I just want so much to express how much this experience means to me and, and... I just have too many feels.

We only have two weeks left in our volunteer program and I can't wait for the rest of my adventures, to see my family, my friends, eat a juicy burger from Hop's Burger Bar... But I'm going to miss this community I've found here. No matter what happens, I know things will never be the same. I'll never be the same. And I'm perfectly content with that.

Quirks and Cracks

When my airplane landed in Quito, I was full of nervous anticipation. It was late at night and I had visions of being stranded at the airport in a foreign country with no idea where to go. You know what the Bible says- worry is fruitless. As it turned out, I was the first volunteer to arrive.

As the taxi drove the 45 minutes from the airport to our hostel in Quito, Morgan, Chloe, Leah and I had a chance to bond and take in the sights. If you've ever ridden in the car with me, heard about my car accident, or talked with me about God's beautiful country, you know I love to take everything in- the old buildings, the people, the landscapes. If you didn't know, well, I'm kind of obsessed. It's no secret.

Things in Ecuador are much different than anywhere I've ever traveled in the US (and I like to think I've been a fair number of places). There are buildings (that people live in) that have walls and windows missing. There are lines for hanging laundry on roofs (there are also a lot of vicious dogs on roofs). The sidewalks have gaping holes, cracks, metal poles, and general safety hazards that would result in a lawsuit or twenty in the states.

According to our survey answers, infrastructure here is our "biggest threat" (we had to choose something!). In fact, I almost lost my roommate/partner in shenanigans to a giant hole and slippery sidewalks. You really have to watch where you're going around here!

Anyway, some of the first warnings we received upon arrival in Ecuador were:
1) Don't drink the water
2) Don't flush your toilet paper
3) Sanitation standards are not the same as the US, so be careful what and where you eat.

The whole toilet paper thing has been slightly difficult (I've flushed it a couple times...oops), but generally, the transition has been smooth.

Our first few days here were training and orientation for our volunteer program, along with Spanish lessons and a little sightseeing. Let me just say, ten hours of Spanish lessons was not enough, but was a great refresher for things I'd forgotten. Morgan, Steven and I struggled through the lessons together, totally embracing the awkwardness.

I have so much I want to/will share, but I want to say that the people I've met here are amazing. The adventures I've had are amazing, and if you speak really slowly in Spanish I might be able to figure out the main gist of what you're trying to say!

Live and love.
Katey❤️

The Beginning

For the past seven years, I have spent my summers helping other people have adventures. It was a relatively easy summer job, although not quite what some people imagine. This year, I got to embark on my own adventure.

When I heard about a teaching abroad experience in college, I was immediately interested. I've always had a passion for Spanish (anyone remember that one time I almost changed my major?). I begged my dad for weeks and he finally said yes. I submitted all my paperwork, got all of my reference letters, and set my sights on that five weeks in Costa Rica.

Fast forward two weeks and the program has been cancelled. This was the first time I heard about Worldteach. A friend suggested I try this program since my university let me down. Fast forward through some complicated circumstances and two whole years and you find me here, in Ecuador, volunteering with WorldTeach. My first time on an airplane. My first time out of the country. My first time traveling with absolutely zero people I know. My first time halfway across the world without my best friends. What an adventure.

When I arrived in Quito, I didn't know what to expect. Certainly not the beautiful views of the mountains, the friendly Ecuadorians that make every effort to communicate despite language barriers, my new friends in the WT program. I didn't know I'd fall in love with this country, despite it's faults and flaws. It's like a good book you can't put down. Every part seems too good to be the stopping point, you just have to get to the next page.