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