The Beauty is in the Details

"Some old-fashioned things, like fresh air and sunshine, are hard to beat." 

- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Living in a foreign country is an amazing opportunity. I have the chance to travel, to really learn a new language, to discover myself and unlock more of life’s hidden beauties. It is so easy to be inspired and awed in a place as captivating as this. I wake up every morning excited to see what love letter has been written for me. Whether it’s a city so full of fog that you can’t see the street lights below, or a snow-capped volcano showing itself in the fading light of day. I spend much of my time looking up, face turned towards the sun, marveling at how a simple patch of blue sky or cluster of dark clouds can make me feel so elated. 

Speaking of the beautiful things in life, I recently moved in with an amazing Ecuadorian family. I’ve been here just over a month, and I feel as though I’m part of the family. I was instantly accepted and welcomed with genuine warmness. This is one thing I love about many of the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. It doesn’t really matter how well you know them, they are happy to help and eager to please. I’m not saying this is the case with everyone, but I have experienced it more than once. I will say, I think my family goes above and beyond the norm.

I have also been thoroughly enjoying my job and the students I teach. My teaching schedule has the perfect amount of structure and flexibility. I can follow the set schedule for content while adding in my own activities. The student culture in Ecuador is so different from that in the states. For the most part, students are very respectful of teachers here and most have a very real desire to learn English. Many students say they want to learn “Because English is the most important language in the World.” I’m not sure of the accuracy of that statement, but it warms my heart to see them working so hard to ensure a better future for themselves. 

On the same note, I have been taking two different Spanish classes and, of course, practicing with my host family, Ecuadorian friends, and people that I meet in stores and restaurants. I don’t take taxis nearly as often as I did before my move, so I don’t encounter nearly as many creepy old men asking me when we can go out dancing together. (Yay!) My Spanish has improved so much in my six months here. I’ve always loved learning the language, but it was much more difficult in schools in the U.S. One of my proudest moments was when someone from a different city told me I had a quiteña accent. Now, if I ever have the opportunity to travel to another Spanish speaking country, it will be hard drop my ecua-isms. Maybe that’s okay. 

In a few weeks, my dad and my sister will be coming to visit. I have been busy planning all of the fun things that we will do. It’s been extremely difficult since they’ll only be here for a week… I need at least a month! :D I’ll take this as an opportunity to remind everyone that you are all invited to come visit! It’s hard to believe that February is almost over and in just a few more months I’ll be making another life changing move (back to the States). I have finally gotten used to my daily life here. The ability to walk everywhere (I know that makes my dad happy… no more awkward bus/taxi situations), the rhythm of the day to day. The predictable unpredictability of the weather. The breathtaking views of the volcanoes that outline the city. My heart still longs for the tall trees, green hills, and country fences of home, but, for now, I am content.