Keep Your Eyes Open

Does anyone else wonder what happens to the time? As I sit here, experiencing the chill of "winter" on the equator, I can't believe that in a few short days it will be April and I have been living in Ecuador for almost 8 months. When I take the time to count the days, it seems crazy. I don't feel like that much has changed, but then again maybe I've just become accustomed to life here. It's strange to think about how truly adaptable humans are and how capable we are of creating a new normal. My pensive mind could go on and on about this forever, but on to other topics!

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting my dad and sister here in Ecuador. I never dreamed that anyone would be able to make the trip down to visit me, let alone these two. When I first started pestering my dad, he was dead set against the idea. How quickly things can change! Their visit was short, but we got to visit my favorite city in Ecuador and explore some new places together. One of my dad's top requests was to visit some ruins while he was here, so we made the journey down south to the charming town of Cuenca. The town is located just south of Ingapirca, which is the site of the largest known Inca ruins in Ecuador.

As we explored the area, we came across a local chopping firewood on the edge of his property. This man seemed fascinated to meet Americans wandering around the fields surrounding the main ruins. He was genuinely curious and interested to learn what we were doing in Ecuador and our thoughts on the country. As always, I only had positive things to say- how much I love the generous and friendly people here, the allure of travelling, my fascination with the beautiful sights. This man was quick to remind me that life in Ecuador is difficult. The people face a daily struggle. Work can be scarce and, when found, can be grueling. Money is tight and poorly distributed. During my time in the city, I have become disconnected with this population. It is easy to forget about the people striving to survive when you get caught up in the "hustle and bustle" of city life. As a reflect on this, I realize what a shame it is. When you look at things from such a skewed perspective, what do you really see? How much do you really see? I'm deviating from my original point, but I wanted to share this story. God shows me so many lessons in the smallest moments.

While my family was here, I taught them a few essential lessons for making it through a day in Ecuador. They learned how to use the bus system (and how long it takes to get around this way). They tasted several types of popular juices here (how can you not enjoy a nice glass of jugo de tomate del arbol?!). They realized how difficult it can be to communicate with people who speak another language and they experienced the beauty of the towering mountains and roaming fields. In reality, they need to make another visit in order to truly experience the country, but we made the most of our time!

After they left, I had a day to relax before getting back to work. We started a new cycle this week, and I am teaching a new level. Previously, I have taught Basic 2, Advanced 1 & 2, and substituted in everything from beginner to advanced levels. Now, I am teaching two groups of "Academic" students. I think some of them know more about grammar than I do! (Okay, fine, most of them). The beauty of being a teacher is that students usually trust that you're an expert. I am enjoying learning the curriculum along with my students and revisiting concepts I haven't even thought about since elementary school.

Luckily, next week we have two days off of work for Semana Santa (Holy Week) in order to rest and catch up on work. By catch up on work I, of course, mean relax on the beach! For now, it's back to the grind!

Live and love
Katey <3