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
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
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
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
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
Monday, September 29, 2014
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
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
Monday, September 8, 2014
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
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
Sunday, August 31, 2014
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
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
Monday, August 25, 2014
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)