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. 

Vamos a la Playa

When the end of the teaching cycle came, I finished grading exams, turned in all my paperwork and teaching materials, packed up and headed home. 

After a wonderful two weeks back in the states with my lovely family, it was time to say my goodbyes- which stung a little more this go 'round. I won't return home until August and I'm not sure if anyone will be able to visit. (Everyone is invited! Come see this awesome country for yourself! :p) 

A very small portion of my family.

When I came back to Quito, my plane landed around 10, I made it back to my apartment around 11:30, finally got to sleep around 12:30, and found the energy to wake up at 4:30 to head to the bus station to begin my coastal journey. 

Fish ceviche. Just one type found on the coast of Ecuador.

After a 7.5 hour bus ride, I met up with some friends in Portoviejo, which is the capital city of the Manabí province and a short drive from the coast. Luckily, a friend let Jackie and I stay at her house and we got to experience the hospitality of her abuelita (host grandmother).



 She prepared fresh, homemade ceviche- which is a soup that tastes a lot like salsa and contains raw fish. If you know me, you know I've always hated seafood... But I've been trying to branch out while I'm here. 

After we enjoyed our ceviche and some good conversation, Jackie and I headed to the bus station to travel to Manta, the first stop on our coastal tour. When we arrived in Manta, we were both glad that our hostal was actually a little bit outside of town. 

From what we saw, Manta is a little run down. In actuality, evidence of poverty is clearly visible in most places on the coast. We walked a few blocks and found a camioneta, which is like a shared pick-up truck taxi where all passengers pile in the back and each person pays $1.00 for the ride. The camioneta took us about 15 minutes outside of town to a little village called Santa Marianita. Since we had no idea where our hostal was (and the locals didn't either... go figure) we had to wander around for a bit, but eventually found our way to The Donkey Den- just in time for sunset. 

The next day, we spent a few hours on the beach (I should have reapplied sunscreen a few more times than I did... Yikes. Estoy pelando) and soaked in the sunshine. Santa Marianita is in a very dry and windy area of the coast so most of the day was fairly breezy. In the evening we hung out in the hammock chairs at our hostal and enjoyed the warm weather. 

On Monday, we packed up, headed back into Manta, and caught a bus a little farther down the coast to Puerto Lopez, a fishing village with soft sand beaches and dirt roads throughout. From the bus terminal, we took a moto-taxi to our hostal. This is like a motorcycle with a covered wagon on the back... Very interesting. We walked along the beach and explored the town.

We discovered Puerto Lopez to be in even greater disrepair than Manta, but definitely saw potential. Anyone out there looking for community development and improvement projects, we could give you plenty of ideas. The town had a very charming river walk with beautiful bridges, trellises, and bright flowers, but the water was electric green. It was difficult to take in and understand the stark contrasts we saw in different parts of town.



In the evening, we headed to the beachfront cabanas to have dinner and watch the sunset. We enjoyed some delicious food and hung out on the beach long after the day faded away.

Tuesday, we got up early to eat breakfast, observe the local fisherman selling their fresh fish on the beach during low tide, and head to La Isla de la Plata- an island which is commonly referred to as the Poor Man's Galapgos. After a 1.5 hour boat ride, we arrived to beautiful deep teal waters and rocky cliffs. We hiked a few miles around the island, taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We saw many blue-footed boobies and fragates (another type of bird) and also saw Palo Santo (Holy Wood) trees, which have a long history and strong cultural influence in the coastal region.

When we finished our hike, we all got back on the boat to travel a little further out into the water to catch a glimpse of the many sea turtles swimming around our boat. Afterwards. we traveled a little further down the shore and went snorkeling. The bright tropical fish and sea urchins were fun to watch. We finished up our underwater adventure and began the journey back to Puerto Lopez. 

Wednesday came and after breakfast, we moved on to our third beach town: Ayampe. I was instantly charmed by this little village with bright tropical flora. The bus dropped us off at the top of the main road and we walked about two minutes down to our hostal. We headed out to the beach after dropping off our bags and had no problem finding a spot to settle in as the beach was sparse on people. The clouds cleared and made way for a bright (scorching) sunshine while the relentless waves offered relief from the heat. To top off a great day on the beach, we witnessed an absolutely incredible sunset.

Ayampe, Ecuador

Thursday, we changed locales once again and headed further south to the famous town of Montañita. Most of the Ecuadorians I have met highly recommend this beach. We checked into our hostal (a completely charming beachfront bungalow) and went out to explore the town.  There were more people here than anywhere else, and the town had a very unique vibe. 

On Friday, we explored the tide pools along the cliffs in Montañita (I totally nerded out here and was probably too fascinated by this) and stayed on the beach for countless hours. We saw another beautiful sunset (although nothing could top Ayampe) and went back to the hostal to get ready for dinner. We ran into some friends in town and spent a little more time on the beach before turning in for the night. 

The "Cliffs" of Montañita

Saturday, we stayed in our hostal as long as we could enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and beachfront views before checking out and making our way to Guayaquil. Since the bus tickets were all sold out, we ended up taking a taxi; which I'm sure was more fun than the bus would have been anyway. We jammed out to all of our favorite songs and thoroughly entertained our taxi driver. 

In Guayaquil, we explored a little, experienced a very strange/interesting dinner, and saw hordes of giant iguanas before finally boarding a bus and making the journey back to Quito on Sunday.

I feel like I express the same sentiment often, but I never cease to be amazed by all of the marvelous things that God has created in the world and how incredibly blessed I am to have the opportunity to see them. We laughed, we danced, we sang, and we took each moment as it came. Every experience was not a peachy one, but life is all about how you look at it, right? A quote from our trip: "When life gives you lemons, you gotta laugh. You gotta laugh at those lemons."

Live and love
Katey <3

Psalm 95:4-5

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