Hi all!  I cannot believe another month has come and gone.  When I uploaded my last post, we were in the middle of a National Emergency in Ecuador, known here as the “Paro.” I did not want to comment on it in the blog while it was still unfolding, but now that things are back to normal, I will give a brief update about our life during the Paro!

In short, the Ecuadorian government announced a new economic plan which included doing away with subsidies on oil that had been in place for about 40 years.  In response, workers of the entire transportation industry announced a country-wide strike for the upcoming day, and we were informed that schools would be closed as a result.  Many people said this strike would last a day at most; so, we decided to make the most of having a day off of work in the middle of a busy schedule. We grabbed a cheap box of wine and an elaborately decorated cake (just for fun!) and had a nice night in.  The next day, we wanted to be more informed of what was happening around us, so we went for a walk around the city to see the protests- those close to our house were strikingly quiet- sights included yellow taxis blocking roads, sporting home-made signs denouncing the government and its actions.  In fact, the whole city was noticeably quiet- no noise from busses or taxis, and hardly any from private cars as they were unable to pass through major roads. We continued into the center of the city, and the closer we got the more apparent it was that things in this part of town were not quite so quiet.  Protestors were advancing toward the main government building, chanting and throwing rocks, as police stoved them off with tear gas. At this point it was apparent that the Paro was more serious than anyone had previously thought. As it continued on for days, more and more people joined, and the Ecuadorian community united across various identity lines to advocate for one another.  It was truly incredible to be here in Ecuador for the Paro- never in the United States would we see such labor union (sector-wide AND country-wide), let alone such a strong union across identity lines to fight for the same goal on behalf of one another. We continue to be impressed by the Ecuadorian community and are more so now than ever.  

Taxi drivers protest by our house blocking the street

Closer to the center- clearly more tension 

The government building of the Province (Azuay) after the first day of protests

The Paro lasted for 11 days- we had no school or major events within that time.  Also, as major roadblocks were formed surrounding large cities such as Cuenca, a shortage of gas began to affect us all.  In our apartment, we ran out of the gas for our water heater, and spent a total of almost 3 weeks with only cold water before gas service was able to return to normal.  Because the city was almost completely shut down by protests, we spent most days in the house doing a whole lot of nothing, religiously following every news report as it was released.  And, though the protests were extremely important, once the city returned to its normal daily functions, our commutes to work seemed a bit more brighter. We have come to love this city so much, and to see it clean, colorful, and full of life again, revitalized by the obvious power in the hands of a united people, was a bit of an emotional experience.  Although now I think I will never take another hot shower for granted, I am grateful to have been in Ecuador for such a significant and impactful event.  

Everyone was glad that the Paro ended before it was time for Fiestas de Cuenca.  This is a full weekend holiday (Friday-Tuesday) in which the city celebrates its independence from Spain.  The Fiestas consist of streets filled with vendors of colorful foods and artesanias, various parades, shows, and celebrations, as well as people out to take advantage of the holiday.  One of the most typical food combinations in Cuenca for the fiestas includes a bread called “Guaguas de Pan” (pronounced "wawas de pan") and a drink called “Colada Morada.” The Guaguas (a term that means child, or Niño in quichua) are bread (usually sweet) decorated with faces, as if they were niños.  Colada Morada is a thick, chunky fruit drink that accompanies the Guaguas well. Of course we tried these traditional foods more than once (more like 3-4 times) because they are only made and sold during the fiestas. 

An example of the Guagua de pan and Colada Morada

Guagua de pan made by my students at Calasanz!

The Cathedral lit in red and yellow (instead of the normal blue) to celebrate Cuenca!

As a part of the fiestas, my volunteer location, Instituto San Jose de Calazans participated in a parade.  The school chose something along the lines of “ghost stories” from Cuenca as the theme, and all of the students (and I!) dressed up and rehearsed choreography accordingly.  Jhoseline was even able to join to lend a helping hand! We had ghosts and all. I have included pictures of all of us in the costume and on the float. If you would like to see it in action, click here and watch from 1:39 to 2:14.  I’m the big ghost on the truck in the smoke! 

The students ready for the parade! (and me in the back on the truck)

Me in full costume and makeup with some of the  other volunteers at Calasanz, Maik and Riley!

On the float! Some students, professors, and me!

Doing the parade with my students was one of the most rewarding experiences yet here in Cuenca.  The students practiced for weeks leading up to the event, and their faces giggling at me in full costume and makeup lit up my heart.  To not only see a celebration of a place you know consider a home, but to participate in it with people that care for you and that you hold dear is special beyond words.  Sometimes, our four months here feels like forever, and sometimes it feels like a blink of an eye. In this moment, it was neither- it was just perfect alignment. 

The ghost costume wasn’t the only costume I wore in that weekend!  Fiestas happen directly after Halloween, so my life was full of costumes during those few days.  At CEDEI, we hosted various activities with the niños classes and all were encouraged to dress up!  I dressed as “Sleeping Beauty,” because it is obviously the perfect excuse to wear pajamas to work. My lesson plan for this day consisted of vocabulary about halloween costumes and talking about Halloween traditions in the United States.  Most of the teachers even got into the spirit, and it was a great day taking a break from taking ourselves and our jobs so seriously. 

With my students! 

Festive teachers!

Another one of the most rewarding parts of our lives here in Cuenca is the people that we have gotten to meet and get close to.  Not only have we met so many wonderful Cuencanos, we have also had the opportunity to meet others that aren’t from Ecuador, but aren’t from the U.S. either.  For example, we have made many Venezuelan friends, and gotten to learn so much about their context, from slang words to delicious foods. We have been lucky enough to have some of our Venezuelan friends cook for us a time or two- and no worries- pictures included! We also met (through Mark) a wonderful couple that lives here, and the husband is from Ecuador while the wife is from Colombia.  They invited us to their beautiful home and prepared some Colombian food for us. It was such a treat to spend the evening with them!  Of course, we expected to come to Ecuador and learn about Ecuadorians, something that we continue to treasure every day, but we have had the extra pleasure of learning from people all over the globe- something that I hadn’t anticipated as much. Que rico!

Arepas- a Venezuelan dish (and one of our new favorites)!

Patacones- also Venezuelan!

Colombian empanadas!

Hot chocolate (with a special recipe that was not revealed to us)

Colombian Buñelos 

A bright spot in this month for us was Mark’s visit to Cuenca! First, he was kind enough to offer to bring care packages from our parents in the U.S. The only thing I specifically asked my family to send me was creamy Kraft mac n cheese! I am happy to report that they sent me 4 boxes (and I still have three left)!  Through Mark’s visit, we were able to experience Cuenca in a new way, a way that we haven’t yet after these first four months. We were able to experience it through the connections he has forged and his own wonderful view of the city. In a way, it was a bit of an exchange of experiences- in which he showed us his life in Cuenca- the people he loves and that love him, the places that he has visited time and time again because they bring him joy, the impactful work done, the layers of various years of visits.  We were able to show him our lives- our freshly built yet strong connections, the work that we are doing, the places we have found that bring us joy, and our excitement for what the future holds here as well. Personally, I was excited to have a more meaningful way to thank him for what he has made possible for us than simply typing “thank you” and sending it across the internet. Mark and Linda, if you’re reading this, thank you again for making this life possible for both of us!

First bowl of Mac n Cheese in 4 months!

Meeting the Palacios! Go Bucks!

Of course, no one’s life is perfect, and I won’t be using this blog to pretend that mine is the exception.  Our schedules are definitely greuling- leaving the house at 7am, working and volunteering during the day, and not returning until almost 8 at night can take its toll after a while.  If anything else tips the scale on stress for the week, it can be easy for it to begin to feel as if it is all too much. We are tired every day, and go through more coffee than two 22 year old girls probably should.  Things get pushed to the wayside on weekdays and weekends are never enough to catch up. The other week, I was beginning to feel too aware of all of these mini-stressors. And sometimes you have days or even weeks like that.  And then one day, you find yourself walking to meet your best friend in the world after finishing another long week. You know you guys will hug and congratulate each other- because the support that flows between you never fails.  Its sunny, and every little shop you pass is somehow playing a great song that you know. You don’t even notice that your feet hurt as you pass a panadería and for a moment, the sweet smell completely distracts you. You pass a few people that you know, reminding you that no matter how tired you feel, you have made a place for yourself here, and things are as they should be.   In the end, walking on sunshine can be the same as walking down street you have walked a million times, just with a new awareness and renewed gratitude.

Huge "treat yourself" moment- Sebastian Yatra concert in Cuenca! We both needed this night

Through all the ups and downs, we're doing it together!

I can not believe that I have been here in Ecuador for four months. Time sure does fly when you are having fun. I have loved every second of my experience so far and am looking forward to more adventures. 

As mentioned my TEFL course ended on August 9 and from there I had a month-long break until I began teaching on September 16th. During my time off I spent a lot of time with my roommate Emily. Our bond has grown so much and every day I am so thankful that she was chosen as the other grant recipient. We took that break to explore Cuenca and work on our Visas. The Visa process is very long, frustrating and honestly confusing but I am so thankful that Angie from CEDEI is very helpful and is always there to answer a million questions I have. My Visa got approved and I am so happy that the process is almost over.

Emily and I conquering the world 

It is amazing to see how much growth I did within that month that I got to have off. Before I would get lost so easily and would take 30 minutes to get to my host parent’s house which was only 10 minutes away from CEDEI. Now we know how to get to places and know way more than before. Cuenca is really beautiful and I am so happy that this beautiful city is my new home. 

At the end of the month, we took a trip to Banos. One of our really good friends invited Emily and me to spend the vacation with his family. This meant a lot and  I could not be more grateful. His family was beyond sweet and very caring. They included us in everything they did and made us feel like we were part of the family. I loved meeting my friend’s family and was very sad to leave such a beautiful family and place. 

Pailon del Diablo 

Pailon del Diablo 

Casa del Arbol 

Banos challenged both of us. On our first day, we rode our bikes for 17 km!!!! It felt like we would never get to our destination and I was so tired. That was the longest bike ride I had ever done and let me tell you biking in the mountains is no joke. The view, however, made it 100 % worth it. We rode our bikes on the road and got to see so many waterfalls and the beautiful river. I could not believe what I was seeing, everything felt so surreal. One other super cool thing we got to do was ziplining. We ziplined over a waterfall and the river. I was really scared but once I was in the air it felt so amazing. The trip overall was incredible and very satisfying. 

Biking through the mountains 

On September 16th I began my new job with CEDEI as an ESL teacher. I was given one level 102 intensive class, which is 2 hours Monday- Friday, as well as a four-hour Saturday class. Intensive classes move at a higher pace so at the beginning it was very hard to get used to it. Often students have to take the Unit Quiz, Writing Quiz and Speaking evaluation all in one class which at times is too much. I, however, love my kids and am honored that I am their teacher. 

I also began my volunteering at El Arenal, a foundation that focuses on ending the cycle of poverty. The foundation works with families who are low income and earn below the minimum wage. Many of these families can not afford to maintain their kid's education, due to having to pay for books, exams, uniforms, and school materials, also, food in the house. The foundation allows the kids to get homework help, have a meal and also allows them to continue their education by paying for their uniforms, some school materials and encouraging them to continue learning. I take turns between the 3 different groups and do multiple tasks. I enjoy going to the foundation and knowing that I am making someone’s day better. The kids make my day a thousand ways better and make me feel so loved. 

With the kids of the Fundacion in the park 

At the Fundacion 

With Leonel 

 
I am loving my life here in Cuenca so far and can not wait to see where this journey takes me next. Again none of this would be possible without the help and kindness of Mark and Linda. Until next time!!!!

Hello all!

I cannot believe it is already time for the second blog post!  We have now been in Ecuador for almost three months and we are still loving every second.  

My last post came just as we were just finishing TEFL and beginning our month break.  In that time, we worked on our VISA applications (it is quite a process, let us tell you), and got more acquainted with our city and surroundings in a more meaningful way. We went on many walks just to get lost and tried more than a few new restaurants. Now it’s fun to see how much better we know Cuenca!  In our first month, we got lost with the slightest deviation from paths we knew well, and now we can get an idea for where something is based on other landmarks that we are familiar with. It is definitely a beautiful thing to see your idea of a place change as it becomes layered with experiences and memories over time. We are still as enamored with Cuenca as we were the day we arrived, but it has shifted from a curiosity about the unknown to a sense of the city colored by the everyday experiences we have here.  As we continue to meet people and make new friends, we are always astounded by the amazing spirit of Ecuadorians and Ecuadorian culture. 

A beautiful day in Cuenca

Sunset in Cuenca

Though for most of our break we stayed in Cuenca, which we really enjoyed, we also had the incredible experience of going to Baños de Ambato for 5 days.  For a girl who thought the beach was the end all be all for her, living in the mountains has been an entirely new experience. Though I never pictured myself appreciating the thin air and brisk climate as much as warm sand between my toes, I have begun to see the magic in the mountains.  And, if Cuenca is mountain life, Baños was even more so. Everywhere you look you are surrounded by picturesque mountain views that seem to go on forever; if there is anything that can make you acutely aware of how small you are in this awesome world, this will do it for you. We got to do some super fun activities and see some super cool sights there, like riding bikes for 18 kilometers (although I’m fatal at bike riding- thankfully the group didn’t leave me behind), ziplining, as well as Pailón del Diablo (a gorgeous waterfall) and Casa del Arbol (a swing over the mountains).  I forgot how much I love swinging until we went to Casa del Arbol, so I was swinging my heart out having the time of my life! The views there are so breathtaking, and for a moment on the swing, you are totally suspended in the midst of it all. This was definitely one of my favorite things I have ever done! The best part of the trip was the company- we were fortunate enough to go with a friend who has family in the area, and fortunate is an understatement. There are few better pleasures in life than being surrounded by wonderful people in a wonderful place. This trip included some of our best times yet in Ecuador!

In town- Baños de Ambato

The swing at Casa del Arbol!

Best day ever!

The zipline!

Triumphant smiles after ziplining!

Pailón del Diablo 

Bike riding- I barely made it!

The whole group! Amazing people make the world turn 

Upon returning to Cuenca, it was time to get started with the cycle! We are now in the full swing of classes and volunteering.  In the afternoon, I teach English classes with CEDEI. I have two classes of niños (kids), and a Saturday class with mostly young adults. All of the students have been great! It has definitely been fun to learn together with the students as we begin to gain a footing in our class.  I am grateful for the stroke of luck to get such wonderful students for my first cycle- although the schedule has been a bit grueling, I know that the time in the classroom is a time when everything else stops, and we can all learn from each other for an hour (or four on Saturdays)! Sometimes I sit back and look at myself as a teacher and laugh, because it is not what I would have ever dreamed that I would be doing after graduation, but I couldn’t have planned it any better for myself.  Now, I can call my mom (also a teacher) and we can compare notes about everything from hectic lesson planning to helpful youtube videos. 

Us with the other CEDEI teachers!

In the mornings, I volunteer at San Jose de Calazans, a school for students with disabilities.  I was nervous to begin volunteering, as I just hoped that I could be helpful in any way. After the first day, any anxieties I had totally vanished.  The students and teachers are some of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of working with, and a unique kind of love and community emanates from the school and those who spend the day there.  I feel so divinely lucky to have been placed at Calazans as a volunteer. I still hope that I am able to be helpful in some way, but I mostly just feel so grateful to spend time with the students. Everyday I get a bit emotional as I come and go, showered with “good morning Emily!” or “Ciao Emily!” from the students.  Although we are constantly tired from long days and lots of work, waking up in the morning isn’t so hard knowing I get to go see all of their lovely faces again. We have felt very grateful to experience both teaching at CEDEI and having volunteer hours at our respective locations, because it allows us to interact with different parts of the Ecuadorian population, therefore expanding further our perspective and understanding of this country, culture, and these people.  It is very important for us not to live in any kind of “bubble," and that might have been easy to do if we did not have our volunteer hours additional to our teaching hours.

A note I received from a student- I'm still crying!

As always, things are wonderful with Jhoseline! We continue to tackle the world together- whether that means ziplining over a waterfall or just finishing the lesson planning before 1am.  We definitely miss our families (thank goodness for FaceTime) but we are building more of a life here everyday. As always, we are beyond grateful for this opportunity and for Mark and Linda’s support.  We look forward to Mark visiting soon! Thanks for reading!

Amigas para siempre!

Photo from September 9th- Celebrating two months in a new country and two months of friendship!

August 28, 2019

I still can not believe that I am here in Ecuador!!!! I have been here for almost 2 months
now and have loved every minute of it. Deciding to leave Minnesota was a tough decision for me but I am
so happy that I decided to challenge myself and experience a new place and culture. 

  

In Cleveland, I met Emily, who is the other grant recipient from Ohio.
Immediately we connected and I am so blessed to have her on this journey with me. Our personalities
are so much alike which makes exploring and living with each other so wonderful. We both are there for
each other and I appreciate her support so much. Having her by my side on this journey has made it so
much fun and easier. 

Emily and I 

After 3 flights I finally arrived in Ecuador on July 9th. We arrived in Guayaquil which is about 3 hours from Cuenca. The next day we were given a tour of the beautiful city and learned so much of the history. That same day we drove 3 and a half hours to a town called Gualaceo. The hostel in which we stayed was very beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. There we met the other 3 TEFL students Noah, Charlie, and Fionna as well as our professors Mark and Erica. Also, we got an orientation of what to expect from the TEFL course and how the month-long course was going to play out. 

Guayaquil 

On Friday, July 11 we arrived in Cuenca and there I met my host parents. I enjoyed living with them for four weeks. They were the most caring individuals and always made sure that I felt comfortable and loved. The food that my host mom cooked was out of this world and I felt so lucky to be able to have Ecuadorian food for every meal. Living with them was a great introduction to a new culture and I'm so blessed that they treated me so well. They made sure that I was part of the family and included me in all the family events which meant a lot to me. It was sad having to say goodbye to them once I moved out but we built such a great relationship that I know I can see them anytime I want and they are there to support me in any way possible. 

Coming into the TEFL certificate course we knew that it was going to be intense, however,
I was not aware of the level of intensity. Right away we got thrown into teaching after only having one day
of class! Teaching practice was so intense and overwhelming but I learned so much from it and feel like
it prepared me to teach. During the course, my days were as follows: class from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm,
then return to my host families home to eat lunch then back to CEDEI by 2 to lesson plan for hours. We
would teach from 6 to 8 pm and then get critiques from 8 to 8:30 pm. I would get home by 9 then eat
dinner and work on the assignments for the course. I was super busy but I enjoyed teaching so much.
The students were amazing and teaching practice was so much fun. 

TEFL Professors and Classmates 

During the TEFL course, I was very emotional and oftentimes felt like I was not prepared to teach and
did not belong. As many of you know English is not my first language which caused me to think I was
not good enough compared to the other students taking the course who are native English speakers. I
was scared that my students were not going to like me or take me seriously because I am not a native
speaker. This caused me to overthink a lot and be harsh on myself. My professors, however, made me
realize that I had something no one else had; my experience as an ESL student. I had to take ESL for 2
years so I could learn English and this was a huge advantage I had compared to my classmates. The
students I taught during teaching practice enjoyed having me as a teacher because they could relate to
me and I was an inspiration to them which allowed them to work hard to learn the language. I was very
emotional because I saw my face on the students and it made me think of how far I have come over the
years and it made me feel super proud. Also, it made me feel super grateful to have a family who has
supported me so much throughout my lifetime. I want to thank Erica and Mark so much for encouraging
me and allowing me to see the greatness I have within me. 

TEFL Certified 

As soon as the TEFL course finished I moved into my very own apartment with Emily. This was a huge
adjustment for me because I have never lived on my own (besides living in dorms) and had to pay so
many bills. Also, I now have to cook my meals, do my laundry, buy things for the house, etc. Living by
myself makes me miss my family so much as it can feel lonely at times. I miss being around all my loved
ones and it makes me realize all the things I took for granted and how hard my parents had to work to
give me everything. Despite all of that, I am very happy that I have my own space and that this
experience is allowing me to grow. 

Ecuador is very beautiful and I have been extremely lucky to visit Cajas National Park, Gualaceo,
Chordoleg, Principal, Ingapirca Ruins and Guayaquil. I learned so much history throughout my travels and
feel like the luckiest human on planet earth for being able to visit places that are just breathtaking. I
oftentimes feel like my reality is a dream and that soon I will wake up from this amazing experience that I
am living in. Ecuadorians are so friendly, welcoming and caring and I am beyond blessed and fortunate to
have the opportunity to experience a new culture and place. I am so happy to be here and live a different
lifestyle than I am used to living.

Hostel in Gualaceo 

El Cajas National Park 

Ingapirca 

I want to thank Mark and Linda for choosing me as a grant recipient. Words can not explain how thankful
I am for all that you have done and continue to do for me. It means a lot that you chose me to take on this
new experience and I will make you proud. 

I look forward to my month-long break and beginning to teach in September. For now, I will continue to
explore the city and see what Cuenca has to offer me. Until next time!