Welcome to the first blog of the new year! Crazy how fast time has passed, I am nowhere ready for this adventure to end. 

December was one of my favorite months here in Ecuador. I had most of the month off and enjoyed having a break from teaching. Emily left early December to visit her best friend in Florida and then her family in Ohio. After being together for five months it was hard to separate from her. It was hard not having her around and I missed her so much. Although she was gone and I was here by myself for the holidays I had great fun thanks to El Arenal, the Palacios family, friends and the traditions of Ecuador. 

Christmas in Cuenca

El Arenal at the beginning of the month held an event to celebrate the coming of Christmas with all of the parents and kids of the organization. It was a day to celebrate as a family and enjoy the presence of each other. The parents and the kids participated in multiple games throughout the day and won various prices. The kids, which are split up into various groups depending on their grade and age,  were asked by the director to prepare a performance. During the “ Fiesta Navideña” each group performed their act and I was lucky enough to have been asked to participate with Group 3. As a group, we prepared a traditional dance and performed in front of all the parents and kids. I loved being included and enjoyed being able to dance with the kids of the Fundación and share such a special moment. What I loved the most was meeting the parents of the kids and seeing so many happy faces.  

With two of my favorite sisters of El Arenal 

Group 1 performing for the Fiesta Navidena 

Kids of El Arenal and their Christmas gifts

On Christmas Eve I was fortunate enough to participate in El Pase del Nino, a  traditional Ecuadorian Christmas parade in honor of baby Jesus. El Pase del Nino is meant to portray the journey of Mary and Joseph to the town of Bethlehem. In Cuenca, the parade begins in Parque San Sebastian and ends in Parque San Blas. Throughout the parade, you can hear multiple bands playing traditional music and see many individuals dressed in traditional clothing and customs to represent biblical characters such as angels and the three wise men. I dressed as a traditional Cuencana woman and danced along to traditional music. All of this would not have been possible without the kindness of the Palacios family who asked if I wanted to be part of this special tradition. They as a family rented all of the traditional clothing and gathered a group of 80 individuals to participate in the parade. They also hired a band that played traditional music throughout the whole parade. I loved learning about this tradition and witnessing so much beauty and culture. 

The Palacios family and I 

All 80 members of Cotopaxi

Dressed as a traditional Cuencana

Christmas Eve, I spent with the Palacios family who shared their home and traditions with me. In the afternoon, family members from Quito and Guayaquil arrived at their home and we enjoyed a very good meal together. We then proceeded to gather in their living room and recite some prayers and wish each other many blessings.  Next came one of my favorite parts of Christmas, opening presents! It was so exciting to see what each family member received and witness so many happy faces, gratitude and love each one had for one another. I can not thank the Palacios family enough for including me in their traditions and for making me feel like one of their own. I loved spending such an important holiday like Christmas with such a wonderful family. 

The Palacios family Christmas tree 

At Christmas, I spent time with my friends from Colombia and Venezuela. I had some very good tamales from Colombia that were like nothing I have had before. They were so big and delicious. I also had Venezuelan tamales called Hayacas which were also very good. Ecuadorian tamales are also very great and I felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to have different variations of tamales. I must admit though I was sad during Christmas. I missed my family so much, both the ones in the United States and El Salvador. Although I was away from my own family I felt blessed to be loved by so many people here in Ecuador which made my Christmas very special. 

Hayacas

Colombian Tamale 

Emily returned on December 30th and words can not describe how happy I was. We spent New Year’s Eve together and celebrated the Holiday along with our Venezuelan and Colombian friends. We began the night by enjoying a meal together, which let me tell you, it was very delicious. Then we headed out to the streets in which you could see many individuals celebrating the old year that is ending and letting go of bad things. One tradition is to burn Monigotes, which are statues that are made from paper mache or old clothes and oftentimes are of family members and politicians.  The Monigotes are burned to get rid of the bad energy or memory of that individual. Right at midnight, you could hear so many fireworks going off all over the city and illuminating it with so many colors. Right at midnight many individuals, including myself, call their relatives to wish them a happy new year and many blessings. It was hard to be away from my loved ones on such a special occasion but I am glad that here in Ecuador I have found my own family. 

New Years Eve meal 

Monigote of Lenin Moreno 

Venezuelan and Colombian friends

December as mentioned was one of my favorite months and a month that allowed me to be extremely grateful. Grateful for the experience I have been granted and for the individuals who have entered my life and have made it better. A huge thank you to Mark and Linda for this experience. Wishing you all a Happy New Year and thank you for reading. 

Greetings from Ecuador!!! After traveling to the U.S. during our December break to spend Christmas with my family, I have finally returned to start the new cycle at CEDEI.  December was definitely a great month, but it sure feels good to be back.

Just after finishing our first cycle with CEDEI, I headed to Guayaquil to fly out.  As I was sitting waiting to board my flight to Fort Lauderdale, a wave of emotion came over me.  Although airports aren’t exactly the pinnacle of accurate cultural representation of a place, I noticed small details that I realized soon would not be present in my daily life as they had been every day for the past five months.  From alpaca sweaters and empanadas to soccer on every T.V. and a constant buzzing of Spanish conversation and announcements, in that moment I was sharply aware of how many small pieces of life here had become so normal to me. I started crying, realizing how much I was going to miss it all being my norm, and thinking about how much I was going to miss Jhoseline, as we hadn’t spent a single day apart since the day we met in the Cleveland airport to embark on this journey together. Of course, though, I knew that this trip was only a vacation, and that I would be returning soon. 

Another huge bright side was that my first stop in the U.S. was Orlando, to visit my best friend Paige for her birthday! We have spent every birthday together since we met our freshman year of college at Ohio State, so I was extremely grateful that we could be together for another one.  What an incredible feeling it was for us to pick right back up as we were after spending so long apart! I couldn’t think of a better “welcome back” to the country than spending a week with my best friend and her family, some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Now that we have graduated it was so cool to see the life that she has built for herself in a new place. Even though it was Paige's birthday, I felt spoiled too! We got to spend time together at the parks and even got to volunteer at a welcome event at Magic Kingdom for families of fallen soldiers, hosted by Gary Sinise.Our time together went way too fast, as it always does, but we know that no matter how much time or how many miles come between us, we can rest assured that we will always have each other. 

Paige and me before graduating!

Splash Mountain- one of our favorites

Couldn't be more grateful for our time together

Magic Kingdom at Christmas

After a week in Florida that felt like the blink of an eye, I was finally on my way back to Ohio! My family all picked me up at the airport, and I couldn’t get to them quick enough.  I cried (of course) and got lots of hugs. Both of my parents recently moved to Columbus, so it was great to see how they’ve adjusted to the change (although for me it meant couch surfing for a couple of weeks)! My sister just started high school there and my brother is in his second year at Ohio State, so checking in with them was something I couldn’t wait to do! We had a wonderful Christmas and got to do all of our Christmas traditions, like decorating, baking, listening to our favorite Christmas songs, going to see lights, and fitting in as many Christmas movies as possible! Christmas is a very special time for all of us in my family, so I felt very grateful to have been able to spend the time with them- I couldn’t imagine it any other way!

Meeting the newest member of the family, Max

Sister hugs at the airport

The loves of my life!

Christmas traditions with Dad!

Beautiful Mama

After having lived in the U.S. my whole life, I didn’t expect to experience much culture shock upon arriving, but I was wrong! It took way more adjusting, both mentally and physically, than I anticipated.  My body was totally breaking down- I got a cold, my mouth became irritated, and my stomach didn’t do well with the food change. I had to readjust to eating 2-3 large meals a day, whereas here I tend to eat one large meal and other smaller snacks as necessary.  The pace of life in the two places is very different, so being back in Columbus was a bit overwhelming at first! Finally- it was so hard to remember that you can actually flush toilet paper in the U.S.- for so long I was constantly looking for the little trashcan in the bathroom until I remembered! Overall, of course, it wasn’t a large adjustment to return after 5 months, and I was always with friends and family helping me out, so it was more interesting than it was painful! Most of all, I missed hearing Spanish music and language, especially the Spanglish (with a few Quichua borrow words) that Jhoseline and I are used to speaking in the house. 

I got back on December 30th, just in time to spend New Years with Jhoseline and our friends.  I couldn’t wait to get back to see everyone! The feeling of going out and seeing so many people I know, having a warm reception back into a community I had just entered 5 short months ago, was extremely special.  Though I have traveled before, it was really the first time in my life I was coming back to an established place, life, and community that would still be there for me, rather than just visiting. Though only for a year, this experience has an element of permanence that continues to allow us to create truly meaningful bonds with people and to get to know the country in ways we never could have otherwise. 

Jhoseline even decorated the house for the day I got back! It was so sweet, you already know I cried!

On the 31st we cooked dinner with a friend and some of their family, and went out to the street to enjoy the festivities after. There were fireworks popping off everywhere around us, and at exactly midnight people were burning their Años Viejos, or dolls reminiscent of a scarecrow, representing undesirable things from the old year that will be left there as we transition into the new one. It is also said to be good luck to jump over them as they burn! Some people wear costumes and others dress as widows and dance as cars pass in the street.  It was definitely my favorite New Year yet, and in that moment at midnight exactly I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to be here, and for the chance to get to know the community and its traditions. I continue to be in awe of its beauty! 

Example of an Año Viejo from google!

At exactly midnight, another common thread was people calling the loved ones that they could not be with for the holidays.  This year after having had the great pleasure of meeting many people from different backgrounds I was sharply aware of the reality that many people were unable to spend Christmas with parents, siblings, or children because of the quest for a better life.  For this reason, the magnitude of my privilege- having the financial ability to fly between continents during a month of unpaid vacation, an identity that is often allowed to pass freely through borders, and the privilege to be living apart from my family as a personal adventure rather than out of necessity- is not lost on me.  I continue to be grateful every day for this experience, and especially to Mark and Linda for choosing me for this grant. December was interesting because though at first it pained me to leave Ecuador for vacations, I became more aware of just how much it has become a part of me- and how, in some small way, through the connections I have been able to build- me a part of it. I look forward to the next few months of this experience with a renewed awareness of all of it has been thus far and an openness for what it will continue to be. 

If you made it this far, thank you for reading! Until next month! 

I can not believe that I have been here in Ecuador for 5 months now! Time has gone by so fast and I have enjoyed my experience so far. 

My first teaching cycle ended for me on December 3rd. I loved having my students from 102 again. We built such a great relationship and they were great students. They learned so fast and were able to adapt to the schedule changes well.  I must admit this Cycle was hard mainly for two reasons. One reason being my busy schedule with volunteering and teaching and the other because of El Paro. Due to the National Emergency Declared by the Ecuadorian government, classes were canceled for a long period and that greatly affected the already put in place Cycle schedule. My second intensive class was very rushed and my students had less time than usual to learn all the material. This impacted my Saturday class the most. I had to teach a whole unit, as well as give writing, speaking and Unit quizzes for four hours and a half. This was way too long of a class and it was way too much material to cover in one class. Thankfully I am happy to say that it is all over now and I finished my first cycle. All of my students did great despite the obstacles and I am so proud of them all. 

November was a month full of surprises. I celebrated my birthday on November 11th and I enjoyed it so much. Emily surprised me by decorating the whole apartment with awesome decorations while I  was at work and gifted me with some beautiful flowers. As I keep saying I am so thankful for her and all that she does for me. Some friends surprised me with a delicious cake and celebrated the day with me. My parents and siblings wished me a Happy Birthday too. The kids at El Arenal all hugged me and the director bought me a cake and we celebrated as staff.  My 103 class got me a cake and along with another one of my students, whos birthday is close to mine, we celebrated our birthdays as a class. It was a great birthday filled with much joy and love. 

Celebrating mine and Josue's birthday with my class. 

Gifts from friends 

Decorations by Emily 

Thanks to Mika, a fellow CEDEI teacher, we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving abroad. I did not think that being away from my family on this special day was going to impact me but it did. I must admit I was sad to be away from my family that day and for missing out on the amazing Thanksgiving food. Along with other CEDEI teachers and staff, we had a Thanksgiving dinner which was so delicious on Friday the day after Thanksgiving. I ate so much food that my stomach was hurting.  I was happy to spend time with individuals I was close to and share a great meal. 

In the middle of the month, we moved apartments. This was a very stressful time for us since it was not in our plans at all to move. The reason why we moved was that we found out we were paying more for the rent then we were aware. This for both of us was not acceptable since we had been lied to and had struggled for months to cover all the bills and felt like moving was the best option.  We had trusted a certain individual who we cared for and believed was our friend only to come to find out he was charging us a large amount of money and paying the owner of the apartment less money. All this time we thought the money we paid him was exactly what he paid the owner however it was not like that at all. We dealt with so much from that individual, his family and other individuals close to him and we were OVER it. We were so angry and hurt but I am happy to say that we managed to deal with it all and are now in a better place. 

Our lives have been less stressful now that we are in our new apartment. The apartment is beautiful and we are in the center of Cuenca, also it is much cheaper. We are close to Plaza San Francisco which is gorgeous and also close to a market called Diez de Agosto. Everything is very accessible and  I am also able to walk to work. I save money on bus fare since I am close to the Sucursal and Centro location. 

Me at Plaza San Francisco 

Plaza San Francisco at night 

As mentioned I am done with work and am on vacation until January 6th. Emily left to the states on December 4th to be with her family for the holidays. I miss her so much and is weird being here in Cuenca all by myself. Thanks to technology we talk every day and keep communications at all times. I am happy she is with her family and know that soon we will be reunited again. As of now my plans are staying here in Cuenca and celebrate the holidays. Cuenca is very beautiful at this time of year and I love seeing the Christmas spirit of the town. I also am continuing to volunteer at El Arenal and am enjoying all the Christmas activities the foundation does for the kids.  

Christmas lights at Plaza Otorongo 

This is all for me as of now. I am excited to see how this month unfolds and to see where my life will be headed next. Enjoy your Holidays next to your loved ones and see you soon for another post. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!!

Hi all! 

Back now for a quick blog post to start December! Since my last post, things have been quite the whirlwind! 

First, and potentially most exciting, we celebrated Jhoseline’s birthday!!! I love birthdays so much, and if you have read the blog before, you know how much I appreciate having Jhoseline in my life.  What an awesome excuse to celebrate her! I could hardly wait- we decorated the apartment and shared a cake in her honor. I’m pretty sure everyone in Ecuador was aware of her birthday because of me. It was definitely a nice bright spot in a time when the cycle was starting to get very busy! 

We also moved into a new apartment! We found a really nice spot that is cheaper and much closer to everything for us, so life has been much less stressful! It is right on a gorgeous plaza called plaza San Francisco, which is always full of people and vendors.  It is also close to a large market called Diez de Agosto, which makes grocery shopping much easier and cheaper! We have definitely been enjoying a shorter commute (and more sleep!) in the mornings, evenings, and lunch time. 

This is the view as you exit our apartment building!

As the cycle was coming to an end, I could not believe we had been teachers long enough to complete almost a full cycle.  Although I never thought teaching was for me, over the first cycle I truly began to settle into a rhythm with my classes and really enjoy our time together.  At the end of the cycle my niños classes had to do a final project, which for our level consisted of writing a play and performing it. We spent the last week brainstorming and writing together, then the last day we performed! Each class even wrote me into their plays.  On the last day, I was so excited, making decorations for the performance, putting together my costumes for my “characters,” and trying to make a relatively healthy but desirable snack for our class party (shout out to Jhoseline for the help)! In the middle of all of this, I had a moment in which I surprised myself at how much I had come to enjoy a job I never saw myself doing.  I was sad to say goodbye to my students on their last day of class! I hope to get niños again next cycle!

My costume for this play was a Spider! Here with my Lion, Jaguar, and Snake

Some of the decorations and our "stage"

A tourist with a hunter and Jungle Protection!

Another significant day at the end of the cycle was Thanksgiving!  We had been so busy leading up to the day of Thanksgiving that we had almost forgotten about it- and didn’t expect it to affect us much.  When the actual day came, though, and my family was all together without me, it was a bit tough to continue through a normal work day. In the morning, I told my sister (Olivia, 14) that I was really missing being with the family, and asked her to send me some pictures or updates throughout the day.  Because she’s absolutely amazing, she sent me about 8 video updates throughout the day featuring various family members and Thanksgiving activities. I don’t know what I would have done without her! It was a great way to keep my spirits lifted throughout the day and stay connected with the family. Once again, thank goodness for Facetime! 

Thankfully, on Friday we had a  “Friendsgiving” organized by some of the teachers.  We all gathered in one (and fall-decorated) house, and everyone brought some kind of food item.  You know I had to bring some Mac and Cheese, because for me it is not Thanksgiving without it! We also brought a chicken and some other small things.  Heating up food in the kitchen with a glass of wine amongst the warm hustle and bustle of dinner preparations was definitely a feeling that I couldn’t have put my finger on previously, but was missing on the day of Thanksgiving.  I am so THANKFUL that we were all able to organize this nice dinner, and eat a really delicious and filling dinner amongst good company!

Our Friendsgiving plates! Featuring Mac and Cheese, homemade bread, stuffing, mashed potatoes, mote (corn), deviled eggs, chicken, and carrots!

As I write this post, I am in the airport in Guayaquil awaiting a flight into Florida.  I will be spending a few weeks in the U.S. during the December vacation, because I just cannot spend Christmas without my family! I am also excited, because before making it to Ohio, I will spend a week in Orlando with my best friend Paige for her birthday! I can’t wait to see her again, because we haven’t spent this much time apart since before we met during our freshman year of college.  I look forward to the month to come! Thanks for reading! 

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!