Hola! I'm beginning a blog to understand my experiences as I journey to Ecuador! I'm from Oregon, and am very excited to leave! My departure date is August 23rd, at 6 AM from the Portland airport and I arrive in Guayaquil at 10:05 PM. This is my first time out of country, and I'm constantly finding myself crying from fear, staring off into space with nerves, and screaming in excitement! Currently, I know my visa and passport are in the mail to me, and I should be expecting that by the 30th (hopefully). So far, FedEx has only initiated it, though they said the ship date was supposed to be the 26th. Oh well, I know that being patient will help me here!
So far in my life, I have been a vegetarian, and have picked up eating some meat to make the exchange go smoother. I completely dislike it, but have been able to eat meats thus far, but only if it's served. Pretty much, if I'm the one making the food, there isn't going to be much meat on the table!
I have two lovely dogs, and my mom lives at home with me. My dad is always on the road, because he is an over the road truck driver. I was raised an only child, even though I have a half brother and half sister. They lived with their mother, while I lived with mine. My first host family should be very different for me, because I will have a mom, Magaly, and two younger siblings. Nohelia, the oldest (16), is going on exchange while I'm there. I will be living with Noemi (14), and Juan (9). I'm very excited to have siblings living with me! I will also get to experience having birds around! I've had dogs since I was born!
In Oregon, I would be going into my junior year, but instead am spending it in Chone-Manabi. There, I will be what is equivalent to a senior year. Sadly, none of the credits transfer, but nonetheless, I am able to graduate in 2014 with the rest of my class!
Recently, I came across a quote, "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough." In all honesty's, I am very scared, but know this year will be amazing, and cannot wait to begin it after these 9 months of preparing. The countdown is on! 26 days!
