Cultural Week!

Today (Tuesday) was a day where we “ran” 10km. A lot of people took busses or paid taxis, but Auxi and I walked the entire way. In the heat. With the dust. And the hot clothing. But it was fun! We talked a lot, and when I got back, they gave me a trophy for being from the US. They also gave one to Janek because he is from Germany. Apparently we are now between the ages of 40 and 49…but that’s okay; it’s the thought that counts. I’m enjoying the school so far. Everyone seems kind, and most want to talk to me, and there are some great people who have really stopped to make sure I understand. (Shout out to Payton and Titta for wanting to go to Amazonas last year—so far, it’s been great!)

Today, Wednesday, I went to school, and basically talked and got asked a million questions. When I made a face at the words “Justin Beiber” everyone clapped for me. I’m glad that others understand it as well. After school, I was home alone, as usual, because I get out earlier than my siblings this week. I cried, because I missed the feeling of home. I was reminded of how I felt after we left Michigan. I missed my life, and the way I finally fit in somewhere. Here, I know everything is amazing, but, it’s all so new, and overwhelming. Leaving something you know and have grown to love for a year is one of the hardest things someone can do! I never really thought about how I would do if I did not let my emotions flow when they need to. I’m going to have to make a point to let myself cry when I need to! Yesterday, I got this cute thing done to my nails. I have pink on them with black mustaches! SO CUTE! (Emily Tsai, if you’re reading this, I thought of you the entire time they were being painted!!!)

Yesterday was a busy day! I found out at the Rotary Meeting on Wednesday night that I was going to Manta to register with the Ecuadorian Government. I learned how to sit in a car for many hours with two full grown women—very slender though—in a fairly small car. If I sat up straight, I hit my head every time we went over a bump. Lucky Janek...he got the front seat. Then, after we got back, I had a few minutes to think, and talk to my host sisters. I really enjoy talking to them; they may be a little younger than me-Nohelia not so much, but still younger-but I really learn a lot. I was told my Noemi that my Spanish is already getting better, and I can understand at a faster rate! After that, I went to the chiropractor, which isn’t really a chiropractor at all. It’s more of a physical therapy place, and I need a chiropractor!!! After the “chiropractor,” my counselor, her daughter and I went to eat and such. I ran into Kelly who invited me to a party thrown by the college. I talked to my counselor, and my mom, and they were both okay with it, so I went. Apparently there is a man who is running for a government position, and he is putting on a bunch of concerts for college age students to get their vote. Unfortunately for him, everyone got bored after about 15 minutes, so we left. This is when we went to this place (I forget the translation…) and I was the only one completely sober. (Hear that Charlie? I'm being the good little exchange student!) Apparently I can dance. I am shy, see? I don’t like to dance much. It’s like some people and singing in the shower. I dance alone, when nobody can watch, and nobody can judge. That’s one of the things I want to work on: coming out of my shell. I went home earlier than everyone else—2am. Then, I talked to Kelly about some exchange stuff, because it was weighing on my mind, and who would understand more than someone who has been through it? I got very little sleep last night (thanks to our friend the rooster), and am just about to head off to school. Chao! *kiss on cheek* (You know what’s strange? They always seem to go right cheek… Oh, and my Mexican ears can’t last long with how many double takes I have taken in the past week.)

Later Friday… I’m tired… I am going to spend some time this weekend with my counselor and her family. They’re nice people, always wanting me to do my best here in Chone. There is no school Monday—I guess because the teachers are having a party tomorrow where they drink, and they don’t want to teach? I’m unsure. I don’t believe this to be the reason, but that's what a student said. I learned how to tie a tie today. The party last night was fun, but my body is still vibrating from the music last night. It’s not used to loud noises. I guess the little bit of music some guys played today was not much help either! What else is not help is people playing horrible pranks on you in the middle of the night (you know who you are) and telling you that the police check for visas and such. It was when we were at that one place that I still can’t really figure out a word for, with the music. The police shut it down, because in Chone, on weekdays they can only run until midnight, and it was one. Sometimes, scaring someone to death is just not worth it… I find that just sad, but I forgave him. Today was fun, and I look forward to having more fun days and starting school Tuesday!