This has been a week of lasts as the 2011-2012 Program Directors
hand over our lives and programs to the new group. As my last blog post I
compiled a list of things we “old PDs” are going to miss about Ecuador as we
had back to the US. It is unbelievable how fast the time passed, and how
quickly this foreign country became our home and these Ecuadorians became our
family and friends. August snuck up on us, and while I do miss friends and
family at home as of right now there is no part of me that is ready to leave
Ecuador. Well, asi es la vida… Here are the things that made this year
incredible and we are really going to miss:
The food! cevichocho, hornado, seco de pollo, humitas, encocado,
encebollado
The music - especially the constant salsa and reggaeton mixes on
the public buses
Hugging kids in the library
Riding the Capelo
Being the tallest person in a 50mi radius
The community members who constantly make us feel appreciated
and welcome
Reading with Matias
Crepes and Waffles ice cream
Fresh fruit juices
Playing rapido
The adventure! We woke up everyday not really knowing what to
expect and in Ecuador, the unexpected usually occurred
Family dinners in the Manna House
The Choclo
Doing work that is fulfilling
Gandalf
The weather in the valley
Speaking Spanish
Teaching exercise classes
Being called “vecina” and “mi hija” but mostly being
called “profe”
Living in the same house with some of our best friends
Our English students and the Adult English parties
Being constantly surrounded by the Spanish language
The amazing hospitality of Ecuadorians
Living in the mountains, there is nothing like waking up to the
Andes every morning
The natural beauty of Ecuador
This year’s blog will be managed by Sara, Jefferson, and Pete.
One reassuring thought about leaving Manna, the new group is awesome. MPI
Ecuador is in good hands.