The day has finally come. Today marks the end of my 9 week stay in beautiful Ecuador. I have had mixed emotions leading up to today, torn between excitement to be back in the states and knowing how much I will miss my EcuaFam and this land of eternal spring. I know that it has been a while since my last post; we have had a few incidents that have been hard to put into words, as well as simply not having the time. With that said, I am going to write this last post memory-book-style, and though I know that others may read it, this post is mainly for me.
First things first: the primos. To Ryan and Loyz, thank you for saving me this summer. I came to Ecuador looking for adventure and new experiences, and wow was I unprepared. Although between the two of you, I've probably lost about 20 years of my life, I wouldn't trade you for anything. Every since day 1 when we were forced on each other to become best friends, I knew that you both would come to hold a special place in my heart. Ryan, your driving sense of adventure has encouraged me to do more than I ever thought I could, like sprint through the rainforest in the pouring rain, or truly experience the culture of Montañita. Loyz, your sweet heart has come to my rescue time and time again. Thank you for letting me sleep in your bed with you on a bad day, and never saying no to wine and pan. I admire your honesty and ability to only see the good in people, even though that sometimes results in scary taxi drivers. You both have become real primos to me this summer, and I am going to miss spending every waking second together, laughing and crying and everything in between. And sleepovers in the hospital, of course.
First things first: the primos. To Ryan and Loyz, thank you for saving me this summer. I came to Ecuador looking for adventure and new experiences, and wow was I unprepared. Although between the two of you, I've probably lost about 20 years of my life, I wouldn't trade you for anything. Every since day 1 when we were forced on each other to become best friends, I knew that you both would come to hold a special place in my heart. Ryan, your driving sense of adventure has encouraged me to do more than I ever thought I could, like sprint through the rainforest in the pouring rain, or truly experience the culture of Montañita. Loyz, your sweet heart has come to my rescue time and time again. Thank you for letting me sleep in your bed with you on a bad day, and never saying no to wine and pan. I admire your honesty and ability to only see the good in people, even though that sometimes results in scary taxi drivers. You both have become real primos to me this summer, and I am going to miss spending every waking second together, laughing and crying and everything in between. And sleepovers in the hospital, of course.
To Lil Nat and Pedro. Thank you for being the 2 missing pieces in our little ecua fam puzzle of 5, this summer wouldn't have been the same without you. Nat, thank you for being the star of my camera and letting us go on and on about lil nat big world. I could always count on your smiling face, even when things didn't go as planned. Pedrito, thank you for being the best bus buddy and always participating in vent sessions. Even though I could've done without 156,982 renditions of "Papa Francisco, Bienvenidos," I couldn't have done without you.
To Fanny and Victor, my sweet abuelitos. Wow. Words will never be able to express how special you and your family are to me. I will forever remember your sweet hearts and how you opened your home to me. I have loved every day spent with you - all the laughs and hugs and comical miscommunications. I couldn't have gotten any luckier with this host family, and some day I hope to have a family as big and loving as yours.
To the chevs, my EcuaFam. Where oh where to begin. Each of you has touched my heart in a way that you will never know. I am so grateful that each and every one of you chose Ecuador, because you have all played such a wonderful role my last 9 weeks. Thank you for dragging us out to Bunga-nope (twice!) and always being down for an adventure, Pilsner, and cuarenta. I will truly miss seeing all of your lovely faces each day, and can't wait to reunite so soon (this time, sin the classroom de Marcia).
To beautiful Ecuador. Thank you for letting me experience your glorious land for the last 9 weeks. I have loved getting to experience all 4 seasons in just one summer, and am so glad that I chose this as my country to study abroad. I have seen so many beautiful places, all within the borders off this one amazing country. Here are a few of the highlights.
This summer has been nothing short of adventure. I have experienced more emotion than I ever thought possible in a lifetime, let alone 9 short weeks. The time has definitely flown by, and while I am excited for toilets that can flush toilet paper and some good 'ol Chick-fil-a, I will certainly miss my home away from home here in Quito. I have learned so much and will forever be grateful for this summer. Que te vayas bien, Ecuador, nos vemos pronto.
Ama la vida, everyone, chao
Ama la vida, everyone, chao