The one-year mark

It is official; I have lived in the Ecuadorean jungle for over a year!   

As I look back on the year that has flown by I am so grateful for this experience. I know that this has been an important year for me, personally and professionally.  I have learned a lot about myself while learning about a new culture, pace of life, climate, language, and new area of practice in my career.  Coming here was a dream come true, one that I’ve had in my imagination since I was about 10 years old and learning Spanish in School. I was never sure when or how I would get here, or even where exactly here was, but I knew someday I wanted, needed, to live in Latin America in a way that wasn’t just as a traveler or student passing through.  Studying abroad in Spain was instrumental in helping me realize I could live far away and learn to navigate around a new and different way of life.  Being in the salsa dancing community in San Francisco kept me exposed to the language, music and variety of people within the Latin culture, which allowed me to open my eyes to the possibility of living (nearly) anywhere in Central or South America.  All these elements, mixed with the right timing, support from all you, a lead from a friend about CMMB and their programs, and a little bit of courage to quit my job, pack up my cute apartment, and take the leap of faith, brought me to this path, and I am so glad they did.  It has not been easy, or tearless, but it has been exciting, challenging, inspiring, emotional, rewarding, and humbling. I have been fortunate to travel around Ecuador, have my family visit me, go home to see family and watch my best friend get married, and to meet up with friends in different countries like Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil.  I have made friendships that will last beyond the miles that may separate us in our next adventures (thanks to Facebook and the internet).  I’ve discovered and confirmed my interests in pediatrics and am certain I want to continue to pursue this path wherever I am working.  And I’ve even fallen in love!  I know many of you are thinking “I knew it would happen”- but I’ll be honest and say I did not! Romantic relationships in this culture are NOT easy to navigate as a foreigner, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found a good one. J  

So as any good blogger must do, I have compiled the compulsory “what I love vs. not my favorite” list. Please enjoy!

What I love…

• Amazing thunder and lightning storms
• Rivers and waterfalls and swimming holes
• Juices and batidos on every corner
• Walking through town and always recognizing at least one person
• Walking through town and feeling safe
• Hot humid weather- which resulted in clear naturally moisturized skin, soft hair, and no allergies!
• Never needing a coat, layers, sweater, scarf, but ALWAYS needing an umbrella just in case.
• My kiddos at work who smile big when they see me or wave to me when I see them in town
• The guy at the corner market who asks about my latest travels or adventures, and gives me advice on where to go next
• My family! Watching my little sister and brother growing up right before my eyes. Playing UNO in English with Juan, and lying on my bed playing with my stuffed bear with Rafa.  Hanging out in the kitchen with Gaby, sharing food and stories, and her correcting my Spanish.
•           Walking home from work with my best friend Alexandra, stopping along the way for jugos or ice cream
• The way Alexandra’s son cuddles with me, tells me stories, beats me at puzzles. 
• Seeing how grateful parents are when we fix up a piece of equipment for their kid. 
• Our one discoteca, and one cocktail bar. 
• Being able to jump on a $0.25 bus to go to my favorite swimming spot on a hot afternoon
• $1 taxi, anywhere in town.
• Free or $1 BailoTerapia classes in the plaza (Ecuador’s version of Zumba)

I'm so lucky to be a part of this family! Juan, Gaby, and Rafaela (who just turned 3 this week). 

Not my favorite

• Mosquitoes
• Waking up to rain pounding on my tin roof, thinking this time it’s going to cave in for sure!
• Nothing is as easy as it seems it should be
• Mosquitoes
• Ants immediately invading any appetizing food left out for even 5 minutes
• Not ever being sure you can rely on someone’s word
• Coming back from time away and finding mold on my shoes, bags, and clothes.
• Construction on our neighbor’s house starting at 7am, everyday.
• Mosquitoes
• Limited choices in food, shopping, entertainment
• Working with the less-than-appreciative hospital administration
• Luke warm water (at best) and bucket showers (although I always felt proud of myself that it was no big deal when the water ran out and I had to haul the bucket up from the water reserve downstairs). 
• Parasites and intestinal problem
• Mosquitoes

As most of you know, I am not ready to come home yet. I still feel my role here hasn't been completed, I still have more room to grow as a therapist (but then again, maybe I will always feel that way) and I still feel like I have something to contribute to the people I am working with here.  The latest project has been creating a protocol for the student/intern program, which means I've been working with both the therapists and students in more of a teaching role, and I'm really enjoying it.  

Needless to say, this journey isn't over yet! I do get to go home for Christmas next week, which I am VERY MUCH looking forward to! Stay tuned for the next entry coming soon about the Fiestas de Quito, which involve a first place medal in the soccer tournament, second place in the 40 tournament (a card game), and being crowned Queen of the Chiva (with my King, of course!).  

Happy Holidays to everyone!!