Lessons in Appreciation

My time in Ecuador so far has given me adventures, new friends, laughs, confusion, and a new perspective about the world. I have also come to appreciate several things more than I ever thought possible. Here is a list:

1. Eyelashes - What a great job these do at keeping volcanic ash and dust out my eyes here in Ambato. I still have a cough from breathing in the terrible air here, but my eyes feel fine!

2. Animal Control - Stray dogs are out of control here and it´s always a challenge to complete a journey without facing off with a hungry or crazy street dog.

3. The value of a scarf - Here in Ecuador scarves are immensely practical. A simple $2 scarf can serve its original purpose as a neck-warmer for those cold morning and evenings, as a gas mask (again, the pollution), or very frequently as a baby carrier (there´s really no such thing as strollers here). A lot of indigenous people also use scarves or blankets to wrap up their market goods and haul them on their back to wherever they are headed.

4. Quick-dry clothing - My credit card bills before I left reinforced my belief in performance fabrics and wow, I am glad to have these things now. It is almost always damp here, which, without a dryer, can make getting dressed not the most fun part of my day. Quick dry clothing is also awesome for jungle trips and travel in general. Thank you REI and Campmor.

5. A feeling of personal security - I definitely took this for granted in the United States. Here it is something that is always on my mind. Who is around me? Where are my things? How am I going to get home after dark? Is this taxi part of a cooperative or a pirate? Etc, etc...I feel relatively safe when I take the necessary precautions, but again, I´m always thinking about how to keep myself safe and healthy in this different society.

6. The ability to say what you mean - The language barrier hasn´t caused any major problems for me so far, but it is frequently irritating to not be able to say exactly what I mean.

7. Mail and E-mails and blog comments from friends - With no internet at home and slow internet downtown, its often a hassle to keep up with daily communication. But when I check my post office box or Gmail or blog and find notes from friends and family, it really makes my day. Thank you for that, and please know that I am doing my best to reply.

8. Sueltitos - This means small change in Spanish and it is necessary to have it with you at all times. No one has change for anything, it seems. For example, I mailed a letter at the post office for $1.54 and paid with a $5. It took the clerk 2 trips to the back room and begging co-workers for sueltitos to give me my correct change.

9. Empathy - Being part of the WorldTeach group and having other volunteers to share my experiences with has made the transition so much easier. Especially the ladies in Ambato, who have listened, talked, complained, and laughed about so many of the differences that we face every day. It would be much harder for me without their support and for that I thank them, too.

10. Cultural Exchange - I have encountered so many friendly people in Ecuador who have taken me in to live with them, to stay with them, to eat with them...I had a wonderful trip to Ibarra thanks to a former student´s family that I had never met, but who treated me like their own daughter for a weekend. One of my students brought me colada morada and a guagua de pan to introduce me to the traditional foods that are eaten around this time of year, specifically for dia de los muertos. Another one of my students is a tour guide who foten tells me about places to visit, festivals, and things to do in Ambato. Another invited me to eat cookies with him in the school cafeteria to talk about his life and goals and ambitions, just because. My host families have also, of course, provided the most in-depth cultural exchange and I am thankful for their hospitality and concern for my wellbeing.

I try to always remind myself that wherever I am, there are always things to appreciate, even if sometimes they are not what they seem at first glance. These were just a few examples about the wonderful country of Ecuador, but for those of you in the United States, remember what a wonderful life you probably live. Keep enjoying it and I´ll see you when I return! Thanks again for reading.

XO Sara