A New Journey

So I’m a little late on writing this post, but better late than never!

I really wanted to close this chapter out and kind of talk about my transition and some of the things that I’ve learned not even just the 5 months I was in Ecuador, but these last few years, as well… I have learned so much, and I really do think that I changed this summer. You may not have noticed it, but I did. I changed my point of view, and I’ve learned about what it’s like to really “live” in a totally new culture… almost for the first time in my life. I’ve traveled overseas about 8 times now, but this was the first time that I actually lived for almost half a year in another country. It was my first time being homesick and discontent. And I learned so much about contentment, too.

Dwelling On the Positives

 

Okay, so the last time I wrote was “medio” depressing, but I really wanted people to know what’s going on since I get asked a LOT about it. I figured it would be easier to put it all in one blog post- the bad stuff AND the good stuff. Since then it’s been pretty up and down, but the book I’ve been reading has been helping a lot to put things in perspective and keep positive.

Why I've Been Down

This blog entry will essentially be one where I attempt to explain my wishing that I was home already to those who don’t understand what’s going on in the “life of Allie” right now. It’ll start off a bit negative because I’m explaining why exactly I’m not loving life too much right now, but it’ll end with some things that I’m extremely thankful for and that keep me going.

Unfamilarly homesick

So I realize that it’s been over a month since I’ve written. I guess my life has been too exciting… or I just haven’t felt like writing! Either way, time often feels like it’s going so slow here. Most of the time I just wish it was November already so I can go back to my own food & bathroom, work full time again, and be able to plan my wedding & help my sister with hers. I miss my friends and family so much… for the first time! This is my eighth time overseas and yet the first time that I actually miss home. It sounds strange, but I guess it’s because, for the first time, I have so much to come home to. For the first time I’m homesick, and it’s weird.

Nothing out of the ordinary

*Note: I had to edit this journal entry several times since it was outdated!*

Well, I’ve officially been in Ecuador for more than a month now, and it honestly feels like time is going pretty slowly while I’m here. But maybe that’s because there’s so much I’m looking forward to. I always feel like time goes by so quickly only when you don’t want it to, and then it goes so slowly when you wish it would go by faster. God has quite the sense of humor. :)

Same Adventures with New Surprises.. Take #4!

So, here I am! I’m in Ecuador for the fourth time yet still being surprised. I’m sure you all were just dying to know what my life has been like (probably not!), so here is my first update! Bear with me because it might get a little more interesting later on…

Between Worlds

            So today is my last day in Ecuador, and it’s bittersweet. Though I can’t wait to take a warm shower without worrying about it becoming ice cold in .5 seconds or losing the water halfway through, and though I can’t wait to eat some pop tarts and have the beach only an hour away, I’m also going to seriously miss this country, these people, and this life here. I always feel like I’m in between worlds here, and it sucks. At times I’m blessed to have two homes, two families, and two languages to call my own, but at the same time, it becomes such a burden when I have to choose between them. I don’t like having to go back and forth to these houses. I don’t like getting to have brothers and a sister for only a few short months. I don’t like mixing up my English and my Spanish or having to choose whether to watch a movie in one or the other. But honestly, this is my life. I have another family and a boyfriend overseas, and this is what it’s like to have that. I just hope that one day I’ll be able to balance it, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to end up going back and forth for our entire lives, and at some point, I think I’ll be okay with it. I’m at least thankful for it. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have it any other way…

Like A Child

 

            Quite a bit has happened since the last time I posted! Last Sunday at the church we watched the kids perform their drama. The adults got to do their ‘exposition’ a few weeks ago, showing the church what they learned from their baptism classes. It was time for the younger kids, who Santy taught, to give their exposition in the form of a drama. It was extremely interesting to watch and even more wonderful watching my boyfriend do such a great job leading the whole service.

Who They Are

 

Santy's new buddy from Michigan, Luke

our class! don't worry- they're actually NOT miserable.

my little cousin in the mime group :)

            My last post was a little bit about who I am as a person, and, on the other side, this post is going to give you a little taste into the people of this small town that I live in here in Ecuador…