Primer dia ensenado ingles!

Hola! Hoy fue mi primer dia ensenado ingles en la escuela! Lo encanto mucho y fue muy divertido!

Today was my first day teaching english in the school! I love it a lot. It was very fun!

Today we started off going over the alphabet and basic phrases. As far as I could tell, the kids were enjoying it too. Im glad to finally be able to help teaching!

It is really beautiful down here in Ecuador. The landscape (in the mountains where i am) is a lot like Oregon. Snowy mountains, green valleys.
Mt. Cotopaxi


Yesterday, we went on a hike and found an old cave.
We don't know how old but it was really cool!



Last weekend we went to central Quito and did a little sight seeing. We watched the changing of the guard and saw a lot of old buildings and amazing architecture!
San Francisco Square


The basillica.

Palacio del Presidente

Right before the changing of the guard



At the dinner table with host parents and the grandparents.

A couple of the kids in the family


End of school for the day. Waiting to board the buss.

2nd week abroad!

Hi everybody!
It has been an amazing week and a half since I have arrived
in Ecuador. I have learned a lot about their culture and way of life. My
language skills and faith are being stretched. I do miss home but Im
re-learning to trust in the Lord and His strength at all times. As well as
to be thankfull for everything!

During the early afternoon, it is hot here but every evening it rains,
and rains hard! (Thunderstorms included). My host family said that
the rain will die down come mid may. However, yesterday we had a
break in the rain! Tumbaco (where I am) is at around 8,000ft. Quito,
which is about 7mi away is around 10,000ft. It rains more in Quito
and is a little cooler.

Im one of the only ones around that wears shorts. A few people have
already asked me if Im cold. They wear jeans and sweatshirts even
when its around 75-80 degrees.

I really love their family gatherings here. It seems like that's when their
culture really shows! Last sunday, we (my host family and all of
their family) got together for Easther lunch. Almost everyone helped
prepare the food. It was really fun! In ecuador, lunchtime is the
most formal meal, when everyone gets together, as opposed to
dinnertime.

One thing I learned about the busses: if you're the last one to board,
grab onto a railing first! (before stepping on). Cuz the bus driver
hits the gas once he sees that you've stepped a foot onboard.

Last week was my first week helping at the school.
Mostly, I was
observing, to see how they do things. I've been helping with the
young kids so far. They are really fun. A couple of them, once they
saw me, wanted me to stick with them the entire time.

The principal said that in a while, he would like me to help him teach
some english and math to the older youth.

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to serve down in Ecuador.
But I know that it doesn't matter where I am in the world, as long as
my heart is in Jesus.

Thank you so much for your friendship and your prayers! Please
continue to pray!

There are a few things that I could use prayer for:
1. Effectiveness-- in serving the Lord, my host family, the school and
the people

2. Health/ Safety in transit

3. Emotional Stability: It can get a little stressful sometimes trying
to learn a foreign language. Especially during those days when it
doesn't fell like I'm learning at all.

4. Spiritual Growth/ Fellowship: That my desire to live for the Lord
and trust in Him would grow everyday.

5. Opportunities: That I would recognize an opportunity when
there is one. That I would have the strength/ boldness/ trust to
follow through.

I thank the Lord for the people he has put in my life. May we
continue to give Him praise!

He llegado a Ecuador!

I arrived to Ecuador last night @ 10pm!
Because of Viernes Santo (Good Friday) everyone has stayed home today so I haven't been able to tour the area yet. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to do so.

A lot of this area feels like Portland. It's not too hot because it's in the mountains. However, it's not too cold (unlike Ptown) because it's on the equator! So far I feel quite tall! I found out that the average height for ecuadorians is around 5'5''. Right now I think my body is still acclimating to the altitude. Other than feeling a little bit of fatigue, I am not sick and I'm glad to finally make it here!
Thank you for your prayers!