It's About That Time!

It’s about that time! I have two weeks and three days before I will depart to Richmond and fly into Miami where I will continue to travel to Bogotá, Columbia and fly to Quito, Ecuador. Who wants to come along? It is going to be a long day of traveling! Quito, capital of Ecuador, is where I will complete four weeks of Orientation with other volunteers. I am stoked about meeting the other volunteers! Orientation I have heard is intense but much needed. I will learn about health & safety of the country, begin to feel comfortable with the language barrier and practice TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

As I am patiently waiting but anxious to find out where my permanent placement will be I have began to pack. How do you pack for a year? I have yet to figure that out so I decided to follow exactly the WorldTeach reading guide:

-       1 pair of sneakers

-       1 pair of rubber flip flops

-       1 pair of hiking shoes

-       2 pairs of comfortable shoes

-       10 pairs of socks

-       Enough underwear for at least 10 days (Eek!)

-       Enough suitable clothes for teaching for one week

-       Casual clothes for the weekend

-       2-3 pairs of pants (probably double this one)

-       2-3 pairs of shorts

-       1-2 sports bras

-       Umbrella

-       Sunglasses

… And the list goes on!

A 2003 Ecuador volunteer says, “It rains. It’s dirty. It gets really hot. It gets really cold. It doesn’t snow. And then the ash falls. The key is layers. Bring sweaters, tank tops, jeans, nicer pants, and a coat. The people here dress just like I did back home, minus the flip-flops. I’m usually in jeans, a button down shirt, and a sweater. I definitely do a lot of walking so comfortable shoes are important.” Phew! That is a lot to think about.

On a different note other than packing, I have also begun to say my goodbyes. This is the hardest part for me. I know my family and friends will miss me but they would want nothing other than this trip to happen. They are happy to see me plan how I will teach English to communities who will benefit from the language and get better jobs. I am throwing my skills out there to help others, and it is an amazing feeling. What have I done to say my goodbyes? I have spent the most time with my family, which happens to be quite large. Most of my family lives in the same area. There is my mom & dad, and my brother who lives down the street. He has a beautiful wife, six children, a dog, and a cat. Yep, I have five nieces and a nephew and they are all absolutely amazing. I am squeezing as much time here at home as I can!

My feelings about this trip are out of control! I know it is going to be a life changing experience that I will never forget. I hope this opportunity will be rewarding and help me become a better teacher for the future. I know that I will give 110% to the Ecuadorian community!

Until departure day…adiós amigos!