¨Ecuador: We´re nice people¨

Sitting on our bus to the coast, Selena music blaring from the speakers, I am again staring out my window taking in the beautiful countryside. The rolling green hills, chicken wire fences, rusted tin roof farms, and of course the steep imposing Andes half hidden by cottony veils of clouds, all pass me by. At one point we are driving through one such veil of clouds, landscape obscurred by white, that the child in me sticks my hand out the window, longing to know what it´s like to touch a cloud. My heart sinks a little as I realize that this is the last time I will see the Andes on this trip. There is something truly humbling and majestic in these blue-green giants that wield such silent yet omnipotent power; it´s no wonder why they´re so revered. Never have I seen such awe-inspiring and striking beauty in my life. There is something so wonderfully humbling and peaceful in being dwarfed by these majestic peaks; in realizing your presence is one less on the earth than of it, less a dominant role than a equal cooperative one. You turn a corner, your breath catches in your chest and you´re hooked.

One thing that Ecuador has made me think a lot about (and appreciate) is the role of family, friends, and community. I know we joked about the ¨Ecuador: We´re nice people¨ sign we came across after just getting my backpack stolen, however in my short time here, I´ve come to realize that this seemingly bold statement is more true than I ever knew.

We were blessed with two wonderful home stays while in Ecuador. Two families opened their homes and hearts to four complete strangers, each demonstrating that the old adage of giving the shirt off your back is not merely present in Ecuador, it is the rule. Never in my life have I been shown such unabounding kindness and love by complete strangers. Such is Latin America. Such is Ecuador.

When we arrived in Cuenca, we were invited to stay with Santi and Ryan´s family for the week. They housed us, feed us ungodly ammounts of amazing food, showed us their city, and nursed us back to health when each of us got mystery 24 hour illnesses. I got to spend time with my sister Bridget and finally share an international experience with her, however breif. Between being with her, and feeling like literally part of the family at Santi´s house, it was a strong reminder of ´home is where your heart is,´ and it was so wonderful to feel so at home, laughing uncontrollaby, singing while Santi´s mom played guitar, watching movies with the siblings, and sharing memories that will stay with me the rest of my life. Even after only 6 days, it was so difficult to say goodbye, which is a true testament to how much we were let into their lives (and they ours).

I just cannot convey the kindness that I have been shown in this country. From our two ¨families¨, to all the random people that helped me get a passport, Ecuador having nice people is quite the understatement. I am so sad to say goodbye to Bridget today (we fly to Guatemala early tomorrow morning). We had a great weekend at a funky (and quirky) surfer town on the coast with some of her friends. Though I´m sad to say goodbye, I´m so excited to see where her adventures take her, and how her study abroad experience shapes her.

Well, thats all for now-- next post will be from Guatemala, arguably the place that has shaped who I am today the most (I went there in high school and it profoundly impacted me). Adios Ecuador!

OH! How could I forget? Yours truly was in an Ecuadorian music video. Yes, you read that correctly. Cory, Katie and I were going for a run along the river in Cuenca one day and came across a music video production set. Cool! we thought, I´ve never been on set before! We had no idea who the singer was, but were watching when the set director motioned towards Cory and I. The singer was singing a ¨Hey Jude¨with lyrics changed to be all about Ecuadorian pride, and love of the country, and we were supposed to walk past him slowly, very moved with pride for ¨our¨country. We did this twice, remarking to eachother afterwards at the irony of using two people from the United States (lets just say the Ecuadorian government isnt fond of the U.S.-- they just kicked out two ambassadors) in their national pride music video. Ryan then told us that they run these videos before presidential speeches. On every channel. Awesome. So sweaty, athletic wearing Maria is now famous for her Ecuadorian pride.