Yesterday I got a very appropriate welcome to my new job (life, home, adventure, etc). I showed up to my first class, nervous but ready to deliver the basic introductory lesson I had planned. Unfortunately, I was the only person who showed up. I waited for about 40 minutes before resigning to the fact that I would have no students.
Although I was prepped for a month straight about teaching in Ecuador and how it is different, how I have to be able to "flow like water", how things in Ecuador aren't as we are accustomed to; I still found myself surprised and disappointed (although a little bit relieved). Welp, I guess there really isn't much I can do except ride out this wave of a semester and see how far it takes me.
Now for a formal introduction to this blog...
I have actually been in Ecuador for over a month but due to some unforeseen circumstances (lack of wifi in my previous host placement) I am just now able to consistently post. I arrived in Quito, Ecuador on September 13 and spent four weeks there participating in orientation for the teaching program. I am one of a group of 14 brave souls that have come to Ecuador to teach English and hopefully learn something in return. We had a number of adventures together (which I will write about) but parted ways on Saturday to start our jobs in different cities in Ecuador.
The city I'm teaching in is called Esmeraldas and is located on the northern west coast of the country. Before you Google the city (thusly finding out some unsavory information about it) let me share that within my organization, there are three previous volunteers who have fallen in love with the city so much that they have extended their time here and are still employed at the same university. This is impressive because the only other placement with extended volunteers is the capital city, Quito. I'm not saying that this city is the best place or the safest place but after only being here for a few days I can tell it's has charm/liveliness. It is a beach town with a laid back atmosphere and beautiful sunny weather. There certainly is poverty and lack of development but that's to be expected in any developing nation.
I'm staying with a host family about 20 minutes out of the city center. They are a lively and sweet family and have really welcomed me with open arms. I live with the mother and father and two of their 5 grown children. One of their daughters lives upstairs in the same building with her family and another son lives right around the corner with his family. I am still trying to balance keeping my alone time (for sanity's sake) and integrating in the family unit. I hope to really advance in my Spanish over these next six months and living with a host family is one of the best ways of doing that.
Well friends and family, that's all I have for now. I love you guys!
