Mary threw me a birthday fiesta on Monday night, my last night in Quito. I arrived home to find a beautifully set table and could tell she had been preparing all day. Really, it was picture perfect, and it was super hard to find that words to express my appreciation. She made a cake (from scratch!!) along with jello and strawberries, empanadas, and tea. Almost the entire family came to celebrate, as well as four lovely chicas. It really was wonderful, and I felt like a part of my family, which was great, but also kind of bittersweet as I knew that I was leaving the following morning.
I woke bright and early on Tuesday morning to say goodbye to mi madre quiteño, lugged my suitcase outside, and got into a taxi with Sophie. Aye, how emotional! At the same time, it was very comforting to have amazing friends that were going through the same transition. Anyway, we arrived at CIMAS to say our goodbyes to everyone, and got onto a bus with the 9 other people that are living in the northern region of Ecuador for their internships. I was the second to be dropped off and by the time we had arrived to Otavalo, I was ready.My first 7 days in Otavalo have succeeded anything I could have expected. First, my family! I have a mom (Marcela) and a papi (Carlos). My mom works at INNFA, the organization that I am working for. My dad works in tourism and also in auto mechanics (I think). He has a 14 person van for transporting tourists. :o) I have an 18 year old sister named Karlita and she is wonderful. She studies in Quito during the week, so she is only home on the weekends. Last but not least, I have a 6 year old brother named Mateo…and he is wonderful! Being around him makes me miss my own little bro at home! We also have two dogs, and I do not know much about them, except that they are very loud and wake me up around 6 every morning.
Our house is…nice, not at all what I expected. It was a bit overwhelming at first because I am living in much better conditions than I had anticipated coming into this. There have been moments when I have thought to myself that maybe I should have pushed my limits further to live with an indigenous family or in a lower socioeconomic status. Instead of having regrets or becoming disappointed in myself, I´ve decided to make this a lesson in humility. It is already clearly apparent to me that “things” do not matter, and what is more important is the wonderful people that I have the opportunity to live with and learn from. I will not take my living situation for granted; instead I am going to learn as much as I can while I am here.
Not only am I lucky with my family, but with my internship as well. I am working with psychologist named Soledad, and I know that I am going to learn a ton from her. My first 3 days of work were mostly observing, but I have completely enjoyed it. I am experiencing something that simply could never happen in the U.S. The organization that I work for, INNFA, is a daycare for at risk children that is all throughout the country. They have programs for children ages 6 and under. Also, school age children come after school to eat lunch and to work on homework. I will be working at the center in Otavalo, and will also travel to communities nearby during the week. The majority of patients that come in come for help with speech therapy or stimulation. Some children do not have developmental problems, but their parents bring them in just for extra stimulation. We also work with children who are having behavior problems, family problems, or problems at school. I am already realizing how challenging a career in psychology will be, but I also know that I am going to learn amazing things while from Soledad and my experience with INNFA.
…I know this is long, but, my REAL birthday! :o) The beginning of the day was tough. There was not much to do in the house, the family was busy, and it did not feel like my birthday. I think it was because I´m not experiencing the beautiful fall weather that I usually see on my birthday. Of course it could also have something to do with being in another country… :o) But, the day became much better. Yes, I am spoiled, and had a second birthday fiesta. Three of my friends that are living nearby came to celebrate with me and we had cake, wine, and LASAGNA. Yes, lasagna! And it was DELICIOUS. At night, we went out dancing with my sister, a couple of cousins, and some friends of my sister…and it was wonderful! It is pretty lovely to have, as Marissa says, “insta-friends.” My cousins and my sisters friends are great! Eeps, I´m definitely looking forward to more good times while I´m here.
As always, I´m thinking of you all, miss and love you, and I´d love to hear from you!
Abrazos,
Jessica
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