Presentation
AHHH!!! Found out Monday night that I had a presentation to give to my Rotary club---Wednesday!! 10 minutes--in Spanish--with powerpoint--about my experience as an exchange student and my country. With freaking a day and a half to prepare!! After reading the email, I ran upstairs and asked Emi, "The 29th isn't, this Wednesday, is it?" "Uh...Yeah, yeah it is." I freaked out. I wrote the dang thing in school Tuesday and worked on the powerpoint all night.
Sheesh. Imagine me having to actually do work here. : )
My mom was so sweet and helped me brainstorm ideas and revise what I had written.
My uncle drove me to the Rotary meeting and gave me some of the best advice I've heard in awhile. I told him I was nervous, and he said to me very sincerely, "the answer is love."
"Love?" I thought to myself, "not confidence or something like that?"
"Just love the people you're speaking to," he told me. Then he recounted his days as a college professor and how he used to be nervous before teaching. But then he discovered the secret to "teaching and speeching," as he put it. "Loving the people you're talking to takes away all the nervousness and allows you to talk with your whole heart."
I sat there stunned. Why had I not thought of this before? Duh?!
Love.
So simple, yet so profound.
...And it worked.
The presentation went 10 times better than expected. The 3 people who went before me didn't know very much Spanish, so it made my presentation seem better than it actually was. hehe
I didn't forget any of my words though! And I managed not to be nervous while giving the speech. Everyone applauded and told me how good my Spanish was--little did they know I had basically memorized the speech that was checked and rechecked by my mom and classmates.
Family
Everything is fantastic with my host fam. I'm starting to communicate better with my mom--and I don't mean my Spanish--just plain communication in general. In the States, I never had to communicate what I was planning for my day or what I wanted to do or where I was going. Mostly because I had a car and my mom wasn't worried about me. (Mom, I mean that in a good way : )) And even then, I sucked at communication. I'd be running out the door, literally, and my mom would ask, "where are you going?" "I'll tell you later, Mom!" Slam. the door would shut. And if she, or anyone for that matter, needed to get ahold of me, I rarely had my cell phone. I suck at answering my cell.
Here, I have to say everything. Because if I don't, I won't go anywhere or get anything done. It's not really a trust or liberty issue like I thought, my mom just wants to know what's up and is big on communication.
The other night, we had a little dance party in the attic. I was showing my mom some of things
I learned in salsa class, and she was showing me some other passes. Emi just sat there laughing at us. At one point, we were dancing together, like hand in hand, and we both started laughing our heads off. We kept trying to get back to that dancing position, but every time, it was too funny, and we couldn't refrain from laughter. I thought we were going to die from lack of oxygen. It was hilarious.
Thoughts
At the beginning of my exchange, I mentioned this wasn't the "adventure" I imagined. Now I realize this is more than the adventure I imagined, and I just had the wrong definition of adventure. Adventure isn't just roaming through the jungle or climbing a mountain or exploring a deserted cave. It's not always a time when I'm full of adrenaline or hapiness or excitement. It's also the times when things are hard, when I'm stretched, when I'm forced to learn certain life lessons. It's discovering the little things of a new culture, like communication is extremely important and to share everything you have. It's living without the things or people that once made you comfortable. It's taking a salsa class. It's playing the guitar. It's growing. It's loving. It's learning.
It's life.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Travels
Manabi Paseo a la Playa (Beach!)
Two weeks ago, all the exchange student started a 5 day trip to the beach. It took 10 hours to get there (in a country the size of Colorado, and starting from the middle) because the roads go up and down, as opposed to straight, due to the mountains. The drive was hermosisimo! (So beautiful) We were winding through the lush green mountains, overlooking a rushing river below, in a tiny valley. Occasionally, we would see the source of that river-- huge waterfalls flowing down the mountains. It was absolutely majestic. The first day after we had arrived, we were in a parade for some celebration of Puerto Viejo. It was pretty fun. There were 2 barneys and a pageant queen that had a tiara probably a foot and a half high, if I had to estimate. It was the most dangerous looking accessory I have ever seen. After the parade, we headed to the beach for some pretty terrible seafood, and then had about 2 hours to chill. Unfortunately, they were charging to use the restrooms, so I couldn't change into my suit and ended up just kind of splashing my feet around. It was kind of depressing, honestly. I find it hard to connect with the other exchange students because we just don't see things the same way or have the same reasons for being here. I started isolating myself and not trying as hard to be social...and then I felt lonely.
Imagine that...isolation making a person feel alone...
But I continued. the next day, we arrived at the other beach in Puerto Lopez. It was gorgeous! Completely surrounded by mountains, not a person in sight, fishing boats on the horizon, huge waves, and caves to texplore in the distance. There were hermit crabs running around and all sorts of crustaceans. I picked up about 10 perfect sandollars, all but 1 of which broke in my backpack.
I spent almost the entire day, walking or sitting alone. I felt like crying. I just kept praying I would meet someone I could relate to, someone I could tell my deeper thoughts, someone who would understand me and share similar values. A couple people asked if I was ok as they were walking by. I lied and told them I was fine, almost instantaneously welling up with tears. I felt guilty not being absolutely ecstatic at the most beautiful beach I've ever been to. But one of the things I've been learning here is that the things you think are going to be so cool or so exciting and adventurous--are only so when they're shared. Life is meant to be shared.
It's meant to be done together.
I have literally seen more natural beauty in my 2 months here in Ecuador than I have seen in my entire life, yet it's incredibly hard for me to appreciate all of it. And I'm usually one to sit in awe with my jaw open at a cool looking tree or sunset.
My family (in the States) took me on a graduation trip to Eureka Springs for 3 days back in June. If you've seen any of my pictures, Ecuador blows Eureka Springs out of the water. Yet I feel like I saw more beauty, appreciated nature more, and enjoyed my time more in Eureka Springs than I have here. And it was 3 days in Arkansas!!! Now I realize the difference is that I was with my family, surrounded by the people I love and that love me. It's interesting to me that even the nature, views, and adventures of Ecuador that are 10 times better than Eureka Springs couldn't make up or compensate for the lack of my family.
It's about people.
But back to the beach, we ate dinner after my depressing day, and a girl I hadn't seen before sat down at the table I was at. We didn't say anything to each other for awhile, but finally introduced ourselves, and somehow got on the topic of what we want to do with our lives. As I was telling her my bit, (quite timidly, I might add, because no one seems to really get it) her eyes started lighting up, and she grabbed my arm and said, "ME too!!" --- Hope rose in me. I was very much surprised that someone in this group of people shared the same dream as me. We want to study the same things and do the same things--even down to the smallest detail. It was fantastic. While the other exchange students were (I think) having a dance party, we went off and found a hammock and talked about how we want to change the world. We spent the next day at the beach together, walking along the shore line, talking about deep topics for once, (as opposed to the usual, "how are we going to buy alcohol, today?")
I had a friend! A real one. And it was exactly what I had prayed for the day before. As we were walking, we came across some caves. We had to climb some rocks to get there, but they were beautiful once we arrived. Apparently there were more a little farther, but the tide was too high to reach them. Those who went the day before, though, said it looked like a scene out of "The Notebook."
Agh! So i had some fantastic pictures of all this, until...I lost my camera : ( Surprisingly, I was hardly upset at all. Just a 'lil dissappointed. Life will go on.
While we were waiting for the tide to go down (which it didn't end up doing in time) we started talking about how we want to change this year and what we want to learn. Several more people joined in the conversation and it was cool to talk about something important with people other than just Kirsten. (Kirsten is the name of the girl I met.) We ended the day with an anti-climactic rotary meeting/dinner. We weren't told what we were doing, but were split up into our respective countries and given large flags to carry in. We were waiting outside the door to the meeting for at least an hour, all the while camera men and important looking people passing us to enter the meeting. Each country was even told to pick a representative to speak on TV! Yet, when we were finally aloud to enter, there were about 10 people --10-- waiting for us to set our flags in stands and sit down. Did I mention it was anti-climactic?
After the meeting, there was an hora loca--crazy hour. Rotary hired people in circus costumes to come and dance and get us to dance. There was even a man on stiltz! They gave everyone a silly hat and noise makers and were blowing on whistles and making dance trains. It was actually pretty fun, the crazy hour.
So overall, the trip was good. It had its downs, but meeting Kirsten was incredible. A true answer to prayer. I started thinking about not going on the other trips Rotary has (Galapagos and Amazon) because I wouldn't have been able to enjoy myself with the majority of the other exchange students, but after meeting Kirsten, I'm excited about getting to go.
All of my pictures are lost, but I'm working on getting pics from some other exchange students.
Cayambe
Last weekend, I went to a volcano called Cayambe with my unlce, aunt, cousin, and some friends of theirs. It's not that far away, but it took 3 hours to drive to the top. Hopefully that gives you an idea of how tall it was. (Or at least how bad the road was : )) It was snow capped, and breathtaking--literally. (there's not much oxygen at that altitude) Some of the snow was melting and forming a small waterfall and river in the valley below. You could hear the rushing water echo from the valley up to the top of the mountain, where we were. There were hardly any people, and no unnatural sounds. It was completely tranquil.
I took photos with my unlce's cam, and will upload them as soon as I see him again!
Also, took my first salsa class and bought a guitar that weekend.
Two weeks ago, all the exchange student started a 5 day trip to the beach. It took 10 hours to get there (in a country the size of Colorado, and starting from the middle) because the roads go up and down, as opposed to straight, due to the mountains. The drive was hermosisimo! (So beautiful) We were winding through the lush green mountains, overlooking a rushing river below, in a tiny valley. Occasionally, we would see the source of that river-- huge waterfalls flowing down the mountains. It was absolutely majestic. The first day after we had arrived, we were in a parade for some celebration of Puerto Viejo. It was pretty fun. There were 2 barneys and a pageant queen that had a tiara probably a foot and a half high, if I had to estimate. It was the most dangerous looking accessory I have ever seen. After the parade, we headed to the beach for some pretty terrible seafood, and then had about 2 hours to chill. Unfortunately, they were charging to use the restrooms, so I couldn't change into my suit and ended up just kind of splashing my feet around. It was kind of depressing, honestly. I find it hard to connect with the other exchange students because we just don't see things the same way or have the same reasons for being here. I started isolating myself and not trying as hard to be social...and then I felt lonely.
Imagine that...isolation making a person feel alone...
But I continued. the next day, we arrived at the other beach in Puerto Lopez. It was gorgeous! Completely surrounded by mountains, not a person in sight, fishing boats on the horizon, huge waves, and caves to texplore in the distance. There were hermit crabs running around and all sorts of crustaceans. I picked up about 10 perfect sandollars, all but 1 of which broke in my backpack.
I spent almost the entire day, walking or sitting alone. I felt like crying. I just kept praying I would meet someone I could relate to, someone I could tell my deeper thoughts, someone who would understand me and share similar values. A couple people asked if I was ok as they were walking by. I lied and told them I was fine, almost instantaneously welling up with tears. I felt guilty not being absolutely ecstatic at the most beautiful beach I've ever been to. But one of the things I've been learning here is that the things you think are going to be so cool or so exciting and adventurous--are only so when they're shared. Life is meant to be shared.
It's meant to be done together.
I have literally seen more natural beauty in my 2 months here in Ecuador than I have seen in my entire life, yet it's incredibly hard for me to appreciate all of it. And I'm usually one to sit in awe with my jaw open at a cool looking tree or sunset.
My family (in the States) took me on a graduation trip to Eureka Springs for 3 days back in June. If you've seen any of my pictures, Ecuador blows Eureka Springs out of the water. Yet I feel like I saw more beauty, appreciated nature more, and enjoyed my time more in Eureka Springs than I have here. And it was 3 days in Arkansas!!! Now I realize the difference is that I was with my family, surrounded by the people I love and that love me. It's interesting to me that even the nature, views, and adventures of Ecuador that are 10 times better than Eureka Springs couldn't make up or compensate for the lack of my family.
It's about people.
But back to the beach, we ate dinner after my depressing day, and a girl I hadn't seen before sat down at the table I was at. We didn't say anything to each other for awhile, but finally introduced ourselves, and somehow got on the topic of what we want to do with our lives. As I was telling her my bit, (quite timidly, I might add, because no one seems to really get it) her eyes started lighting up, and she grabbed my arm and said, "ME too!!" --- Hope rose in me. I was very much surprised that someone in this group of people shared the same dream as me. We want to study the same things and do the same things--even down to the smallest detail. It was fantastic. While the other exchange students were (I think) having a dance party, we went off and found a hammock and talked about how we want to change the world. We spent the next day at the beach together, walking along the shore line, talking about deep topics for once, (as opposed to the usual, "how are we going to buy alcohol, today?")
I had a friend! A real one. And it was exactly what I had prayed for the day before. As we were walking, we came across some caves. We had to climb some rocks to get there, but they were beautiful once we arrived. Apparently there were more a little farther, but the tide was too high to reach them. Those who went the day before, though, said it looked like a scene out of "The Notebook."
Agh! So i had some fantastic pictures of all this, until...I lost my camera : ( Surprisingly, I was hardly upset at all. Just a 'lil dissappointed. Life will go on.
While we were waiting for the tide to go down (which it didn't end up doing in time) we started talking about how we want to change this year and what we want to learn. Several more people joined in the conversation and it was cool to talk about something important with people other than just Kirsten. (Kirsten is the name of the girl I met.) We ended the day with an anti-climactic rotary meeting/dinner. We weren't told what we were doing, but were split up into our respective countries and given large flags to carry in. We were waiting outside the door to the meeting for at least an hour, all the while camera men and important looking people passing us to enter the meeting. Each country was even told to pick a representative to speak on TV! Yet, when we were finally aloud to enter, there were about 10 people --10-- waiting for us to set our flags in stands and sit down. Did I mention it was anti-climactic?
After the meeting, there was an hora loca--crazy hour. Rotary hired people in circus costumes to come and dance and get us to dance. There was even a man on stiltz! They gave everyone a silly hat and noise makers and were blowing on whistles and making dance trains. It was actually pretty fun, the crazy hour.
So overall, the trip was good. It had its downs, but meeting Kirsten was incredible. A true answer to prayer. I started thinking about not going on the other trips Rotary has (Galapagos and Amazon) because I wouldn't have been able to enjoy myself with the majority of the other exchange students, but after meeting Kirsten, I'm excited about getting to go.
All of my pictures are lost, but I'm working on getting pics from some other exchange students.
Cayambe
Last weekend, I went to a volcano called Cayambe with my unlce, aunt, cousin, and some friends of theirs. It's not that far away, but it took 3 hours to drive to the top. Hopefully that gives you an idea of how tall it was. (Or at least how bad the road was : )) It was snow capped, and breathtaking--literally. (there's not much oxygen at that altitude) Some of the snow was melting and forming a small waterfall and river in the valley below. You could hear the rushing water echo from the valley up to the top of the mountain, where we were. There were hardly any people, and no unnatural sounds. It was completely tranquil.
I took photos with my unlce's cam, and will upload them as soon as I see him again!
Also, took my first salsa class and bought a guitar that weekend.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Octubre 6-13
Wednesday was the birthday of the director at my school, so the whole day was a program for her. After the program, everyone started chanting "No school tomorrow!! No school tomorrow!" And she agreed. So there was no school Thursday for no reason. Friday was the Independence Day of Guayaquil, one of the major cities here, so we didn't have school then either. Seriously? There is a vacation for everything and nothing here. Every CITY has an independence day that they take off school and work for. It's glorious.
Thursday, I went to Parque Metropolitano with Sebas. It was a perfect day for the park. We were planning on riding bikes there, but found that the bikes were locked together. Normally, I have a set of keys, but ....well, I lost them. Also the keys to the house. So to even get into the house, I had to go the neighbors and climb over their "fence" into our backyard. Screwed up my ankle upon landing, right after banging my knee into the stone wall. It was awesome. Then I had to crawl through the kitchen window, in which my hips got stuck. I had to turn my body sideways to get through. I didn't even think I had hips! ...still haven't told momi and popi about all of this yet. or the keys. Quite honestly I'm terrified.
But once we finally got to the park, it was great. We sat and looked out over Cumbaya (another valley city) from a gorgeous spot high up on the mountain. We sat there in silence for probably 2 hours. It was beautiful.
We went wandering aimlessly after that for another couple of hours. And one thing you have to know about this park, is that it's HUGE. Most definitely bigger than Central Park in NYC. So we could have gotten lost very easily. The whole time we were walking, neither of us knew where we were or where we were going...and it was getting dark. I learned a valuable lesson in following my heart that day. Did I care that it was getting dark and I had absolutely no idea where I was in the middle of what seemed to be complete wilderness? No, and very uncharacteristic of me. But I just kept following the things in nature that sparked my interest. If it looked like something cool would be at the end of one path, I would follow that one..only the paths never ended. Only broke off into more paths. I was pretty sure that the entire time we were headed in the opposite direction of the entrance to the park, and that we would end up at the complete back, (it's totally fenced in) and have to walk all the way back (hours) in unlit darkness through the wilderness, in the fairly known-for-danger park. Though, at the actual end of the paths we had taken, was the entrance! and much closer to the street than where we had entered. I was blown away. Not to mention that I really wanted to see the sun setting, but all the trees had been in the way, and where we exited happened to be the most gorgeous view of the sunset. It was a spectacular day.
Click the pic
Friday, the fam went to the Centro Historico de Quito, or Quito Antigua. We went to a few musuems and cathedrals, and another BEAUTIFUL park. I sware, the parks here are fabulous, and everywhere. This park was on a hill, but without a lot of trees, so the view of Quito was gorgeous!
Click the PicSaturday, I went fishing in Papallacta. I don't know if I've actually ever caught anything before this day or not, but I caught three! And I had no idea how scared I was of fish lol. After catching it, you have to take it off the hook right? Yeah, I was freakin' out all over the place. Everytime I would get close to touching it, it would flinch or something, and I would run away. I felt like such a pansy lol. Everyone was looking at me like who's the gringa loca! It was cool though, because apparently, we were in the tundra? Which Josh and I talked about this, and we were pretty sure that "tundra" was only near the poles. But apparently, on the equator as well lol. It was thoroughly beautiful, as is everything here.
Is this not the best face ever? You can't really tell, but my finger is in the fish's gill. Dang Uncle.clic the pic
Host Fam
My mom was driving me home from my first successfully completed Spanish ballet class, when she decided to confide in me! It's confidential of course, but the point is that she's beginning to trust me.
Emi (sis) and I started exercising together... It's a blast. Honestly, we laugh more than work out, but that's a work out too, right? We're planning on getting a cheesy workout video; like Solomon, Jessica, and I, and the Hip Hop Abs video. haha. I'm thinking Yoga Booty Ballet? Yes, that is a work out video.
School
Today, my English teacher said "they speak English on all 5 continents!"
phaha. How many continents are there teacher?
In economics today, I explained the war in Iraq and its economic affects...in Spanish! I was thoroughly expecting everyone to look at me with blank stares and not understand what I said, but everyone was nodding, and when I finished, the teacher went right on with "yes, as Heidi said.."
It felt good to be able to say what I wanted and it be understood : )
Thoughts
I'm confused. I don't know what I'm feeling. I'm unsettled and I have knots in my stomach. Somethings wrong. I feel disconnected and uneasy...I feel an attack.
Monday, October 6, 2008
El 22 de Septiembre hasta El 6 de Octubre
Things are starting to get hard. I'm having to choose to be positive and take up my cross everyday. It's not as natural as it once was. But I want to consciously do things and consciously follow Christ. Not just do it out of habit.
Life isn't supposed to be easy. I need things to be hard and to stretch me so that I learn something--so that I continue to grow and mature and make strides.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure." Romans 5:3
Weekend Before Last
Ayayay. What an intense couple of days these were. It was a 3 day weekend, so I had all these plans for traveling and getting out of the city. Little did I know we were having company the whole weekend. So I didn't get out AT ALL, and spent the whole weekend with family. Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with my family and still really enjoyed myself--if there's anything better than traveling and getting out, it's family and people--it was just disappointing because it wasn't what I was planning on. We had some really delicious food and a birthday party for my cousin. I also learned how to shell and clean shrimp! So the weekend was productive? haha.
Sunday was voting day on the new constitution--that passed--socialism and all. It's required to vote here, so every high school and university in town were crammed with people. Voting day here is like the fair. There are street vendors and cotton candy and ice cream and balloons. It's actually pretty fun! After voting, relatives went back to Shell, and so I still had my Monday to get out and do something--though did I? No. I stayed in my pj's all day and watched ridiculously sad chick flicks while crying about not being outside.
Seriously?
But yeah, it was depressing. School the next day made things a lot better. I just needed people and to realize that it's not about me and to get up off my butt and stop having a pity party.
Lesson learned.
Last Week
I haven't started guitar, dance, or serving yet, so my week days are pretty much free after school. Last week, I went to a couple of concerts with Sebastian at the music conservatory, and just being in the building, full of people passionate about learning music made me really excited about starting guitar lessons. So often with flute, when I wasn't in a band or didn't have a competition coming up, I had no motivation or desire to practice. But I have a felling this is going to be different. Just being around passionate people in general motivates me. And to go to ballet class right after, dancing to classical music--HEAVEN! Ah! I can't wait.
The other day, I went on a 'lil adventure (Or so I decided to think of it). It was really just a walk around my neighborhood, but I was looking to discover something. And discover something I did! A cute 'lil park with the most amazing view of the mountains. I sat on top of the monkey bars, soaking in the sunset until it got so cold I couldn't feel my toes. I was probably there an hour and a half--and it was pure bliss. To simply sit and be.
At school last week, I finally popped. I couldn't take all the socialism talk and bashing the United States uninformedly anymore. My English teacher says crap that's not true about the United States all the time--like all American's are organized and there are no stay at home moms. I correct the misconceptions, of course, but last week he started to say things that so many South American countries are confused about concerning the economy, war, and president of the U.S. Now--I'm not one who necessarily supports the war or president either, but I at least understand what happened and what's happening. My teacher? Not so much. All he knows is that he's mad about the war (but doesn't know why)-- only that war kills people.
"NO!!!" I basically yelled, as I took my face out of my hands. So taken back was my teacher that the usually sweet, helpful, RESERVED Heidi was suddenly unleashed from her language-barrier cage. This was English class--I could say what I had been wanting to say. I gave about a 15 minute lecture on the war and president and economy, and could've kept going, but the bell rang. I said it all in the most understanding and loving way I could, considereing all the pressure that had built up. No joke, even writing about this is making me flushed. My teacher thanked me after class and told me he would like to hear more and that he didn't realize how uninformed he was. Talk about feeling relieved! My teapot had been taken off the burner and used for a cup of tea. ha. that was lame.
Last Weekend
Telefericooooo!
Saturday, I went on this ski-lift-like ride up to the top of Pichincha Mountain with Sebas. Only it wasn't actually the top. You can climb another 6 hours or so to the real top after you get off the ride. And we did climb about 2 1/2 hours, after gazing at the gorgeous view for awhile. But it was getting late and apparently there have been many deaths from lightning strikes late in the afternoon. It started raining on the way back. It was glorious. We were walking through the clouds, on a mountaintop, while it was raining, overlooking the glory of God's creation.
Look at the pics ; )
Life isn't supposed to be easy. I need things to be hard and to stretch me so that I learn something--so that I continue to grow and mature and make strides.
"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure." Romans 5:3
Weekend Before Last
Ayayay. What an intense couple of days these were. It was a 3 day weekend, so I had all these plans for traveling and getting out of the city. Little did I know we were having company the whole weekend. So I didn't get out AT ALL, and spent the whole weekend with family. Don't get me wrong. I love spending time with my family and still really enjoyed myself--if there's anything better than traveling and getting out, it's family and people--it was just disappointing because it wasn't what I was planning on. We had some really delicious food and a birthday party for my cousin. I also learned how to shell and clean shrimp! So the weekend was productive? haha.
Sunday was voting day on the new constitution--that passed--socialism and all. It's required to vote here, so every high school and university in town were crammed with people. Voting day here is like the fair. There are street vendors and cotton candy and ice cream and balloons. It's actually pretty fun! After voting, relatives went back to Shell, and so I still had my Monday to get out and do something--though did I? No. I stayed in my pj's all day and watched ridiculously sad chick flicks while crying about not being outside.
Seriously?
But yeah, it was depressing. School the next day made things a lot better. I just needed people and to realize that it's not about me and to get up off my butt and stop having a pity party.
Lesson learned.
Last Week
I haven't started guitar, dance, or serving yet, so my week days are pretty much free after school. Last week, I went to a couple of concerts with Sebastian at the music conservatory, and just being in the building, full of people passionate about learning music made me really excited about starting guitar lessons. So often with flute, when I wasn't in a band or didn't have a competition coming up, I had no motivation or desire to practice. But I have a felling this is going to be different. Just being around passionate people in general motivates me. And to go to ballet class right after, dancing to classical music--HEAVEN! Ah! I can't wait.
The other day, I went on a 'lil adventure (Or so I decided to think of it). It was really just a walk around my neighborhood, but I was looking to discover something. And discover something I did! A cute 'lil park with the most amazing view of the mountains. I sat on top of the monkey bars, soaking in the sunset until it got so cold I couldn't feel my toes. I was probably there an hour and a half--and it was pure bliss. To simply sit and be.
At school last week, I finally popped. I couldn't take all the socialism talk and bashing the United States uninformedly anymore. My English teacher says crap that's not true about the United States all the time--like all American's are organized and there are no stay at home moms. I correct the misconceptions, of course, but last week he started to say things that so many South American countries are confused about concerning the economy, war, and president of the U.S. Now--I'm not one who necessarily supports the war or president either, but I at least understand what happened and what's happening. My teacher? Not so much. All he knows is that he's mad about the war (but doesn't know why)-- only that war kills people.
"NO!!!" I basically yelled, as I took my face out of my hands. So taken back was my teacher that the usually sweet, helpful, RESERVED Heidi was suddenly unleashed from her language-barrier cage. This was English class--I could say what I had been wanting to say. I gave about a 15 minute lecture on the war and president and economy, and could've kept going, but the bell rang. I said it all in the most understanding and loving way I could, considereing all the pressure that had built up. No joke, even writing about this is making me flushed. My teacher thanked me after class and told me he would like to hear more and that he didn't realize how uninformed he was. Talk about feeling relieved! My teapot had been taken off the burner and used for a cup of tea. ha. that was lame.
Last Weekend
Telefericooooo!
Saturday, I went on this ski-lift-like ride up to the top of Pichincha Mountain with Sebas. Only it wasn't actually the top. You can climb another 6 hours or so to the real top after you get off the ride. And we did climb about 2 1/2 hours, after gazing at the gorgeous view for awhile. But it was getting late and apparently there have been many deaths from lightning strikes late in the afternoon. It started raining on the way back. It was glorious. We were walking through the clouds, on a mountaintop, while it was raining, overlooking the glory of God's creation.
Look at the pics ; )
clic the pic
Sunday-- went to church and got to catch up with the people I met at the 20 somethings group. Afterwards, I volunteered with Pan de Vida (Bread of Life) . We cooked and served lots of good food for the poor and homeless of Quito. It was cool to be able to communicate with the kids this time. We ate lunch at Abuelita's (Grandma's), and I ended up making the lemonade. My beautiful lemonade got slammed 3 times. First I was told it didn't have enough lemons, then it didn't have enough sugar, and lastly--I didn't make enough. ouch. I felt like crying. Surrounded by a room full of incredible cooks, I couldn't even make the lemonade right. But then I got to talk to Rachel on skype the rest of the night, and all was well.
Thoughts
Why faith?
Why is the faith part of following God so important to Him? I mean, why are we physical and he spiritual? Why aren't we at least in the same dimensions? Why would we first have to decide whether or not we believe there is a God before we decide whether or not we're going to follow him? Why isn't it just a fact that He exists--like a king of the world-- and then those who follow him do and those who don't, don't. It wouldn't be a question of whether or not He exists, just whether or not you're going to follow Him. So why is this faith part so important to God?
Does it have anything to do with the "shield of faith"?
I am here not for myself, but for the work of Christ in the places I am. My family, my school, Aunts and Uncles, Quito. I am here because Christ wants to touch these people and this city.
Oh, how I love life.
How I love being alive.
How I love people and kindness and learning and knowledge.
How excited I am about going to college and learning about things that will help people and truly interest me.
How exciting, how adventurous, how full and vibrant this life is.
Every step will be guided and I have no reason to worry about anything. But pray and petition for the people in my life and the tradgedies I see. I will stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I will let him use me to touch people exactly the way they need Him.
(sidenote: I am note always that perky about life. I had a moment of inspiration.)
Thoughts
Why faith?
Why is the faith part of following God so important to Him? I mean, why are we physical and he spiritual? Why aren't we at least in the same dimensions? Why would we first have to decide whether or not we believe there is a God before we decide whether or not we're going to follow him? Why isn't it just a fact that He exists--like a king of the world-- and then those who follow him do and those who don't, don't. It wouldn't be a question of whether or not He exists, just whether or not you're going to follow Him. So why is this faith part so important to God?
Does it have anything to do with the "shield of faith"?
I am here not for myself, but for the work of Christ in the places I am. My family, my school, Aunts and Uncles, Quito. I am here because Christ wants to touch these people and this city.
Oh, how I love life.
How I love being alive.
How I love people and kindness and learning and knowledge.
How excited I am about going to college and learning about things that will help people and truly interest me.
How exciting, how adventurous, how full and vibrant this life is.
Every step will be guided and I have no reason to worry about anything. But pray and petition for the people in my life and the tradgedies I see. I will stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. I will let him use me to touch people exactly the way they need Him.
(sidenote: I am note always that perky about life. I had a moment of inspiration.)
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