This last week has been as close to normal as it gets here
in Ecuador. We are back in Cuenca where we began our trip and knowing my way
around is incredibly comforting. After such crazy work hours in Pulingui our
schedule here has been much lighter and we have been able to enjoy some more of
the social pleasures Cuenca has to offer. From the World Cup to swings over the
city (I’ll explain in my next blog) this has been a week of rejuvenation before
we head back to el campo for the next
two weeks.
Another luxury has been my new home here in Cuenca. My last
family had a medical emergency, so I was moved to a new family and… oh my
goodness do I feel spoiled. My new home is HUGE and so beautiful (I will try to
sneak pictures when I come back in two weeks). We have a cook so the food is
incredible, and my host family is the best! There are seven adults (all
brothers and sisters) and the son of one of them who happens to be 15 year old
rockstar. Meals are crazy with so many people, and the atmosphere is always so
lively and fun (and I smell better too because there are actual hot showers…).
With my new family and the comfort of Cuenca, this week has been
so enjoyable. My favorite moment by far was attending mass at Cuenca’s big
cathedral this morning. I absolutely love being in a catholic country, it helps
so much with the homesickness to know that I share something so deep with the
people here. As I was sitting in mass with the hundreds of people who filled
the cathedral around me there was an absolute, incredible peace. I have always adored
going to mass in other countries, because no matter the country or the language
it is fundamentally all the same. Each Sunday mass here in Ecuador has been so uplifting,
and with the beauty of the cathedral and the incredible crowd of people, this
morning was by far the most special. It’s a unity such as faith that makes you
realize how small this world is and how similar we all really are.
So tomorrow I head down south to another tiny town (I think
bathrooms are indoors down there), and after all of my adventures so far I have
such a new love for this country and these people and I truly can’t wait to
experience more.
Lots of love from Ecuador,
Jen
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