so far so AWESOME

HOLA from Ecuador!!!

I made it...and have no treacherous airport horror story to share. My layover involved NO frantic bus rides lost in London; I didn't lose my credit card; I didn't have to set up camp in the freezing cold airport all alone; I didn't even have to desperately beg my way onto the flight. All in all, I'd say things went a little better than last year's debacle. Thank goodness. :)

I got in earlier tonight and was greeted at the airport by 2 of my new sisters, Janeth and Sandra. They're both about my age (29 and 22) and made me feel totally comfortable right away. We took the taxi to the house (seriously less than 10 blocks away) where they introduced me to the rest of my new Ecuadorian family.

I was surprised by how incredibly nervous I was when I first stepped in the door, but it didn't last more than 2 seconds as I walked in and was immediately welcomed by my mom's big bright smile and outstretched arms. From then, I knew I had absolutely no reason to worry. Things only got better when I heard the most adorable giggle from under the table behind her and saw the cute little face of my little 3 year old nephew Marco Antonio peeking out. It took some coercing to get him to come out from his hiding spot, and even more to get him to talk, but now that he's warmed up to me I can’t get him to stop and I’m in love already. I met his father (my brother) Ricardo and his wife Leslee as well. I think they said there is another sister, but I have yet to see her and based on my Spanish skills I could very possibly be wrong.

From there, they showed me around the house and brought me to my new room where I dropped my huge bags that by then felt like they couldn't possibly weigh more. I unpacked and did my best to chat with Janeth and Sandra. I definitely gave a lot of blank stares, dished out plenty of awkward silences, and probably made even less sense to them than they did to me when I actually was able to try and say something. Even though I was totally stressed the entire time, trying to translate what they were saying, coming up with a response, and then trying to figure out how to say it in Spanish, they were so patient and understanding with me no matter how much I struggled. Luckily we could fall back on laughter. And there was plenty of that.

Well, I’m off to bed to try and get some sleep, which may be a little more difficult than usual as my mind is going a mile a minute right now. I’m too excited for tomorrow…I’m not sure what to expect, but I couldn’t have a greater feeling about whatever it is.