coca cola light

Wow. What an amazing adventure in Ecuador! I just got back to the U.S. yesterday morning and am overwhelmed with the memories of the trip. Although I took the red eye flight on Tuesday and got very little sleep on the flight, I could not stop talking about my experience with anyone who would listen...including the ice cream guy at Wastenaw Dairy :) As promised, here are a couple of pictures from one of the Social Work projects, THE LIBRARY. Actually, I saved more pictures (or I thought I did) to my flash drive but am unable to access them due to formatting issues, etc. So what is posted will not be very impressive, but please know that the work involved in the library construction was greater than appears.

Right now I am in a stage of reflection on the goings on of the project and will continue to benefit from all that I learned about interpersonal communication, international social work and professional collaboration. AND the beautiful scenery will continue to be part of my repetoire of visualizations that I use to decrease anxiety during stressful situations!

I really appreciate the relationships that were formed during the trip and will truly miss each and every volunteer, foundation/family member, amazon guide, child, client and random person I met. Knowing you has taught me so much about myself and the world. Thank you as well for the support you all have shown and I wish you all the best in the life that you choose.

As an update on my life in general, the job that I was hoping to get upon my return actually called me the day I told them that I would be returning (yesterday). Yeah, I think that this can only be a positive sign...So I'll be moving to Chicago ASAP to begin my professional career! Any Quito Project reunion that we have will be scheduled for a weekend day, right?!

Again, thanks for the memories!


P.S. For those who were not in the know...the title, "coca cola light" refers to the "jugo gringo" (foreigner juice) that other Quito Project members and I would sneak out and buy to have with breakfast, lunch, snack, etc...a faux pas in Ecuador apparently. The Onas would make fun of me for drinking diet coke every time I bought it and then ask me if they could have a little. Teehee ;)