Now, How Did We Get Here Again?

I don't think anyone will be surprised to know that I am having D-O-U-B-T-S about signing up for another year of teaching and living in Ecuador.

Part of the problem is me, I'm a chronic second guesser who always questions decisions I make. The other part of the problem is it's just that time of year, the crazy "school has got to let up soon or I will go bald pulling out all of my hair" time of year. Kids are starting to go wild because they can smell the three week vacation that is just around the corner, high school finals start tomorrow (exactly what is a middle school teacher doing writing a senior literature final? I have no idea what I'm doing here!), report cards are due soon, and I stupidly have assigned major projects/papers/presentations (the curse of the triple p) to be due this week.

Not to mention the weather...

Oh yes, the rainy season is almost upon us and we all know how well that went for me last year. By the end of February, the faint sound of a thunderclap would reduce me to tears.

For the past two weeks, I have repeatedly turned to Dave, a bewildered expression weighing on my normally cheerful face, and asked, "Now, how did we get here again? Why did we agree to stay?"

Today, I got my answer.

Dave had to have surgery on his knee this morning (an ecua-adventure worthy of its own post) due to a torn meniscus from all that crazy futbol playing. Throughout the day, we had friends--notice the plural form--call us at the clinic offering to translate for us, offering to sort out the billing for us, coming to pick us up after Dave's epidural finally wore off after five hours. People rearranged their day, stopped by after work, called to check in. We've had friends offer to make us dinner, to cover classes, to entertain my poor husband when his patience finally snaps at being cooped up for so long.

That's why we are staying here another year. Thanks for the reminder guys, I needed that.

Años Viejos, Pyromaniacs, and Fireworks...Oh My

I have to admit, it has been quite awhile since I have actually been awake to ring in the new year and say goodbye to the old. Dave and I have always been a bit more concerned about the eight hours of sleep necessary to enjoy life rather than seeing the ball drop. But this year...is different. It is 12:58 and the neighbor's hired band just started, there are rapid fire explosives (aka fireworks) going off in three minute intervals, and the car alarms throughout our block seem to be answering the loving call of said fireworks. There will be no eight hours to start off the year for the Richert's this time. Nothing about our experiences in Ecuador could be classified as typical, and New Year's Eve is proving to be no exception. The evening started out quite and low key, dinner at home with a movie. There were the occasional firework, but that isn't anything atypical. I was even contemplating continuing the tradition of snuggling into bed by 10:30. Before I called...

Here Comes the Sun...

Well, not really. It is actually pretty overcast around here and lightening has been flashing across the sky for the last couple of hours. But...I'm in a much better mood than yesterday. I have been feeling a bit guilty because of my pity-party extravaganza...okay, okay, tantrum. Mostly because I know that Dave is the main recipient of those party favors, we know that can't be so much fun. Today I felt the urge to throw an anti-pity party. You are all invited to join in these festivities, and I promise that there will be no screaming, throwing of dishes, or crazy ravings from the host, just good ol' fashioned thankfulness. * My boss brought me pretzels today from her trip to the states. Love that. * The kids loved my arm-sized bruise and the EcuaBus story that goes along with it. * My husband made me laugh today. A lot. * I am feeling so much better on the cold front, it is unbelievable. (Isn't that always how it works out? You're sick during vacations and ...

Home, Sweet Home

Dave and I currently live in the beautiful Puerto Azul, outside of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The school I am working for, InterAmerican Academy , has provided us with a wonderful apartment 3/4 of a mile from school. The spacious apartment is on the second floor of a three tenant building, so it is quiet and peaceful. The pictures below are of our apartment, friendly visitors, the chef, and the neighborhood. Pay attention to the construction going on at one of the houses and what they use for scaffolding! Dave and I watched the workers climb up and down the bamboo poles, carrying tools and supplies. It was incredible! L to R, row 1: Entryway, Kitchen, Maid's Quarters, neighboring home. Row 2: Master Bedroom, Backyard View, In-house resident, Chef David. Row 3: Dining Room, Bathroom, Guest Bedroom, Morning Visitor. Row 4: 1st breakfast, Outdoor patio, 2nd bathroom, Neighborhood home.

Living The Good Life

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