Back in the US

I've been home for about a week now and although I am very happy to be with family, I miss Quito a lot. I always think about the different things I was able to see and do in the hospitals and clinics. Everything was beyond my expectations. The day before I left, I hung out with Julie and Rachel and walked around the city one last time. That night, there was a small earthquake...nothing serious, but Francia was so scared. We ate dinner and I packed all my stuff. She gave all of us a small gift...mine was a clay frame with an Ecuadorian woman on it. I woke up at 4:30 on Saturday...ate my last jamon con queso and left for the airport after a tearful goodbye. The plane ride was fine...I missed my connecting flight because I had to re-check my bags after arriving in Miami. I got home around 12 at night. But I was so happy to see MC-JA and Anoop and Anju!

I loved this trip and I will remember everything I have learned from issues in community health to the methods of the hospital staff to the needs of the patients. I have been humbled and reminded of my blessings.

Chao Ecuador!! =o)

Until next time folks...I'm out.
Hasta,
-gina-

Quito, Ecuador 2005

Is it already time for me to go? Honestly it feels like I have been here for more than one month. I am so happy that I had this opportunity and I feel so blessed (I know...that word is definitely a consistent theme of my trip). Although I miss everyone back home, I made it in another country and handled things well. God definitely protected me and given me some very good friends and a wonderful host family.

So here are the following things I´ve learned/I will miss/I have been reminded of - (in no particular order and it will be added to as I think of more things)

And of course...it is in the form of a list....=)

I love my family (MC-JA). Francia Ducos. Ecuatorianos. Español. Cultura. Lunch for $2. Internet cafès. Greetings...no matter who you are. Buenos Dias. Buenas Tardes. Buenas Noches. La clinica de La Raya. Hospital Militar. Hospital Eujenio Espejo. Maternidad Isidro Ayora. Los doctores. Los enfermeros. Esperanza. La dedicaciòn de la gente en los hospitales aunque hay una falta de instumentos y medicinas. El trolle. El bùs. Los ayudantes que dicen las paradas en una voz rapida. 25 centavos para transportaciòn. Otavalo. Baños. Mindo. La Mitad del Mundo. Chirimoya. Salsa. `Los Capo`- la telenovela favorita de Francia. Jamon con queso. Quito Viejo. The walk up the hill to Francia´s house always put me out of breath. Katherine Mirro. Stephanie Cha. Rachel Peterson. Julie Topic. Sabiha Kazi. Anah Huggenvik. Janet Pollard. Tourists. Walking around with my bookbag in front of me. Hiking. Gus. Panedarias. Learning. El color de mi piel. SPF 50. I love my money belt. Paco el papagayo. Bicycles are my friend...even though the seats hurt. Waterfalls - Cascadas. Hostals. Wednesday night cinemark for $2. God is Good.

I´m out for now but I will add to this list as I think of more things....trust me...there is a LOT more. =)

Stephanie! She lived next door to us =o)

Two of my favorite people on the trip...Julie and Rachel.

With our host mom - Francia. =o)

Nuestra casa =o)...it's three floors...Francia's house takes up the bottom half.

¡Chao mis cariños!
-gina-