However, after talking with a fellow YASCer the other night, he put it into perspective for me. He (Andy Burns by the way), told me how great it was for him to write about even the insignificant things because not only does it help you vent (if it's necessary) or you're expressing a completely exciting piece of good news, you don't know who will be interested to hear what you have to say. It also helps to get the ideas flowing for a new post. (Written Monday, September 27, 2010)
(Friday, October 01, 2010)
Well now,I no longer have the problem of not having anything to write at the moment. I put this blog on hold for four days when I got busy with work this week. I've been running around all over the city with the diocesan attorney attempting to get my visa application complete. For those of you who don't know, I had trouble obtaining my visa before departing the U.S. because I did not receive the needed paperwork from the diocese here in time in the U.S. After submitting my visa three times, and being denied three times, I have finally submitted it for the last time and on Monday, I will have apporoval! It will finally be a relief to have that in my hands as that has been haunting me for the past two months. My visit here as a tourist expires in two weeks and I would have had to leave if I didn't have my visa by then. It's a huge relief to finally have that done. I was not ready to return to the U.S. but most importantly, I was afraid if I had to return and obtain my visa in the U.S. and then come back, I would not want to leave the U.S. due to homesickness feelings growing. But that won't be the case now.
With finally having a visa, I can now also get my Ecuadorian identification card. This will allow me to finally retrieve mailed items to me that have been sitting in Customs here. (If there's a charge for late pick up, I'm not going to be happy.)For some reason, the customs office would not accept my passport. They're reasoning was that because it was only a tourist visa stamp in my booklet, I was only temporary, should not be receiving mail, and also I wouldn't have to recheck everything through customs when I supposedly leave in three weeks...which obviously isn't the case. Anyways, it will finally be a relief to get the books, school supplies, and my contact lenses! I know the school library will be happy to finally get the supplies I've been promising them.
Work continues to progress. Each day is getting easier, I'm able to get through to the students much more quickly about being ready for class, and therefore can spend more time teaching and not disciplining. I had to break up two fights this week between students. One broke out in my classroom, the other out in the yard during my watch of recess. While breaking up one of the fights, one of the students fighting accidentally clocked me in my mouth. I got a small bruise, but it's all good now. No one said this job was going to be easy. I'm also finding lesson plans to be easier to organize and plan. It will be even easier when I finally get the teacher's edition of the text books the children are using, but for some reason, they're being delayed.
I began this week going hiking on Sunday afternoon on one of the mountains surrounding Quito. I was at the base of GuaGua Pichincha volcano, which was 5,000 feet above the city of Quito. I was at the elevation of 15,000 feet up there...I wanted to hike the peak, but that would be a two day and I need to make plans for that. But rest assured, I will climb it this year. If I thought it was hard to breathe when I first arrived in Quito, breathing at 15,000 feet was even more difficult. The air was really thin, I was light headed, and out of breath every twenty feet. The beauty though was absolutely incredible.
My brother, sister and I in a group picture...They joined me on my adventure! Only ones brave enough!
Me at the Edge of a Cliff...It's a long way down!
Part of the city of Quito from 15,000 feet!
My Sister and I hiking the mountain...
Base of Guagua Pichincha Volcano
I know many of you are anxious to read about the incidents of Ecuador's brief instability. I am not avoiding writing on the issue of Thursday's events and the day of political instability. I will be writing another (special post) tomorrow or Sunday, October 2nd or 3rd with all the news about Thursday and my experience with the day. You will understand why I'm waiting when you read the post.
Until then my friends, May God's Peace and Blessings be with you.
Just wanted to let you know we're following along! Great pictures.
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