If this is the calm before the storm, then why does it feel like I’m in the midst of a torrential downpour? In exactly two weeks from today, my 23 volunteers ranging from age 20 to age 63 arrive from the United States, Britain and India. I am tasked with giving them a one-month intensive orientation to fully equip them emotionally, mentally, physically, culturally, and professionally for their one year of service here in Ecuador. In Peace Corps, we had a designated Safety and Security Officer, Medical Officer, Administrative/Financial Officer, a Program Manager, a Country Director, and a secretary. Here at WorldTeach, I am all of those things. I wear all of those hats. And precisely on days like today I feel as if my eyeballs are going to explode inside my skull for staring at an exhaustively meticulous excel spreadsheet for exactly 8.5 hours. Who knew running an NGO would be so arduous? 😉
This is not a complaint, however. On the contrary, I love my job and my life here on the equator.
In fact, I often find myself reflecting and laughing with a hearty guffaw when I juxtapose the last time I moved overseas to my current experience. Samoa v. Ecuador. Comparing the two is not even apples and oranges. It’s apples and asparagus. The end goal is the same: sustainable education and creating opportunities for the less fortunate to have access to quality education… but the devil is in the details.
In Samoa I got super skinny (not in a healthy way) because I hated the food. Greasy, bland, high in fat and salt. I preferred to simply not eat. There was scant variety and ethnic food was essentially nonexistent. Quito, on the other hand, truly has a global palate. Divergence and mélange abound, and the food is so delicious I have to make a conscious effort not blow up like a balloon.
Samoa was the land of eternal heat. I had a grand total of 4 skin diseases because it was so hot and humid year-round that my skin consistently broke out in all kinds of strange diseases. Ecuador is the land of eternal spring. Most nights it gets down in the 40’s and the hottest it has been since I arrived in country is 72 degrees
In Samoa I always felt small and petite. Samoans are a beautiful and huge people that had me beat length and width. At a whopping 5’6½” I tower over most Ecuadorians. They are for the most part, not a tall populace, and people here often comment on my height.
Samoa has the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. Ecuador has the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen.
In Samoa I lived with a host family and had very little independence and freedom. In Ecuador I live in a beautiful, secluded, fairy-tale apartment and have more alone time than I know what to do with. (Soon to be consumed by my new volunteers)
In Samoa I was a volunteer working for 2 years without being paid. In Ecuador I am a director and I can afford nice dinners.
Perhaps the biggest difference, however, is that here in Ecuador I have internet. I have the full MLB AtBat subscription and am able to watch my Cubs baseball almost Every. Single. Day. Priorities people…priorities. (Go Cubs!)
Be that it may, Samoa was an indispensably crucial stepping stone to Ecuador. I could never have had my Ecuador if it weren’t for my Samoa.
Thus, the prevailing theme is gratitude. I am grateful for the apple and for the asparagus. Not a very apt analogy I’m afraid. But you get the picture. I’m a lucky gal.
Until next time,
Stephanie
Awaken the Wonder 