MY WEEK!!! new and beautiful.

It has no been one week since the rest of our group returned to the states. Overall, this past week was good. I can't say amazing, although at times it definitely was, and thankfully it was never bad. I'm noticing the vacio now that our other friends are gone, but it is fun to be a little more independent. 

I successfully (I hope) taught 8 classes of English, 2 times each, throughout the week. Being thrown into my first full teaching experience was great. and why not while we're speaking another language! 

My new classes are mas o menos, difficult. Very interesting, but at a high level of Hispanic Literature.

Talking with friends from home and my boyfriend has been wonderful, but sometimes it makes me miss my home and home culture all the more. I wish I could even begin to express my gratitude for what I know as home.

Walking alone for 1-2 hours daily...I am enjoying it, although sometimes it does feel lonely. What would I do without my God's presence? He is what's keeping me going, my traveling companion :)

It's also been a lot different hanging out with my cuencano friends, just me and cuencanos: but it's been so fun!! This weekend there were two birthdays! Friday night we went out to a discoteca to celebrate, and I met more friends through Darwin. I shared experiences with someone whose father is an English teacher and speaks french as well, but only taught his kids spanish...I guess we're not the only ones....Mom!! Then last night we went out again to celebrate Darwin's brother's birthday. I also learned a spanish/ecuadorian card game! As well as taught/showed off my basque sheep herder's call!! MOM ;D

The weather has been beautiful. It's hot; and I love it. The sun is strong and close...hmmmm more park time :)

Yesterday I spent part of my afternoon at the park (1 min from my house) reading through Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians...while the sun/son poured out it's/his love for me :) 

--->reading through the new testament has also been going wonderfully-Lent with my man!!

I was also able to watch a live stream of North Park's Justice Submit and reload (conference) on Friday and Saturday night...amazing speakers and goooood words from the Lord. Live stream: worshiping with the NPU worship team=INCREÍBLE. 

Also thought I'd tune into a little news from that states as I should probably have at least an idea of what's going on. The news about Trayvon Martin has also made it to Ecuador, I heard it on the radio with my host dad this week. 

What else has been going on? I'm sure there is a lot more I could tell you about and all in much more detail...but I know it's different not being here, and I don't want to bore you. 

But...I went to church this morning and it was wonderful!! praise the Lord. nice 15 walk in the sunshine.

-a woman came up to me and told me that I reminded her of her daughter, and she started crying and telling me about her daughter and how happy she was I was there. She now has my number and she wants to invite me for cafecito! 

-also the man in front of me told me I have a beautiful voice...it was very sweet. 

I miss SO MUCH being surrounded by believers and having my friends who are christians to talk about everything with, please pray Jesus brings me Christian friends, or that I would talk more about my faith!!! 

Have a beautiful day. I'm going to go to the park and read about "new spain," YAY!!!!! or maybe I'll just read the forgotten god :) (read it!)

Here's a picture from last night...excited, overwhelmed, maybe nervous, having the time of my life...all these emotions and more. Do some justice.