Travel, stress, and family fun!!

Well it has been awhile, quite a busy while I must say. But I am alive and well (PTL). The past two weeks were awesome...mixed in with the feeling of being overwhelmed; hence my absence.

I went to the Galapagos! Yes this is real. Thinking back, remember in October when I suddenly had a desire to go to the galapagos? I know I whined to a few people about this desire...thinking it was too out of reach, yet secretly hoping this dream would come true. And it did! I can't even express how thankful I am for my parents and the time we got to spend together, especially in those islands way out in the pacific. And my sister, she's amazing, we all had a wonderful time. Of course we missed "my two boys."
I think it may be overwhelming (not a feeling I want anyone to have to feel right now) to tell you aaalllll the details about the galapagos. But feel free to ask!! I will make a photo album on facebook with many of the photos :D. and maybe post one just as a tease.

The beach on Isabela Island where we swam one afternoon :)

After our quick 4 days out in the middle of nowhere, we came back to the beloved Cuenca!!! Oh how exciting that was; for my family to meet my ecuadorian family. We had a beautiful night, followed by a marvelous week. School on the other hand, was close to torture that week: not a happy camper studier. But we got through it! Annnnddd I got to spend a whole day with my families (see what I did there ;) ) in the beautiful national park of Cajas!!! Then we went to a restaurant where I had quite an experience with a fish. And then onto the Cuenca soccer game that night!!!

The next day, just as fun, was full of a market with roasted pigs where we ate chancho, then another town with some jewelry browsing, and then onto extended family!! And we had a ball (literally) playing soccer! Too many years had passed me by without that game, and it was a perfect return. The family, the sport, the pain; everything was so good. On the car ride back home, we sang rolling in the deep by adele, I wish everyone could hear my host nephew david sing this song. Pure joy, what a kid. We returned home, and had smoked salmon (thanks dad) with cream cheese and ritz crackers, OMG amazing.

I gave my host dad a mariner's hat, he was so happy, and he's been wearing it since :) we also shared girl scout cookies together :) Not to mention the pop rocks, which were a hit. I brought homemade cookies to my staff meeting, and the other teachers asked for the recipe. I gave homemade brownies to my professor and his family. I love sharing a bit of my home and the US american culture. There is something so special about homemade baked goods, thanks family :)

Sunday afternoon I said goodbye to my family, after a wonderful day at church and baños: natural hot springs. I cried, the first time I have ever cried on a goodbye. I love them so much. I walked back to the car with my host brother-in-law and he hugged me and walked with me as I cried. I tried to swallow it but the tears came without my approval. Juan said, "chocolate para la pena" handing me a mani chocolate bar. Thankfully he talked on the way back, cause it was hard for me. But I think that is a sign of a wonderful week, and a fantastic family :)