Can´t believe it´s over!

Well, my time here in Ecuador is coming to a close. I've had my big goodbye party with all of my friends, taught my final English classes (in front of all the students' parents!), given goodbye presents to my host family, reflected and evaluated my experience at my organization's final camp, and spent an awesome vacation with my friend Ellen at the beach. I can't believe time has flown by so fast--how can 6 months be gone already? I've learned so much during this trip and changed a lot, too. I've learned about life and who I am and what I want. I'm growing into the person I really want to be. In fact, I AM the person I want to be, with crazy and wonderful dreams and a future full of life. I'm so excited for what's to come yet sad at the same time to see this part come to an end. Ecuador has been awesome, an unforgettable memory, but there are a few things I will be GLAD to leave behind:

- the constant cat calls!
- the "choclo" (corn on the cob). It is completely tasteless. Can't wait to eat good old Indiana sweetcorn!
- having to buy water. Water will be free again!!
- washing my clothes three times and having them still not be clean
- having the responsibilities of a "real adult"--teaching full-time and being expected to do things maybe beyond my ability. I get to be a college student with only herself to think about!
- having my host mom as my boss. There were just major personality clashes.
- paying for internet
and...
- milk in a bag. Who invented that? Because it's dumb. The milk goes everywhere every time you try to pour it. Hello milk cartons!

However, there are also things I will really, really miss:
- the mountains. Living in such a beautiful place really makes me wonder why I've been living in ugly Indiana for my whole life. Every single time I look outside and see the mountains, I am instantly happier.
- the fresh bread (almost) every day for breakfast. Yum!
- the easy-to-eat-on-the-go yogurt. You don't need a spoon!
- how cheap everything is. I get angry when an Ecuadorian lunch costs $3.
- the weather! Eternal spring! Although, when I return home, I believe it will actually be hotter in Indiana than here which will be kinda nice.
- public transportation. I will hate seeing my money disappear once again into the car gas tank.
- the faith aspect. I love seeing how deeply spiritual these people are and how their religion doesn't only show up in church but is the backbone for how they live their lives, and in a good way. It seems in the US we have a lot of fake religious people and seeing real religion here is refreshing
- the Spanish. Sometimes I'll start watching a movie and be completely surprised that the language I hear coming out of their mouths is English!
- the infinite amounts of fruit! Pineapple, banana, mango, papaya, chillimoya, watermelon!
- my awesome friends here. They've definitely been the best part of this trip, and I'm going to miss them so much. NYC 2011!!
- the exotic-ness and excitement of living in a foreign country. It's so easy to slip right back into a boring routine in a boring place because it's easy and well, you're happy enough. But even though it's scarier, harder, and a lot riskier, living your life as an adventure and fulfilling your crazy dreams, I've realized, is so much better. A book I just read (called The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein) quotes, "That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny." So why not? Do what you love, love what you do. And live your dreams, no matter what.