Thin Air and Deep Breaths

Have you ever prepared for something so long that you forgot what it was like to breath? Well, 9,500 feet up in the Ecuadorian Andes, I am not quite sure I have gotten my first deep breath, but I can guarantee that the thin air is no obstacle for finding peace.

The view of Quito from the suburb of Tababela

For three months, I have scheduled vaccinations, obtained malaria prophylaxis, packed, questioned myself, and anxiously analyzed the progression of Covid-19 variants.

And now I am here.

These past three days, I have felt nothing but relief. Nestled amongst these peaks, I am finally in the place where I will live for the next four months.

Traveling during Covid-19 is stressful, but it is such a privilege.  

Nestled amongst these peaks, I am finally in the place where I will live for the next four months.

The beautiful grounds at Airport Garden Hostel in Tababela

However, I am not here to be comfortable. I am here to grow, to speak Spanish, and to learn. Our stay with a host family has unfortunately been cancelled but hostel life has been surprisingly beautiful and relaxing. We will soon move once again, and I am excited for our semester to keep us on our toes as we change where we are staying and leave on excursions.

Without the host family component, immersing into the culture is not as easy, but so far, some courage to speak to strangers and the effort to explore new places has led to incredible experiences. I have seen a Virgin Mary that draws a procession of Ecuadorian Catholics each year. I have been fortunate enough to meet the director of a school and receive a tour. More than anything, I have met generous, friendly people and I cannot wait for what happens next.

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