This summer can be summed up in one word: whirlwind. Clinton and I traveled all over and spent precious time with family and friends. In order to see everyone, we spent time in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Indiana. We also made a trip to New York City to catch up with friends, Minnesota, so I could attend my first doctorate residency, and New Jersey to spend a week at the beach with both our families.
It was a huge blessing to have the summer, especially after feeling really homesick at the end of the school year. I attempted to relax and rejuvenate despite the fact that I was taking two courses, one of which was my first doctoral research course.
Our trip back to Ecuador was fairly smooth and the transition into our new apartment was wonderful. The apartment we’re in is owned by a missionary who is not here this year, therefore it is all furnished helping us from starting up completely after leaving the furnished dorm apartment. It’s is a 2 minute walk from school, which is perfect. I am already experiencing getting out of my comfort zone as I interact with our grounds man (Jose). The first time I spoke with him, he just gave me a funny look as I struggled to communicate. I thought, ah geez, he’s not going to work with me as I stretch my brain to think of vocabulary. However, after numerous times of having trouble using my key and asking him to help me with the stove, he’s started to smile. He probably thinks I’m just a crazy gringa…but I’m excited for the challenge to continue our communication. In addition to communication with Jose, we are also learning how to attach our stove, washer, and water heater to gas tanks.
School started Thursday and it already feels like a new and different year. My new position is part time administration, so I have more meetings to attend and I’m now the point person for problem solving in my department. I have my office now instead of a classroom, which is a strange adjustment. I will be teaching, but only two classes, thus I will be going into other teachers’ classrooms for those two periods.
As usual, my goal will be to update this at least once a month. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and support in everyway!
Blessings,
Christina
Both our families spent a joint vacation together in NJ before we came back to Ecuador. It was a special and blessed time!
Together with college friends at a shower I threw (with help!) for my roommate
Clinton and I
