Ending of Ecuador

Things I miss about home when I am in South America:

• Heavenly Hash Ice Cream
• Air Conditioning/Heat
• Cheap sushi
• Functional Wifi
• USPS

Things I will miss about Ecuador when I am home:

• Artisan Markets
• $1.50 lunches
• Salsa clubs that stay open until 8 AM
• The children and volunteers that I work with
• Empanadas

Volunteers riding the trolley around Quito

It is my last day in Quito and I am feeling overwhelming sadness. Sitting in my bed here, I feel completely alone in a foreign country and yet completely connected with all the amazing people I have met here as well. The volunteers with UBECI are the most interesting and inspiring group of people I have ever met. They all spent their money to come here out of their comfort zone to try and make a difference in a child’s life and I am so glad I got to be a part of this experience with all of them. Leaving this place and these people is extremely hard. The experiences we shared were unforgettable and I truly hope I encounter all of them again.

Getting ready to go out, stairwell of the volunteer house

I feel for the children of Ecuador who have to go to work every day and miss out on a carefree childhood. The kids I worked with don’t even realize what they are missing. They are for the most part extremely happy, affectionate kids who are so excited just to have a day off to play, dance, sing, and color with the volunteers.