Hola a todos,
Since there are only 8 days until I leave(!!!) I thought it would be a good idea to update you on what has happened in the past two weeks! Most importantly, I have heard more from my host mom! We have emailed back and forth a few times now and she sounds awesome and very nice. :) I also found out that I will have a host brother who is going to France for an exchange while I am in Ecuador so I'm not sure if I'll be able to meet him, but my host mom says that she has nephews/nieces my age that I'll be able to meet when I'm there. :) Also, she says that the family is very large and that they all get together for lunch on Sundays which sounds awesome and I am really looking forward to meeting everyone in the family! She also told me about a lot of the opportunities available to take dance classes such as Salsa or Merengue, or even art classes that involve things like making paper mache dolls and handmade jewelry! Needless to say, I will be taking advantage of these amazing opportunities and I can't wait to try all of the new experiences offered to me.
I've been pretty busy the past week or so with buying clothes and other things that I'll need while I'm gone, and I'm almost finished packing (with the exception of gifts for my host family that I will be getting within the next few days)! I haven't weighed my checked suitcase yet, but I'm almost positive that it will be below the weight limit, which is 50 pounds.
I can't believe that I'm almost not an outbound anymore, but I can't say that I'll miss it. It has been a long year leading up to this point, and I'm excited to finally do what I've been waiting to do for what feels like forever. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for me.
I think my next post will be after I arrive in Ecuador(Ahhhhh!!), since the next 8 days will be filled only with waiting and small last minute preparations.
Until Ecuador,
Steph
Hey Steph thanks for the update....thorough as always. LOL I've been thinking of you and your impending trip and am almost as excited as you. (Of course I'd be more excited if were going with you, alas I will have to live vicariously through your adventures). May your days until departure go quickly and know I love you very much, the one and only Aunt Kay
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Keira and I'm 15. I found your blog on cultures shocked, and can't wait to read about your adventures. I just wanted to wish you luck and say that I will be thinking about you. Your countdown clicker says 6 hours, you must be unbelievably excited. Safe travels!!!!
Keira
Hey Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteIt was really nice reading your blog. I'm interested in applying for Youth Exchange Program 2014-15. I'm in my 11th grade , And I gotta know about this by our Rotary club secretary of my city. Can you just explain me what is it to do after the RYE? Just coming back home and do your degree or any additional offers ?