The Who, What, Where, When, Why

I've never quite understood blogging (no offense to all the bloggers out there). Maybe it is because I consider my life to be fairly uneventful and wonder why anyone in their right mind would want to read about it or maybe it is because I don't find a great deal of enjoyment in writing or perhaps it is because I cringe at the idea of being the center of attention. Regardless, I am now an official blogger....well, for 6 weeks anyway. Who knows, I may find this to be very therapeutic and you could all be learning more than what you signed up for. The upside - think how close we will become and it's a fact that other people's neurosis will make you feel better about your own. With that said....

My flight to Quito, Ecuador leaves on Saturday, February 14th at 7:00am. My time spent in South America will total 6 weeks - 4 weeks in Quito, 2 weeks traveling in SA (exact destinations unknown at this point), flying out of Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 28th. I am not quite sure when this idea to go to SA began to form exactly, sometime around Thanksgiving I believe because I can still remember the family dinner when I told my parents and the reactions that followed. There were tears, red faces, a reference to my possible and untimely death as well as looks of genuine concern and confusion. In their defense, the way I sprung it on them was a bit jarring. In a minute's time, I admitted the length of my time abroad was unidentified and the idea of me moving home may have been dropped. Within a week or two, I had found a non-profit to host my experience, decided on a reasonable 6 week time frame (thank you to my employer for granting me a short leave of absence), and I would be keeping my own place here in Seattle. It is amazing how solidifying a few minor details will provide parents with a great deal of comfort. Thanks Mom and Dad for all the support....including the electronic translator, 30 peanut butter Power Bars, Pepper Spray, jump ropes, real time weather updates from Dad's iPhone and the Cherry Chip cupcake mix.

Another common question I've received has been the "why?". My simple answer - something is missing. I can't really explain it other than to say this past Fall/Winter has been a time of reflection for one reason or another. I am not that naive to think that I will find "it" in the short time I am away, but what I am anxiously looking forward to is the joyous feeling found when helping others, to be pushed out of my comfort zone, become more aware of global issues and appreciate the diversity in cultures. If I find "it" while I am away or perhaps in the months following my return, then fantastic, but with or without discovering "it", I am certain this will be a time of personal discovery and growth. Am I nervous to come home (more so than going abroad)? Yes. But I am trying to go without expectations and return with a full heart, re energized soul, and a passion to get involved in my own community.

Now, let's explain the jump ropes and cherry chip cupcake mix. My 4 weeks in Ecuador will be spent volunteering in an orphanage. Ages range from 3 months to 15 years. My responsibilities are undefined and could include anything from maintenance of the orphanage, feeding and bathing the little ones, play time, and/or teaching English. As I am anticipating a bit of a language barrier, I wanted to be able to do something fun with the kids that didn't require a lot of verbal interaction. We are bringing back my Monroe Heartbeat days and are going to teach the kids of Quito how to double-dutch jump rope. Holler. My skills are rusty but I think I am more worried about passing out with the 10,000 feet in elevation. Stories to follow.

While in Ecuador, I will be living with a host family. Again, anticipating a language barrier, so what better way to bond and win over someones heart than over a batch of cherry chip cupcakes (with the accompanying cherry frosting of course). They are my absolute favorite and I hope my foreign friends' taste buds will agree. Do you think cherry compliments guinea pig? We will find out.

So that concludes my first blog post. Thanks for following me on my adventure and for all the unconditional support and love you have sent with me on my trip.