Bobbypins and Iron

     When I was a senior in high school I started carrying around bobby pins because girls always needed them. I didn’t even use them myself. This is one of the silly things I do for people. During orientation, we were asked to share a bit about ourselves. Dreams, passions, oddities, etc. Sitting in a circle in the middle of a park, I shared that “People are my passion.” Since that day, it has become obvious that I need not state it because my attitude and actions speak for themselves. I’ll probably still say it because it gives me a warm tingling feeling but it’s nice to know that others can see it. So blog readers, please let me introduce you to some of the beauties who are making my stay in Ecuador amazing.

My host family (Alex, Sandy, Taina, and Julian)
     I absolutely love my host family! They have been nothing but great these past few weeks. Alex and Sandy are in their mid 30s and ask that I not call them Mom and Dad because “They’re too young for that.” Both are doctors and are pretty much on call for any BCA student who gets sick. Alex is a jokester. My Spanish skills are obviously lacking and I sometimes resort to the “Nod your head and smile” method. Alex takes full advantage of this and my lack of pop culture knowledge. Celebs, athletes, and others become key figures in his stories and we all end up laughing once I finally catch on( it takes awhile…) He also likes to tell me not to cry when I say goodnight. The other night I came home soaking wet after being caught in the rain and he asked why I was sad. Oh Alex…  My host mom’s name is Sandy. For a while I wondered if hosting an exchange student was Alex’s way of entertaining his wife. I assure you this is not the case. Sandy is a wonderful woman who is full of laughter and kindness. She loves her telenovelas (like all good Latin women) and talks a mile a minute when she’s with her family. Whenever we watch TV or movies, she is constantly saying someone is fat, skinny, ugly, or pretty. I’ve started contradicting her comments because I don't want my little sister constantly comparing herself to others or degrading other people based on their appearance. I truly do love conversations with Sandy and she always remembers details which is so lovely. Alex and Sandy have two children. Taina turned 7 on the 11^th of January. She’s a little cutie who loves to play outside and run. She studies at a private school just down the road. The other day I rode with Sandy and Taina before school. Taina’s eyes were full of tears because she was just so tired that morning and Sandy told her she that she needed to say her prayers. So she closed her eyes and repeated after her mother, thank God for the day, family, health, and other things. I sat in the backseat in awe of this pleasant surprise. Julian is my brother and will turn 2 a few days after I leave in May. This little boy has my heart. He loves to climb, kick soccer balls, and sneak into my room while I’m doing homework. He’s full of laughter and smiles. The first days he hid behind his father’s legs but now it’s clear that I’m just one of the family to him. All in all, I’m so blessed to be with this family. They are patient with me and genuinely care. Some of my favorite moments have been laying on my parents’ bed with the kids crawling around and watching TV and sharing stories.

Tia Sofie
     Sofie is the younger sister of Sandy. She lives with her mother (my grandma), her twin sister, her son Ricky, and another BCA student named Ana. This girl is nothing but laughs! She constantly is cracking a joke and practicing her English (while also helping me practice my Spanish). We talk about soccer, tv shows, and social norms. She loves to tease and bother me, but the feeling is mutual. I promise there is a plethora of love in this family.

BCA students
     Where to begin? I’ve already shared a little about these wonderful people but I would like to give a few special shout outs. We have similarities and differences but I think we do a pretty good job of balancing each other out. So before the S/O to individuals, I’ll give some hashtags to attempt to describe who we are (social media for the win). #FutbolFanatics, #Volunteers #Partiers #ChurchGoers #Introverts #Extroverts #RuleBenders #ThoseWhoPlayItSafe #GoshenGoers #FluentSpeakers #Travelers #Adventurers #Musicians #Foodies #PeacePeople #Advocates #Critics #SoMuchMore Honestly, those hashtags don’t even begin to encompass who we are but I hope they give you a taste. For all our differences, I am grateful. 
     First shoutout goes out to Julia. This girl is a sweetest fighter I know. During our first trip outside Quito, she fell a couple meters and had to go to the hospital. She left with some nasty bruises and hurt ribs but her spirit was still intact and strong! Today, we sat looking out at South Quito and talked about how mighty our God is. She said she could never have imagined a city could be so beautiful. Her words ring true. The details of this city make the mind think twice and it is so obvious to us that we are cared for by our Father in Heaven.
     Mi tia Ana is the recipient of the second shoutout. Ana is a BCA student who lives with my host grandma. Born in Mexico, this girl has the Spanish flow in her words and her dance moves. During family get togethers, I’m thankful I can turn to her and she’ll explain why it seems like everyone is laughing. We also share a love of food. Ask us what we are thinking and about ¾ of the time we’ll say that we’re hungry. Ana’s upbeat spirit jumps whenever music starts playing. She’s easily on of my favorite people to walk down the street with because it hardly ever is just walking. We bop and pop and twirl all with smiles and laughter.
     Next goes to Nina or Niña as I sometimes call her. This chica is such an amazing help. Firstly, I love how much she loves Spanish. She’s dedicated to every aspect of the culture and language. She has shown me so much patience whenever I ask questions about how to say something. I’m convinced she’ll be an amazing teacher. Secondly, you can see joy on her face. I’m not talking about happiness or fulfillment. She radiates joy. Being around her is refreshing, even if we are racing uphill and completely out of breath. Our first night in Otavalo we talk about so much. I’m so thankful I’ve found a sister in the hustle of this city. Surely, she keeps me grounded.
     There must be something in the name Megan, because I don’t think I’ve met a Megan I didn’t like. This gem is so selfless. She is kind and approaches situations with tenderness. Before leaving the States, I knew she would be a positive influence but she is much more. She is deliberate in her actions and shares kindness without a second thought. I love her love. 

     There are so many others that are making this semester amazing. I wish I had the words, time, and space to share all the details but I still have a little homework to finish and don’t want to seem like too much of a creep. I promise there will be a sequel with more amazing people I’ve found in Ecuador, but for now I’ll leave you with a few pictures and a promise that I am safe and loving life here in Ecuador. Times aren’t always easy, but I know I’m not alone.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

Looking over Quito from the top of Cathedral de Quito

Cuicocha
Photo Credit: Courtney Testani

Cochasqui

El Mitad del Mundo

My racing companions JD and Nina

The view during my hike up Pichincha

I've touched the clouds. What's next?

Julia and I absorbing the world around us.
Photo Credit: Alex Scott

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

With peace and love, 

Trinity Ann

Part 2: A little bit of rave and a little bit of rant

A front view of the hostel where orientation
was held for my first few days in Quito!

Setting: Quito, Ecuador
Time: January 2, 2014 1:00ish

   Imagine the looks on Airport Security faces when 10+ Americans stroll into the airport with broken Spanish and passports saying they are in Ecuador to attend a top, private university. Got it? Ya, that was our welcome early on January 2^nd. Now, don’t take this as complaining. If I could go back and be a fly on the wall, I would love to have seen my struggle. The entire time I was standing in front of the worker I was almost certain he was going to tell me to turn around and go home. The distress! Thankfully, I made it by without too much embarrassment for my lack of Spanish skills. At the beginning of the week I figured the less I talk in Spanish, the less I would embarrass myself. There were three major things wrong with this idea. 1) I love to talk. Literally, you can’t shut me up. 2) I’m here to learn Spanish. 3) I lost my pride a long time ago. I pretty much embarrass myself on a daily basis. So we got our passports stamped, picked up luggage, and went to find our Resident Director Chris. Before I knew it, we were on a bus heading to our hostel. A little afer 2:00 ,we entered our new home for the next 3 days and probably woke up whoever was sleeping. 

   Breakfast was at 9:30 the next morning and most of us dragged ourselves out of bed unwillingly. I’m going to be honest. Orientation seems like blur now but I’ll try to highlight some points. Talks included expectations, safety, concerns, safety, BCA trips, safety, living with families, safety, and health. The advice to live by is to have confidence and awareness and to avoid being an idiot. Back it the States, my peers and I could get away with doing some pretty stupid stuff and chalk it up to being young and dumb. News Flash: Ecuador is not the place to push the limits (at least in that aspect). I’ve learned to hail taxis, ride the Ecovia and other buses, and apply some of the Spanish I’ve learned over the past few years. Slowly but surely the Spanish is coming to me. Those random words I learned sophomore year of high school, guess what? They actually do serve a purpose! I’m beginning to actually think in Spanish rather than constantly attempting to translate. It is such a relief. Don’t get me wrong, there is PLENTY that I don’t understand! But I’ve accepted that fact and rolling with what I know. I also have a great group of BCAers who make an effort to answer my questions no matter how often I ask the same question. The BCA program has been such a blessing. Between our leaders Chris and Martha who have done amazing jobs preparing us and my fellow classmates, I feel like I have a great family here. All of the students have these great stories of adventure and experience that makes us dynamic and diverse! And a vast majority of us are hippies who love talking about peace and justice. So I’m happy to say I’ve found a niche. Also, they laugh with me and at me. Most would see this as mixed emotions but I absolutely love it. I can’t tell you how many times over the past 20 years people I called friends have rolled their eyes and distanced themselves from me because I was “Just too much.” No, here in Quito, we laugh a lot and this loss of control is to be embraced. 

Courtney and Julia were the first two people I met in
the Atlanta Airport! Behind us is North Quito.

   Now onto the adventure part of this blog. I’ve been in the country for only a week and I’ve experienced so much. Quito is a very large city with almost all the amenities of a big city it the States. Before you ask, there is nothing I need that I can’t get at a store here. I promise, I’m not in the boonies. Care packages are discouraged but letters are always welcomed! 

The Virgin is modeled after a smaller statue.
There is some conflict because her hand positions
suggest a dance rather than a prayer.

The first of our major adventures was to El Panecillo (which stands for a breadroll). El Panecillo is a hill in the middle of Quito which divides the North and South. Quito sits in a valley, so its width is limited. From El Panecillo, it looks like Quito is never ending. There is so much beauty and serenity from the surrounding mountains. Easily the biggest attraction on El Panecillo is La Virgen de Quito. La Virgen can be seen from many areas of the city but she faces (and blesses) North Quito which is the wealthier area. Her back faces South Quito where homes, wages, and living standards are less. I know a monument like this must face a particular direction but I can’t help to feel sorry for the residents of South Quito. Many in Ecuador practice Catholicism in which the Virgin Mary is an important icon. To have a 45 meter statue symbolic of love and peace turn its back to you when you live with little just seems like rubbing salt in a wound and putting distance in the hearts of residences.

  

   

South Quito and some of the surrounding mountains

The outside of El San Francisco

After visiting El Panecillo, we traveled to the Historical District. The beauty is overwhelming. Colorful buildings hugging stone streets with beautiful churches around every corner. I’ve never understood why a place of worship should be ornate but the sight of gold plated walls, realistic crucifixes, and a vast amount of space that draws the eyes to the heavens definitely leaves an impression. The first cathedral we visited is called El San Francisco. It was actually built by many of the indigenous people of Ecuador after being conquered by the Spanish conquistadors. After construction was done, workers weren’t even allowed to enter the church because the indigenous people were believed to not have souls. Great job Church! 

The inside of El San Francisco. This isn't even
a fraction of the gold in other cathedrals in Quito.

Thankfully, the Church has reevaluated its previous beliefs. Although there is still a major divide in social classes in Ecuador, all are welcomed in San Francisco now. We spent a few more hours in the Historical District learning about Quito’s tainted past before heading to El Rondo for the most delicious dinner of fritadas!

   Today we visited La Capilla del Hombre which stands for The Chapel of Man. This is a museum dedicated to the work of a famous Ecuadorian artist named Oswaldo Guayasamín who focused on representing the oppression and poverty in Ecuador and other nations. My heart was breaking the entire time. These massive paintings showed such despair, angst, and anger. Walking around the museum with a guide that explained every situation from starvation to mutilation pulled at my heart strings. The pain these people suffered at the hands of fellow humans was brutal and monstrous. When I saw the following paintings, I had to take a moment. Please join me.

The first three paintings are part of a series called Río de Sangre which stands for river of blood. The center painting represents a man in a position to be executed. These are displayed adjacent to each other.

This painting is called Lágrimas de Sangre or Tears of Blood

I live such a life of excess! I complain of nothing to wear when I have too much to fit into a closet. Who am I to not show compassion and take action against such atrocities? I right my wrongs by saying that I’m from America and that I live in a different world. What crap is that? Were we not all placed on this one Earth to care and love one another? To fight against injustice? To live life to the fullest? Maybe I am insane to be so broken by artwork, but I have to believe differently. The homelessness I see on the streets here in Quito are no different than the homelessness in Indianapolis, Indiana or Monterrey, Mexico. We are created equal. I was born into a life of excess. I did nothing for my mom to have a stable job to support a family of four. I did not seek out a school system that would grow me to one day receive a full scholarship to college. Let’s be honest, this life is out of my hands. I’ve been given more than I could ever imagine and I can’t help but to feel a conviction to act and give of myself. How? I do not know. But I’m tired of sitting pretty and judging those who walk pass.
   There is much more to talk about but I’ll leave you with those to stir in you heart and mind. I pray that you don’t simply return to facebook, twitter, Netflix, or other mindless sites. Take at least five minutes and think.

With peace and love,
Trinity Ann

P.S. Conviction.

Part 1: The Build Up

   Close your eyes and take a moment to find a word that describes how you feel at the moment. This has been one of the most repeated statements our director has given us the past week (mixed in with a lot of safety tips). I can't find a word at the moment but I'll definitely share one at the end of this post (Strike that. Check Part 2 for the word of choice). Until then, let me tell you about my week.

   The day before I left for Ecuador could not have been more perfect. I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with my boyfriend James, my family, and my friends as well as wrapping up some last minute details. I've always been a person living multiple lives. There's school life, home life, soccer life,  academic life, church life, camp life, etc. Can I just say how amazing it is to get to share all those aspects of myself with one person? Kudos to James because I barely comprehend my life and I'm the one actively participating in it. Anyways, I had time to visit my dad who had just under gone surgery and say goodbye to him since he couldn't see me off at the airport. It was helpful to both of us. My dad has always been a major support to me and although he can't run on rooftops or whip out awesome moves like Liam Neeson, I know he would fight to the end of the world for me. After that we went to my grandma's and had our Christmas get together. As always, we were blessed with my grandma's amazing cooking. We traded stories, jokes, laughs, and a few gifts. I truly love the simplicity of my family. We may not have much when measuring worldly wares but we have an abundance of joy and love. When it came time to say goodbye, the photo session was short but hugs were long. 

   James and I then left for downtown Indy where I was living with my best friend and her apartment mates. There was a small get together and we were all dressed up.

Thank you to everyone who made my last day in the States
a wonderful one filled with memories!

It was definitely my favorite New Year's Eve party to date. I can't tell you how many times I told people I was leaving for Quito, Ecuador the next day! With every story and every minute the nerves grew and the reality set it. When everyone went to bed, I laid down like a kid waiting for Christmas. Maybe that’s not the right analogy… It was more like stepping off the platform and waiting for the zipline to catch your weight. It seems like a continual fall. You don’t understand why it takes so long. You’re stomach is traveling up to your throat, your knuckles are turning white, and your eyes are in a state of limbo of trying to take everything in while shutting it all out. Then you feel the tug. You feel the fall stop and suddenly there’s just wind in your face. This is coming from a girl who loves the extreme. Every time I step off a platform, start a descent, or whatever activity that causes me to submit my control, I have a moment of fear. The greatest part is the acceptance that I am protected and cared for. I believe a small amount of fear is necessary for every adventure because it provides humility throughout the process. Not to mention when you accomplish your task, there is an amazing satisfaction.

   So the feeling of fear was more than necessary during the morning of my departure. We’re talking shaky legs, no appetite, and hot flashes like I was a middle aged woman. Ya, not the prettiest picture. After saying good bye to my mom, Megan, and James, I slid through security without a problem. Sitting down waiting to depart was the hardest. Thank goodness Mallory called and I had to put on my big girl panties because the dams were about to break. Mallory and the other girls have told me again and again to not take a moment for granted and that they are continually jealous of me. I’m beginning to grasp what they meant (more on that in Part 2).

   Once out of the Indianapolis Airport, things began to settle into place. After being in the Atlanta Airport for less than an hour I had my bank account figured out (that definitely was adding to the nerves and fear), found a few BCA students, and had a delicious Campfire Mocha J The next few hours included talks about goodbyes, schedules, Spanish abilities (or lack of), luggage, and so on. From the moment we started talking my fears began to ease and I knew this was a team and a family I could trust and support. After a few terminal switches and final texts to family, we boarded the plane and set off for Quito! 

This movie definitely helped pass the time. 

Tune in for Part 2 for my adventures in my first week!

With peace and love,
Trinity Ann