One of my first memories here in Ecuador was sitting on the bus ride from Quito to Cayambe, heading to our training site. Looking out the window all I could see is run down buildings, dirty streets and a sad lot of people. I remember thinking, “What did I get myself into?” How would I be to handle all of this? Two years, impossible!
I’ve made it. Two years later I am here. I am still telling of my misadventures here in Ecuador. I have weathered the storms. I have seen the good and bad in people. I have seen the good and bad in myself. I like to think I have come out of this Ecuadorian life of mine a changed (for the better) person.
Was I the most successful volunteer in my time here? The answer is probably a no. However, I fulfilled my personal goals of Peace Corps. It is easy to look back on the entire experience and regret the things that have and have not happened. I could have tried harder to do this, or I could have worked with that group. I have given it all an honest shot, even though I feel that many times is not enough.
The past is past. I need to enjoy the remaining time I have left here. Now, I get to look forward to the next step of my life. A future that is now open to many possibilities. One that is filled with many new friends and my own menagerie of stories to share with everyone.
I guess this is the end of this blog. It has been my journal during my time here. I thank you all for listening to my stories from Ecuador. With that I leave you with the quote from where the name of my blog comes from, “It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy. Let’s go exploring!”
And one last shameless plug for the new Peace Corps website that my friends have gone and made:
http://www.projectsforpeaceecuador.org
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Casi Estoy
Over 2 years in Ecuador. Very little time to go. Excitement building. Updates lacking.
I would like to share some unfinished blog entries that I started to write but I felt were fully capable of being a blog entry on their own. They are somewhat random, but they show some different, weird thoughts that have passed through my mind in the time I have been here.
Bastards
There are honest, decent human beings out there. Everywhere. It really is not too hard to find the good ones. No matter what one- and quite possibly several- person appreciates the work you are doing. Work may be something seemingly trivial or insignificant, but people do appreciate it. In my case, I have a handful of people who are truly grateful for what I have been doing here. Those decent souls are not my problem; the negative individuals seem to be. For every positive person or compliment I receive, the indecency and idiocy of the one person seems to trump all the good.
Personal growth
Is it possible to measure one's own growth as a human being? Sure, there have been many experiences here to shape and change me, but I feel as though I am still the same person as when I started. Reading old entries of blogs and other letters, I do realize that I have learned a great deal while here in Ecuador. I cannot say definitively if I am a different person than when I started. I would like to believe that I have grown, but I guess I will need the opinions of others to formulate the correct answer.
Life and Decisions
It is easy to think of our lives as a straight line. Point A to Point B. A being birth. B being death. The line encompasses all events, significant or not. For some people the line may not seem straight. It may feel like a twisting road, not seeing the one event around the bend. For me life is a reversed NCAA bracket. Birth starts at the championship game. One line. Working backwards from there, we hit a fork in the road. The fork is Decision 1, Decision 2, up to Decision N. What we choose from this set of decisions starts us down a new path. These splits and separate paths fill me with several questions. What is along that other path? Did I choose the right decision at this or that fork? What events in my life have been those splitting moments on my timeline?
I would like to share some unfinished blog entries that I started to write but I felt were fully capable of being a blog entry on their own. They are somewhat random, but they show some different, weird thoughts that have passed through my mind in the time I have been here.
Bastards
There are honest, decent human beings out there. Everywhere. It really is not too hard to find the good ones. No matter what one- and quite possibly several- person appreciates the work you are doing. Work may be something seemingly trivial or insignificant, but people do appreciate it. In my case, I have a handful of people who are truly grateful for what I have been doing here. Those decent souls are not my problem; the negative individuals seem to be. For every positive person or compliment I receive, the indecency and idiocy of the one person seems to trump all the good.
Personal growth
Is it possible to measure one's own growth as a human being? Sure, there have been many experiences here to shape and change me, but I feel as though I am still the same person as when I started. Reading old entries of blogs and other letters, I do realize that I have learned a great deal while here in Ecuador. I cannot say definitively if I am a different person than when I started. I would like to believe that I have grown, but I guess I will need the opinions of others to formulate the correct answer.
Life and Decisions
It is easy to think of our lives as a straight line. Point A to Point B. A being birth. B being death. The line encompasses all events, significant or not. For some people the line may not seem straight. It may feel like a twisting road, not seeing the one event around the bend. For me life is a reversed NCAA bracket. Birth starts at the championship game. One line. Working backwards from there, we hit a fork in the road. The fork is Decision 1, Decision 2, up to Decision N. What we choose from this set of decisions starts us down a new path. These splits and separate paths fill me with several questions. What is along that other path? Did I choose the right decision at this or that fork? What events in my life have been those splitting moments on my timeline?
Saturday, December 12, 2009
¿Listo?
“Are you excited to be almost finished?” The answer to that question is very difficult. It is true; I am almost done with my service. Four months, but who’s counting? I can answer yes, I am close to being finished, but excited; I don’t know.
I can answer definitely that I am ready to leave behind my job. The fact there is little work to do is compacted by the fact that cacao is in its low season until at least February. I go to my organization’s office and end up reading my book. “No hay trabajo hoy día” or “no hay nada que hacer.” Other forms of work seemed to have bottomed out. Sure, I will be able to find things to keep me occupied in the remaining months, but work is seemingly done.
You may be thinking, “Well, you have no work, Chris, so you must be ready to come home!” I cannot say that I am. Maybe after four more months that will still change, but for now I am not ready to live the life of a typical American. Am I ready for the everyday stresses of American life? Am I ready to give up the ability to get on a bus and explore the natural beauty of Ecuador?
When I begin life anew in the United States, it will be one dramatically different than it was before. The possibility of graduate school and/or different work. Actual work! My life is coming full circle and Tarantino-ing me. My situation right now is very similar to the four months leading up to leaving for Peace Corps. The unknown lay ahead of me once again.
I can answer definitely that I am ready to leave behind my job. The fact there is little work to do is compacted by the fact that cacao is in its low season until at least February. I go to my organization’s office and end up reading my book. “No hay trabajo hoy día” or “no hay nada que hacer.” Other forms of work seemed to have bottomed out. Sure, I will be able to find things to keep me occupied in the remaining months, but work is seemingly done.
You may be thinking, “Well, you have no work, Chris, so you must be ready to come home!” I cannot say that I am. Maybe after four more months that will still change, but for now I am not ready to live the life of a typical American. Am I ready for the everyday stresses of American life? Am I ready to give up the ability to get on a bus and explore the natural beauty of Ecuador?
When I begin life anew in the United States, it will be one dramatically different than it was before. The possibility of graduate school and/or different work. Actual work! My life is coming full circle and Tarantino-ing me. My situation right now is very similar to the four months leading up to leaving for Peace Corps. The unknown lay ahead of me once again.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Senioritis
Senior year, we have made it this far. With the swearing in of the latest group, my Omnibus (training group) has become the oldest kids on the block. Now we can give the freshman class swirlies and any other stereotypical punishment.
With this change in status, it finally has hit me that my time here in Ecuador is rapidly coming to an end. I find myself living less in the present as I am caught between thoughts about my past here and the future that awaits me. Have I accomplished what I set out to do here in Peace Corps? Have I taken full advantage of this experience? Have I made a difference?
I think the questions about the past scare me less than those of the future. The questions of readiness to become a functional member of society in the United States scare me the most. I am ready for the next phase of my life, but the open-ended ness of that is what causes any doubt.
With this change in status, it finally has hit me that my time here in Ecuador is rapidly coming to an end. I find myself living less in the present as I am caught between thoughts about my past here and the future that awaits me. Have I accomplished what I set out to do here in Peace Corps? Have I taken full advantage of this experience? Have I made a difference?
I think the questions about the past scare me less than those of the future. The questions of readiness to become a functional member of society in the United States scare me the most. I am ready for the next phase of my life, but the open-ended ness of that is what causes any doubt.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Useless
I believe it is safe to say that one, true strength of mine is trivia. I was always good at Jeopardy. I tend to blurt out some insignificant detail in the course of conversation.
With my main project flailing the past year or so, change has definitely been welcome. When my friends Damon and Kat left, they introduced me to a place here in Atacames. It functions as somewhat of a hybrid between foster care and an orphanage. The place is called Aldea Infantil SOS (or SOS Children’s Village in English), look it up if you have the time. Now, with another outlet to spend my free time, I have been sticking to my strengths and teaching some of the kids some wonderfully trivial stuff.
1. Teaching valuable life lessons to the males by showing the ladies which way to the gym and flexing at the same time.
2. More information than is necessary about Michael Jackson, including the Youtube video of prisoners dancing to Thriller
3. Jackpot or 500 or whatever you used to call it at recess. (If you never have played this game, you need to rethink your life)
4. Computer games. From the old Gameboy emulator to Civilization and Warcraft III.
We have to fill out work reports to quantify the “good” work we have been doing here. How do you quantify being a big brother to children that need the attention? Either way, the numbers are not important to me. The time spent with the boys and girls- playing soccer or just hanging out- has been some of the most rewarding work I have done thus far. Who knows, by the time my service is up; I will sneak in something deemed useful.
With my main project flailing the past year or so, change has definitely been welcome. When my friends Damon and Kat left, they introduced me to a place here in Atacames. It functions as somewhat of a hybrid between foster care and an orphanage. The place is called Aldea Infantil SOS (or SOS Children’s Village in English), look it up if you have the time. Now, with another outlet to spend my free time, I have been sticking to my strengths and teaching some of the kids some wonderfully trivial stuff.
1. Teaching valuable life lessons to the males by showing the ladies which way to the gym and flexing at the same time.
2. More information than is necessary about Michael Jackson, including the Youtube video of prisoners dancing to Thriller
3. Jackpot or 500 or whatever you used to call it at recess. (If you never have played this game, you need to rethink your life)
4. Computer games. From the old Gameboy emulator to Civilization and Warcraft III.
We have to fill out work reports to quantify the “good” work we have been doing here. How do you quantify being a big brother to children that need the attention? Either way, the numbers are not important to me. The time spent with the boys and girls- playing soccer or just hanging out- has been some of the most rewarding work I have done thus far. Who knows, by the time my service is up; I will sneak in something deemed useful.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Si Se Pudo and The Beautiful Game
I have seen my fair share of live football games (yes I am done calling it ‘soccer’) in my day. World Cup quarterfinals and semifinals. MLS. Italian Serie A. Those just being a few examples. I have seen the collective heart of a nation broken when I saw Germany lose while in Frankfurt. I have seen the intensity of fans when I saw Roma play. It is hard to top some of the football experiences I have had the pleasure to participate in. In Germany, I saw the host country play all the way to penalty kicks and win. Talk about intensity. However, the World Cup venues are very sterile environments. Very controlled. The game in Rome was insane with the fans lighting up road flares in the stadium. This game did not have the country on edge, only the fans of Roma.
The other day I had the pleasure of watching Ecuador play Argentina in Quito for World Cup qualifying for South Africa in 2010. The atmosphere of the game was a mixture of the two environments of the games I have seen in Germany and Rome. Intense fan and national pride at stake. Ecuador was needing a win to secure the fifth spot in the South American qualifying group (CONMEBOL). Being the underdog against Argentina, the outlook was not too positive. Two late goals in the second half by Ecuador sent Argentina and Maradona home losers.
The significance of the game and the enormity of the win were not what impressed me about the game. It was the electric atmosphere of the stadium for hours before the game. In true Latin American style, the game felt like a fiesta. Also, true to Quito form, the weather wreaked havoc, making it even more interesting. Two hours before the game, it was sunny and hot. Once the clouds rolled in, hail came, giving way to rain for the rest of the game. No one cared. La Seleccion was playing and going to beat one of the best teams in the world (I know arguable these days).
In America, we have American football as a sport that fans are unbelievable to their teams. However, as a nation, there is no sports team we stop our daily lives for in order to support. During the Olympics we show little national pride. From what I have witnessed in my football adventures, it makes me sad we do not have this intense passion for our country on the athletic stage. I guess I will stay with the minority of Americans and keep routing for our national football team. Maybe eventually we will win the World Cup and then our country can open their eyes.
I would share some pictures, but my camera was stolen during the game! It was good enough of a game for me not to be too upset about it.
The other day I had the pleasure of watching Ecuador play Argentina in Quito for World Cup qualifying for South Africa in 2010. The atmosphere of the game was a mixture of the two environments of the games I have seen in Germany and Rome. Intense fan and national pride at stake. Ecuador was needing a win to secure the fifth spot in the South American qualifying group (CONMEBOL). Being the underdog against Argentina, the outlook was not too positive. Two late goals in the second half by Ecuador sent Argentina and Maradona home losers.
The significance of the game and the enormity of the win were not what impressed me about the game. It was the electric atmosphere of the stadium for hours before the game. In true Latin American style, the game felt like a fiesta. Also, true to Quito form, the weather wreaked havoc, making it even more interesting. Two hours before the game, it was sunny and hot. Once the clouds rolled in, hail came, giving way to rain for the rest of the game. No one cared. La Seleccion was playing and going to beat one of the best teams in the world (I know arguable these days).
In America, we have American football as a sport that fans are unbelievable to their teams. However, as a nation, there is no sports team we stop our daily lives for in order to support. During the Olympics we show little national pride. From what I have witnessed in my football adventures, it makes me sad we do not have this intense passion for our country on the athletic stage. I guess I will stay with the minority of Americans and keep routing for our national football team. Maybe eventually we will win the World Cup and then our country can open their eyes.
I would share some pictures, but my camera was stolen during the game! It was good enough of a game for me not to be too upset about it.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
La Rifa
Updating my blog to support a great program here in Peace Corps. I hope you can support it!!
The GAD raffle is on! Last year we were able to provide scholarships for 68 girls who wouldn't have been able to finish colegio otherwise. We wouldn't have been able to help them out in this way if it weren't the GAD raffle and the help of all the wonderful volunteers. If you could send this announcement out to your friends and family back home so they could also participate, this year is sure to be just as big of a success! Thanks so much! - GAD
GAD RAFFLE!
July 7, 2009
Grand Prize: 2 Flights within Ecuador
Other prizes include:
River tubing and ziplining in Mindo!
Biking and guided canyoning in Baos!
Rafting in El Chaco!
A guided tour of an Ethnobotanical Park in Puyo!
And many more including prizes in:
Sa, Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, Vilcabamba, and Baos (Azuay)
Donations are tax deductible!! There are several ways to donate:
1. We encourage you to donate on-line through the Friends of Ecuador website. Log on to www.friendsofecuador.org and click on Donate to make a donation to the GAD raffle and see a complete list of this years fabulous prizes.
2. Checks can be made to: Club Kiwanis Chuquiragua Please write GAD Rifa in the Memo of the check and mail to: Attn: GAD. Casilla 17-08-8624. Cuerpo de Paz/Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador. South America.
The Peace Corps Ecuador Gender and Development (GAD) Committee aims to enhance gender equality in all sectors of Ecuadorian society. In 2008, GAD provided over 60 scholarships to financially underprivileged, yet highly motivated Ecuadorian women so that they can finish their high school education. Working in partnership with Club Kiwanis Chuquiragua in Quito, GAD Ecuador's scholarship program is one of only a handful worldwide. The financial assistance that GAD provides for these young women is vitally needed, as a mere 56% of Ecuadorian women receive their high school degree. In addition to the scholarship program, GAD also sponsors popular youth camps and large national leadership conferences for Ecuadorian girls.
The GAD raffle is on! Last year we were able to provide scholarships for 68 girls who wouldn't have been able to finish colegio otherwise. We wouldn't have been able to help them out in this way if it weren't the GAD raffle and the help of all the wonderful volunteers. If you could send this announcement out to your friends and family back home so they could also participate, this year is sure to be just as big of a success! Thanks so much! - GAD
GAD RAFFLE!
July 7, 2009
Grand Prize: 2 Flights within Ecuador
Other prizes include:
River tubing and ziplining in Mindo!
Biking and guided canyoning in Baos!
Rafting in El Chaco!
A guided tour of an Ethnobotanical Park in Puyo!
And many more including prizes in:
Sa, Guayaquil, Santo Domingo, Vilcabamba, and Baos (Azuay)
Donations are tax deductible!! There are several ways to donate:
1. We encourage you to donate on-line through the Friends of Ecuador website. Log on to www.friendsofecuador.org and click on Donate to make a donation to the GAD raffle and see a complete list of this years fabulous prizes.
2. Checks can be made to: Club Kiwanis Chuquiragua Please write GAD Rifa in the Memo of the check and mail to: Attn: GAD. Casilla 17-08-8624. Cuerpo de Paz/Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador. South America.
The Peace Corps Ecuador Gender and Development (GAD) Committee aims to enhance gender equality in all sectors of Ecuadorian society. In 2008, GAD provided over 60 scholarships to financially underprivileged, yet highly motivated Ecuadorian women so that they can finish their high school education. Working in partnership with Club Kiwanis Chuquiragua in Quito, GAD Ecuador's scholarship program is one of only a handful worldwide. The financial assistance that GAD provides for these young women is vitally needed, as a mere 56% of Ecuadorian women receive their high school degree. In addition to the scholarship program, GAD also sponsors popular youth camps and large national leadership conferences for Ecuadorian girls.
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