How We've Come

It’s interesting to look back and compare who I am today with who I was just six months ago. Jackie, Espie’s madre just called up on the phone and we had a full several minute conversation. For me, this is such a sign of how much my Spanish has improved. While here, I almost never answer the house phone because simply, I can’t understand people when they are speaking to me. But to now have a full conversation on the phone, I can look back and compare that and think “wow, I’m proud of myself for that!” Other things to note: I can watch the news and understand the newscasters. When I first arrived, I had to read the headlines and figure out what was going on based on the video.
Going back to Otavalo was also a great comparison. I went to Otavalo in probably the first 4 weeks I was here, and then went again with my family last weekend. To be able to get to Otavalo on public transportation, find a hostel and then explore the city was so easy! I felt comfortable walking around and I could even teach my family a few things about the city itself.
I have come so far in just six months, it’s hard for me to believe. Traveling to the West Coast in a few weeks without any real concrete plans yet doesn’t scare me. It feels almost normal, in fact? I know I have changed. I can feel it. If even I notice it, I’m sure there’s even more changes that others see in me as well. My mom made the comment that I’ve grown up a lot since she last saw me, and I couldn’t agree more. Study abroad has literally been a life-changing experience and for that I am eternally grateful to Ecuador.