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January 19, 2009

En que mas puedo pedir?

I spend time with God every single day while I'm in (or at) the ocean. Without fail.

One evening I was on the tranquil ocean in a kayak at sunset with brilliant clouds all around, birds flying as though they were hovering only a foot above the water, friends behind me, and the Ecuadorian coastline stretching all around. I looked north and saw a partial rainbow.

I was silenced and invigorated.

En que mas puedo pedir?
What else could I possibly ask for?

There are a thousand glorious moments to be had each day, albeit many are not so picturesque.

I am tremendously blessed.
Truthfully, in that moment I acknowledged I wish to be married. I want to meet my life partner. I desire companionship. Yet in the present moment I am overwhelmed with the vibrant experience I am having in Ecuador.

Before I left the US, I remember feeling like my experience of God did not reflect what the Bible says it ought to be.

But now- It's like I somehow won this jackpot of blessings, a karma, that "Well done, my good and faithful servant!" An elusive moment realized.

(LOL) It's like God gave me a six week vacation as thanks for the years working on the video project ( www.projectdigno.org )
I know "it doesn't work like that," but I can't help but observe the irony.


I am truly a blessed woman of the Lord.

En que mas puedo pedir?

January 14, 2009

On Food and Money and Shampoo and Light Switches and Sand

On Food and Money

Since I've been here, I've eaten French, Japanese, Ecuadorian, Swiss, Argentinean, Mexican, Hungarian, American, and... other foods. And all of it has been excellent.

Down the street I can buy a three course lunch for $3.50. Further down the street it costs $1.75. For chicken, rice, fruit, and something else :)

I don't see credit or debit cards here, unless in a really nice restaurant or big grocery store. It's best to keep bills of $10 or less – your cab driver may not have change.

Budget from December 9 to January 1: $180 (+ $70 airfare)

Lodging on the beach, in the hacienda, in an elegant house, in the highlands, and in the hot spot downtown Quito: $0.00
(((Thank you, Couchsurfing and Pablo!)))

Food on the street, in gourmet restaurants: $100

Phone: $10.00

Transportation: Taxis and local buses: $20.00. Flight from Quito to Manta: $70.00

Sunscreen: $12


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I haven't shampooed my hair in one week. Because I planned on a one night stay at a secluded beach... Then stayed a week. I'm an official beach bum. Yesterday I took a shower with soap and a wash cloth (I know! Such an OCD hygienic woman!). When I got out I touched my arm – how slick the skin felt! Then I realized my skin had been covered in salt, sand, and sunscreen for the last week, and it was less than silky smooth. The sacrifices I make!

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The damn light switches are upside down. They drive me nuts.

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My goal is to have sand in every orifice of my body every day. OK, perhaps just the nose, ears, and eyes. I've got a perfect track record so far!