Woah! A lot has happened since we last wrote a blog. It’s
about time for an update!
In early December Eric’s friend, Aaron, came to visit us
from the states. It was a really nice time. Aaron speaks Spanish so we didn't
have to translate for him. He was a big hit in Pinas! Everyone seemed to enjoy
his company. We played some soccer, (they) hiked to the cross, saw some
hummingbirds, and spent some time with Eric’s English Club. Overall a great
time.
Just before Christmas, Eric and I had to come to Quito. We
spent Christmas day in our sweat pants watching movies and eating food. A
friend, Todd, who lives close, came to Quito and we all spent Christmas together.
It was of course difficult to again be away from family and friends but through
Skype calls we all were able to connect with our family for a little bit.
On New Year’s Eve we went to visit our host family from training
in Tumbaco (near Quito). With them we walked around town to see the different
ano viejo dolls that families make to burn at the New Year. This is to
symbolize burning all the bad of the previous year in order to have good luck
in the New Year. Ecuador has lots of New Year traditions, but as our host
family mentioned they seem to be losing the tradition. There weren't as many
dolls as previous years. After we walked around for a bit we stopped by a
friend of their family’s house. We didn't expect to be eating there but true to
Ecuadorian culture they fed us, A LOT. Some of the men were asked if they
wanted a second plate (which was as big as the first) and they politely
complied. I couldn't believe how much food we had. Luckily I had Eric to help
me eat some of my plate. The plate had a big piece of chicken, rice, potatoes,
salad, and some other things I’m sure I’m forgetting. After dinner they had pristinos
con miel, which is fried dough with honey, a New Year’s traditional food. I
thought they were going to have to roll me out of there. My host dad and some
of his friends played some songs that everyone sang along to until the New Year
when everyone went to the street to burn the dolls. At this time they also set
off fireworks (so did everyone else). We went home shortly after and while
driving through the streets you could see the burning dolls on the side of the
road at least at every block. 
After New Years we had our Close of Service (COS) conference
for our group. Peace Corps gets the group together to start to talk about how
to say goodbye and how to prepare yourself for when you get back in the states.
I’m still in shock that this is going to happen. It was nice to spend some time
with our group. They have been such a support system for us these past two
years and I will be sad to say goodbye! One night we had a talent show that
displayed some talents I had no idea about…
There is one thing I failed to mention before… So before Christmas
when we were in Quito, we actually had to move
to Quito. Aaron’s week with us in Pinas was our last week there because we
found out WE’RE HAVING A BABY! When we called Peace Corps they told us that we
have to move right away to Quito to be close to the doctors there. We are so
happy to be finishing up our service and starting a whole new journey all at
the same time. Eric’s excitement to become a dad has made me even more excited
to start a family with him. I have been feeling ok a little morning sickness
here and there, but mostly I just have to constantly be eating. Other than that
all the tests came up fine and I am perfectly healthy. Right now, I’m about 13
weeks with the baby being due late July.
All in all we’re returning the US with a lot more than we
came with.
