Mas o menos

We made it to Ecuador! So much has happened in the last week... On January 15 we had a day of orientation in Jamaica, New York. Then at 4 a.m. we left for the airport in New York. We flew from New York to Miami and left from Miami to Quito, Ecuador. We arrived in Quito at about 8 p.m. In New York we marked all the Peace Corps bags with rose colored yarn so we knew whose bags to pull off. After we made it through customs we watched all of the bags come through the belt when we realized that none of our bags where there (there are 25 of us each with at least two bags). We waited for a bit and then we went to talk to the baggage people. We found out that our bags were on the second flight from Miami and they weren't going to be in Quito until 10:45. We talked to our Peace Corps representatives who (after a while of waiting) decided we would head to the training center since we still had an hour drive! We arrived at the training center around 11:00. Some of the staff stayed behind with our passports and baggage claim tickets (good thing I kept them!). They picked up our bags and brought them to the center.

As soon as I got off the plane I felt the altitude difference with a huge headache. I've been getting headaches everyday, but they seem to be getting better. Except for that, the experience so far has been great. Here are some pictures.

This is the view from the top of the training center. The city in the mountains is Quito.

This is the view on the right of mi casa (if you turn right from the picture below).

 This is the house of my host family.

This is our room! Sorry it's a little messy. I'm not sure that we have unpacked all of our stuff yet... We have two closet drawer things for our clothes. Our bed is quite firm, but not too bad. There are roosters that like to talk to each other early in the morning! Aye.

My host family is great. They really like teaching us Spanish and have been very patient. Our padres are both teachers for 9-10 year olds. My madre calls her house Gringo Landia because their family has had five volunteers before us and they all come back to visit.


Much love,
Emily

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PACKING!!! It is often described as the beginning of the end by many Peace Corps Invitees. In many cases it is. As I stood in the middle of my living room with luggage, clothes, books, etc. scattered all around, it finally become real that I would be leaving for two years. How to begin the task of downsizing our lives into two pieces of luggage. Not to mention find a place to store the things that we are not taking with us (thanks mom). For Em and I packing has become somewhat of a daunting but stress free task. Having pack up all our possessions into a Nissan Sentra and move has been an annual thing for us.

Eric ‘noitemleftbehind’ Aiken

12 years of professional packing

Style: Modified Army (‘let me plan it out’)

Biggest Packing Moment: packing a two bedroom apartment into a Nissan Sentra and driving it 12 hours to another state.

Emily ‘spacefinder’ Aiken

8 years of professional packing

Style: grab-n-stuff (‘oh it will fit’)

Biggest Packing Moment: Packing two people’s summer possessions plus wedding gifts into a Nissan Sentra in under 2-hours and taking it another state (all before the honeymoon).

Much like me, I know that there will be future volunteers surfing the internet looking for what to bring (and what not to bring). What I want to offer you is some help on many levels. Below you will find my words of advice and our packing list.

1. If you are traveling as a married couple make a list together, but remember that you must pack separately in case you are split up for a period of time (I am thinking mostly clothing here). There are some things, such as sun block, medicine, entertainment items, and toiletries that you can split the duty of packing but still share later.
2. You can fit a lot of things into a suitcase. The important thing is to the think about the weight of both the items you’re packing and your luggage. Line these up correctly and you should come in underweight.
3. Warning: go easy on researching what others have brought in the past. It is important to look at what others have done before you but you must pack to your own needs as well. With that said here are a few blogs (Nomaddict, Ucdkiliclimb, mkellyecuador) that really helped us create a packing list. Also remember when the people above wrote this blog they were in the same position as you (waiting to leave). Here is one the bloggers follow up blogs after being there for a year. Nomaddict
4. Our packing philosophy: if you can get it there, then leave it here. I don’t believe in wasting money or resources, but in this case you should only take what you cannot live without and buy as you go. Who knows you might find out that ‘need’ is really just a ‘want’.
5. Here is our packing list. I think it can be helpful to men, women, and married couples. Good luck and Good vibes as you pack.

If I'd known how much packing I'd have to do, I'd have run again. -Harry Truman I know I said sometimes I wear clothes but apparently I lied...I'm only packing swimsuits. -Kate Upton Always  EZ Aiken

Learning without a classroom pt.2

…I know I left the last blog without any really conclusion as my friend, TJ Taylor, pointed out. I would like to say it was a test to see how many people were reading. However the truth is I felt that the last blog was getting too long and I just did know where to cut it off.

Recently I have been reading, The Four Hour Chief and The Power of Habit, The first is book about learning in which they use cooking as the example of rapid learning. The second breaks down the how habits works, breakdown and buildup. Needless to say I have been convinced! It takes about month to create a habit, another month to see growth and change in from that habit, and yet another month to master it (maybe). We are in the Peace Corps for 27 months so that makes 9 goals; 7 of which I have already created. There you have it in a nut shell. I plan to write more on the topic as I develop a method of action for these goals. But now with only four days left Em and I will be writing our last minute thoughts has we prepare to depart for Quito, Ecuador.

“Change might not be fast and it isn't always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.” 

― Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit

"No matter how good a plan is, how thorough a book is, or how sincere our intentions, humans are horrible at self-discipline"..."A goal without real consequences is wishful thinking. Good follow-through doesn't depend on the right intentions. It depends on the right incentives"

-Timothy Ferriss, The 4-hour Chef

Always

Ez Aiken

Learning without a classroom

It is less than 3 weeks until we depart for Ecuador. Our jobs are done, our car is sold, and we are wrapping up the last lose strings we have. With excitement building around the new experiences that await us and the spirit of New Year in the air, +Emily Aiken  and I have been talking about some of things that we want to do and see while we are in the Peace Corps.

Much like every year I make plans and set goals for things I want to accomplish. Except this year I am making these plans and goals at the start of the new year. Normally I would set my goals at the start of the school but since I am no longer a student.... The real world is calling. As many education lovers, I have encountered more than just one change in educating myself since being out of school. The biggest issues stare at me before the learning even begins: course selection, scheduling, resource/expert availability, and on a small worry evaluation. Basically what to study, when to study it, where to get the (creditable) knowledge, and how to prove (to myself) that I know it.

I now realize the Peace Corps 27 months of service is more than an opportunity to help others grow and learn. It is a golden opportunity to help myself grow and learn as well. How many times have we said "if I only had the time..." I would read more, learn to play the piano, spend time with my friends and family, etc. I know I have. Below are my 9 goals for the Peace Corps.

1. Learn Spanish
2. Learn to Play 15 songs on the Ukulele or Guitar... at least five without sheet music
3. Create and maintain workout routine & diet
4. Write a Novel
5. Paint a Mural
6. Read 27 books (about community building, life, friends, family and relationships)
7. Do a research project
8. Open
9. Open

To be continued...

Love will find a way...

As I reflect on this journey that Eric and I are so quickly approaching, I am reminded of how our love will grow, change, and deepen. It is interesting to be at this point because it wasn't long ago that we were 2 individuals facing a world that doesn't understand love. I am constantly reminded of this topic and though it may not directly relate to our PC journey, I still feel it appropriate.

When Eric and I began dating, we had our ups and downs. At some of the low points my good friend would often tell me something like, "You guys will be fine. You'll work it out. You have to. If you don't I won't have faith in love anymore." It is a lot of pressure to uphold people's faith in love! The strange thing is, she is not the only one to have said something like this. I have often felt like Eric and I were someone's last hope in love. I'm still not completely sure why this is. Maybe people have a hard time being vulnerable? Maybe they have been hurt in the past? Who knows?

While I do treasure what Eric and I have, I don't think it should be unusual. I think everyone should have a chance to love the way we do. It saddens me to think that some people early in life believe that love isn't for them. I don't think that everyone's love will look the same as ours does; because everyone is different and has different relationships.

Just before we got married, Eric and I were talking with friends about the wedding. He said something like, "I'll be glad when the wedding happens because I will never have to plan a wedding again!" I'm fairly certain an inaudible awwwww was being expressed throughout the room. His commitment to forever was refreshing for many. People don't really plan for forever. I even saw an ad in a wedding magazine that said, "You only get married for the first time, once." Crazy, right?

I have spoken with friends about relationship problems, had my own challenges, and have witnessed others struggle. I know that things don't always work out for everyone. Some may read this and think I am naive to believe all this. Maybe it's the role models I have had growing up or maybe it's the immense blessing that was given to me when Eric came in my life, but I believe that love will find a way. I believe that things happen for a reason. God has a plan for you. If you choose to make your own path, you may find yourself out of place. When Eric and I began dating I didn't understand it. I was graduating and it probably wasn't going to work out anyway. The world was against us. Luckily something more important was on our side and now I couldn't be happier.

I am incredibly excited to begin this new journey with my best friend. We will surely encounter new challenges and struggles, but I know we will come out on the other side stronger for it.

Much love,
Emily

"I know that no, no river is too wide, no matter what people say. Lord, if love wants to travel to your heart, love will find a way."
-Sam Cooke

Worry or Excitement: Where I stand?

To the Wonderful People we are leaving:

Over the past year, we have seen a wide range of reaction to the statement “We are going into the Peace Corps” from worry to excitement. Some people have thought it was military service while others did not even realize we would be leaving the country. Then there are people who are so excited, that they have a million questions about all kinds of things. What we are doing now? What will we do with our stuff? Where will we stay? How will we eat? Ect. We often fail to have answers to all the questions. We tried to answer some here.While I must say these examples are only a sample it still has the pieces of the most common responses we get which are worry and excitement. We have had friends, family, and sometimes strangers give us a worrisome smile and words of congratulations at the same time. It often feels as if people are picturing the worst third country they can and then placing THEMSELVES there.

I must say that I can understand why people are worried, there is the fear of change, the fear of not fitting in, the fear of safety, and the fear of losing our relationships in the US. This are all valid concerns, but these things seems less scary to me because of two reasons. One is that I am not in this alone. Unlike the average Peace Corps Volunteer, I am able to enjoy and reflect on this experience with my co-explorer and wife, Em. The second reason is my personality, which is being a people-person. I suppose I get some of it from my mother and father and some of it from my upbringing. I have never truly been afraid of meeting new people or connecting with them. I am nervous about communicating, but not connecting. Either way that is another story. The purpose of this blog is to say do not worry so much. I feel that we (as people) are all able to make a pebble size change in the world. It may feel like a small change, but if we don't throw our pebbles in the water, how will we make waves in the ocean? I don't want to be a part of the group that does not throw its pebble in. I find comfort in knowing that there are dangers everywhere, including our own backyard, and people are still making a living. They are still raising children, still finding laughter and fighting through sadness.

We are going to help people that at first glance seem to have nothing to give. However that is not completely true, we are being welcomed in the homes of families we do not yet know and (hopefully) embraced in a culture that we will never fully understand. People have more to give then they think. Before applying to the Peace Corps I used to think about all the things I do not have or cannot afford, as I try to reach the American dream. Then I realized I do have TIME and all the things that I don’t have yet (house, career tracked job, kids, etc.) allows me to help those who have even less than I do. Not less in happiness and joy, but in resources and knowledge. The Peace Corps is a win-win-win for me. I get to travel, I get to share knowledge, and it aligns with my Personal Philosophy (another blog to come).

The Peace Corps is not for everyone, but it is for me and Em. I know that you too can find something that will inspire and proved you with a life changing experience. Just do not let worry get in your way. Let passion drive you to action.

In closing I want to say that I love you all for your support, worry and excitement. I just hope that this letter lessens some to the worry and increases the excitement. If not, I have added some Peace Corps suggested reading for Family and Friends (and even strangers). A good resource for you to read is On The Homefront. Click the title and it will take you to a digital copy of the book. The Peace Corps website has good information as well.

“If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.” 

― Dalai Lama XIV

If that is to deep for you try:

"It's not time to worry yet" -Harper Lee, Author of To Kill a Mockingbird

Always

EZ Aiken

Health Check!

After Eric and I accepted our invitation, we had a whole bunch of new forms and evaluations, to make sure we are healthy and ready to go to the Peace Corps. I have to say I feel like every dollar I make is being spent on healthcare right now. Eric has gently reminded me of how blessed we are to have the work we do and that we can afford all of the tests we need. I know he's right... It doesn't change the fact that I hate spending so much on tests, immunizations, and medical evaluations!

While in the Boone Health Clinic the doctor asked me if I wanted to get this (what she saw as unnecessary and costly) blood test. I'm glad health care providers are asking these questions, but I just feel like I have no choice if I want to depart for Ecuador in January! On another note, I had a funny experience with the nurse giving me the Yellow Fever immunization. After a lecture of how I need to take charge of my healthcare by learning about possible concerns (which was ironically started from a question I asked about... possible healthcare concerns) the nurse explained the risks of getting the Yellow Fever vaccine. One of the side effects is strange behavior. She then said this:

Nurse: Do you live with anyone?
Me: Yes, I live with my husband. He's actually getting the vaccine today too. We are going into the Peace Corps together.
Nurse: That's nice. So you'll have to watch out for each other. You'll want to watch for any strange behavior. For example, let's say you get the desire to climb out a two story window. Just for example. But that's an example of strange behavior you'll want to go to the emergency room for.

I'm guessing maybe she had a hard time thinking of strange behavior examples? Or maybe she had a rough weekend? Or maybe she is really saying that it can create suicidal tendencies? I guess that would have been important to clarify... However, 24 hours later and you'll be happy to know that I have not had that desire and am symptom free!

This whole Peace Corps process has been frustrating, exciting, long, and boring. But right now the process is fun! It is so nice to finally have a place and date to look forward to. When people ask where and when we are leaving we can actually give a response instead of being vague and saying, "we hope to find out soon!" Yesterday we got some travel books from the library and we are looking through them planning trips and lists of where we would like to go. So exciting!

I will end you now with two Yogi Berra quotes:

"I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question."

"You have got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." 

Much love,
Emily