Lost in Translation...

Preface: This is purely based on widespread observation and not on any kind of negative connotations toward any peoples!

To Stare:
Def.

1. to gaze fixedly and intently, esp. with the eyes wide open.

2. to be boldly or obtrusively conspicuous
3. to cause to become uncomfortable by gazing steadily at one

This word, "stare," or "to stare," (this is what we call an intransitive verb, needing an object...geeky English teacher moment) strangely doesn't really exist here Ecuador. Like literally. As it turns out, in Spanish, there is no direct translation for the concept of staring at someone. If you try to translate it, it is: "Para Mirar" which really means to look, or to watch.
The fact that this doesn't seem to exist has become painfully obvious as a "Gringa" in Ecuador.

The 3rd definition is my favorite.  I had been warned of the tendency of people here to stare at white people or Gringos when they are out and about; but honestly, this is like a whole new level of staring. When I first noticed this phenomena, I tended to be a bit self-conscious, a bit shy; you know the routine. You think to yourself, "is there food on my face, in my teeth? Bats in the Cave? (that's for you Abby...)" I truly felt like there must be something tragically wrong with me, you know besides the fact that my hair happens to be mostly blond-ish.
After being here and experiencing this quite frequently however, my reaction has turned to what can only be called (and is all too often) NEW YORK. I get a little bit rude, I might have a quiet comment or two...I have recently gotten the point where it's hard to hold back from shouting across the street (sometimes into a restaurant or such where the culprit(s) are blatantly Mirar(ing) "WHAT? YOU'VE NEVER SEEN A BLONDE HAIRED WHITE GIRL BEFORE??"

But alas, I am trying to keep this little gem of an attitude contained...for as long as I can anyway.

So I've been here just over 2 months and while I am having a blast and loving my ecua-life, I have to say, I have become a little homesick this week. I know that everyone's lives go on without me, but it seems like there is SO much going at home that I would love to be a part of. My 2 sisters-in-law are expecting again and the 2 adorable nieces (see right) that I already have seem to be growing so fast! Sadie, for example, said my name the other day when I was desperately trying to be "a part of things" over skype! Well OK, she kind of said my name...as much as a 14 month old can really say "Mer." :) But still! How do you sit on the other end of the computer and have it be good enough?!? Although it's amazing sometimes Skype just doesn't cut it.
A good friend just got engaged... (CONGRATS LIRON AND NICK!!) and still another good friend is due to have a baby in just 2 weeks (GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER AND MATT!!!). And my amazing P.I.C in DC is about to run the Marine Corps Marathon which I was supposed to also be running this weekend (GOOD LUCK ERIN!!)
And just because you might not have something epic happening to you right now, I miss you just as much (you all know who you are:)...

I am finding it hard that I want to be able to be there and celebrate all of these amazing milestones and at the same time, still live my life here in Ecuador.
I expected of course that that this would happen at some points, or lots of points, but it's hard to know what it will really feel like until you are in it.

Just wanted to say to all those near and dear back home (in all my "homes":) that I miss you all like crazy and think about you all the time...oh and also: COME VISIT ME!!!! :)

I'm attaching a picture of the aforementioned 2 adorable nieces...so you all have an idea exactly how much cuteness I am missing here in South America.

xoxoxoxoxoox

Ecua Chaos (sorry...had to:)

WOW. It has been a crazy 24 hours, and the chaos just continues south of the equator my friends.

While yesterday started off as a normal, even quite pleasant Thursday, none of us had any idea what was about to happen on a national level.
Around 10:30 I was outside while my freshman were posing for their 9th grade class picture, watching them laugh with each other and thinking how nice it was that it actually felt like summer outside after all the recent rain. I headed indoors after the picture was finished and ran into one of my 12th graders. "You know there's a police strike in Quito right now..." he said as they now that I live about 8 miles north of school in the capitol city. "Really?" I said and brushed it off. I had heard many stories of the strikes that go on quite frequently in Ecuador. I guess I should have paid more attention. By the time my 11am 9th grade English class began to filter in (well, actually they all ran in rather dramatically and frantically yelling that we are all going to die...) over half of them had already been picked up by parents. The half that were left, were trying to get touch with family members who worked in Quito and people who could come pick them up. It was only then that I started to feel slightly nervous and yes, admittedly, slightly excited: what would I be going home to??

Well as it turns out my principal closed school for the day and today too and arranged carpools to get the teachers who live in Quito home as they didn't feel it was safe to operate buses in a security vacuum.
As we drove up the mountain through Cumbaya, I had my camera out, hoping that I could get some good pictures of the destruction I had heard about and seen on websites. Oddly, all seemed extra quiet, there was less traffic than usual and the ride was uneventful. Huh.

As we sat around last night refreshing CNN and trying to get an idea of what was going on, I fielded emails and facebook posts from concerned friends and family (thank you all for thinking of me!!!). But we got no further news on the "state of emergency" being lifted or anything like that.
Around 10, there was a shootout between the police and military at the police hospital where the military was trying to free Correa. Unfortunately, it didn't end without casualties but Correa was rescued unharmed.

We have no idea what is to come this weekend/next week however there are crowds of Correa supporters across the street making for a noisy day and military trucks all over the street packed with Ecuadorian army dudes. These are our "police" for the time being. CRAZY. I am of course on edge and nervous, but frankly kind of excited to be a part of this moment in history--I know, I'm a bit twisted....but you all knew that already :)

Stay tuned for more info and pictures...Miss everyone and I promise I am staying safe!!