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