My immediate family consists of my host mother, sister and brother. We live in a town called Pimampiro, the farthest north community placement in all of Ecuador. It known as “Tierra del Sol”, because it’s pretty much always sunny except for the occasional 15 minute rainstorm. We sit at the top of some mountains near the Valley of Chota, at around 8,000 ft. It’s the biggest “city” around, with a population of a whopping 8,000. So, definitely huge change from San Francisco. However, a change I have learned to love.
We live in an apartment in the town center right across the street from my mom’s pharmacy. It’s called “Divino Niño” she sells natural medicine. I have spent a good amount of time in the pharmacy, (partly because this is where the wifi is ) but I have learned so much from her about herbal medicine! She is one of the most caring people I have ever met and treats me as if I was her actual daughter. When I arrived to Ecuador I couldn’t speak any Spanish, I couldn’t understand what anyone was saying and I was so terrified that I would remain an outsider. I couldn’t even imagine the relationship that I would form with her through these very short 5 months.
My host mom is the one in the pink, this was at the GCY Christmas party in December. She’s also really into makeup and nails so every week we redo our matching manicures and it’s one of my favorite parts of the week!!
This is Emily! She’s 11 years old. And definitely a huge shoutout to my older sister Saher, because have a younger sister is definitely so much more than I expected but I love it!!! She’s taught me a lot about selfies, a huge thing with Pimampiro’s youth.
This is Jorge, I genuinely don’t know what I would have done with out him here. He was my first friend and still one of my favorites! He’s about to turn three and we’re probably at the same level when it comes to language so when I first got here, he was one of the only people I felt like I could really communicate with. I spend many of my afternoons with him in the park or selling imaginary fruits at our mini market.
I also couldn’t forget my wonderful abuelos! They have made such a huge impact on me and I genuinely think that they are the real #couplegoals 🙂
Lastly, this is Dominique. She’s my host uncles daughter and lives across the street. I absolutely adore her, she loves getting her nails painted and playing with my hair.
(Look at our matching Christmas nails!!!)
I know for a fact that without these wonderful humans I would not be having the same amazing experience that I’m currently so grateful to be able to have. Couldn’t be happier with my placement and I can’t believe that time is flying by so fast!! Also shoutout to the fam at home, love and miss you all!!! 😘
Lots of love!!
Summer :))
