Just returning from a wonderful Ecuadorian vacation with my mom, I realize that in a way I am excited to be going back home to Nabon, excited to work again after relaxing a little too much. I expected the opposite, expected to be dreading going back to life in the campo, where everything moves at a snails pace. Luckily I don´t feel that dread... which makes me think I can stick it out for the next year and a few months.

My mom came on April 21, and she just left today. We got to explore parts of Ecuador I hadn´t really explored enough--such as actually entering museums (something I was a little delayed in doing). We also explored Mindo more, and went bird watching. At first I thought bird watching meant staring up at empty trees for hours on end--but we actually saw birds, including a toucan--from afar--and about 30 different kinds of hummingbirds. I also got to ride on the roof of the Nariz del Diablo train ride, which I was straying away from at first because it is so touristy, but was an incredible way to view the countryside and mountains around Riobamba. Oh and one of my favorite things was going on a zipline canopy tour in Mindo--they even let me hang upside down and go across with a big drop below me. Seeing the cloud forest from an upside down view was the best part.

Now its back to work and reality of living here in Ecuador. I have a bug health fair coming up in about two weeks, so I need to prepare for that and get back into working mode. I am planning on heading to Santo Domingo in a few weeks to my friend Amarilys´site, where i´ll help translate for doctor´s coming to perform surgeries from the states. As the rainy season ends here (and summer begins back home) I am hoping to get more projects started in my community. Nutrition seems to be unfolding as my main focus, which isn´t my favorite thing to talk about (i would rather talk about parasites, alcoholism, or AIDS prevention to be honest)  but probably a topic that has the potential to really impact my community in a positive way.

Anyway, thanks to all you out there thinking and praying for me as I continue this adventure! viva ecuador!