For today's entry I thought I would introduce you to the family I live with. I'm really grateful that I was placed with this family....I think they're a professional host family or something. They've made my stay here as smooth as possible, and they know lots about the program I'm in.
Hilda: Hilda is the woman of the house. In addition to having a career she takes care of the house. She usually cooks all of the meals and cleans on Saturday. She does have help from a lady who comes to clean everyday...but who can blame her? As many as 8 people live here at one time...I think I would need help too. Hilda is great at helping Adrienne and me practice our Spanish and keeping us on track with what we're suppose to be doing when we get plans confused. One thing I'll never forget about Hilda when I leave Ecuador is that when she knows you like something she makes it for you...and you don't even have to ask. For example, Adrienne told us all at dinner one night that she really likes basil. So, the next day at lunch Hilda gave Adrienne lots and lots of basil on her pasta at lunch.
Rodrigo: Rodrigo is the man of the house. He goes to work every day, and comes home for lunch and dinner. Sometimes he even makes me breakfast when Hilda has to leave early for work. Rodrigo likes to hear me sing and play the guitar, even when I'm singing in English and he can't understand me...lol. One thing I won't forget about Rodrigo is that when he comes home he usually greets Hilda with a very sweet hug and kiss. That little gesture fills the whole house with love.
Carmita: Carmita is Hilda and Rodrigo's daughter. She lives here with them, and ironically also spent some time living in North Carolina. Carmita always helps me figure out what I'm trying to say at the dinner table when I get my words all mixed up. One thing I won't forget about Carmita is that her nails are always so pretty.
Juan Jose: Juan Jose is Carmita's 11 year old son. He also helps me out when I don't know a word in Spanish. And, when the internet is not working Rodrigo always calls Juan Jose to fix it. One thing I won't forget about Juan Jose is that after every meal he says to Hilda "Thank you very much. It was very delicious." Its so refreshing to hear him honor his grandmother everyday without fail.
Angie: Angie is Carmita's 8 year old daughter. When I first arrived at the house she ran from me. Then for the first week we didn't really talk except for "hola". Then one day after dinner Adrienne and I were talking outside of our rooms and Angie came upstairs to join us. She didn't really say anything, she just looked at us. So, I invited her into my room to see all the "Cool" stuff I have. I gave her chocolate and tried to convince her to save it for the next day. Then we went over colors and her favorite subjects in school. One thing I won't forget about Angie is the way she greets her grandmother and grandfather with a big smile and a big hug.
Adrienne: Adrienne is my classmate from BU who is staying here with me. We never really talked during the past year, but now that we're in Ecuador together we have the chance to get to know each other. I'm so glad she's here, because we can help each other navigate this new place and new language. It's kind of like having a sister while I'm here.
There you have it....my Ecuadorian family!
Hasta Luego!
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