Back in the Amazon

Before coming back to the amazon, I was in Misuallhi helping out translating for a medical brigade. It just so happens that the brigade is from my university abroad for winter term--small world. So I was the brigade for a few days and really enjoyed our time as we went out to rural areas around Tena and provided much needed medical care. 

Now, I'm in the amazon currently, a few hours north of Tena at a place called Yachana (which means school in Quichewa). Right now I am having the time of my life volunteering for a high school that has it roots in a eco-tourism foundation that is here to help the people of the surrounding communities.

I came here in November with my study abroad group and I loved it so much that I came back for two weeks. I came the high school with a project, but arrived and found that they need an English teacher for a week (and are lacking three other teachers that did not return). I said I would teach--but I did not know it was such an undertaking. I teach everyday for 3-5 hours depending on the schedule for three classes. They gave me no materials and I had no idea what the students had learned already about the language. So the first day was rough. When I had an idea about each class, I started thinking of ideas and lesson plans. I usually play games with them that involve vocabulary or phrases for most of the class (pictionary, draw a map of your town and label the places). It has become easier as I have a group from the nearby Yachana Lodge (also part of the foundation) helping me out for a few days.

Life here is interesting. We live by the sun. So every morning I get up at 5:30 and eat breakfast. Then class till 1:30, then afternoon chores around the high school and the surrounding farm. And I am in bed by 9 every night. The students are so kind to me and help me with my Spanish as I help them with English. My Spanish has reached new levels and I cannot believe how much it has improved.

I am enjoying it here through all the sweat and the bug bites (the amazon is so beautiful). And I don't want to go back to Quito or the States--I have a week and a half left here! It's crazy to realize that is it January already!