In retrospect, I shouldn’t have wasted the week before our departure folding and rolling every outfit I have ever owned in attempt to make it fit into my small suitcase. Because the beauty of the small suitcase is that if it fits once, consider yourself lucky, because it will never fit again. To make my case, however, I am the only one in the family who always has a full supply of clean clothes.

I’ve come to realize that although I miss some of the comforts of Annapolis, there is always a replacement (except for my grande skim mocha at Starbucks, I haven’t found a suitable alternative yet).  Our family’s running joke is “same, but not quite.” Yes, we have tried the local Chifa Chinese restaurants, and yes, they make wonton soup. And yes, its almost the same, but not quite. And yes, we have searched tirelessly for Ben and Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream, but for now, our new favorite alternative, is a Los Coqueiros coconut popsicle. Almost the same, but different. Yes, they have $8 Betty Crocker brownie mix, but its not the same as the quinoa flour/local chocolate brownie batter. And yes, I do miss Naylor Building at school, but for now, Online School for Girls will just have to do. Online teachers respond to emails quicker, anyways 🙂 

I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been an adjustment. But, I’m happy to say that I will always be able to call Ecuador home, if I ever need a new one.