I´ve finally found a computer that recognizes my jump drive!

I’ve been in country for about 3 weeks now.It’s everything I had expected.Then again, I came here with few expectations.So much has happened just within these first few weeks, it would take days to explain it all.
When I first arrived in Ecuador, our training group spent the night in a hostel in Quito. Following that we crossed the equator and spent a couple nights in Cayambe where we were given a brief introduction in Ecuadorian culture, Safety and Security,what to expect when we arrive at our house with our host family, as well as several vaccines and a language proficiency test. We finally arrived at our host families homes on Saturday the 20th and spent the weekend getting to know each other.(As best as possible, as my Spanish is very limited right now.)For me, this included walking several miles to milk the cows, attending my host dad’s futbol game, and teaching my host brother how to use a digital camera. Monday through Friday we spend the days in training sessions either working with our language, culture adjustment, or health.
Climate and Geography:I was warned that the Sierra area of was ‘chilly’ but I was not prepared for the weather.Being 10,000 feet above sea level, it gets pretty cold, especially if the sun isn’t out.During the day the temperature can range to mid 50s to high 70s depending on if it is cloudy or not.At night, the temperature usually drops to the mid 40s.Needless to say, I’ve been wearing my one hoodie and North Face everyday (and night).Although I did not pack sufficiently at all, I would not want to be training anywhere else in the country as the views are spectacular.From the moment I wake up until the time the sun sets (around 6:30) I am surrounded by breathtaking mountains and beautiful scenery.
Living Arrangements:That´s a pic of my house! It’s easy to think of living in certain conditions but it is completely different when you are actually living it.I live in a small indigenous community with a population of 800.The house I live in is pretty standard for my area.I have my own bedroom and my parents share a bedroom with my two brothers.There is also a kitchen with a working stove and fridge and a bathroom with running water. Apparently we have hot water, but I have yet to find it. I also have 2 dogs, 2 pigs, 7 piglets, 17 cows and 1 horse. My community has a school, a futbol field, a church and two small tiendas where they sell the necessities such as toiletries, some food, and beer. There is even a veternarian in my town to take care of the cows/sheep/pigs when they get sick.
Food:The food here is actually pretty good, but i´m already sick of it.Traditional Sierra meals mainly consist of rice and potatoes with a side of meat and a leaf of lettuce or slice of tomato. I have heard some horror stories from other volunteers about what they have been served but I’ve been pretty lucky with the food in my house. I usually get bread and coffee in the morning, and some sort of soup at night. The first few meals I had at my house I was served a ridiculous amount.The serving sizes my family eats are still insane to me but luckily I’m only served about one third of what the family eats. Although the food tastes good, it has been a process for my body to get used to. The other day I was served guinea pig for breakfast. I wanted to try it but 6:30 in the morning is too early for me. I´ll give it a try some other day and hopefully it won´t have fur on it like the one I was served.
Last weekend we went on a cultural trip to an afro-ecuadorian community. It was really great to get out of the cold mountains and down to a lower elevation. The people there were so great and loved to just dance and share their culture with us. We were even given the opportunity to witness a woman making masks and partcicipate in a Bomba dance. I requested that we do it every Friday and Saturday.. not sure if that is going to happen, though.
I have already been tested physically, emotionally and mentally and know this is going to be one of the most challenging things I will ever do.I also know if I put everything I have into this then it is going to be one of the most rewarding. Thanks to everybody who has been supportive of me, you make this that much easier.