Well, my time is up here. I can't help but to laugh at myself for how I am feeling. I'm sad that I have to leave and I never thought this would be the case. Three weeks was just long enough for me to get attached to the staff and kids of UBECI. The leader of the program asked me to come back in one year and he said "I cry for you". His English has improved since I got here lol. We joked about how I'll come back and stay forever. And really, I can see myself finding my way back to help. Quito is by no means a great place to live, but the work UBECI does is worth it all. My first impression of the program was that it was hectic, but I think that was just my uncomfortableness that made me feel that way. Now, I just want to get back to the markets and have fun. That's all it was. Fun. For the kids, for the volunteers, and for the staff. I'm so thankful for all the challenges I had during my time here. From the homesickness, to struggling with making friends, to my overall safety. The sum total of my experiences in Ecuador have made me a stronger person. And it's also helped me to realize that I do know myself better than I thought. There are a few characteristics about me that have always been that way. Like, I have an old soul. I work efficiently and drastically better around people that are older and wiser than I am. Not sure why, but it's always been the case. And another characteristic, I love my family. Being far away from them and not able to see them whenever I want is a problem for me and always has been. I think they all know it, too! Yes, I came to Ecuador to be a teacher to the kids, which I was. I spent my days teaching basic colors, finger-painting, singing and dancing in a circle, and verbally encouraging the kids that they are good enough and their opinions matter. But as cliche as it is, I learned a lot along the way, too. They inadvertently taught me that there is so much in our world that we don't see until we step out of our comfort zone. I walk away from this place feeling sad that I won't be able to help anymore, but I also leave feeling very fortunate to have the life I have. I am lucky to have the family I have. I am lucky to have the education I have. I am lucky to be able to become anyone I want to be. I'm still figuring out who I WANT to be in this world, but now I am closer to understanding exactly who I AM as a person. I struggled early on with feeling lonely here and what got me through that was thinking about the kids and being eager to get back to them. UBECI and the kids are what got me through this journey and a part of me will always be with them and wishing the best for their future. I am going home now. Going home to a new journey to my future. Whatever that may be. I know wherever life takes me... I can handle it!