7 days behind

It has been one week since I have been home. It is funny how I counted down to go home, and now I am counting how long I have been home. Ironic. I am not going to lie. I don't think I am ready to write a reflection on my time in Ecuador, but I want to. Not sure when that is going to be but it will. Promise. 

I had a great weekend with my Megan, James, Thys, and Abby, Lette, and Rochelle, plus all my Trinity folk. Abby, Lette, Rochelle and I stayed up until 4 am Thursday night (Friday morning). My first American food: Wendy's frosty and fries. I don't know what got into me but that is all I could think about on the plane. I never have that craving, but like Abby says when I have a craving I normally get it. So we went to Wendy's. I soaked every minute of the drive from O'hare to Trinity up. It seemed so surreal that I was with my friends again. Friday was filled with quick hi's and sad goodbyes, meetings, lunch in the caf (did not miss that food), and a poor attempt at helping my roommates move out. Abby and I joined my sister and brother-in-law for dinner at their house. Then I said bye to Abby. I hate that I have to be so far apart from my friends for another long period of time. Summer has its downs for sure.

 I finally made it HOME! Saturday my feet were planted on the hot Arizona soil. My mom thought she would be funny and said that she was running late to the airport. So for about 5 minutes I wanted to cry. But I walked past security and saw my mother and father sitting there. What a good surprise! and a relief. The surprise continued with a small welcome home party at the house. It was so good to see my family again. Even my grandparents were there. What a blessing.

I wish I could explain the feeling of realizing just last week I was sitting on the beaches of Ecuador, having pillow talks with the roommates, and saying bye to all of my friends. It seems so fake to think that I am writing this post on our white kitchen counter, with my mom cooking squash, and the baseball game on. All the I hoped for while in Ecuador came true. Now I am on the quest to never forget my experience with new memories filling my mind.