In Ecuador time is not valued in the same way that it is here. Lives are not run on a strict schedule. Yes, there were starting and ending times for schools, but in what I encountered, that was about it. My family ate meals just whenever everyone would arrive home. If someone was expected and hadn't yet arrived, then we waited for them. No one had places to rush off to, except for me when I had to be back at school at 3 and we weren't sitting down to lunch until 2! I felt almost rude and definitely out of place scarfing down my food so that I could dash off while everyone else was still sitting at the table enjoying their meal.
On our last evening in our host city 'Ecuadorian time' was very apparent. All host parents and Luther students were invited to a "going away" dinner that was at 7:45 based on the invitation. I know that my parents and I didn't even leave home until 7:50! I was getting a little worried, but then when we arrived at the dinner people were just chatting and at least 3 other families came in after us. The dinner didn't actually get started until at least 8:15, but no one seemed too bothered by this at all (except for us students who came in late with embarrassed looks on our faces).
Now returning to such a rigid and hectic class/practice/work schedule, I am definitely missing the calmness and flexibility of Ecuador!
One other aspect that I miss is the closeness and kindness of Ecuadorians! I felt so much care and respect from my host family (below picture) despite only being there for 3 weeks! It came from the custom of kissing everyone on the cheek whenever coming or leaving the house, even if you didn't know them. And it also came from spending so many evenings together just hanging out in front of the tv and talking! I saw my 27-yr old host brother sitting on his mom's bed one afternoon just talking about life, and I thought that was really neat and that it would be a rare sight in the U.S.
As soon as I returned to my home in Cedar Rapids, IA, I immeditately noticed that difference in how families interact and show affection here in the U.S. versus in Ecuador. At home I usually don't kiss or even hug my parents upon entering/leaving my house, but rather a quick 'hi' or 'bye' will suffice. I did spend quite a bit of time talking with my parents when I returned, filling them in on my great experiences, but I also spent so much more time alone doing my own thing while my parents did whatever they needed to do. In the U.S. I've realized how independent we are, worrying about our own schedules and obligations so much that sometimes we sacrifice time with the people we really care about.Thus far it's been very eye-opening to see the direct contrasts of our culture and Ecuador's culture. But some of the Ecuadorian customs aren't all that I'm missing, what about the 70 degree weather?!
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