So much has happened since I wrote my last report. I participated in a Rotary Fashion Show in which all the exchange students from my hosting club had to model with their respective flags. I also went with the Interact Club to donate clothes and shoes to some little kids who really needed it. It was really nice because I had the opportunity to play with them for a little while!

About 3 weeks ago, I went on the first rotary trip to a province called ‘Manabi. All of rotary’s exchange students in Ecuador were present. The ride up to Manabi took about 5 hours from Machala. All of the exchange students in Machala & Pasaje went together. So that made up about 12 of us. When we were about 10 minutes from the hotel, we were unfortunate enough to get a flat tire. But, after about 5 minutes the bus was running fine again and we arrived at the hotel in no time! We were greeted by like over 100 students! Every night in Manabi we went to a disco and slept at about 2 or 3 in the morning. In the days, we were all divided into about 6 groups to compete in volleyball and soccer competitions. Fortunately, my group was the best; we won both competitions and were awarded medals on the last night! When we were not playing in the competitions we were allowed free time on the beach or in the pool. In Manabi we visited about 3 cities and we also went souvenir shopping! On the last night we all participated in this ceremony where every country was announced and we walked in with our respective flags. Also, we all participated in this talent competition. I decided that I would share a part of my Bahamian culture. So, I decided to dance a little of "Junkanoo." (A cultural festival celebrated every year in The Bahamas.) Before I left for Manabi, my host mom helped me buy all the things I needed to make a "Junkanoo Skirt." It looked so pretty! Everyone commented on it in Manabi! In the blink of an eye, I was saying goodbye to all my new friends whom I have grown to love in just 4 days. But, we all are anticipating our next trip in December where we will meet again!

Since then, I have joined my school’s volleyball team. I am not allowed to play in competitions but I get to practice with the team and go to the games and sit with them! That’s not so bad. I love it!

This weekend, my counselor invited me to another province called Cuenca. Cuenca was wonderful. It’s so much times bigger than my city Machala! We went because it was a holiday weekend and my counselor usually spends this time with her family in Cuenca. The holiday was called "Dia de Los Difuntos." This holiday is basically Memorial Day and here they make this special kind of drink called "Colada de Morada" and bread shaped like people with colorful decorations on it. These specialties are made just for this holiday and believe me it was quite tasty! I had a wonderful time with my counselor and her family! I even went to a party in the mountains. I thought it was so cool but I was really cold up there!

My weeks are becoming so busy now. I love my school even more now than before. Now, I have loads of friends and they are all so willing to help me learn Spanish. I am always invited to a party, at the mall or at a friend’s house to hang out with them. Sometimes, I even invite friends at my house. At least once every week, my exchange friends and I meet up at one of our houses or in the mall. I even joined the gym but I been so busy with friends that I barely have time to go! My family is wonderful and they are always asking me what I want to do. Whether it is going to the cinema to watch a movie or visiting another province just to eat my favorite dish – Ceviche.

Thank you Rotary, I can’t possibly express how thankful I am for being allowed this wonderful experience here in Ecuador!

Nae!