Well, I don't think there is much you should be ashamed of. This is how I look at it, this is how we were raised here in America, there it is different. The best we can do is realize how lucky we are and try to help those who aren't as lucky. What is great is you can realize the different lifestyles and feel grateful for the things you have, which some people cannot do. And I do not think there is anything to be ashamed about wanting material things, and things like running water, etc. I would pick that life over any other, but I'm not ashamed of it. Because you and I recognize that we have things to offer because of the lifestyles we lead.
This sounds more like a lecture. Haha, I'm not trying. I swear.
Fighting for causes is great, and that is what makes you and people who recognize that better people!
language barriers That is how I felt when I did my inservice hours at Andersen Open School, with my hispanic students. It was frustrating not to be able to communicate with them and vice versa since I don't know that much Spanish...and children tend to mumble a lot when they speak. So I know what you mean!!
More Lauren-
I am sure that many of us will want to hear more about your experiences in Peru, as you begin to digest your time there. Your writings are so much fun to read because they are so personal and reflective. I say keep writing this blog for a bit longer!
Mom
Thank you for such great blogs! Your blog entries have all been fantastic; thanks for doing them! You do such a great job of letting us readers feel that we were there. You also gave us great insights into your inner responses to what you were experiencing. So we could see both "out" and "inward." Thank you for all the stories! I have also experienced extreme simplicity in various places (such as Mexico), and I always come home with a pretty clarified list of my "strong have to have's" -- including hot water delivered by plumbing --- and a newly figured out list of "don't needs" -- such as TV or new clothes. Throughout your life, it all makes a difference! You become more appreciative of certain things, and also more tolerant of hardships whenever they appear in your life. (For example, once the kids and I were without electricity for about a week after a big storm in 1998 in our Richfield house. I figured out how to make do and didn't feel deprived at all! Rather, I felt resourceful. But when the electricity came back on, I was sure glad to have it again. Still, to this day, I can do without air conditioning any day, as I think you know! Anyway, these were very special blogs! Thanks again. Even though you'll never see those people again in this life, perhaps, their voices and spirits will always be part of your conciousness! Just like teachers from elementary school or something similar. I agree with you, though, I hate goodbyes, and usually refuse to even say the word when it's time to say it.
Pure inspiration and joy! Lauren: I don't know when you'll have a chance to see comments again, but whenever you do, I want you to know that it has been fantastic to read your blogs from Ecuador! I might envy you, but believe it or not, I am able to derive large quantities of vicarious deilghts just by reading what you have to say about what you are experiencing. It is obvious that you have lived life to the fullest where you are, for the time you're there. You'll pine after Ecuador for years. As I told Alia when friends of ours in Japan left and she was sad (while we were still there), "Missing them means that we had a great experience with them!" Or something like that. You used to ask me and Alia why we "always talked about Japan!" Well, I'm willing to bet that you'll "always talk about Ecuador!" :) There is nothing like the kind of experience that you've had. And the great thing is that the growth and inspiration you get from it will never end! Like Alia, I loved your descriptions of swimming and riding the bicycle! later!
lol... That song's really funny. It's good! Do you really feel sick of fried plantains, or was that just part of the song, to add humor? I made fried plantains for my mom's surprise birthday party, and everyone liked them. I thought of Ecuador when I made them, and was kind of laughing at myself for even trying to make fried plantains up here in Minnesota when they are, I'm sure, much better in Ecuador.
Bon Voyage... have a good time in Bolivia and Peru.
Feliz Cumpleanos again I couldn't help but do it one more time. Just read your blog. You did have a great birthday. I am anxious to hear you play your new flute. Such talent.
birthday celebrations It sounds like it was a wonderful day! The image of you trying to blow out your candle made me remember all the times you did that (unsuccessfully) as a child. Good to see that some things never change!
The people in South America must be joyful and loving souls. I wish that you could stay longer. You will just have to plan another trip sometime.
Love you!
your little dose of Cassie I'm glad you had a great birthday!! I made a little something for you, and I"ll give it to you next time you're home. Which should be...end of summerish? maybe?
As for your "what's new in my life" mini update...things are going well, despite the fact that 2 of my good friends are moving soon, Jon in 5 days, Dustin in one month. I'm pretty sad, but I know Jon's not going to be gone forever, just a little over a year. I am kind of sad, however, that I probably won't see much of Dustin when he leaves. Brittany, Zach, and Zach's friend have been looking at houses to rent together, and I think that will be a really cool place to hang out when I want to be somewhere other than home. Tara's brother Brian was in town today, and he's staying tomorrow too. He took me, Tara, their older sister, and her two kids out to Olive Garden for supper tonight, which was super duper uber cool of him to do. He even let us go hog wild and get appetizers, drinky drinks and everything! I had a sunrise something or other, it had pineapple and cherry. Then I was joking and I told him that since he always insisted on taking me out, I'd have to do something for him sometime. And he asked if I'd design a tattoo for him. So...I told him I would.
Hmm, maybe I should have just written you an email...sheesh!! Oh well, I just wanted to post all of this gossip where not only you could read it, but your loyal blog fans could read it also. Woo!
Happy birthday. :) I'm glad to read about your birthday; I knew it would be great. That's so cool you were sang to in Quichua... that's one thing I doubt any of us up here will have happen to us. The horse-back-riding sounds so nice; I love riding horses. It sounds like you're having an amazing time. Keep up the journal posts.
wooo I'm glad you're having fun! I want one of those stickers! lol
Nothing really new to report. Jon's cooking dinner tonight, so I'm going to his house later today. He moves to Denver on July 1st, and things are going to seem pretty drab around here when he's gone...
This is probably my favorite entry so far. There are many things I like, such as the fact that you feel graceful in the water, and that you felt so free while riding the bicycle. I'm glad you're having such an amazing time. I knew you would. I told you so, I told you so, nah nah nah boo boo... okay, just kidding... I'm sure you knew you'd have a great time.
Oh... I don't know how well you're able to keep up with gossip while down in South America, but guess what... Dan and Mariah are going out. Isn't that something?
wow! a rainforest in alaska! I love hearing your stories too, and i can appreciate them so much more now that I've traveled a bit too. so don't worry about blogging on my blog! :)
katy katy katy... how I miss you so! I have been reading all your great e-mails, litle by little when I have time. I love them. Ecuador reminds me so much of spain and yet doesn't. though something is definitely missing, and that would of course be you. :) Have a good summer and good luck in paris next fall if you go back! how amazing!
hope to talk to you when i'm back in the states.
Besitos.
why hello lauren i love your blogs. not at all too long. i actually just kept hitting "next journal" and then it wouldn't let me read anymore and i didn't believe it, but its true. june 15 is the last time you wrote. i imagine you know that. i just talked to jen and sarah and left a message on clarissa's phone. this is close right? i'm in dallas, tx now. that's not france, did you know that? :) well, i wish i were where you are, but your blogs are giving me a great picture of what its like...but better than a picture because its all the other senses. i love that. i love you. peace.
Another rainforest Hi Lauren, I enjoyed this blog. I do not like that term, but I will use it in order to show that I am "with it." You will also be surprised to hear that we visited a rain forest in Alaska on Kodiak Island. The warm Pacific current collides with the cold temps and creates a rain forest. We traveled through the forest to get to a rock colony of Puffins, one of my favorite birds. But this is your blog, not mine. I am looking forward to hearing about women's issues as well as the indigenous movements. Grandpa and I have visited several indigenous environments and I find that fascinating. Thanks for doing this.
woo! lol, i feel honored that you will break your sworn facebook celebacy for me. I only sent the message there because I couldn't get into my school email for some reason, and my hotmail doesn't always like to get along with your email addresses...
Maybe I'll just give you little mini updates here?? For instance...I dont know when you were last on LJ, but Mike and his girlfriend are engaged. Crazy! Also, I've heard rumor that Dustin and HIS girlfriend got engaged also, but I haven't talked to Dustin in about 2 weeks, so I dont know for sure yet. Jon moves to Denver July 1st, which is sad, and Dustin will be moving to NC permanently sometime in August. That's the nitty gritty for now. LOL
two moms Could be that Quito's children spend more time out in the real world than the children of the U.S., who are watching TV and playing video games. I am so glad that you are enjoying yourself and that you have a "mama" who cares, even if she is overbearing sometimes! Sounds a little like your real mama, doesn't it? Even though I taught you how to put on your shoes when you were a very little girl! Love you!
Voice from the Past Hi Lauren--This is Glenna Tevis--you may rememberme from the Child Care Center at Morningside College. You were just three years old when you spent the night at our house and played with our daughter Laura who also attended the child care center. I met your mom last weekend in Ames at the Iowa Annual Conference and she sent me your blog. What an adventure you are on; I am enjoying reading about your experiences; congratulations on all of your accomplishments.
Miss ya! ohhh, Lauren, Ecuador sounds awesome! I'd love to hike around in a rainforest. I should shoot you an email soon. I sent you a message on facebook, but I'm not sure if you got it before you left. Hope to hear from you again soon!
wee Miraflores! I love it!!
I'm so glad you are having a good experience with your host family...because, as you know, I haven't heard many good experiences from my other friends. They sound absolutely amazing...I wish I could meet them *sad face* awwww.
hummingbirds Did you know Hummingbirds can't walk...perhaps that is why they beat their wings so fast. LOL- who knows!
Glad you are having a great time! Miss you! Te amo mucho!
From June 4th through July 16th of 2007 I will be traveling to South America to participate in a sociology class and work as an intern. I will spend four weeks in Quito, Ecuador, one in Bolivia, and the other in rural Peru near Lake Titikaka. Since spending time in spain last fall and lamenting the time it took to write mass e-mails I decided having a blog would be more enjoyable for everyone involved. Enjoy!... full info
Teresa
non-member comment
Well, I don't think there is much you should be ashamed of. This is how I look at it, this is how we were raised here in America, there it is different. The best we can do is realize how lucky we are and try to help those who aren't as lucky. What is great is you can realize the different lifestyles and feel grateful for the things you have, which some people cannot do. And I do not think there is anything to be ashamed about wanting material things, and things like running water, etc. I would pick that life over any other, but I'm not ashamed of it. Because you and I recognize that we have things to offer because of the lifestyles we lead. This sounds more like a lecture. Haha, I'm not trying. I swear. Fighting for causes is great, and that is what makes you and people who recognize that better people!