Boom. Ok, I got it.

Ahhh, Lima...it's been forever since you have posted...what is going on????

I'm sorry for not updating my blog as much anymore. Coming back home has kept me busy catching up with friends and family.

Spending time with people that I dearly love has been such a great refresher for me. They are the ones that have been with me through the up's and down's of life. Reuniting with some of my close friends reminded me of all the good times we had through our college years. It's crazy to think that some of us has real jobs, bills to pay, significant others to factor in, children to attend and all that other grown up stuff. Yet it didn't stop us from hitting the sand volleyball courts and make new memories at Sonic.

I think my favorite part about being home is hearing how much God has been moving in my friend's lives. Story after story they tell me of how much healing and reconciliation has been happening. Maturing and growing up...they say. Whoa. We never thought that could happen...yet, it's here. I see my friends taking leadership positions in church and their homes, pursuing their careers and taking the "next step" in their relationships. We are really growing up.

(Well, kind of. We still are making "That's what she said" jokes and laughing at the word "butt" at times. Some of us are also still broke--Gracias, economy--and rely on church events and "student" discounts for food)

This leads me to ask myself some questions...am I growing up? Did I grow in my walk with God? Did I "mature"? Am I learning? Did I actually learn how to cook? Did I eat my veggies today? Am I becoming the woman of God that He has called me to be? Am I remembering to pay them bills? Can I make my own bed? Am I taking steps forward? Am I letting go? Am I educating myself in political and higher education issues? Am I procrastinating on my freaking thesis? Did I take out the garbage last night? (Crap, I need to do laundry...running out of underwear) Am I making a difference at all? Am I healing?

It's funny because I was able to answer those questions in a positive sense, but there were a some that I couldn't answer. I realized that I still have a heck of a lot of work to do in my life. (My cooking skills suck and I hate making my bed) There are so many faults and things that I need to change. I still need to let go of the past in order to move on to my future. My future as an adult. My future as a woman. My future as a Latina in higher education. My future as a wife. My future as a traveler. My future as a professor. My future as an amature artist. My future as an wannabe writer. My future as a mom. I have a lot of "future's" in mind.

In other words...it dawned on me. I still need to heal....for all my "future's", which lead me to realizing that God is not done with me yet.



Then I took a moment to freak out a bit.





I thought to myself: "Can God actually heal me?....the deep down, nasty, and ugly stuff...can God heal that?"





....What the heck?.................... Did that just happen?.....






.......Did I just doubt God's power?




.................................................Whhhaaaaaat?



.....................................................Crap. I just did................

(insert struck by lighting here)

...............Epic fail.

I also took that moment to beat myself up....a punch here...a headlock there....a karate chop here.

Then through the midst of the questions, punches, and convictions....He reminded me:

Do not limit me. Don't you dare limit my power. Where is your lack of faith? The more you seek me...the more you trust me. Just because you have some healing to do...you are still called to work with people. You still have your job with students. You still have to be the example. You still have to love others because I first love you.



You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:13




Boom...Ok, I got it.



Bottom line (This may sound the "Christian cheesy" to you...but it's the truth. So deal.): No matter where you are in your like and walk with God...He is not done with you yet. Continue to seek Him out. Also, just because you are still being worked on doesn't mean that He will not use you for His glory. You are still His child. So stop being a pansy and put yourself out there. Go to grad school, accept that job, travel to that country, shake your booty, take that family member in, lose those 20 pounds, turn off that tv, break off that relationship, start that relationship, read that book, change churches, vote for that person, break that habit, reconcile with that family member, pray more, love more, listen more, learn more, serve more.

Ya, you may get hurt or something may go wrong, but you will get over it. He is going to use you...like it or not.

I am not perfect. I am still healing....but I am still loved.

Remember How to do CPR

Yes, I am currently relocated back in the lovely state of Houston. After a bumpy ride and sitting next to the most rude and impatient woman, I arrived without a scratch. Also, the humidity and the rain were a nice welcome home gift. Oh, Texas you will always be humid and hot for me...thank you for reminding me how much I love air conditioners and how much I hate my hair. (Picture taken from here)

Also the World Cup will continue on despite the bumpy airplane rides and attitudes of grumpy old ladies. Let's just say that during the Uruguay and Ghana game, I had the time of my life yelling at the TV with my abuelitos (my real ones, not my Cuenca ones). I have the blessing of having my abuelitos here in Houston. They are a great and crazy. Even though they are half my height, they are the prime foundation of the family. During the Uruguay and Ghana game, I seriously thought they were going to break something. They were so intense. Throughout the whole game, I was trying my hardest to remember how to do CPR...just in case. (Picture taken from here)

I have to always continue to remind myself that I was actually in Ecuador. Looking through my pictures help but it's just crazy. Being in Houston and hanging out with my family helps, but it feels so surreal.

Thank you, Ecuador for being beautiful. Thank you, for your people and the love that they shared. Thank you, for the cool and funny stories I can share with others. Thank you, for your cool nights.

I shall return to you soon for you were so good to me. Keep it real.

Little Bit On the "Weird" Side

I have been back in the states for two full days. It's been an smooth but somewhat sad re-entry process for me. My students are all with family, which is great and perfect for their re-entry. I'm however in a weird limbo state. Being in Indiana, away from my family in Texas, had to force me to suck it up and reflect on my own. I purposely choose to go this route before I'm rejoined with my family. I knew, from past experiences, that I would be a little bit on the "weird" side after a trip like this.

This trip has helped me faced some hard stuff about growing up. I had to face some old skeleton's in the closet. I had to think fast on my feet. I had to get the courage to confront some things. I had to continue to learn how to be patient. There's was a lot of things...I had to learn to do.

I loved Ecuador. I had an overall amazing trip. I already miss the people, my host family, and the country. People have been asking me if I will be back...my response: "whatever God has planned".

So if I write one heck of a report to my boss, who knows what will happen.

Cuenca, I Shall Miss...

Today I arrived in the good land of the US of A, and yet, it's weird. Thank you, jet lag for contributing to the weird factor. Of course, I had to drink up a good Starbucks to fully regain my gringa-ness. Oh yes, tis so sweet.





Cuenca, I shall miss your beautiful historic buildings. Your history and hidden beauties.











Cuenca, I shall miss your Fruitilados pistachio ice cream. Not only was it for about a dollar, but it was a tast of bliss. Life became a little easier for in that short span. Yes, the Land of Up does provide a little bit of happiness with Ivanhoe's...but it's not Fruitilado's. Hands down.







Cuenca, I shall miss my familia-Cuenca and all the love they have poured into my life.

Hello the Land of Up, you are providing me a sweet welcome of pretty sunsets and health-nut sundae's from Ivanhoes.

Re-entry sucks.

My Modern Art Experience

Yesterday I got to visit the Museo de Arte Moderno which is located at the south side of the Plaza de San Sebastian. Here's a little history lesson for y'all...according to the Lonely Planet: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands: "In 1739, when this plaza was still used for bullfights, it was a mob of cuencanos (folks from Cuenca)--not the bull--who mauled a member of La Condamine's geodesic expediction here, apparently because of an affair with a local woman." Well, that's not the first time I have heard some silly happened all because of a woman.

The museum was once a home for the insane and mentally ill. It's a pretty sweet place with many different sizes of rooms, which were perfect for different art works that required their own room. Of course, there were some art pieces that took me a while to figure out what the heck they were expressing. Then there were some others that I just completely gave up on. It was interesting to see how art is displayed in a different culture...yet I found that there was some similarities. People are displaying different emotions that are feeling inside. Others are simply on a mission to express a message. Others just want to do art. Funny, I feel like everyone does that everywhere.






To recover from my modern art experience, I decided to treat myself to one of the best chocolate covered strawberries ever. Not only was this friendly to my budget, but my taste buds jumped for joy at this event.






Coming home from a day exploring Cuenca, I found this little surprise in the middle of hallway. Primo-Cuenca was so focused on his drawing that he didn't even look up or notice anything. He made want to come to that age where you didn't have responsibilites to face.



By the way, primo-Cuenca looks cute now...but just wait when you meet him in person ;)


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USA won today. It was an emotional day for us gringos...but we are ok. Thank you, Donovan, for scoring at the 91st minute, while we were all holding our breath and crossing our fingers. You can check out the goal we were waiting for here. (Picture taken from the Huffington Post sports website)

My Morning Walk...I shall miss you

This is how Lima spends her mornings...

After hitting the snooze button a couple of times, I finally struggle out of bed. I pop in my contacts and stumble my way to the shower. I stare at my clothes for what seems for an eternity while deciding what I should wear. Everyday I have spent in Ecuador, I have managed to wear a scarf. (It's freaking cold in the June/July months). Finally, after being clothed, I shuffle my way towards the kitchen table where a lovely cup of coffee awaits my presence. Ah yes, the sun begins to shine, the birds begin to chirp, and life begins to start at this moment. Thank you, mama-Cuenca for waking up to make me this cup of joy.


After having my pan con cafe, I run to my room grab my bag and head out the door for my daily walk to work/church where students take classes. Everyday I walk about 20 minutes and it's always an adventure. There always seem to be a couple of street dogs that like to stare at me like I'm there lunch. Some follow behind me and linger and then leave. Others like to bark at me like I was going to attack them. Either way, I usually survive the attack of the street dogs.
Not only am I greeted by the street dogs, but I usually get a honk or two and a whistle or a lovely shout from the morning traffic. Even though it could be flattering, I prefer to not let the machismo "compliments" interrupt my morning walk.

I always look forward to my morning walks. It's just me, Cuecna, and my thoughts...and the occasion random surprise. I get my heart pumping with the tiny hill that I have to walk up (Thank you, altitude). I also have a chance to catch some amazing views that neither Indiana or Texas has. Sometimes I just stop for a second or two and just stare....then a local would stop and stare me.

Ah yes, my morning walk...I shall miss you. You are good for my health. You help me adjust to the altitude. You provided the street dogs some entertainment. You gave me some great sights to see. Please come back with me to the "land of Up"...the cornfields are not as good to me as you are.

Well, I shall go and get my winning prize from my bet with papa-Cuenca. Urugauy won which means that I get some good chocolate, Mexico lost which means papa-Cuenca doesn't get his banana split. Oh, the harsh life...

Thank you, little pink pill

Before I continue on I would like to say a be-lated Happy Papa's Day to my Papa Lima. (Don't worry, I actually did call him on the phone yesterday and i also had to wait till today to post.) Thank you, Papa Lima, for all that you have done for me. You taught me: how to really watch sports, that it's ok with society to dance around the house, how to play chess, to kick the Christmas tree when it doesn't cooperate with you, how to feed my sweet tooth, how to learn from your mistakes, how to change a tire, how to drive standard, that traveling to different countries is the bomb.com, to chase after my dream, that family always comes first, that singing on top of your lungs in the shower is the normal thing to do, how to love God before anything else, to serve others, how to eat with a knife and fork, how to whisle, how to work hard for your money, and how to love your family even when they are not perfect. Gracias, Papi.
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Well, it’s official…I have gotten sick on this trip. The lovely event happened Thursday night with abdominal pain that hurt so much that I thought I was about to give birth (I base this statement on what has been told to me. I’m sure giving birth is the highest level of pain. Props to all the mama’s out there). The stomach tearing apart pain lasted into the wee hours of the morning until I finally took the magic little pink pill. I slept all day Friday with still some pain. Saturday I felt 75% better but the sad part is that I missed the Cajas trip with my students. It was wise that I would stay in bed than rather be passed out on the trial clenching my stomach.
At this time I would like to give out some acknowledgements to those who have kept me company throughout this frustrating time in bed:

• Thank you, little pink pill, for being the savior of the tearing apart stomach pains. When I thought my stomach was going to explode, you came in with your pinkness and make the pains not hurt so much.

• Thank you, ipod, for playing my chillax playlist. The melodies of Ingrid, the shins, Iron & Wine, Snow Patrol, The Fray and many more friends have had some assistance to calm me down during the stomach tearing apart moments.

• Thank you, TV, for providing three important channels: one that shows all the World Cup games and highlights; another that plays English and Spanish music videos; and lastly one that shows Spanish soap operas at night. Now I feel up to date on: my World Cup facts, who’s hot or not in the music biz, and that Maria has been sleeping with Paco’s bestfriend.

• Thank you, tea, for being the chosen drink of the weekend. Not only have I been having two cups of you every day for the past three weeks, but this weekend you have really shined through. I have lost count of the number of cups I have drank of you, but I’m pretty sure I’m developing an British accent and my pee smells like you.

• Thank you, Bible, through your Holy words you remind how small I am and how great my Savior is.

• Thank you, bed, for being my best friend this weekend. Since we have been cuddling so much, I took a shower just for you.

• Thank you, journal, for letting me vent out my frustrations but also providing a space for me just to be me and draw.

• Thank you, big window in my room, for letting the sun shine on me. I appreciate it since I haven’t seen the outside world in days.

• Thank you, Mark Buchanan, for writing The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath (Ironic, huh?). Not only is this book was perfect timing while I was forced to rest this weekend, but you are challenging me to change my mind about Sabbath.

• Thank you, familia-Cuenca, for letting me wake you up in the middle of night when it felt like an alien was going to pop out of my belly. You sat at my bed side at 2am, made me 10 million cups of tea, made me eat the nasty soup even when I fought back, check on me while I slept, prayed over me, played salsa music to cheer me up, watched Spanish soap operas and laughed with me. I am beyond blessed on having your care and love during this nasty time.
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Since I had time this weekend to really enjoy the World Cup games, I took the liberty of jotting down a couple of my favorite things about the World Cup that makes the whole singding the shiznit:

• I love it when they replay fouls, red/yellow cards, goals, or what could have goals…they make it all slow motion. I love the looks on the players face. It’s either they are constipated or are in immense pain. Also, making everything slow motion makes the players seem that they are faking or pansies. I know that it’s all real and it hurts like a mother when you get cleated in the shins but life is funnier when there is slow motion.

• They also show the coaches reaction to whenever there is a foul, what should have been a foul, yellow/red card, goals or what could have been goals. Again, it’s all the in slow motion. These little clips cracks me up because you can make out the words coming out of their mouths, which are not really gentleman like. The majority of the coaches look like they are mad at the world.

• I love it when the “underdog” comes out on top or really gives the other team a game to play. Not only makes the games more interesting but you get to see the other team scramble around and freak out that they might lose the game. For example, the Algeria and England game. Poor Brit’s thought it was an easy win, hands down. It’s like a humbling thing.

• I think it’s funny that whenever a player gets called on a foul and/or yellow/red card they put on this innocent look on their faces and throw their hands up. Of course, refs are not perfect and call some stuff that I swear they pull out of their butts. But when the ref makes a good call and the player knows full well what they did and act all innocent…I just laugh at their silliness.

• I love the thrill feeling you get when someone shoots for a goal and you feel three things: 1) pure adrenaline rush of the excitement that your team is about to score, 2) fear because the other team is about to score and that is the worst feeling in the world…other than childbirth, or 3) if you are impartial of whoever wins, you still have this adrenaline “yes, some one is about to score”. That’s when you know you love futbol.

• I giggle every time I hear the very beginning of Shakira’s Waka Waka song. It sounds like a man burping.

• When watching a game in Spanish and someone is about to score, they get louder and about to say the famous “gooooaall”. It’s like they are warming up. When they don’t make the goal they just say the last word of their sentence when the same loud tone of the “goooaaaallll”. So if you have the game on in the other room, sometimes you are not really sure that they actually scores a goal or not.

• I’m amazed of how in shape these players. I know they have to be but if you think about it…it’s intense. It’s pure sprinting for 90 minutes and then you have to kick a ball while keeping it away from the other team by using good footwork…lot’s of multi-tasking if you asking me.

• I like seeing the different color cleats each player has. The most “out there” color I have seen is lime green so far. I’m waiting for one of them to have a fuchsia or hot pink color.

• Thursday I was walking through down town Cuenca to meet some of my students at Fruitilado’s. I was running late because I was trying to finish watching the France vs. Mexico game but when I left my house it was still 0-0. When I passed a news stand, they had a mini-tv set up and I was able to catch the end of the game with 5 old men. They all looked at me for a second and saw how engrossed I was in the game and gave me a nod of approval. Despite your citizenship, race, gender, or age, you are automatically cool in Latin America if you are avid World Cup watcher.

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I'm sad to say that this week is my last week here in Ecuador. Sad, I know. Since I kind of lost a weekend, I'm planning of soaking in every minute I have left of Ecuador, which includes my familia-Cuenca. Like I always tell my students, your experience with your host family can either make it or break it. Yes, you can't really control your host familly's actions but you do have some influence over your experience. I can already tell that the majority of my students are building strong relationships with their host families. Well, since it's my last week here...I'm just planning on focusing on the here and now.