Guess what? You don’t have to do it alone.

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As I write this I have been in Ecuador for less than two days, just over 30 hours. The past several weeks have been full of preparation for this experience. I made packing lists, filled out documents, got vaccinations, and researched the country, all to ensure I would have everything I needed when I got to Ecuador. Throughout the process, I tried to remind myself that I would have help. But, until now, I didn’t realize how much I truly believed that I would have to figure everything out on my own.

The image captures a breathtaking aerial view as seen from an airplane, showcasing a vibrant landscape beneath a wing. The airplane's wing extends prominently into the frame, featuring sleek metallic surfaces and a distinctive airline logo on the wingtip. Below, a patchwork of lush green fields and winding waterways creates a picturesque rural scene, interspersed with small towns and structures, hinting at vibrant community life. The sky overhead is a brilliant blue, dotted with soft, fluffy clouds that cast gentle shadows on the ground below. There’s a sense of altitude and tranquility, enhancing the beauty of this high-flying perspective.
My first view of Quito!

The truth is, since the moment I found the SIT crew after coming out of customs, there is nothing I have had to figure out by myself. For the past 30+ hours, I have been surrounded by other students in the same boat as me, navigating this “living a new country” thing together. We’ve already helped each other so much, even in the short day and a half we’ve been together.

One of my concerns about coming to Ecuador was navigating the city. I was worried that I would feel stuck, with no idea of where to go or how to safely get there. Last fall, I asked some friends who had been to Quito for their recommendations, and they told me about La Parque Carolina, a large green space in the middle of Quito. I planned on visiting it sometime, maybe at the end of my first week once I got settled with my homestay family. 

Nope, I went there within three hours of landing in Ecuador! Two other students in my program had the same flight as me, so our program staff picked us up together and brought us to our orientation hotel. As soon as we got settled, my cohort-mate suggested that we do some exploring and check out the park, which it turns out is just a short walk from our hotel. The three of us went together (traveling in groups for safety!) and had our first successful adventure in Quito. And here’s the craziest thing: I didn’t have to figure out any of it. I didn’t even suggest the idea. All I had to do was say yes. 

This image presents a vibrant outdoor park scene, inviting viewers into a lively atmosphere. The foreground features a lush green lawn, meticulously maintained and dotted with small patches of earth. In the center, varied groups of people engage in leisure activities, ranging from sitting on the grass to conversing in small clusters. To the left, a modest tree casts a gentle shadow over the grassy area, adding a natural framing element. In the background, a range of mountains rises majestically, shrouded in a delicate veil of clouds, while sunlight filters through, creating soft rays that illuminate the scene. Scattered throughout the park are recreational facilities, including basketball hoops visible in the distance and additional structures hinting at community sporting events. The backdrop is composed of both urban architecture and natural greenery, showcasing a harmonious balance between city life and outdoor recreation. The scene feels inviting, evoking a sense of community and relaxation.
Parque La Carolina. This is one of the open spaces but there were also gardens, food vendors, and even an inflatable bouncy house.

Today we had our first orientation sessions and started talking about what to expect during our time in Ecuador. One topic that came up was independence. We talked about how, in the US, we are accustomed to navigating a large part of our lives on our own. Our orientation leader let us know that is not how it will be here. First of all for safety, but also because of the culture. Ecuadorians do everything together. We are going to have to adjust.

Even being extrovert me, this sounded a bit intimidating. However, I had already seen how working as a group was so much better than trying to do it alone. This was confirmed for me later this afternoon when I had another adventure: buying a SIM card. I hadn’t bought an international phone plan, so I needed a new SIM in order for my phone to work in Ecuador. This involved going to the mall a few blocks from the hotel, talking to a phone company, and navigating various plan options. All in Spanish, by the way. Doing that on my own would have been incredibly overwhelming. But, several other students also needed SIM cards, so we went together. Between us, we were able to figure it out. Mission successful.

The image showcases the exterior of a Claro retail store, characterized by a bright red facade prominently displaying the Claro logo. Below the logo, there is a promotional banner in Spanish reading "COMIENZA EL AÑO RENOVANDO TU CELULAR," which translates to "Start the Year by Upgrading Your Cell Phone." The window features a striking advertisement for the Apple iPhone 16 (128GB) priced at $978.89, with a final price of $1,125.72, suggesting available financing options that include a 12-month payment plan and two months of grace. Inside the store, a clean, modern layout is visible. Staff members are present, engaging with customers at white counters showcasing various electronic products, including Samsung devices. The store's design appears contemporary, with bright lighting and a spacious feel. The overall atmosphere suggests a welcoming environment for customers looking to purchase mobile devices and accessories.
Claro, the phone company in the mall where we got our SIM cards

There are several other smaller examples: sharing different items we’ve brought, pooling knowledge on the country and program, and planning potential future adventures together. In one of our orientation sessions, we voiced our fears and concerns and made a promise that we would support each other. 

All of this reminds me of the image of the body of Christ in 2 Corinthians, where each body part has a role, and cannot disregard another part. Although I think there’s something special about this work in the body of believers, I see something similar playing out in my group. That passage also talks about sharing in joys and sufferings, and I’m sure there will be plenty of both this semester. It’s good to know I don’t have to do it alone. 

Ecuador lesson #1: 

You don’t have to manage every part of your life by yourself. You can be a participant in the collaborative process of figuring it out. We need each other.

¡Hasta pronto!

The post Guess what? You don’t have to do it alone. appeared first on Off-Campus Study.



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