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There is nothing better than sitting under a single dim light bulb hovered around a tiled counter with chairs that are too short and pulling chicken off the bone with dirtied finger nails. It’s simple and basic and somewhat refreshing when you put overcooked chicken in your mouth followed by tasteless corn and purple cabbage. To do so with people you’ve known for only two weeks might seem strange, but it’s not. We see each other’s profile sitting on the toilet through the stained glass makeshift bathroom door that once was a window in a previous life. We’re bonding.

It has definitely been a challenge assimilating into a family of a different culture. I am always served first at meal times by one of my host siblings and I am always served an obviously larger portion than anyone else in the family. I also always receive the best cut of meat and it is always served on the best plate that they have in their collection of mismatched dishes. To top it off, my juice always comes in the nicest glass or mug and I receive the largest amount. That setting allows me to eat more than I would like, and oftentimes foods that I would not prefer. Last week I finally had to leave an unfinished hard-boiled egg untouched. The texture and the smell were too overwhelming for me so I finally broke the news that I did not care for hard-boiled eggs. I did it in the nicest way possible. Thankfully, I am the first Peace Corps individual this family has had so everything is new to them and new to me. We’re making progress.

My host mother and I continue to have strange moments. Besides me catcalling for her with the name “Mamacita” I have since asked her a fairly personal question of which I was not aware. She was tasting a sweet water drink native to Ecuador and I thought I asked if she liked it. A few minutes later after my host sister finished her hearty laughing I was informed that I had asked my Mamita if she liked me. I had asked it in a way that a boyfriend might ask his girlfriend. My host sister loved sharing this story with the rest of the family.

Thankfully, our group has meshed very well together and we have had some great training days at various organic gardens close to our training area. I’m learning quite a bit and will find out where my permanent home will be here in Ecuador in about two more weeks.