About my Trip - What the heck am I doing here?

Ecuadorian stamp for 75th Anniversary of Rotary Intl.For all of you who are wondering just what I am doing in Ecuador, I was lucky enough to recieve a 6-month Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarhsip through Rotary International . The purpose of which is to promote cultural awareness and understanding. I live with an Ecuaudorian family while studying Spanish, Latin American history, literature and culture at La Academia de Espaņol in Quito. This generous scholarship has made this trip possible by paying for my tuition, homestay and airfare.

In exchange I am to make several appearances at Rotary clubs in Quito where I will act as an "Ambassador of Goodwill", giving talks about my life in the U.S. as well as learning about the local culture and customs here in Ecuador. I will also have the opportunity to volunteer for community service projects sponsored by the local clubs. When I return home to Seattle I will give presentations at my host club and other area clubs about my experiences in Ecuador. It is a great experience and I am very thankful to Universtity District Rotary of Seattle for giving me this opportunity.