End of Week 1

It has officially been one week since I’ve lived with Lauren and her family in Kentucky. This is my last blog post from my room in Lauren’s house L. I had an awesome time living with her and experiencing Louisville with her. She included me in her activities and wanted to help make my trip to Kentucky memorable. I’m sad to be leaving her, since I was beginning to get used to her lifestyle! BUT. I’m also excited at the same time because I get to move in with my third host, Kelli! I can’t wait to see what the next week will be like and what I learn from Kelli.

Zoe and Mercy

To celebrate my last night with Lauren, we all went to “The Comfy Cow,” which is a Louisville-based ice cream shop. It reminded me of Oberweis Dairy back at home in Illinois. The ice cream at The Comfy Cow was delicious, though it wasn’t as rich as Oberweis! I got “Cake Batter Up” ice cream which was cake batter ice cream with pieces of yellow cake mixed inside. We met up with one of Lauren’s friends and her dog, who is best friends with Zoe. I survived sitting and eating around TWO dogs – that’s a pretty big accomplishment for me!

After our visit to The Comfy Cow, we headed back to the house to watch TV, a routine we created this past week. However, instead of turning on the TV, Lauren and I spent the rest of the night hanging out and talking. We tried to be spontaneous and watched a YouTube video on how to side French-braid our hair…  and we didn't succeed... don't judge. We had a great last night together and I couldn’t be happier with the time I spent with her throughout the week. We’ve made plans to see each other one more time before I go back to Illinois to say our final goodbyes.

Lauren and I at The Comfy Cow!
We had broccoli AND ice cream on the same day!

Tonight, I start week two in Louisville with Kelli and begin my intensive preparation for Ecuador- solidifying lesson plans and starting my inquiry project. Dr. Herdoiza also wants me and another participant to lead a professional development session in Ecuador on the importance of special education in the classrooms. There is no concept of special education in Ecuador and the services are definitely not like the ones we have in the United States. This professional development session will hopefully address this situation and stress the need for special education, and inspire teachers to begin implementing some programs in their classrooms and schools. That’s a goal that I hope to accomplish while I’m there, along with the many other professional and personal goals I have set for myself!

16 days til the big day!