Last night in the US

Since I'm finding it impossible to sleep during my last night in the US, I've decided to start a blog in order to document my experiences as an exchange student in Ecuador.  My goal is to write as often as possible, but realistically once or twice a week, so that family, friends, Rotarians, etc. can follow my adventures during the year, and so that I can have something to look back on when I return.  At this point, I am finding it hard to fully grasp everything that's happening.  I am leaving home, my family, my friends, and everything that is safe and familiar to me, in exchange for the experience of a lifetime.  Right now, even though it's incredibly hard to say goodbye to everyone, I feel ready for the challenge.  I'm ready to start a new journey, and tackle things that are incredibly different from what I've encountered in high school.  So... here we go!