Ok lots to fill you in on.

I now ahve a family...they didnt kno they were having me and actually didnt want me because they already have an american student in there house who isnt allowed contact with anyone who sppeaks english! But they´ve welcomed me all the same and I´m only allowed to speak spanish which is helping me. Ecuadorian driving is terrible! When my mum picked me up we went up the pavement and almost hit a lamppost! Then through a red light at a crossroads which when realising she stopped in the middle and reversed! No such things as lanes jus drive whereever you feel like! and also no such things as seatbelts!

Felt quite lost in my first couple of days, but spanish is picking up and have met some cool people.

Had a bit of a scare last night! Was robbed at gun point! a man with a gun and a women with a huge machete! But managed to get away with giving them only a dollar from my pocket thank god I was wearing a money belt! However, ´my sister´´s bag was taken with her camera, $20, dictionaary, work books, phone in it. But least we´re still alive!

On a lighter note, went to my school today for the first time! All the children are lovely and were running up, holding my hand, kissing me and I was chatting to them. I want one!! Schools quite regimented can see influence from chinese government but think I will love it there. Stef and I had to do a speech on a platform on a microphone in spanish! Was scary! There are loads of children, about 400.

Quito is massive! about 3 times the size of london. Went to the south today where I´m working in the CENIT. Its very poor here alot of shacks made out of scrap metal and things for houses and lots of children on the streets. I´m working in the CENIT in the afternoons to help children who dont have help or necessary equipment like pens and paper to do they´re homework. Everyone seems really nice, I have to go out ot the markets and work with street children also. I start there and at my school on thursday! Very excited!

There´s lots of things to sort out with the embassy and getting my CENSO card and things so I´ve not been able to get on here or call. but will try to as much as possible.

I have bought a mobile out here, but havnt yet topped it up cz its somewhat confusing.

Mum and Dad will try and call you ASAP! But I´ve not been able to get to a phone in the correct time! So glad about england results and pompey results:) Thank you very much for my card!:) I hope everyone is well. Love to you both, Sasha, Abi, Nige, the two monkeys and all extended family(rich, pheobe, iggy, stu etc...!)

Love you all soooo much! and miss you lots!!!

x x x x