Erika Cecilia Arequipa C.

2008-09 Inbound from Ecuador

Hometown: Latacunga, Ecuador

Sponsor: Latacunga Rotary Club, District 4400, Ecuador

Host: DeLand Rotary Club, District 6970, Florida, USA

School: DeLand High School, DeLand, FL

Bio

Erika's Bio

Hi my name is Erika Cecilia Arequipa Chiluisa and my family and my friends call my 'Eris.' I'm from Latacunga, Ecuador. My city is small but very beautiful. It is near to Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the most high volcanoes in the world. I'm last of three children. My parents are Ramiro and Cecilia, they both are teachers. My brother is Omar, who is a police officer, and my sister Patty is an engineer. My family are the most important people in my life.

I think that Florida is a beautiful state and the people are very friendly. My host family is so cute - my host parents are Todd and Sandy. We have 5 cats, they are so cute.

I give the thanks to the Rotary club and my parents for giving this opportunity to meet new people and new culture. Thanks.

October 6 Journal

Hi everybody! My great adventure began on August 7th. When I was in the plane to Miami, I saw all my life like a movie, I remember my family, my friends, my country, everything, and I felt so bad. But I remember what is my purpose here... learn English, meet new friends, know new culture. When I arrived at Miami airport I had to change the plane. I was very afraid because I didn't know nothing about Miami airport, which is so huge, but a lot of people speak Spanish - this helped me. Then when I arrived to Orlando I saw a lot of people with a huge banner with my name, I was so happy!!!!! My first family, my third family, the president of DeLand club and more people were in the airport, I felt so welcome.

My new family
My host parents are very nice people, my host mom Sandy is very cute with me... she makes very delicious food and very very delicious cake (I love cake)... we usually go to see movies and some Sundays we spend time at the lake. I love my host parents.

My first days in DeLand high School.
My first day in my new high school was very confused but my host brother Marc helped me In the two first days. I felt sad because I didn't have any friends but now I feel so good.

The orientation camp was a beautiful experience I met a lot of people of different countries, it was really so cool.