ANA Discussion Forum

AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Manders on October 21, 2012, 08:48:20 am

Title: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: Manders on October 21, 2012, 08:48:20 am: I made it to the 6 month mark!! It feels so wonderful to be halfway to my 1 year mark and I really do feel 100% like the old me again. For those of you who are still waiting to have surgery, trust me, things do get better. :) Although you'll have scars and may have some physical reminders of what you've been through, you will live a full, normal life again.

I think, if anything, you might even live a fuller life than before. There's nothing like illness or a serious medical condition to make you reassess what's important to you and realize how unpredictable and fragile life can be. Going through this experience with Iggy has given me the courage to do something that I've wanted to do for awhile but always put off: teach English in South America!

In February I'll be leaving the states to live and teach in Ecuador for a year with WorldTeach. It's a nonprofit organization that sends volunteer teachers to developing countries around the world. I'm so excited to finally be "taking the plunge" and I largely have my acoustic neuroma to thank for it.

If you'd like to find out more about what I'm doing and find out how you can get involved, just head on over to my blog and read my 6 month post-op entry:www.awkwardturtles.blogspot.com (http://www.awkwardturtles.blogspot.com) or you can visit the Facebook page I created: www.facebook.com/ecuadoryear (http://www.facebook.com/ecuadoryear).

What have you been putting off until you have more time, more money, more courage, etc? From here on out I'm going to try and do my best to make the most of the time God has given me. I hope we can all encourage each other to do the same. :)

**Happy turtling!**
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: chloes mema on October 21, 2012, 09:27:00 am: Manders
Have been thinking a lot about you this week wondering how you're doing so good to read your post.

Good luck and thank you for such a positive post; made me stop and think.

Best of luck to you. ;)

Karen
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: Jim Scott on October 21, 2012, 01:13:23 pm: Manders ~

Congratulations on your excellent recovery as well as your decision to spend a year teaching English in Ecuador. An act of service that is to be admired.

Your admonition to make the most out of life and take some risks is astute and demonstrates a maturity that is rare in a person your age. Kudos to you, Manders. I'm sure you'll have a great experience in Ecuador! :)

Jim
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: MDemisay on October 22, 2012, 03:35:20 pm: Manders,

Go and explore Ecuador and teach English. Live your life ! Do good! You'll be AMAZING! Three cheers! Congratulations! Go for it!

Mike
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: Manders on October 24, 2012, 09:56:10 am: Thank you all! I'm really excited about this opportunity. I know it's going to be challenging but it will help me to learn and grow even more. Thanks for the encouragement! :)
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: chloes mema on October 24, 2012, 05:33:48 pm: You go, girl! ;)
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: LizAN on November 29, 2012, 01:36:28 pm: Woohoo, Manders! Life not only goes on, it can get even better, and you are living proof!

Liz
Title: Re: Going to Ecuador! (and 6 months post-op)
Post by: It is what it is on November 29, 2012, 05:44:29 pm: What an amazing experience you will have. Please share with us some of your life moments while you are there. Congrats!

karen