8 years ago, I came to Ecuador with a spark and a passion for exploring and finding myself. And it really filled me up: new language skills, amazing encounters with people and places. There's no shortage of what life has given me over the years. And somewhere along my journey, I was blessed with the best gifts of all—two amazing little boys to keep me company and share the experience of life. They have both molded me so much into the woman that I am. We've been through so much together. Fun times, sad times, scary times: sicknesses, accidents, long, long sleepless nights (for me) battling sniffles, sneezes, and fevers. Hospital stays that scared me to the core and made me realize how being a mom meant forever living in a "worried" state about your kids, even when you're sleeping!

I've always heard the saying: it takes a village to raise a child. I've been not only the village but the entire solar system to two kids nonstop. No rest, no breaks, just around-the-clock, nonstop supermommy work. We've been through it all together. I've never felt stronger, but also never felt so completely and utterly exhausted and constantly wanting so much more for them. Ecuador has been fulfilling but extremely isolating and hard as a mom. Now, as I prepare myself for our next leg of life, I'd really love to return home. It's been a long time coming. Each year I put it off.

I always found an excuse as to why I couldn't or wouldn't return home each year. Until recently, I actually realized why I didn't want to return home. I kept telling myself life here is manageable. I could raise two kids as a single mom without any help whatsoever; what more could I ask for? Truth is, I'm absolutely terrified of starting over with two little ones. The pressure is so gigantic.

I've come to realize that it's OK to ask for help. And even though it doesn't feel great to admit it, help is truly needed at some point or another. I've always been happy to help, but reluctant to ask for it, embarrassed and feeling like a bother. But on behalf of my little loves and hoping that they can have a better quality of life and that I can return to some sort of normalcy too: I'm asking for help. Please offer whatever you can. I need to pay for plane tickets at the very least and then plan to start rebuilding life for my kiddos and me. I really appreciate the time and the thought. Every little bit counts. Thanks from the heart.