Value

This may be the most beautiful country in the world. Although my travels are limited, it is hard to beat a country that is nestled in the Andes, has a coastal region, and includes the jungle. What an unbelievable span of natural terrains. Riding in the back of a pick-up truly allows us to appreciate Ecuador in all its glory. I usually sit down in the cab because I like being outside, getting sun, feeling the breeze, seeing the views, and spending time with my friends, however I want to play it safe. I am letting go and being free but the voice of reason inside of me keeps me inside the cab where I am less likely to fall out when the truck driver takes sharp turns or goes over the abundant potholes that plague the roads and dirt paths in this country. However, today I was the first one to the truck so I jumped in the back and had the first seat on the edge near the front (with a bar to hold on to—don’t worry too much mom). The ride back was at dusk, my favorite time of day, and the rush of the wind against my face while looking at the golden and pink lined clouds with the sun setting over the mountains was unreal. A few bugs pounded my face which could have been a nuisance but today they were the perfect addition to the whole experience. I felt alive, I felt free, and I felt far away from Chapel Hill, Nashville and everything that is familiar.

This car ride followed another full day here. At 7am our crew ventured to a restaurant for breakfast of fruit, eggs, three huge pieces of bread, sweet tomato juice, and coffee with milk. I woke up hungry and was satisfied. Before departing on our journey, we all received rubber boots up to our knees in preparation for the trek through the jungle mud we would shortly be going on. After an hour truck ride we ventured through the mud and muck to arrive at the indigenous community of the Shuar people. They are related to the Ashuar in the North, known for their rituals of shrinking skulls, fighting off the Spanish, and other impressive feats and cultish practices. They are also known for their alcohol drink that is the fermented spit of the women after chewing sugar cane. If offered this drink, we were told we could not refuse because it is considered the highest honor and would be rude to decline. This scenario was unlikely however, and luckily we were not faced with the task of consuming this unique beverage.

Once in the community we conducted a charla, or consultation on team work and organization in the morning and on sales strategies in the afternoon. This community is hoping to start a tourism initiative allowing tourists to come to their community, learn from the indigenous people and enjoy the gorgeous land. They want to include hikes to waterfalls, information about wildlife and the ecology of the land, delicious natural food, artisan goods, canoe adventures, and historical education. They need help combining their ideas and forming a tangible plan and timeline. I think the day was productive and constructive for them. In between Charla’s we learned about the medicinal plants they use, picked and ate clementines from a tree, played with a 17 year old pet turtle, and devoured a delicious traditional lunch. Doing our best to avoid losing a shoe in the mud which did happen a few times, we trekked back to civilization. We rode a boat back to Yantzaza while being amazed by the river and rainbow that spanned the sky at the time. Our day ended in the back of a truck riding home.

This organization feels kind of like a garage project where we are making posters and presenting information in simple and easy to understand terms. It is simple, through and through. Yet it is making a huge difference in the lives of those it reaches. And the most amazing part is that we strive to reach far. Today we had to take a truck, a boat, and then hike in rubber boots for 30 minutes to provide free advice to these indigenous people. How incredible. It is difficult at times to stay motivated and keep a good grasp on the vision. However, I have to constantly remember I am part of something that is much bigger than me and does not always produce immediate results. But if I am able to have a hand in changing the life of just one person in the most remote village in Ecuador what a privilege that is. I must continually hold onto the perspective that every person has intrinsic value and worth. They deserve love and care. For whatever reason I have been blessed with abundant access to resources and opportunity; education, loving parents, a supportive community, financial security, American citizenship, etc. So many of the circumstances that have allowed me to excel thus far were out of my control. However, unto whom much is given, much is required. I am striving to honor all those who have contributed to my well-being and provide access to some of the same resources for these equally valuable individuals in Ecuador be it love, compassion, a listening ear, business advice, or eye-glasses, I am here to do what I can with what I have and to learn along the way. Man am I learning.

Thanks for reading.

Hasta luego,

Cate