The recollection of my time in Ecuador is coming to a close. For so long I have spoken about the community service and learning we did there, but have not gone in depth about the relationship aspect. This final installment will be dedicated to those who left an impression on me and changed my outlook on life.
Day 12: This day marked the best of my 2019! The delegation was spoiled with another free day and our group had a plan scheduled down to perfection. We stepped onto the streets and went into “The Amazing Race” mode all the way to Plaza Roja, an area known for its wide range of products. Our main goal was to buy souvenirs for our loved ones. All of my purchases were made in the spur-of-the-moment and I do not regret it one bit. I got a beautiful poncho, a pair of pants, and a couple of quicky goods. My Spanish was pretty rough when used on the vendors, but they did their best to understand and we got a couple of good laughs in. In the afternoon, we hit up an ice cream store that we had been eyeing for awhile. I settled for a plain vanilla cone and sat by my friends. Our conversations covered everything really. We reflected on the past eleven days and opened up about our personal lives back in the states. With time being temporary, we decided to cross the street to Parque Sucre. We climbed onto a fountain’s stone steps and noticed the sun setting. I watched the locals relax in the greenery and realized that this was a normal day for them, but nothing close to ordinary for me. You know that feeling when you’re hanging out with those you love, and everything just feels right to the point where you don’t want it to end? This was all that I felt. Day 13: Our second day for the Community Action Project (CAP) was nothing like the first. We had almost the whole day to put in as much labor as we could. As people continued work on the emergency arrows, tires, and the worn out play structure, I tried my best to complete the path. The piles of gravel and cement waited for us on the blacktop. My back would hurt each time I bent down to shovel and mix the two. My throat would crave more and more water. But the path was beginning to form! Once we created a system to mix and transport the materials, things went smoothly. Even better, those who worked in the other projects wrapped up and came to give us a hand. Each person would swap from observer to worker throughout the final hours. We congratulated ourselves on beating our own expectations. Day 14: It’s finally our last CAP day. We put some final touches and gathered around a couple of students, all holding cards in their wheelchairs. The group listened to our speech about how grateful we were for them letting us do this at their campus and handed them a thank you letter with our signatures. Now it was their turn. The elementary students started passing out handmade thank you cards written with cute pictures on them. I have mine hanging on the wall to remember those who tend to be forgotten by society. For most of my life, I have left people with disabilities on the back-burner. The only thing I did for them was feel sympathy. During CAP, I would see the children greeting us on their way to class, and realized this flaw within myself. People from all circumstances deserve to be seen. Final Days + Reflection: I felt a sense of confusion as the days wound down. I wanted to return to tell the tales of Riobamba, but at the same time felt like I was leaving home. Ecuador kept me sane when I was at my worst, and gave me an experience I have longed for since childhood. I could say the same for everyone who went on this wild ride with me. They gave me permission to be myself, made sure I was okay, and gave me space when I had to recharge. The notes given to me are still left unread because the emotions tend to come out strong. Gianny, Pranav, and Merrari gave me conversations that I will never forget. Jackie, Han, and Donna brought out my inner child. I consider myself fortunate to be in RB1A. Why did I write about my trip with Global Glimpse in the first place? A part of me wanted to relive these moments for myself, but the other feels the need to share my story to help future Glimpsers make a decision. I can’t believe that I almost passed up the opportunity which gave me the understanding that blessings will come to me if I’m willing to put myself out into the world. Thank you Ecuador, for the memories. |