“Yesterday, during our conversation regarding additions to the full value contract, Cam announced an idea that I believe sums up our current sentiments toward the worksite; he said “We should replace the word ‘fun’ with a drawing of a rock.” Although it is true that the endless piles of rocks in need of relocation have attempted to crush our spirits, we have been findng plenty of opportunities to laugh despite temptations to succumb to the rock piles’ suppressive nature. We are slowly beginning to learn how to communicate with the two leather-skinned leaders of the worksite, Don Lucio and Don Campana, who appear to know what they’re doing but usually choose to keep it to themselves. When they do decide to fill us in on what’s going on, or offer some instruction, it’s often either very vague (Don Lucio) or seemingly absurd (Don Campana). We’re quickly gaining confidence, though, that they do indeed know what they’re talking about, as we watch what previously was an empty field transform into the early stages of a building that will eventually serve as a water bottling plant. Working alongside Don Lucho, Don Campana, Gato, Omar, Gloria, and the many others who have travelled from nearby towns to assist in the constructions, we’re learning more about Ecuadorian culture (which, for example, involves a lot more hand shaking and “Buenos dias” than one may expect) and also about our roles in this project. We’re here for a lot more than our high-level construction skills – we’re here to support the protection of the beautiful environment of Ecuador, with which we’ve become very intimate over these past couple of weeks. So, each morning that we trudge up the muddy road of Wakra Urcu in our yellow work boots, through each evening that we slip into our beloved “toldos” (mosquito nets), we have in mind our potential to contribute to a significant change in the lives of not only the people of this town, but also those who inhabit the 35 villages and 18 neighborhood of this province.” -Jolene
“As I signed off my last entry I warned of a possibly less profound message as the homestay progresses, however, ever since those infamous stones dragged our spirits down to rock bottom (to keep up the theme of rock puns), our trajectory has only been upward. We can now really see the progress that’s being made on the project; the exterior of the foundation is nearly complete, and I may have finally seen Don Lucio crack a smile at our antics. While it may not seem the case, the latter is really the more impressive accomplishment. Caroline came back from Queredo yesterday, negative x-rays (just a sprained ankle) and tales of Chinese food in tow. Although she has no broken bones, she is still on the DL (disabled list) and not working at the moment as her ankle is still swollen and painful. We are all wishing for her speedy recovery. On another note … I would suggest replacing ‘fun’ with a spoonful of rice. I really hadn’t truly appreciated the meaning of a “staple food” until living here. During our trip to Quilotoa many of us celebrated our first day without rice in a few weeks. In fact, as I write this, I’m staring at my host family’s 20 liter tub of rice. All rice jokes aside though, the community of Wakra Urcu has been incredibly gracious and accomodating, preparing us 3 delicious meals every day, including a communal lunch, at which many people indulge in seconds, thirds, and once even fourths (much to the chagrin of Michael Pollan, whose Food Rules we read before meals), who prepares our lunches, has taken the voracious appetites of 5 teenage boys in stride , while also preparing both vegetarian and kosher options at every lunch. The incredible generosity we’ve experienced food-wise is really a microcosm of our experience as a whole in Wakra Urcu. The people here are constantly going out of their way to ensure that our needs are met and then some. I feel I can speak for the group in saying that we will all miss this village and the wonderful people who inhabit it dearly when we have to pack up our bags a week from today.” -Nick
